Don't miss
It’s not all about the city; there is stunning natural beauty within easy reach, including black sand beaches, islands and extinct volcanic cones.
From Auckland to Timaru
Splendours of New Zealand: Auckland to Christchurch
From Auckland to Timaru
Splendours of New Zealand: Auckland to Christchurch
Voyage Itinerary
30 November
Setting sail from Auckland
Auckland offers a buzzing waterfront and a vibrant arts scene, and provides a fascinating introduction to New Zealand's proud cultural heritage. The centre is home to excellent shopping and a number of fantastic restaurants, while the north of the city has a distinctly more laid-back vibe, and to the west is the city's oldest wine region.
1 December
New Zealand: Waiheke Island
A short ferry ride away from Auckland lies Waiheke Island, a popular weekend escape for affluent city-dwellers. You can swim off the white sandy beaches, hike along scenic trails, sample the local wines and check out the excellent restaurants, art galleries and boutiques.
2 December - At sea
3 December
New Zealand: Napier
When Napier was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 the city was rebuilt entirely in the Art Deco style, making this a fascinating architectural time capsule. It’s a lovely, sunny seaside city, and a visit to the surrounding Hawke’s Bay wine region makes for an enjoyable day trip.
4 December
New Zealand: Picton
The pleasant little town of Picton, situated on a sheltered bay at the north eastern tip of the South Island, is the arrival point for ferries arriving from Wellington, and serves as the gateway to the stunning flooded river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds.
5 December
New Zealand: Kaiteriteri
The beach town of Kaiteriteri is a popular holiday destination for Kiwis, and acts as the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. The park is famous for its beautiful walking trail, the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and it's also a hugely popular region to explore by sea kayak.
5 December
New Zealand: Nelson
The sunny city of Nelson has a friendly, arty vibe, and is set amongst beautiful natural surroundings. Nearby attractions include the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park, and the city is also home to the unique World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum.
6 December
New Zealand: Kaikoura
Kaikoura sits amongst spectacular South Island scenery, and is renowned as a marine wildlife hotspot. The meeting of subtropical and cold southern ocean currents sustains an abundance of species including sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales, humpbacks, dolphins and seals, as well as birds including albatross, shearwaters and penguins.
7 December
New Zealand: Akaroa
The name Akaroa means ‘long harbour’ in Maori, and this sleepy town on the southern side of the Banks Peninsula is situated on a beautiful natural harbour created when a volcanic crater collapsed into the sea. The first Europeans to settle here were French, and the town still has a decidedly Gallic flavour.
8 December - At sea
9 December
New Zealand: Dusky Sound
Dusky Sound is one of the most isolated fjords in Fiordland National Park, situated on the southwest coast of the South Island. In the rainy season hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the sheer cliffs, and you may spot wildlife including fur seals, dolphins and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
10 December
New Zealand: Milford Sound
Milford Sound is New Zealand’s most iconic sight, a breathtaking fjord crowned by the soaring Mitre Peak. Despite a remote location, on the western coast of the South Island, the fjord attracts thousands of visitors every year, such is the beauty of this raw and unspoilt landscape.
11 December
New Zealand: Stewart Island
Stewart Island is New Zealand’s rarely visited third island. A landscape of lush rainforest and beautiful beaches is home to abundant birdlife, and it’s one of the best places in the country to see kiwis in the wild. You can also have a drink at New Zealand’s southernmost pub in Oban, the only town on the island.
12 December
New Zealand: Dunedin (Port Chalmers)
Visitors to Dunedin are amazed by the extraordinary Victorian and Edwardian buildings dating back to the gold rush, which bring to mind the city's Scottish roots - not least when the sound of the pipes echoes through the streets.
13 December
Arriving in Timaru
Situated halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin on the east coast of the South Island, the pleasant town of Timaru has a well-preserved Edwardian centre, some interesting museums and galleries, a good range of shops and a nice coastal park along Caroline Bay.
The ship
Scenic Eclipse II
- Capacity:
- 228 Guests
- Style:
- Sleek, modern and designed to deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences, this ship really has it all! The state-of-the-art design provides the perfect combination of luxury and adventure.
Launched in 2023, Scenic Eclipse II is Scenic's second discovery yacht, bringing an almost identical design with some key enhancements.
What we love
Scenic's second ocean ship builds on the technological advances of the original Scenic Eclipse, and features a new sun deck pool and a larger submarine. As on board Scenic Eclipse, you can expect spacious suites, a fantastic range of dining options, and an indulgent spa.
inclusions
- All meals
- All drinks including wines and premium spirits
- Stimulating lecture programme with expert naturalists and guides
- Scenic Freechoice Excursions and zodiac rides
- Scenic Enrich special events
- WiFi
- Butler service
- 24-hour room service
- Onboard gratuities
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Auckland
There are some great luxury lodges within easy reach of the city. In the city itself we like the Langham.
Around Auckland
About 3 hours north of the city is the Bay of Islands, an area of pristine islands and turquoise water as well as small towns of historic and cultural interest.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
