• Only 228 guests for an exclusive small-ship experience
• Spacious all-verandah 6-star luxury suite accommodation
• Butler service for every guest and an almost 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio
• Up to 10 dining experiences from casual to fine dining
• 16 unique ports

Itinerary

Day 1 | Auckland, New Zealand
Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand. You’ll begin your journey in the nation’s largest city, Auckland. Home to around a third of the entire New Zealand population, Auckland is a stylish, cosmopolitan city set around two grand harbours.
Step on board Scenic Eclipse II and be warmly greeted with a glass of Champagne. Settle into your luxurious suite, meet your butler and fellow travellers and toast to the journey ahead.
Please book your flight to arrive into Auckland prior to 02:00 PM.
Inclusions: Dinner

Day 2 | Tauranga
Looping around the Coromandel Peninsula, we’ll arrive in Tauranga (pronounced ‘toe-run-gah’) this morning. Set along the edge of the beautiful Bay of Plenty, this is New Zealand’s busiest port, with its revamped waterfront packed with excellent cafes, restaurants and bars.

Freechoice: Kiwi Geysers & Maori Crafts at Te Puia: Explore Te Puia village and Whakarewarewa’s geothermal valley, visit the Kiwi House, and enjoy a Maori lunch before returning via Bay of Plenty’s agricultural heartland.

The Little Tribe That Could: Visit one of the local Maori Iwi at their marae. Be greeted by them, hear their history and legends, and join in a traditional Maori “hangi” style meal. Truffle Farm Visit: Visit a boutique truffe farm, the owners will host you around their oak and hazel tree truffle orchard to learn about the art of truffle cultivation.  Tauranga Highlights & Kiwifruit: Discover The Elms, a historic colonial house. Explore the agricultural heartland and learn more about the kiwifruit. End your day sampling local fruits at a community hall.

As New Zealand as it Gets: Explore Kevin McCardle’s gallery, taste organic milk, fruits, and local produce at nearby farms and orchards. Dive into history at New Zealand’s largest archaeological complex. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 | Gisborne
We’ll arrive in Gisborne at lunchtime, so you have time for a leisurely breakfast on the Yacht Club Terrace, coffee on the verandah of your suite or even a swim in the Vitality Pool.
Known affectionately as Gizzy, this is the first city in the world to see the sunrise. Gisborne has a reputation for exceptional food and wine, and the surrounding countryside makes up the third-largest wine producing region in the country.

Freechoice: Coastal Steam Train Sojourn: Board New Zealand’s last WA Class Locomotive for a scenic steam train ride to Muriwai. Enjoy a welcome drink, commentary, and a Maori performance before returning to Gisborne.

East Cape Cycling Experience: Discover Gisborne, the “City of Rivers,” on a historic tour. Cycle with your guide through landmarks, monuments, and historic sites, learning about its significance as the first place to greet Maori explorers and Captain James Cook.

A Taste of Gisborne: Join our fully guided 4.5 km tour around the port, rivers, and town beaches, connecting you to three great taste sites. Enjoy tasty morsels and history along the way. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 | Napier
Wake up in Napier this morning and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back almost 100 years into the past. In 1931, the centre of the town was razed by an earthquake and then rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the day. Today, it retains all the charm and style of its heyday with the largest collection of authentic Art Deco buildings on earth.

Freechoice: Cape Kidnappers & Gannet Safari: Drive along the Hawke’s Bay coast to the gannet colony. See them dive into the sea and perform ritual dances and look for newly hatched chicks.
Hawkes Bay Express: Explore Nelson on a vintage train, travelling along Main Street, admiring early settler’s homes, visiting the old port village and hearing stories of the past. A Tale of Two Hawkes Bay Wineries: Enjoy a panoramic drive through Hawke’s Bay coast, stopping at two award-winning wineries.  Art Deco City Walking Tour: Discover Napier’s Art Deco highlights, starting with a short film about the 1931 earthquake followed by a guided walking tour of the city centre. Food & Fibre: Meet the farmers of the beautiful Maraekakaho Valley, producing honey, alpaca fibre and alpaca meat, before enjoying a tasting at Hawke Ridge Wines. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 | Wellington
Wellington, perched on the Cook Strait, is dubbed the windiest city. Stroll its walkable centre, visit the iconic Beehive Parliament Building, and explore designer boutiques, galleries, and museums. Known as “Wellywood,” it’s also New Zealand’s film hub, home to Weta Workshop, famed for “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” films.

