Crystal Endeavor: December 10–22 2029

schedule

DAY 01 - AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

EMBARK – 6:00 AM

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.

DAY 02 - MERCURY BAY, HAHEI/WHITIANGA, NEW ZEALAND

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.

DAY 03 - TAURANGA/MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND

MORNING

TAURANGA/MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND

The spectacular Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island is home to the resort town of Tauranga. Known for its fine restaurants, boutiques and galleries, the city is also a hot spot for water sports and a gateway to nearby attractions, such as the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. At the southern end of Tauranga’s harbor lies the relaxed beach town of Mount Maunganui, named after its distinctive peak, Mauao, which towers 750 feet above the town’s white-sand surf.

DAY 04 - NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND

AFTERNOON

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 05 - SHIP COVE, NEW ZEALAND

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.

AFTERNOON

PICTON, NEW ZEALAND

Picturesque Picton is located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, one of three main Marlborough Sounds. Renowned for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, cycling and hiking, the region is also popular for chances to observe the area’s wildlife, including birds, seals and dolphins. People watching is yet another pleasant way to pass the time. Picton’s waterfront, dotted with cafés and restaurants, is where you will see locals conversing and dining in their comfortable natural habitat.

DAY 06 - NELSON, NEW ZEALAND

MORNING

TASMAN BAY EXPEDITION STOPS

EVENING

NELSON, NEW ZEALAND

Tucked within the sparkling azure waters of Tasman Bay on New Zealand’s South Island is the charismatic city of Nelson. Settled by the English in 1841, the town’s history is on display at Founders Heritage Park, a living museum with a vintage railway. While Nelson is home to an array of cafés, restaurants, shops and art galleries, it’s also a gateway to such nearby attractions as Abel Tasman National Park and the wine-producing region of Marlborough.

DAY 07 - KAIKOURA, NEW ZEALAND

MORNING

KAIKOURA, 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 08 - DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND

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.

DAY 09 - DUSKY SOUND, NEW ZEALAND

MORNING

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.

DAY 09-10 - DOUBTFUL SOUND, NEW ZEALAND

AFTERNOON

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.

DAY 10 - MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALAND

MORNING

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.

DAY 11 - STEWART ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

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.

DAY 12 - CRUISING THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND

DAY AT SEA

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.

AFTERNOON

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.

DISEMBARK - CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

MORNING

CHRISTCHURCH, 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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