The gradual opening of border-bubble close-to-home travel provides an opportunity to confidently explore the extraordinary islands and coastlines of our region. From November 2021 to early 2023, luxury expedition cruise line Ponant has available a diverse range of itineraries – 14 voyages focused on New Zealand and beyond, varying in duration from 7 to 21 nights, each handcrafted to reveal the very best of these destinations.
Voyages 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 clients can bring out their inner explorer as they 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 onboard Ponant’s small luxury expedition ship Le Lapérouse, guests visit the former penal settlement of Norfolk Island en-route to explore the exotic sub-tropical isles of New Caledonia, including Isle of Pines and picture-perfect Lifou in the Loyalty archipelago.
Or, for the ultimate polar adventure, clients can 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, guests will 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 Macquarie Island.
© Nath Michel- Sub Antarctica islands/Ponant
“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,” says 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 Corbett.
