Depart home on an overnight flight to Queenstown, New Zealand, gateway to the South Island’s breathtaking alpine and glacial scenery. Lose one day crossing the International Date Line. This evening meet fellow travelers at a welcome reception with views of Lake Wakatipu. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel (R)

Following an introductory lecture, embark on a private cruise across scenic Lake Wakatipu to Mt Nicholas High Country Farm for a private, behind-the-scenes visit of this 100,000 acre, family-run merino sheep farm, with the option of an easy cycle ride with panoramic alpine views at every turn. The afternoon is at leisure to relax, explore the downtown Queenstown scene, or perhaps ride the Skyline Queenstown Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for wonderful views over the town. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel (B,L)

Drive to spectacular Milford Sound via the shores of Lake Te Anau to Fiordland National Park. On arrival at Milford, board a small boat and cruise close to the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls before embarking the Caledonian Sky. Celebrate the first evening on board with a Captain’s welcome reception and dinner while crusing New Zealand’s iconic Milford Sound. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)

When the glaciers covering Fiordland retreated 14,000 years ago, they left behind an extraordinarily serrated coastline, plunging fiords, and deep branching lakes, further enhanced by mist-shrouded mountains, cascading waterfalls, and vast beech forests. This is New Zealand at its wildest, most remote, and most beautiful. It’s also an area rich in history, Captain Cook landed here on HMS Resolution in 1773. Explore these unspoiled waterways, only accessible by sea, and well known for abundant wildlife, including fur seals and pods of bottlenose dolphins. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)

Anchor in Paterson Inlet to visit Stewart and Ulva islands. Stewart Island (Raikura), the southernmost inhabited outpost of New Zealand with a population under 500, is a quiet, seldomvisited wilderness oasis and an ornithologist’s delight. Ulva Island is a sanctuary for both birds and plants, including species that are rare or extinct on mainland New Zealand. Naturalist guides lead bush walks of varying lengths that may include sightings of weka, kākā, the flightless Stewart Island kiwi, silvereyes, and fantails. Weather permitting, an optional ocean fishing excursion will be offered (for an additional cost). Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)

Cruise this morning into the beautiful harbor city of Dunedin, regarded as New Zealand’s architectural heritage capital. Built on the gold rushes of the 1860s, today Victorian and Edwardian buildings can still be seen at every turn. Embark on a guided tour of this beautifully preserved city including a visit to the spectacular Dunedin Botanic Garden, with over 6,800 plant species, and the Otago Museum, for superb insight into the natural history of the South Island, as well as its industries and its peoples. While in Dunedin, drive to Taiaroa Head on the tip of the Otago Peninsula to see northern royal albatrosses, the largest seabirds in the world. This is the only mainland location in the world. Special viewing areas have been constructed for observing these birds without disturbing their natural activities. Alternatively, ride the rails on a vintage train with open air viewing platforms through the beautiful Taieri Plains before climbing into the rugged Taieri Gorge, a narrow and deep ravine carved out by the ancient Taieri River. As the ship departs Dunedin, come out on deck to birdwatch at sunset along the Otago Peninsula. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)

Akaroa meaning, ‘Long Harbor’, in Maori, is a historic French and British settlement, nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano on the Banks Peninsula. In the morning, choose between a guided walk through the charming colonial town and surrounding native bush of the Garden of Tane or a guided 4x4 drive to a private farm to see the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand and an inspiring example of private individuals saving an endangered species. Or if you prefer you can simply wander in the town and enjoy the alluring French atmosphere of this seaside retreat. Return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon at sea and a continuation of our lecture series. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)

Sail across Cook Strait between the North and South Islands and enter a world of pristine natural beauty. This morning anchor at Ship Cove, where Captain Cook arrived aboard the Endeavour in 1770. Explore the islands and inlets by Zodiac and during short walks on the famed Queen Charlotte Track. Keep an eye out for some of the wildlife Cook described in his reports, as well as rare birds such as the South Island saddleback, the bellbird, and the New Zealand robin. Arrive in Wellington for a briefing at the U.S. embassy (schedule permitting) followed by a free evening off the ship. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront and enjoy the option of dining ashore at a restaurant of your choice in town. This evening, (available at extra cost), choose to travel to Zealandia for a private night tour through this protected predator-proof ecosanctuary that is home to some of New Zealand’s rarest species, including kiwis. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, where colorful Victorian houses perch on steep hills overlooking one of the world’s loveliest harbors. Tour the city’s lush botanical garden and visit the spectacular waterfront museum TePapa Tongarewa (Maori for “Repository of Things Precious”). Discover how the Maori navigated the Pacific to arrive on these islands and learn about their myths and traditions. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon of cruising as we continue our lecture program. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)

Enjoy a day at sea, with onboard lectures and time to relax, as the Caledonian Sky cruises along the east coast of the North Island. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)

Dock this morning in Tauranga and disembark for a drive to Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture. Enjoy a private gathering with Maori elders at a special powhiri (welcome) ceremony in a Maori village nestled within a native Tawa forest. Observe Maori weaving, carving, face tattooing, and food preparation activities. Also learn about warrior training and the fearsome haka posture dance as part of an exhilarating cultural performance. After a traditional hangi lunch, visit some of Rotorua’s famed geothermal features, where boiling mud pools and colorful hot springs provide remarkable evidence of the still-hot magma just beneath the earth’s surface. Back on board, celebrate your New Zealand adventure with fellow travelers during the Captain’s Farewell reception and dinner. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D)

Arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” and disembark for an overview tour of the city’s highlights including a stop at Bastion Point offering magnificent views back to Auckland. Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant with free time for exploring independently before transferring to the airport for flights home, regaining the day lost on the inbound journey. (B)