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The gradual opening of border-bubble close-to-home travel provides opportunity to confidently explore the extraordinary islands and coastlines of our region.

From November 2021 to early 2023, luxury expedition cruise line PONANT has released a diverse range of itineraries – 14 voyages focused on New Zealand and beyond, varying in duration from 7 to 21 nights, each hand crafted to reveal the very best these stunning destinations offer.

Delve deep into the highlights of the South Island, with special visits to the Snares Island with its prolific birdlife, the predator-free sanctuary of Ulva Island and spectacular glacial fiords and mountains. Or bring out the inner explorer in you as you will reach the isolated Subantarctic Islands with privileged visits to the rarely visited New Zealand’s Enderby, Campbell and Antipodes islands and time ashore on the only island in the world composed entirely of oceanic crust and rocks from the mantle, Australia’s Macquarie Island, home to vast Royal and King penguin rookeries, and the ANARE Research Station.
Heading north of New Zealand on board PONANT’s small luxury expedition ship Le Lapérouse, visit the former penal settlement of Norfolk Island en-route to explore the exotic sub-tropical isles of New Caledonia, including the dreamy Isle of Pines and picture perfect Lifou in the Loyalty archipelago.
Or, for ultimate polar adventure, head south and travel in the footsteps of Scott and Shackleton! Conveniently departing and returning from/to Dunedin this new expedition allows exploration deep into the seldom visited Ross Sea, the southern-most sea on Earth. Weather permitting, view the historic huts of Scott, Shackleton and Borchgrevink, and reflect on the heroic journeys of some of the world’s most intrepid polar explorers. Then, as a bonus, add some Subantarctic islands, including Australia’s own Macquarie Island, home to armies of king penguins, to complete your polar expedition!
“From the remote subantarctic islands to spectacular fiords and fascinating Maori traditions, these voyages offer an eclectic mix of culture and nature that makes travelling to this land of the long white cloud a unique experience”, comments Deb Corbett, PONANT General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific. “Besides, our exciting new itineraries allow for exploration beyond the beauty of New Zealand, such as neighbouring paradise New Caledonia and Antarctica’s seldom visited Ross Sea. Surely the question is not ‘will we go’ but, rather, ‘which voyage’?” poses Deb.
Examples of the 14 New Zealand border-bubble voyages available:
NEW – 9 nights’ New Zealand’s Fiordland & the Snares Expedition – Dunedin/Wellington to Dunedin/Wellington
Departs Dunedin on 21 November 2021 or Wellington on 30 November 2021.
From $7,480 per person twin share in a Deluxe Stateroom on board Le Soléal.
Visit Antarctica from New Zealand! NEW – 21 nights’ Scott & Shackleton’s Antarctic Ross Sea Expedition – Dunedin to Dunedin
Departs Dunedin on 13 January 2022 and 3 February 2022.
From $25,850 per person twin share in a Superior Stateroom on board Le Soléal.
NEW itinerary: 13 nights’ From New Zealand to New Caledonia – Lyttelton to Noumea
Departs Lyttelton on 27 January 2022.
From $9,630 twin share in a Prestige Stateroom on board Le Lapérouse.
To discover all PONANT’s selection of 7 to 21 nights’ New Zealand voyages, visit au.ponant.com