Freechoice:  Sights of Wellington & Gallipoli Exhibition: A groundbreaking exhibition from Te Papa museum and Weta Workshop, telling the story of New Zealanders in the Gallipoli campaign.
Sights of Wellington & Te Papa: This tour provides a colourful glimpse into the history and culture of Wellington. Visit New Zealand’s Te Papa Tongarewa Museum with a guided tour.
E-bike Wellington City Tour: Experience the stunning Wellington Waterfront and surrounding bays on an electric bike tour while your guides share stories of Wellington’s culture and history.
Wellington by Foot: This guided walk includes the historical district, Parliament Grounds and the National Library and Wellington’s iconic waterfront featuring stunning harbour views.

Enrich
Maori Cultural Performance: Take a quick trip from the Port of Wellington to the Whare Tapere Building, where you’ll receive a traditional Maori welcome. Enjoy a Powhiri and Kapa Haka performances and learn about local history and legends.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 | Kaiteriteri > Nelson
Scenic Eclipse II will call at two ports in Tasman Bay tod ay. Kaiteriteri is arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful beach, a perfect arc of golden sand fronting startlingly blue water. It’s also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, a gorgeous coastal park known for its sea kayaking, walks and wildlife.
It’s just a short cruise to the city of Nelson. One of the sunniest cities in New Zealand, it’s bursting with open-air cafes, bustling markets, breweries, cycling trails and the pretty Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a late departure tonight, giving you a chance to experience a little Kiwi hospitality after dark.

Freechoice: Kaiteriteri Cruise & 3hr Nature Walk: Cruise to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park for a guided walk, learning about the park’s wildlife and admiring coastal views.
Cruise & Beach Stop: Sail to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park, meet your guide, enjoy bird songs, and trek to Pitt Head for coastal views. You’ll be transferred by coach to Nelson.
Nelson Walking Tour: Join a guided walk through historic Nelson, New Zealand’s second oldest city and culture capital. Soak up the village atmosphere that makes it so popular.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 | Picton Picton

Wake up early this morning so you can experience the beauty of sailing into the Marlborough Sounds. Ask the butler to bring you coffee to your suite so you can soak it in from your private verandah.

Spend the morning in Picton, a picturesque small town that looks almost tropical with its towering palm trees and clear turquoise water. Wander the pretty waterfront promenade, lined with shops, cafes and galleries, or visit the museum inside the Edwin Fox convict ship dry docked offshore. Picton is a short drive from the famous Marlborough wine region, which produces around two thirds of New Zealand’s wine.

Freechoice: Queen Charlotte Sounds Explorer: Cruise through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoying commentary from your friendly guide, and explore Whekenui Bay.
Marlborough Sounds Link Pathway Walk: Follow the new Link Pathway on a guided walk. Admire views of Mhelarlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound, and look for native birds.
Essence of Marlborough: Discover New Zealand’s wine country on a scenic tour from Picton. Enjoy stunning views and wine tasting in Koromiko and Wairau Valley.
Seafood Odyssea: Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoying local delicacies and scenic views. Learn about the region’s history and wildlife from expert crew.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 | Kaikoura
Sailing north along the east coast of the island, you’ll arrive in Kaikoura early this morning. This tiny town sits in a spectacular natural environment, flanked by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the snow-capped Seaward Kaikoura Range on the other. The town began life as a whaling station in the mid 1800s; visit the oldest surviving building, Fyffe House, or the Kaikoura Museum to learn more about its history.
It’s an ideal place for wildlife encounters. Whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in these waters, and an impressive array of seabirds fill the air, including the mighty albatross.

Freechoice: Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise: Venture into the Pacific’s depths for awe-inspiring encounters with magnificent sperm whales while expert guides share their insights.
Albatross Encounter Cruise: Discover Kaikoura’s renowned birdlife on a 2.5-hour tour. Guides will throw chum into the water to attract albatross and more.
Kaikoura Sightseeing Overview: Explore dramatic coastal landscapes, visit a fragrant Lavendar Farm then see a large fur seal colony at Ohau Point on this 3.5-hour tour.
Kaikoura Coastal Panorama Walk: Join a half-day walk around the Kaikoura Peninsula, exploring the town streets, a beach, Fyffe House whalers cottage and the seal colony.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 | Port Chalmers (Dunedin)

Wake up in Port Chalmers, the port for the city of Dunedin. The oldest European settlement in New Zealand, it was founded in 1848 and has a proud Scottish lineage – in fact, Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Stroll the well-preserved streets to admire the grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture built with funds from the area’s gold rush.
Outside town, the surrounding Otago Peninsula is regarded as one of the country’s top wildlife and eco-tourism destinations. Look out for the abundant birds, penguins, seals and sea lions.

