Begin your journey in Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. That evening, enjoy light refreshments as you meet your fellow expeditioners at a Welcome Reception and Pre-Embarkation Briefing. Overnight at your hotel in Dunedin.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring Dunedin. This afternoon you will embark on your expedition voyage.

Stewart Island (Rakiura) is the northernmost gem of New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands, teeming with rare wildlife. You may visit the charming fishing village of Oban, New Zealand’s southernmost settlement, where brown kiwis (southern tokoeka) outnumber people! Keep your eyes peeled for blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins along the coast, and spot New Zealand white-capped albatrosses soaring above. In the afternoon, hop over to Ulva Island which, thanks to pest eradication efforts, is now a haven for endangered and endemic birds. Wander through lush forests filled with ferns, mosses, ancient conifers and birdsong. Look closely for the elusive South Island Rifleman (Tītipounamu), Yellowhead (Mohoua) and South Island Saddleback (Tieke) hiding in the undergrowth.

Sail through the deep glacial sounds of Fiordland, passing countless uninhabited islands. Bottlenose dolphins, playful fur seals and humpback whales are frequent visitors here. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the Fiordland crested penguin (tawaki).

A rugged cluster of uninhabited craggy islands and islets make up the Snares, the closest sub-Antarctic islands to New Zealand. North East Island is the largest island, home to endemic birdlife including Snares crested penguins, Snares Island tomtit, sooty shearwaters, fernbirds and Antarctic terns. Landing on the Snares is prohibited but if time and weather permit, you’ll get the chance to explore the coastal environments and view the amazing wildlife by zodiac.

Make the most of the many services and activities on board. Visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species.

Macquarie Island rises dramatically in a series of steep, emerald summits. This stunning island is a Tasmanian State Reserve that in 1997 became a World Heritage Site and supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Ocean. Vast colonies of king, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins – as well as almost one million breeding pairs of the endemic royal penguin can be found on the island. Elephant seals and various fur seal species, such as the New Zealand fur seal, are also present.

Leave Macquarie Island behind and begin your journey north.

First visited by Māori navigators centuries ago, these islands are of great significance to Ngāi Tahu, the indigenous peoples of New Zealand’s South Island. Their natural beauty and incredible biodiversity are recognised globally, but few have had the privilege to visit them. Southern royal, wandering, Campbell, grey-headed, black-browed, and lightmantled albatross may be spotted. Three penguin species - eastern rockhopper, erect-crested and yellow-eyed - also breed here.

As your journey draws to a close, take some time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past two weeks.

Arrive in Dunedin where you depart for your onward journey.