Visit the Melanesian village of Hnathalo, where ancient customs are still practiced religiously and traditional island values are held in high esteem. Hnathalo is also the name of the tribe living there. Following a welcoming coconut drink, you will walk among the village’s thatched huts, hand-carved totems and open expanses shaded by swaying palms and towering Royal Poinciana trees. It will be like traveling back in time, as little has changed over the years because traditional Melanesian ways are still fervently practiced in Hnathalo. That is especially true in the preparation of dishes such as bougna, a concoction that you will sample after seeing how it’s cooked over red-hot stones in a cleverly designed ground oven. You will also be invited to enter the circular Chief’s Hut, one of the largest of its kind in New Caledonia, and view a church that French Catholic missionaries constructed in 1883. It is decorated with period furnishings that enhance the authenticity.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn about the traditional Melanesian way of life in the rural village Hnathalo.
• Sample the Melanesian dish bougna, which is cooked in banana leaves in an earthen oven.
• See the interior of the revered Chief’s Hut and a missionary-built, 19th-century church.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snorkel a coral reef off Mystery Island, an ecologically protected area that is teeming with marine life. Chances are, you will have the reef pretty much to yourself as the island is uninhabited. In other words, it’s a tropical paradise where the natural world reigns supreme. While snorkeling the reef that lies just offshore, you can expect to see all sorts of brightly colored tropical fish, bizarrely shaped coral and perhaps a sea turtle or two.

A guide will snorkel along with you to point out the more interesting marine species such as parrotfish. These neon-colored fish usually swim in schools and have the unique ability to change their color and even gender over their lifetime. You may also spot teeny, orange-and-white striped clown fish taking refuge in the tentacles of sea anemones. The gentle current around the reef will eventually nudge you toward the shore, allowing you to drift snorkel without expending much energy.

OVERVIEW

Cruise the turquoise waters and unspoiled inlets of the Bay of Islands and see Cape Brett Lighthouse, the Hole-in-the-Rock Sea arch and more. You’ll depart the pier aboard a stable catamaran featuring roomy indoor and outdoor viewing decks, sailing under what could be the earth’s bluest skies into a constellation of 150 unspoiled islands off the North Island’s northeast corner. The Bay of Islands is both magnificent and historically significant: New Zealand’s earliest Maori settlers migrated here 700 years ago, and its first British missionary settlers arrived in 1814. Charles Darwin stopped by not long after, and in more modern times, American adventure writer Zane Grey popularized the islands as a big-game fishing paradise. You’ll journey through these fabled waters today, passing picturesque islets as you make for crisply white Cape Brett Lighthouse, perched high atop a spectacular headland’s cliff. You’ll see Motukokako Island with its dramatic Hole-in-the-Rock arch and visit another major highlight, the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave. Slowly cruising among the inner islands, you may have engaging encounters with the schools of dolphin that frequent these waters. Commentary from the captain will help fill in the natural and cultural history of it all.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into the Bay of Islands aboard a comfortable catamaran with indoor and outdoor viewing decks.
• Journey through legendary big-game fishing waters en route to the Cape Brett Lighthouse.
• Pass beautiful Motukokako Island and the famous Hole-in-the-Rock sea cliff, and see majestic Grand Cathedral Cave.
• Learn about this region’s key role in New Zealand history from the captain’s commentary.
• Be on the lookout for playful dolphin and other marine wonders as you take in the peaceful beauty of the inner islands.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring sunglasses and other sun protection as needed.

