Experience New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Wildlife and Dunedin private tours on this exclusive expedition cruise which takes you to the remote areas of New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic. This magnificent cruise voyage takes you from the southern tip of New Zealand through the Southern Ocean to the remote sub-Antarctic islands. Isolated, windswept, beautiful and fragile, New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands are unique and irreplaceable, a privileged visit. All five island groups - the Bounty Islands, the Antipodes Islands, the Snares Islands, the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island - were honoured with World Heritage status in 1998. These locations are a birders and photographers paradise. The New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands are blessed with the most significant populations of many species, such as the Southern Royal Albatross, the Yellow-Eyed Penguin and the New Zealand Sea Lion. They are particularly notable for the large number and variety of pelagic seabirds and penguins that nest there. The islands located from 47 to 52 degrees south, occupy the stormy latitudes of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties, known also as the Albatross Latitudes. Much like Antarctic explorations, landings and access to these areas will be influenced by permits and prevailing weather conditions.

Available Cruise Departure Dates:
Feb 28, 2014.

Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the region of Otago. It is New Zealand's fifth largest city in population, the largest in size of council boundary area, and the hub of the fifth-largest urban area. For historical and cultural reasons and its location, Dunedin is considered one of the country's four main centres, although Hamilton has overtaken it in urban-area population and Tauranga has a slightly larger urban-area population.

With its exciting, sometimes scandalous and tragic history, magnificent carved ceilings, New Zealand antiques and breathtaking views, Larnach Castle offers you a vision of the past and present. Today, the Castle is the home of the Barker family, who have spent over forty years lovingly restoring the building and recreating the beauty of the 14 hectares of gardens and grounds.

Overnight at Larnach Castle .

Overnight at Larnach Castle .

Enjoy your cruise voyage as you sail south of New Zealand to the sub-Antarctic islands in the lowest regions of the Pacific Ocean. Uncover extraordinary biological havens, restricted for very exclusive access into this unique region, recognized by UNESCO and state reserve for its rich magnificence in scenic diversity and prolific wildlife.

Welcome aboard!
Take some time to get settled into your stateroom, and to explore the length of the ship. Tonight's welcome dinner will be an ideal moment to meet some of your fellow cruisemates.

Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as "the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship". Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices. Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion's luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75. Chart your own path less travelled.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Your vessel is the perfect viewing platform from which to see World Heritage listed Milford Sound; a memorable scenic cruise that includes glacial carved hanging valleys, the iconic 1600 metre high Mitre Peak and magnificent Stirling Falls. The Maori were the first to ascribe creation of the fiords to a “titanic mason”, Tute Rakiwhanoa – a concept you will find totally believable as Orion slips beneath sheer granite cliffs, not yet worn smooth by time. Along with the festivities onboard, you will enjoy amazing ship-based and Zodiac cruising which will allow you to fully explore the famous Milford Sound.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Experience spectacular cruising through pristine wilderness in the very heart of Fiordland National Park, the largest in New Zealand and one of the largest in the world. The park is bordered to the east by glacial lakes and to the west by the 14 fiords that give Fiordland its name. You enter via Thompson Sound enroute to Doubtful and Dusky Sounds.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

At 421 metres depth, Doubtful is the deepest of these fiords. Exuding a peaceful serenity it is sometimes called “the Sound of Silence”. Abundant in both flora and fauna, these fiordlands are renowned for their excellent dolphin and seal viewing opportunities, either from your cruise ship or onboard one of the Zodiacs. Fiordland Crested Penguins are often seen on many of the small islets at the entrance of the fiord, and at Nee Islets there is a fur seal colony.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Zodiac transfers to Golden Bay Wharf today will allow you access to the Oban township at Stewart Island. You will have the choice today of a guided walking tour of Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary or a guided coach tour of Oban township and surrounds on the “Village and Bay Tour”.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Two small rocky islands, North East and Broughton, comprise The Snare Islands. Zodiacs will take you to the sheltered eastern coastline of the islands as the wildlife protection program precludes landings.  Nearly a hundred species of birds including albatross, Antarctic Terns and Snares Crested Penguins can be found here.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Today you will cruise in Zodiacs in Sandy Bay on Enderby Island at the northern end of Auckland Island, to view a large Hooker Sea Lion colony with pups all jostling for position. If you are fortunate, you may see the rare Yellow-Eyed Penguin as they move to and from their nests in the forests beyond the beach.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Campbell is a volcanic island with fascinating rock formations. 50 years ago, between 2 and 3 million Rock Hopper Penguins were nesting on the island but since then 90% have been decimated by bacterial infection. Erect Crested Penguins are found here in small numbers and less than 20 pairs of Wandering Albatross nest. Approximately 8,500 pairs of Royal Albatross and about 74,000 pairs of Black Browed Mollymawk also call the island home. Over 40 other breeds of birds including the Southern Royal Albatross have also been observed on Campbell Island. Enjoy another Zodiac excursion to explore this island.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Days at sea aboard Orion are less structured than a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of the Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Often described as one of the "wonder spots" of the world, the sub-Antarctic island of Macquarie has been said to rival South Georgia in its magnificence, scenic diversity and prolific wildlife. Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and a World Heritage Site in 1977, Macquarie now operates a full-time manned station where biological and meteorological research is conducted. The station, located on the isthmus at Buckles Bay, is from where we will collect the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife rangers who will be your guides as you explore the island for the next two days.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Sandy Bay, situated halfway down the Macquarie Island's eastern seaboard, is your planned landing site. The Zodiacs will traverse breakwaters of giant kelp before reaching rocky beaches where landing conditions can best be described as "wet and challenging". Once ashore you'll find the bay, with its rugged backdrop of mountains and tussock covered headlands, is home to 20,000 breeding pair of royal penguins, king penguins, rock hopper penguins, gentoo penguins and elephant seals. This profusion of wildlife wasn't always so protected, the rusting remains of machinery used by whalers being stark reminders of the exploitation which took place on the island during its early history.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Today is a day at sea aboard your luxury cruiseliner, setting sail for three straight days if relaxing travel to Christchurch. Relax on board with a book, or join the action at the ship's social hub, the deck 3 lounge.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

You continue to cruise northbound today, looking back over the incredible journey you've undertaken to the sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand. Visit the onboard spa for some rejuvenation, or simply bask in the sun on the sun deck.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Your final day at sea can be spent lounging by the jacuzzi, or taking in a seminar by the expedition crew. Tomorrow you will arrive at your final cruise destination, Christchurch.

Overnight at M/V Orion (14N) NZ & Sub-Antarctic Islands.

As you make landfall in Christchurch this morning, bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates. Your expedition cruise comes to completion as you disembark from the vessel.