Foreign to Domestic Explore New Zealand March 2027!

New Zealand in Depth onboard a Luxury Expedition Cruise Aboard SH Minerva

March 8 – March 21, 2027
13 Nights - 13 Ports | Dunedin to Auckland

Journey Overview

Experience New Zealand unlike ever before aboard SH Minerva, combining luxury cruising with immersive exploration. This carefully crafted voyage showcases the dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, Māori culture, renowned wine regions, charming coastal towns, and spectacular national parks that make Aotearoa one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.

Cruise through the legendary fjords of Fiordland National Park, discover untouched islands rich in native wildlife, visit cosmopolitan cities, stroll pristine beaches, and experience some of New Zealand's finest natural and cultural treasures—all while enjoying Swan Hellenic's signature expedition experience.

Expedition Highlights

• Cruise through the spectacular fjords of Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds
• Search for dolphins, seals, penguins, whales and wandering albatross
• Visit remote Stewart Island and the protected bird sanctuary of Ulva Island
• Experience Marlborough's famous wine country
• Explore Abel Tasman National Park's golden beaches
• Discover New Zealand's Māori heritage and vibrant local culture
• Visit the country's dynamic capital, Wellington
• Cruise through the breathtaking Bay of Islands
• Enjoy expert lectures and enrichment programs onboard throughout the voyage

Included Cruise Experience

Your voyage aboard SH Minerva includes:

• Luxury accommodations
• All gourmet meals onboard
• Premium beverages including wine, beer, spirits, coffee and soft drinks
• One included shore excursion in each port
• Expedition landings where applicable
• Onboard expedition team and destination experts
• Educational lectures and enrichment programs
• Wi-Fi
• Gratuities
• Access to spa, sauna, fitness center and swimming pool
• Complimentary self-service laundry
• Refillable water bottle and expedition backpack

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1–2 • Dunedin

Your journey begins in the elegant Scottish-inspired city of Dunedin, often referred to as the "Edinburgh of New Zealand." Beautiful Victorian architecture, colorful street art, gardens and dramatic coastal scenery make this one of New Zealand's most charming cities.

Included Excursion

Nature's Wonders

Travel to the spectacular Otago Peninsula where breathtaking cliffs, secluded beaches and rich wildlife await. Ride aboard a specialized all-terrain vehicle through protected conservation areas in search of:

• Yellow-Eyed Penguins
• Blue Penguins
• New Zealand Fur Seals
• Sea Lions
• Native seabirds

This unforgettable excursion showcases one of New Zealand's premier wildlife sanctuaries.

Day 3 • Dusky Sound

Spend the day cruising through one of New Zealand's most remote and untouched fjords.

Towering mountains, waterfalls cascading directly into the sea, dense rainforest and abundant marine wildlife create one of the most spectacular cruising experiences in the Southern Hemisphere.

Watch for:

• Bottlenose dolphins
• Fur seals
• Rare seabirds
• Majestic waterfalls

Day 4 • Doubtful & Milford Sounds

Continue exploring Fiordland National Park as SH Minerva navigates two of New Zealand's most iconic fjords.

Sheer granite cliffs rise dramatically above mirror-like waters while misty waterfalls tumble thousands of feet into the sea.

This UNESCO-listed wilderness is considered one of the world's greatest natural landscapes.

Day 5 • Oban, Stewart Island

Located on New Zealand's southernmost inhabited island, Stewart Island offers pristine wilderness and remarkable wildlife.

More than 85% of the island is protected national park, providing habitat for countless native bird species.

Included Excursion

Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary

Visit one of the world's finest predator-free wildlife sanctuaries where native birds thrive in their natural environment.

Highlights include:

• Rare native birdlife
• Ancient forests
• Scenic walking trails
• Exceptional conservation success stories

Day 6 • Akaroa

Arrive in the picturesque French-influenced village of Akaroa, nestled within an ancient volcanic harbor.

The charming waterfront, boutique shops, cafés and beautiful scenery create one of New Zealand's most picturesque coastal towns.

Day 7 • Kaikōura

One of the finest marine wildlife destinations in the world.

Kaikōura's unique underwater geography creates ideal conditions for year-round marine life including:

• Sperm whales
• Dusky dolphins
• Fur seals
• Albatross
• Numerous seabirds

The dramatic mountain backdrop makes this one of New Zealand's most scenic destinations.

Day 8 • Picton

Gateway to the spectacular Marlborough Sounds and New Zealand's renowned wine country.

Enjoy the relaxed waterfront atmosphere before exploring the tranquil waterways surrounding Picton.

Included Excursion

Cruising Round the Bays

Board a comfortable catamaran for a scenic cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound.

Highlights include:

• Hidden coves
• Native forests
• Marine wildlife
• Historic bays
• Local storytelling from experienced skippers

The surrounding Marlborough region is also internationally celebrated for its Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Day 9 • Abel Tasman National Park

Step ashore into one of New Zealand's most beautiful national parks.

Golden beaches, turquoise waters, sculptured granite headlands and lush native forest create postcard-perfect scenery.

Enjoy leisurely walks while listening to native birds and taking in spectacular coastal views.

Day 10 • Wellington

New Zealand's vibrant capital blends arts, history, culture and spectacular harbor scenery.

Explore the city's lively waterfront, cafés, galleries and museums while learning about the country's fascinating Māori heritage.

Included Excursion

Te Papa Museum & Zealandia

Visit New Zealand's world-famous national museum before discovering Zealandia, an extraordinary ecological restoration project protecting the country's unique native wildlife.

Day 11 • Day at Sea

Relax aboard SH Minerva while sailing toward the North Island.

Enjoy:

• Expert destination lectures
• Wellness facilities
• Observation decks
• Gourmet dining
• Spa and sauna
• Time to reflect on the incredible landscapes already explored

Day 12 • Tauranga

Located in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, Tauranga offers stunning coastline, lush countryside and easy access to geothermal landscapes.

Optional opportunities may include local farms, gardens and the famous black truffle region.

Day 13 • Bay of Islands

One of New Zealand's most beautiful cruising destinations, the Bay of Islands features 144 idyllic islands scattered across crystal-clear waters.

Rich in both natural beauty and New Zealand history, this region is famous for:

• Marine wildlife
• Historic settlements
• White sand beaches
• Coastal scenery

Included Excursion

Hole in the Rock Cruise

Cruise among the islands aboard a modern catamaran while searching for dolphins and seabirds.

Weather permitting, sail through the famous Hole in the Rock, one of New Zealand's most iconic natural landmarks.

Day 14 • Auckland

Your expedition concludes in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city.

Built around two magnificent harbors and surrounded by volcanic landscapes, Auckland offers a perfect finale to this unforgettable exploration of New Zealand.

Guests may choose to extend their stay and discover nearby wineries, Waiheke Island, Hobbiton, or Rotorua's geothermal wonders.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Throughout your expedition, opportunities exist to observe:

• Yellow-Eyed Penguins
• Little Blue Penguins
• Fur Seals
• Sea Lions
• Dusky Dolphins
• Bottlenose Dolphins
• Sperm Whales
• Albatross
• Native Kiwi Birds
• Numerous endemic New Zealand bird species

Why Choose This Voyage?

Unlike traditional cruises, Swan Hellenic combines luxury accommodations with genuine exploration. Every destination is enhanced by expert naturalists, historians and expedition leaders, allowing travelers to gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand's remarkable landscapes, wildlife and culture.

This itinerary perfectly balances scenic cruising, wildlife encounters, cultural discovery and leisurely exploration, making it one of the most comprehensive ways to experience New Zealand's extraordinary diversity.