OVERVIEW

Treat your inner adventurer to an exhilarating multi-transport survey of the Southern Alps high country by coach, offroad touring vehicle and jet boat. It all starts sedately enough, as you head out by motorcoach into the fertile earthen patchwork of the Canterbury Plains – where the island grows its wheat and grazes its cattle. But don’t get too comfortable; the scenery changes dramatically as you reach Rubicon Station on the banks of the spectacular Waimakariri river gorge and make the switch into rugged offroad touring mode. Piloted with skill around Mt Torlesse Station, bouncing heartily across a spectacular landscape framed by jagged Southern Alp peaks and gorges, you’re bound to fill your camera with social media friendly shots. A well-deserved stop for lunch provides a break from the action, but it won’t last. Soon enough, you’ll shift back into thrill gear as you board a lightning-fast jet boat capable of 360-degree spins and strap in for a ride up the steep-walled Waimakariri River gorge to Staircase Viaduct. Learn more about Kiwi Jetboating thanks to the persistence of Bill Hamilton in perfecting the water jet and providing a new way to explore parts of back country New Zealand at the Jet Boat World museum. After that little jaunt, the coach drive back to Lyttelton will feel like slow motion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience adventure without exhaustion on a thrilling, multi-vehicle tour of the Southern Alps.
• Travel by coach across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Springfield Adventure Centre and a switch into offroad mode.
• Buckle up for a rollicking drive through rugged high country terrain framed by mountains and gorges.
• Hold onto your hat again later as you zoom up the majestic Waimakariri river gorge on a jet boat nimble enough to make 360-degree spins.
• Enjoy lunch at midday and return back to port with spectacular photos and memories.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing including a water-resistant jacket.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Take an introductory drive through easy-going “Gizzy,” where a surf beach and a bottle of locally-made wine are never far from hand. These shores are legendary for their beauty, as you will see driving along the coast and past where the great explorer, Captain James Cook, first landed and met the native Maori people in 1769. Traveling up to the top of Kaiti Hill, you’ll be treated to glorious views of beach-lined Poverty Bay and of the white bluffs sitting across the turquoise water; that’s Young Nick’s Head, the first land sighted by Cook’s crew and named for the young lad who spied it. As your coach hugs the shoreline, Wainui and Okitu appear, two showy surfing beaches known for their impressive rollers – and the photogenic sand dunes of Lysnar Reserve. A few miles further out, the scenery changes dramatically as you come into Gisborne’s idyllic rural area. Enjoy the views as you drive along roads bordered by sweet-smelling orchards and award-winning vineyards, and see lush green fields dotted with fluffy sheep and quaint farmhouses. Back in the city, you’ll spin down tree-lined Gladstone Road, where the city shops, dines and people-watches. Hop off here if you’d like to solo-explore.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an introductory coach tour of Gisborne, a laid-back East Cape town that knows how to enjoy life.
• Pass gnarly surfing beaches, impressive dunes, New Zealand’s largest Maori meeting house, and Captain Cook’s 1769 landing spot.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Poverty Bay, Young Nicks Head and your ship from atop Kaiti Hill.
• Travel outside the city to where the vineyards and orchards flourish, and contented sheep graze.
• Hop off for independent exploring along the café-lined Gladstone Road or stay aboard back to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Gain an understanding of life on Lifou by visiting a prosperous vanilla plantation and the village of Jokin, which overlooks one of the island’s most gorgeous seascapes. Although Lifou’s terrain is rugged, especially along the coast, it is ideal for growing vanilla beans, as you will see firsthand on the plantation. The majority of the vanilla grown on the island is exported to flavor everything from ice cream to perfume, but a small quantity is always reserved for use by the islanders. After a tour of the wonderfully aromatic plantation, you will have the chance to sample a cup of vanilla-enhanced coffee. In the northernmost village of Jokin, you will enjoy free time to wander around and mingle with the residents, who will eagerly share the details of daily life in their small, rather remote village. Jokin perches high atop a fossilized coral cliff overlooking one of the island’s most magnificent bays, and the views are breathtaking.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit a vanilla plantation to see how this aromatic flavoring is derived from orchids.
• Sample a cup of vanilla-enhanced coffee and discover other uses of versatile vanilla.
• Mingle with the villagers in remote Jokin and admire the ocean views from its coral cliffs.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Paddle across the shallow waters just off Mystery Island in a kayak with a glass bottom that will present a bird’s-eye view of the spectacle below the water’s surface.

After a briefing on how best to maximize your kayaking adventure, you will paddle to the coral reef that surrounds the small island. These are protected waters teeming with marine life, so you can be sure that there will be plenty to see through the glass bottom of the kayak. What could be easier than just looking down into a veritable living aquarium of brightly colored fish? You might see jewel damsels, lemonpeel angelfish and long-bodied trumpetfish. Sea turtles also inhabit the reef and watching one up close is a real treat.

After kayaking, feel free to snorkel the crystal-clear waters surrounding Mystery Island for a different perspective of the marine life. Or you can simply swim and relax on the beach.

OVERVIEW

Tour a captivating museum filled with Royal New Zealand Air Force planes and memorabilia, then explore a one-of-a-kind experiential museum dedicated to all things Antarctic. Located in Christchurch on the site of a former base, the Air Force Museum showcases the country’s long and valiant aviation history through hands-on exhibits – including dozens of vintage aircraft, WWI-era aviation barracks, rare uniforms and medals, and moving stories of the proud men and women who have served in the New Zealand and Allied flying services. After a leisurely guided visit, leave the museum behind as you move into cooler surroundings. Much cooler. At the International Antarctic Centre, you can experience an indoor blizzard, visit a snow cave, endure life at Scott Base and learn about other intrepid Antarctic explorers, even watch rescued Little Blue Penguins – smallest of their kind – cavort in a plush indoor/outdoor habitat. You can also take a virtual voyage down to Antarctica in the 4D Extreme Theatre and experience an epic thrill ride in the Hagglund, a genuine amphibious Antarctic transport that doesn’t let anything stand in its way. A drive back through central Christchurch reveals how well it’s recovered from the devastating 2011 earthquake.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle back for a 30-minute narrated coach drive from Lyttelton to the outskirts of Christchurch.
• Tour the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, home to a vast collection of meticulously preserved aviation memorabilia including dozens of historic aircraft and a vintage barracks.
• Enjoy an immensely fun, guided tour and interactive experience at the International Antarctic Centre, next best thing to traveling to the South Pole yourself.
• • Survive an ice storm, learn about life in modern Antarctica and visit historic Scott Base, watch Little Blue Penguins play, and crawl over an obstacle course inside a Hagglund amphibious vehicle.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a light jacket or sweater.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Take a seat for a leisurely two-wheeled spin through downtown Gisborne and out along a level cycling trail. Along the way, you’ll encounter much the city’s local color and many of its most significant sites – and even take out time for morning tea at a lovely Art Deco café. A town that knows how to appreciate life’s pleasures, Gisborne – or “Gizzy,” as it is affectionately known, has a colorful backstory that revolves around the 1769 meeting of European explorer James Cook and the local Maori who had migrated to these shores hundreds of years earlier. Your guide will elaborate on that history and show you the spot where the meet-up happened, along with other landmarks that usually include an extraordinary post office clock tower, the rustic Tairawhiti Museum nestled in the trees, and the Taruheru River that winds lazily through the city. You’ll also see plenty of “First to See the Light” signs; Gisborne is proud to be New Zealand’s easternmost city and the world’s first to greet the rising sun each new day. Your ride also carries you out of the city center and along part of a long stretch of beach that hugs the arc of Poverty Bay.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow your guide on a cycle though compact downtown Gisborne and out along a shoreside path.
• See the main sights and monuments, including the one marking where James Cook landed in 1769.
• Encounter the lovely river that winds through town, surfer-pleasing beaches that line the coast, and the boulevards where the city relaxes and shops.
• Stop mid-ride for a civilized morning tea break at an Art Deco café. Learn about how this town has the distinction of being “First to See the Light.”

