A unique experience through New Zealand

You’ve asked, and we’re delivering!  The best way to discover the magnificence of New Zealand is by cruising both North and South Island, and Wine Lovers Travel has found the perfect itinerary on Scenic Cruise’s Scenic Eclipse II!

Date

Feb 21 - March 4

Year

2026

Group Size

1 - 40

Tour Escort

Day 1 to Day 12

This is no ordinary cruise ship. The Eclipse II is a small boutique ship with a maximum capacity of 228 travelers.  Its focus is on luxury, wellness and unmatched experiences.

Each of the 114 staterooms is a suite with floor-to-ceiling windows leading to a verandah or terrace so you can view the magnificence of New Zealand from the privacy of your room.  Your butler will do everything from bring you coffee or champagne, attend to your laundry, restocking your included minibar, and more.

The very best in food and drink is a hallmark of Scenic.  Your ship has up to 10 dining options and nine bars and lounges, all included.  You’re welcome to go into the galleys to see first-hand how the magic happens.  The menus are updated throughout your cruise, so you’re not choosing from the same selections at every meal.

Wellness is also an important element of Scenic.  The Eclipse II has a 5,920 square foot spa offering everything from facials to massages and body treatments.  There are yoga classes and a Pilates studio, as well as a fully equipped gym.

All excursions are included, and each one is designed to immerse you in whatever experiences you select.  These go beyond the standard walking tours, and you’ll have a difficult decision choosing which ones to do.  Discover the wonders of New Zealand, from World Heritage-listed natural wonders to award-winning wineries, exceptional food and charming towns. Starting in New Zealand’s scenic South Island, you’ll be in awe of its beauty as you cruise Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds. Step into French-inspired Akaroa and step back in time in Art Deco Napier.

Additionally, Wine Lovers Travel will offer special surprise experiences just for our group.  Still being planned, these may be a trip to a special winery or a visit to a local home to get to talk firsthand with Kiwis about life in New Zealand.

This leisurely cruise will immerse you in the raw beauty and diversity of this spectacular nation whilst indulging in the unrivalled ultra-luxury facilities of your Discovery Yacht.

What’s Included

– An intimate Discovery Yacht experience for only up to 228 guests

– Spacious all-verandah ultra-luxury suites

– Personalized butler service for every guest and a close to 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio

– $300 Onboard Credit per Suite

-Welcome bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne in each stateroom

– Up to 10 culinary experiences, from casual to fine dining

– Up to nine bars and lounges

– The finest selection of included beverages+, all day, every day, with a choice of over 130 whiskeys at the Scenic Bar

– Indulgent Senses Spa facilities, gym, yoga and Pilates studio and Vitality Pools

– Daily entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre and Scenic Lounge

– Swarovski Telescopes in the Observation Lounge and in-suite binoculars

– Exclusive Scenic Enrich events and personalized Scenic Free choice experiences

– Return airport transfers upon arrival and departure in destination

– All tipping on board and onshore, complimentary Wi-Fi and water bottle to take

Not Included

-International Air

-Travel/Trip Cancellation Insurance

-Items of a personal nature, such as spa services

Day 1: February 21, 2026
Depart Christchurch

We will board the Eclipse II at the post in Timaru, which is closest to Christchurch.

Today, step on board your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht and be warmly welcomed by the crew. Meet your personal butler and settle into your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests over a glass of chilled champagne in the Observation Lounge, toasting to the start of a wonderful journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into  Christchurch prior to 10:30 AM on date of departure.

Meals: Dinner

 

Day 2: February 22, 2026
Oban

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. Its only settlement, the tiny village of Oban, clings bravely to the northern shore.

This is New Zealand off the grid, a remote 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 Mãori name for Stewart Island is Rakiura, which means the land of glowing skies.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3: February 23, 2026
Milford Sound

The rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers some of the country’s most stunning scenery. You’ll cruise through Fiordland National Park, which covers more than 1.2 million hectares of granite peaks, shimmering lakes, deep black fjords and spectacular waterfalls.

Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the ‘’eighth wonder of the world’. The best way to experience the sound is from the water and today Scenic Eclipse II will cruise slowly through this spectacular place, coming close to land so you can admire the waterfalls tumbling from 1,000-metre cliffs and look out for seals sunning themselves on the rocks. You may like to join your fellow guests on the Observation Terrace to watch the magic unfold over a cocktail.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 4: February 24, 2026
Doubtful & Dusky Sound

Captain Cook named Doubtful Sound in 1770, because the entrance looked too small and so he chose not to sail in it. Over the centuries, it has kept its stunning beauty well-hidden and even today remains a place of serenity. Cruise close to craggy cliffs rising from the water, looking out for bottlenose dolphins and the Fiordland Crested Penguin.

Continue south to Dusky Sound, one of the largest fjords in New Zealand, stretching for 40 kilometres. It’s accessible only by air or sea, meaning very few tourists get to experience its majesty.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5: February 25, 2026
Day at Sea

Today perhaps you’d like to take things slowly, starting with breakfast brought to your suite by your butler, enjoyed on the verandah looking out over the ocean. Or you could start the day with an invigorating work out in the gym or a complimentary class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio.

Take some time to explore the ship, from the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on Deck 10 to the tranquil Senses Spa on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, plunge pool and KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge. Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the eight bars and lounges on board or curl up with a good book in the library of the Observation Lounge. Check the daily program to see what lectures or discussions are happening in the state-of-the-art on board theatre and learn more about upcoming ports, wildlife, or activities on offer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6: February 26, 2026
Akaroa

This small and charming town on the east coast of the South Island was settled by the French in 1840. While the French didn’t stay, they left a legacy in the way of cuisine. Two of the town’s main ‘Rues’ (streets) are dotted with bistros selling the likes of escargot, Normandy-style mussels and French pastries. Akaroa is also home to a sparkling harbor frequented by rare Hector’s dolphins, an historic lighthouse and is surrounded by rippling green hillside.

Back on board, tonight could be the night you enjoy Sushi @ Koko’s with your new friends. Stay up late in the bar or retire to the library for a moment of blissful solitude before bed.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 7: February 27, 2026
Kaikoura

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 also 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 8: February 28, 2026
Kaiteriteri and Nelson

Scenic Eclipse II will call at two ports in Tasman Bay today. 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 9: March 1, 2026
Marlborough Sounds

It’s worth waking up early this morning so you can experience 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 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 10: March 2, 2026
Napier

Start your day with freshly squeezed juice or coffee delivered by your butler. Enjoy a quiet morning spent on your sumptuous verandah to soak up the sunshine. Later this morning you will arrive in Napier and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back almost 100 years. In 1931, the centre of the town was razed by an earthquake and then rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the day. It retains all the charm and style of its heyday with the largest collection of authentic Art Deco buildings on Earth.

Tonight, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine, while reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 11: March 3, 2026
Day at Sea

Perhaps you’d like to visit the gym today for an invigorating workout or join a Pilates class, some guided stretching or aerial yoga. Alternatively, spend some time today relaxing in the Vitality thermal lounge, where you can explore Nordic bathing experiences, infra-red saunas, and chromo-therapy pressure showers.

This afternoon, settle in at one of spacious bars and lounges across Scenic Eclipse II to enjoy your beverage of choice. There is a bar on Deck 10 beside the Vitality Pool; it’s the ideal place to relax with a cocktail. The Observation Lounge and Terrace occupies a commanding position at the bow of the ship on Deck 5 and is the perfect place for a specialty tea or coffee while reading a book, playing a board game and watching the world float by through Swarovski telescopes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 12: March 4, 2026
Disembark in Auckland

Your journey concludes today in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city. This dynamic metropolis seamlessly blends urban sophistication with stunning natural beauty, offering an eclectic mix of distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character.

After one final delicious breakfast on board Scenic Eclipse II, it’s time to disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, taking with you a lifetime of memories of this truly unique voyage exploring the wonders of New Zealand.

Please book your flight to depart out of Auckland after 12:00 PM.

Meals:  Breakfast

Interested in extending your trip?

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