Freechoice: Larnach Castle & Garden Tour with High Tea: Enjoy a guided tour of the 1871 Lanarch Castle followed by tea. Meet the current owner for a walk through the stunning gardens.
Olveston Historic House & City Sights: An unforgettable tour for architecture enthusiasts. Marvel at magnificent stone structures and ornate facades from the city’s heydey.

Penguin & Wildlife Experience: A scenic one-hour tour along the shores of Otago Harbour spotting wildlife like NZ fur seals. Visit a breeding colony of cormorants and penguins.
Spirits of the No.8 Family Distillery: Discover the secret of artisan spirits on a tour of the distillery. See the process and taste different award-winning spirits.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 | Oban, Stewart Island
Stewart Island sits 30 kilometres off the southern tip of the South Island. It is one of the last inhabited outposts before you reach Antarctica, with its only settlement, the tiny village of Oban, clinging bravely to the northern shore.
Remarkably remote, Steward Island is also a place of spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. The island is a haven for many birds, including the cute and curious brown kiwi, who outnumber humans and are active day and night. The Maori name for Stewart Island is Rakiura, which means the land of glowing skies.

Freechoice: Southern Coastal Wildlife Cruise: Board a 75-foot high-speed catamaran to explore beautiful Paterson Inlet, admiring Big Glory Bay, Kaipipi Bay, native forest and rugged beaches.
Ulva Island & Guided Walk: Explore Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary, known for its rare bird and plant species. You may even catch glimpses of the secretive kaka or wekas.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 | Scenic Cruising Milford Sound
Discover the unparalleled beauty of Milford Sound, nestled in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. Marvel at the sheer grandeur of this natural wonder as you cruise along its pristine waters, surrounded by towering cliffs that rise hundreds of metres high. Prepare to be enchanted by the mesmerising sight of cascading waterfalls and the captivating beauty of this majestic landscape carved by ancient glaciers.
Weather and conditions permitting, you might have a chance to book an optional flightseeing helicopter tour^ and soar above Fiordland National Park, sighting Milford Sound, dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world”.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 | Buff > Queenstown
Your cruise ends today in Bluff, the first European settlement in New Zealand. Disembark after breakfast as you say farewell to the crew and new friends. You’ll be transferred to Queenstown for your overnight stay.
Inclusions: Breakfast

Day 13 | Queenstown
After spending your final night in Queenstown, it’s time to leave this wonderful island nation. Or perhaps choose to extend your journey to explore New Zealand’s outdoor and adventure capital.
As you head home, take with you fond memories of your time in the Land of the Long White Cloud and the most indulgent moments on board Scenic Eclipse II.
^Flights on board the two helicopters are at additional cost, subject to availability and regulatory approval, weight restrictions, medical approval, and weather conditions. #Spa treatments at additional cost.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
Inclusions: Breakfast

Welcome onboard Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht. Settle into your luxurious suite and enjoy the first destination of this incredible journey: Cairns, the gateway to tropical north Queensland. This is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites collide – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Please book your flight to arrive into Cairns prior to 02:00 PM.

Day 2 Wed, 02 Oct At sea (B,L,D)
Acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board our ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Choose a class in one of the fitness spaces, relax in a therapy lounge in the spa, or tempt your palate from one of the dining venues.

Day 3 Thu, 03 Oct At sea (B,L,D)
Enjoy a relaxing break as we sail to the Solomon Islands, making the most of the services and activities onboard. Indulge in the Senses Spa, relax in the cabanas, or simply view the spectacle of the ocean while enjoying a cocktail.

Day 4 Fri, 04 Oct Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands (B,L,D)
The largest island in the Solomon Islands is covered in tropical rainforest, with picture perfect coasts lined with palms and white sandy beaches. Surrounded by clear water and abundant wildlife, cool off in the ocean as you explore. Learn of the Battle of Guadalcanal while visiting the World War II relics and monuments.

Freechoice: Explore World War II relics and monuments to learn about the Battle of Guadalcanal, or visit the National Museum and an artefact market. Alternatively, join your local guide for a tour of the city and the Central.

Day 5 Sat, 05 Oct Owaraha (Santa Ana Island) (B,L,D)
Stand out on the Observation Terrance with your morning coffee as we navigate through the picturesque channels on our way to Owaraha. Known for preserving ancient traditions, Owaraha is the ideal place to see the traditional dances and intricate handicrafts fashioned by the island’s villagers, dressed in ornate costumes, body paint and masks. At Nafinotoga, Spirit Houses contain ancient skulls and bones of the Snake Clan and Turtle Clan chiefs.

Discovery: Snorkel or kayak around the Owaraha’s beautiful coral reefs before exploring the island’s cultural activities.