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Meander through a tropical forest and explore a grotto, where you will discover how the local Melanesians have gained great benefits from the natural environment. They have lived off the land for centuries, in particular, by hunting and using native flora for medicinal purposes. New Caledonia boasts more than 2,400 species of indigenous plants, so the islanders have always had a vast array of flora at their disposal. Some plants are used to treat ailments while others contain toxins that are sometimes added to rivers to temporarily paralyze fish so they can easily be caught. This is the sort of engaging information that the guide will impart during the forest walk. Later, you will explore a grotto by torchlight, which will eerily illuminate the interior, so you can see the odd shapes of the stalagmites and stalactites. You will also learn how the Melanesians use traditional methods to gather coconut crabs, trap birds and hunt wild pigs.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take a leisurely walk through a forest with a naturalist guide that will describe the flora.
• Hear how the Melanesians use plants for medicinal purposes and hunt in the forest.
• Explore a grotto by torchlight, which will make the interior look all the more dramatic.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Journey to a stunning and recognizable Lord of the Rings filming location in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, then enjoy a central Christchurch orientation drive. Departing Lyttelton by panoramic coach, you’ll travel through the patchwork green farmland of the Canterbury Plains, stopping in a country town for morning tea. Heading inland into the heart of the Alps, you’ll pause for a photo opportunity at Lake Camp where the views across the lake to the mountain range that forms the South Island’s backbone are outstanding on a clear day. But that’s before you encounter this tour’s true showstopper vista – the terrain at remote and beautiful Mt Potts High Country Station. The moment you set eyes on this location you’ll understand why it was chosen as the setting of Edoras in the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Even if you’re not a Tolkien aficionado, you’ll be taken breathless by the unspoiled beauty of this landscape of rugged mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, blue rivers and brisk alpine air. After free time to explore and photograph this magical place, you’ll relax over a rustic lunch before heading for Christchurch city and an orientation drive covering its must-see sights.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle back for a panoramic coach drive across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps.
• Enjoy morning tea in a country town and stop at a stunning alpine lake for photos and awe.
• Visit Mt Potts High Country Station, a setting magical enough to double for mythical Edoras in the Lord of the Rings films.
• Enjoy free time to explore this astounding place on earth, even pose for photos with replica swords.
• Lunch in Mt Somers Village and enjoy a Christchurch orientation drive that covers its top sights.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a light jacket or sweater.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Taste the distinctive North Island terroir as you visit two leading Gisborne vineyards and sample their most characteristic wines. Blessed with a Mediterranean-style climate, fertile alluvial soil and low-altitude river plains, this area is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s largest wine-producing regions – renowned especially for its chardonnays and gewürztraminers. On this tour, you’ll have the delicious opportunity to find out what all the fuss is about. Traveling by coach from the pier, it’s a short but picturesque drive out into the rolling, green hills of wine country. At Bushmere Estate, where the Egan family has been growing grapes for over 40 years, you’ll sample their selections accompanied by a light antipasto platter. The tasting may include their elegant chardonnay redolent of nectarine and grapefruit, or an excellent gewürztraminer, known for its lychee flavor with a touch of honey and a lime/ginger finish. At Matawhero Wines, the offerings can be quite adventurous; founder Bill Irwin defied convention from the get-go in 1968, making wines of boutique standing and bringing acclaim to New Zealand’s prowess in the process. At one point, absolutely everyone was drinking Matawhero’s wines – even the Queen of England. You’ll sample their varietals while nibbling on complimentary cheeses.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel out to Gisborne wine country and sample the wares at two prominent vineyards.
• At the family-run Bushmere Estate, taste wines of standout character created for generations.
• Visit the tasting room at Matawhero Wines, known for their inventive, renegade spirit – and a gewürztraminer fit for a Queen.
• Learn about the unique growing conditions that make this region heaven for chardonnay and gewürztraminer grapes.
• Nibble light antipasto and cheese.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.