12-Day Expedition Cruise From Christchurch to Auckland

NOVEMBER 28 – DECEMBER  10, 2020

 
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VENTURE THROUGH

NEW ZEALAND’S WONDERS

 

 

A true immersion into the New Zealand coastlines and locales that have called to pioneering explorers for centuries, this voyage charts a course through the region’s history and modern natural wonders.

Whether it be by hiking, kayaking, biking, swimming, or on any of the yacht’s expedition toys, there are nearly as many ways to explore with Crystal Endeavor™ as there are wonders to discover. Highlights include Fiordland National Park and its glacier-carved fjords, craggy mountain peaks and powerful waterfalls, as well as Abel Tasman National Park.

 
 

Your Itinerary

 
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Day 1,

EMBARK – 6:30 AM  CHRISTCHURCH (LYTTELTON), NEW ZEALAND

The historic port of Lyttelton serves as the gateway to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. Traditionally considered the most English of New Zealand’s cities, there is much to explore in vibrant Christchurch, from its neo-Gothic stone buildings and beautiful botanical gardens, to its picturesque Avon River lined by graceful willows. Further afar, the Canterbury Plains, snow-capped Southern Alps and numerous rivers beckon with their enchanting beauty and wildlife.

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Day 2

MORNING  -  DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND

The charismatic city of Dunedin lies in southeastern New Zealand, at the head of Otago Harbor on South Island. Its name means Edinburgh in Gaelic and to this day it has retained enduring reminders of its Scottish roots. Adorning the streets of Dunedin is a wealth of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, richly festooned with spires, gables and gargoyles. The rolling hills, pristine beaches and secluded bays of the adjacent Otago Peninsula are home to albatrosses, sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins.

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Day 3

MORNING  -  STEWART ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Stewart Island sits at the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, just south of the Foveaux Strait. This mostly undiscovered eco-tourism gem is home to golden beaches, sparkling bays and lushly forested hills, providing the perfect setting for nature hikes and wildlife sightings. Across from Golden Bay sits Ulva Island, an unspoiled haven for birds — and bird watchers — where colorful parakeets and parrots fly about the forest canopy. Kiwis, wekas, saddlebacks and yellowheads also call this sanctuary home. recreational snorkelers in this isolated haven.

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Day 4

AFTERNOON  -  MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALAND

Majestic peaks reaching toward the sky and white-plumed waterfalls cascading down forested cliffs into pristine waters make Milford Sound the undisputed jewel of New Zealand’s World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Not surprisingly, the Maori believed the sound was carved by a divine stonemason. Its spectacular beauty is complemented by an abundance of amazing wildlife, including dolphins, seals and penguins.

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Day 4 - 5

MORNING  -  DOUBTFUL SOUND, NEW ZEALAND

A secluded waterway nestled within New Zealand’s World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound is known as the “Sound of Silence.” Long, winding and steeped in majestic serenity, it’s the perfect setting for unforgettable scenic cruising. At nearly 1,400 feet deep, it is the deepest of the park’s channels. Several impressive waterfalls can be spotted here, along with bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins.

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Day 5

AFTERNOON  -  DUSKY SOUND, NEW ZEALAND

In the 18th century, on his second expedition, British navigator James Cook spent several weeks exploring Dusky Sound. It’s one of the largest fjords in New Zealand’s World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. A number of large islands lie within its waters, while cascading waterfalls dot its steep, forested cliffs. Dolphins, whales, seals and an array of seabirds, including penguins, are often sighted in this wonderland of nature.

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Day 6

DAY AT SEA - WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS EXPEDITION STOPS, AUSTRALIA

Aboard the world’s largest and most spacious luxury expedition yacht, you’ll find an array of unmatched experiences to immerse in during your days at sea. Indulge your senses at the serene Crystal Life Spa & Salon, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center, and learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging enrichment programs. Or simply lounge poolside in solarium bliss while our attentive crew caters to your every whim. As evening arrives, indulge in the renowned culinary creations of Nobu Matsuhisa, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lounge in luxurious spaces, or try your luck at the action-packed Resorts World At Sea Casino.

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Day 6 - 7

EVENING  -  AKAROA, NEW ZEALAND

The charming village of Akaroa sits on New Zealand’s South Island, nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano along the southern side of the Banks Peninsula. Its beautiful bays and harbor are home to the rarest and smallest marine dolphin—the Hector’s dolphin—as well as fur seals, little blue penguins, and an array of birds and exotic plants. From kayaking, hiking, fishing, sailing, and walking tours to art galleries, craft shops, and cafés, this welcoming town is a delight to experience.

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Day 8

MORNING  -  KAIKOURKA, NEW ZEALAND

Tucked between the majestic Kaikoura Mountains and the glistening Pacific Ocean, this picture-postcard town on New Zealand’s South Island is renowned for marine life encounters, beach walks and diving into plates of crayfish. The town takes its name from the Maori words “kai,” meaning food, and “koura,” meaning crayfish. Bird and whale watching are popular activities. Dolphins and seals frequent its welcoming bay.

Day 9

MORNING  -  TASMAN BAY EXPEDITION STOPS, NEW ZEALAND

Aboard the world’s largest and most spacious luxury expedition yacht, you’ll find an array of unmatched experiences to immerse in during your days at sea. Indulge your senses at the serene Crystal Life Spa & Salon, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center, and learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging enrichment programs. Or simply lounge poolside in solarium bliss while our attentive crew caters to your every whim. As evening arrives, indulge in the renowned culinary creations of Nobu Matsuhisa, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lounge in luxurious spaces, or try your luck at the action-packed Resorts World At Sea Casino.