Day 6 Sun, 06 Oct Ndende Island (B,L,D)
Also known as Santa Cruz, Ndende Island offers stunning lagoons brimming with marine life, stretches of reef, remote islands sprinkled with deserted beaches, crystalline caves, and many picturesque villages. You will be warmly welcomed onshore by a traditional cultural bamboo band and dancers.

Discovery: Walk across the island to see the schoolhouse and the traditional spirit houses, go kayaking and snorkelling, or explore the outer reefs and other islands by Zodiac. Alternatively, search for the endemic Santa Cruz Shirkbills with your on board Ornithologist.

Day 7 Mon, 07 Oct Vanikoro Island (B,L,D)
The five islands of Vanikoro are encircled by a spectacular barrier reef that offers excellent snorkelling. French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse, disappeared in this archipelago after his vessels, La Boussole and Astrolabe, struck the reef in 1788. Visit a monument to Le Pérouse, erected by explorer Dumont Durville in 1827.

Discovery: Take a forest walk with your on board Naturalists to spot the endemic Vanikoro white-eye, the Vanikoro monarch and the delicate Vanikoro orchid, or enjoy kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding with your Discovery team.

Day 8 Tue, 08 Oct Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu (B,L,D)
The largest island in the archipelago of Vanuatu, north of New Caledonia, is Espiritu Santo. While its main industries are fishing and farming, you will be dazzled by the beauty of Champagne Bay, one of the world’s most exquisite beaches. A freshwater spring flows into the lagoon, creating a spa-like bubbling sensation at low tide. Espiritu Santo has been inhabited for many years by Melanesian people known as Ni-Vanuatu, who still observe many ancient traditions.

Freechoice: Take the scenic route via coconut plantations local villages to the freshwater Blue Hole, or dive among the wrecks of American naval and military craft at Million Dollar Point. Or, witness a demonstration of tribal dances, ancient arts, traditional cooking and an awe-inspiring fire-walking ceremony. Alternatively, spend the day relaxing on this powdery beach, set among mountains, plantations, farms and lowland forest.
Discovery: Enjoy kayaking, snorkelling or stand-up paddleboarding.

Day 9 Wed, 09 Oct Ambrym Island (B,L,D)
Unlike the white sand of Espiritu Santo, the volcanic island of Ambrym is the place to sink your toes into black-sand beaches. Witness the work of woodcarvers who create art out of breadfruit trees and huge tree ferns, and see intriguing displays of the local black magic. Watch the Ambrym Islanders’ famous Rom dance, performed by chanting men in elaborate costumes.

Discovery: Hike through the rainforest with your Discovery team to reach the rim of an active volcano, or snorkel in the clear waters to find dugongs, sea turtles and many colourful species of fish.

Day 10 Thu, 10 Oct Port Vila (Efate Island) (B,L,D)
Ringed by blissful beaches and packed with waterfalls, the dream of a tropical paradise is brought to life on Efate Island. Along this remarkable coastline is an abundance of bays, beaches, islands and inlets just waiting to be explored.
Freechoice: Marvel at the breathtaking waterfalls of Rarru Cascades, swim with turtles at Naiwe Beach or learn about Pacific Island life on a tour of the Pepeyo Cultural Village. Alternatively, watch warrior dances who dare to walk on heated volcanic rocks on this amazing tribal tour.

Discovery: Hike along jungle trails, beaches and plantations, or join a guided kayak trip to the tropical rainforest.

Day 11 Fri, 11 Oct Tanna Island (B,L,D)
Tanna’s erupting Mount Yasur is regarded as the world’s most accessible active volcano. Known for its continuous activity since Captain James Cook observed ash eruptions in 1774, it’s considered a sacred area by members of the John Frum cargo cult, who believe their deity resides inside.

Discovery: Soak in the Sulphur Bay hot springs at the base of Mt Yasur, or explore Tanna’s Blue Cave. Alternatively, see one the island’s most magnificent waterfalls, taste the world-renowned Tanna coffee, or venture up to the smoking rim of Mt Yasur for an unforgettable experience.

Day 12 Sat, 12 Oct At sea (B,L,D)
After a busy week, this is your opportunity to unwind, socialise and make the most of ship life.

Day 13 Sun, 13 Oct Lautoka, Fiji (B)
Disembark in the second largest city of Fiji, Lautoka is located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometres north of Nadi. As the gateway to Fiji’s Sun Coast, it’s a pleasant mix of sugar-cane fields, grass-covered peaks, rural villages and market towns. Farewell your new friends, the crew and the Scenic Eclipse.
Please book your flight to depart out of Nadi after 12:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.