17 December 2008 - 4 January 2009
Clipper OdysseyThe 118-passenger ‘Clipper Odyssey’ provides superior on-board comfort while sailing to remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations. A fleet of on-board Zodiac dinghies enables all passengers to explore and land anywhere nature or curiosity dictates. All of A&K’s Odyssey voyages are accompanied by destination experts and lecturers individually selected for each sailing, so that you know the stories behind all that you see. All staterooms have an ocean view, private well-appointed bathroom, sitting area with sofa, individual temperature controls, in-room music system and television. An INMARSAT telecommunications system permits email access. Public areas include a window-lined dining room featuring international cuisine, a lounge, library, gym, outdoor pool, hair salon and a well-stocked gift shop. An infirmary is staffed with an accredited physician on every voyage. On-board the ship all meals, drinks (except premium brand) and gratuities are included. New Zealand by Land and Sea ItineraryAotearoa ‘the land of the long white cloud’ is a country of outstanding contrasts, from the South Island’s majestic fiordland, rugged mountains and beautiful Marlborough Sounds to the volcanoes and lakes of the North Island. Alongside this you will find a fascinating and harmonious culture stemming from Maori and European settlers, and amazing encounters with wildlife. 17 December – London/Queenstown, New ZealandDepart from London Heathrow for Queenstown via Los Angeles and Auckland, crossing the International Dateline. 19 December - QueenstownUpon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Queenstown. Afternoon at leisure, before joining your fellow ‘Clipper Odyssey’ passengers for a welcome reception and dinner.20 December - Queenstown/Milford Sound/Embark Clipper OdysseyAfter breakfast, depart Queenstown for the scenic drive to Milford Sound stopping en route for lunch in this stunning alpine setting. This afternoon, board the Clipper Odyssey in Milford Sound for our first night on board.21 December - Milford SoundToday, we explore Milford Sound by Zodiac and nature hikes. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as cascading waterfalls spill from soaring cliffs and granite peaks are reflected in the deep blue water. 22 - 23 December - Fiordland National ParkWe will spend two full days exploring Fiordland National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was created some 14,000 years ago when retreating glaciers carved out an extraordinary coastline with plunging fiords, mist-shrouded mountains, tumbling waterfalls and vast beech forests. Among our planned expedition stops are Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, Seal Rocks and Bradshaw Sound. 24 December - Muttonbird and Stewart Islands Rise early and be on deck with our naturalists as the ship passes the vast bird colonies at Muttonbird Island. Today, we will spend a full day at Stewart Island, New Zealand’s southernmost inhabited outpost. Visit the tiny village of Oban and enjoy guided nature hikes at Ulva Island to see the red-crowned oystercatcher and indigenous wekas, bellbird, kakariki and kereru. 25 December - DunedinToday, we spend Christmas Day in charming Dunedin, a city built with the riches of the gold rush. This morning take a leisurely stroll through the city. Later, we will explore the Otago Peninsula to view the abundance of wildlife found here including fur seals, sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins and the northern royal albatross.26 December - AkaroaOriginally a French settlement, Akaroa is an elegant town full of character where French influences can clearly be seen. This morning, conditions permitting, you will have the opportunity to swim with dolphins. This afternoon, take a guided walking tour of this small town, highlighted by its local artist’s shops and studios.27 December - Lyttleton/ChristchurchDock in Lyttleton and depart for a full-day excursion to Christchurch. Join a local historian for a private tour of Christ’s College and visit the unique Canterbury Museum. Next, visit Flaxton Farm for a private tour, sheep shearing demonstration and country barbecue lunch. Finally, enjoy a guided tour of the city’s famed gardens before returning to the ship.28 December - KaikouraThis morning, join the naturalists and marine biologist on deck as we cruise through nutrient rich waters, prime for whale watching. Look out for sperm whales, fur seals, dusky dolphins, sea birds and occasional migratory species of whale. This afternoon, enjoy a heritage tour of Kaikoura. 29 December - Queen Charlotte SoundToday we explore scenic Queen Charlotte Sound, part of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Visit Ships Cove and Motuara Island, a bird sanctuary home to blue penguins, robins, saddlebacks, bellbirds, and keruru. This afternoon, visit Blenheim Vineyards for wine tasting.30 December - WellingtonArrive in the capital city of Wellington. Visit the parliament buildings and travel up to the Botanic Gardens by historic cable car. Also visit Stansborough - setting for some of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films. This afternoon, visit Te Papa national Museum on Wellington’s waterfront.31 December - NapierThis morning, enjoy an Art Deco walking tour of Napier, home to one of the most outstanding collections of 1930s architecture in the world. Stop for morning tea at the Hawkes Bay Club. This afternoon, enjoy a tour to the gannet colonies at Cape Kidnappers or visit a local vineyard. Celebrate New Year’s Eve on board the ship.1 January - Whakatane/White Island Today, we visit volcanic White Island by local excursion boats. White Island is an active volcano and the main crater has a spectacular lake and many steaming vents.2 January - TaurangaEnjoy a full-day tour to the town of Rotorua, including a stop at Rainbow Springs Nature Park and an exclusive visit to Whakarewarewa (a living Maori thermal village). Enjoy a traditional hangi lunch, learn how to weave flax and enjoy a Maori concert. As we return to the ship, take a nature walk through the impressive Redwood Forest. 3 January - Auckland/LondonDisembark this morning in Auckland. Enjoy a sightseeing tour and lunch, before transferring to the airport for your flight to London via Los Angeles, arriving the following day.The nature of expeditionary cruising means the captain may change the itinerary based on local conditions.
| Prices (from)Gold |
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| 17 December |
£6,119 |
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The price includes international flights, all transfers and sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary, and full board in an A-Deck Mid Ship Cabin on Clipper Odyssey.
Room supplements (per person per night) from
Prices are per person per cruise from: Main Deck Forward Cabin £240; Main Deck Mid Ship Cabin £476; Lido Deck Mid Ship Cabin £950; Bridge Deck Deluxe Cabin £1230; Bridge Balcony Suite £1876; Bridge Owners Suite £2846