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Day 10

MORNING  -  SHIP COVE, NEW ZEALAND

Emerald rolling hills are the backdrop for Ship Cove, an unspoiled stretch of beaches and sparkling azure waters tucked within the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island. Echoing the stunning scenery is Motuara, an island sitting midway between the cove and Queen Charlotte Sound. In 1770 British explorer James Cook visited this area and named it Ship Cove, as commemorated by the Cook monument that sits on its shores. Seabirds, dolphins and fur seals are among possible wildlife sightings in the area.

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Day 11

MORNING  -  NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND

Nestled on the Pacific coastline of New Zealand’s North Island is charming Napier, a town with much to boast about. Napier is known for producing wool, growing fruit, cultivating grapes and making wine. The city abounds in art deco splendor with iconic landmarks, rivaled only by the surrounding natural beauty of Hawke’s Bay. A highlight of the region is wild and wonderful Cape Kidnappers, known for its gannet colony, considered to be one of only two such mainland colonies in the world.

Day 12

MORNING  -  MERCURY BAY, HAHEI/WHITIANGA, NEW ZEALAND

Spectacular Mercury Bay is situated on the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula on New Zealand’s North Island. Its glistening aquamarine waters border the town of Whitianga, brimming with cafés, restaurants, shops and galleries. Among the bay’s many attractions is Hahei, with its brilliant white-sand beaches, famous Cathedral Cove, and marine reserve providing the ideal setting for beach strolls, swimming, diving and snorkeling.

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DISEMBARK  -  AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Situated astride a narrow, jade-green isthmus between the shimmering waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean on two harbors, the Waitematā and Manukau, is Auckland. This vibrant city is a gateway to New Zealand’s natural and cultural treasures: great natural beauty, friendly people, magnificent glacier-studded mountain ranges, sculpted fjords, pristine beaches, lush rainforest, an endless array of sporting activities, and, not to be forgotten, plenty of sheep and rolling farmland.

 

Your Accommodations and All-Inclusive Fares

  • King-size bed, piled high with the finest linens, plush duvets and pillows of choice
  • Personal butler service with gratuities included
  • Italian fashion house ETRO bath and shower amenities, custom-designed bathrooms with adjustable heated floors, dual vanities with glass-enclosed rain showers, and anti-fog mirrors 
  • Spacious closets, integrated cabinetry, and storage accommodating longer stays
  • Dedicated heated storage space designed exclusively for storing and drying parkas after expeditions
  • High-tech in-suite amenities, including: bedside iPad directory, interactive TV system with complimentary movies on demand, extensive music library, ambient lighting and temperature controls

DELUXE Suites

Starting at $12,999*

 

expedition PentHouse

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Starting at $58,299*

Penthouse Suites

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Starting at $19,099*

 

Owner's Suite

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Call For Availability

 

 

Interested in this itinerary? Request a quote and our specialists will contact you as soon as possible.

 
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Aboard the NEW crystal Endeavor

Intimate and elegant, Crystal Endeavor™ welcomes just 200 sophisticated travelers with all-suite, butler-serviced luxury – the perfect balance to a voyage teeming with rugged adventure.

The PC6 strengthened hull of the Endeavor™ allows the vessel to navigate the world’s most remote regions, from the Arctic to Antarctica.

Beyond typical routes, and far past destinations frequented by most ships, Crystal Endeavor™ forges her own path using anchor-free dynamic positioning technology to hover over underwater treasures without impact.

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*All fares and savings are per person, in U.S. dollars based on double occupancy. Cruise Fares and Your Exclusive Fares are cruise only and do not include taxes, fees, and port charges of $850 per person. Your Crystal Savings are subject to availability at time of booking. Your Exclusive Fare includes Crystal Savings as well as any applicable Savings if available and does not include Crystal Society or Early Full Payment savings. Optional Personal Select Air Program is available to purchase for full-fare, full-cruise guests whose travel originates from a U.S. or Canadian airport and includes all government taxes and fees. Note: Early Full Payment savings do not apply to Personal select Air. Solo Traveler fares are available upon request. Crystal Society Savings are per person based on double occupancy. All offers may not be combinable with other promotions, apply to first two full-fare guests in stateroom or suite, are capacity controlled, subject to availability and maybe withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. For complete Cruise Fare and Promotional Information and General Ticket Terms and Conditions, click here. Crystal Cruises, LLC reserves to the right to correct errors or omissions and change any and all fares, fees, promotions and programs at any time without notice. Available on new bookings when booked by September 30, 2018.

Each Crystal Endeavor™ itinerary balances days at sea with scheduled ports of call, and is intentionally designed to be flexible, allowing the Captain and his team of experts to incorporate unplanned “expedition days” when favorable weather conditions invite the opportunity for uncommon discovery. The Expedition Team will maintain a keen eye so that if an opportunity arises and conditions allow, the Captain will attempt to position the vessel accordingly. At all times, itineraries and ports of call are subject to the Captain’s discretion based on prevailing weather and ice conditions. Wildlife sightings and wilderness highlights on any itinerary cannot be guaranteed.