Day 1 — Wellington, New Zealand

Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city, situated on a picturesque bay on the southern tip of the North Island. Board the ship this afternoon and set sail for the South Island tonight. (D)

Day 2 — Kaikoura

Your first port of call is the lovely town of Kaikoura, nestled along a beautiful beach at the foot of the snowcapped Kaikoura Mountains.  Discover the unique cultural history of the region, from its original Māori inhabitants to the whaling communities that developed here beginning in the 18th century. Set off on a wildlife cruise to discover the many marine creatures drawn to the deep, nutrient-rich waters off the coast. Watch for sperm whales, which reside here year-round, as well as dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and some of the migratory cetaceans that pass through, including pilot, blue and southern right whales. (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Akaroa

Dock at Akaroa and and embark on a wildlife cruise, on the lookout for Hector’s dolphins, the smallest dolphin species in the world, as well as the prolific birdlife that comes to roost on the towering sea walls known as Cathedral Cave. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — At Sea

As you sail south along the coast, enjoy a leisurely day on board, taking advantage of the ship’s many amenities and joining your Smithsonian Journeys Experts for informative presentations. You might choose to indulge in a massage at the spa or meet the PONANT photographers to see images of the voyage so far. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound

Enter the stunning, glacier-carved waterways of Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage site known for its narrow fjords, vertical cliffs, and old-growth forests. Sail first into remote Dusky Sound and ride Zodiacs to get an up-close look at wildlife including endemic species such as the Fiordland crested penguin.  Continue north to the long and narrow Doubtful Sound, so named by Captain Cook, who questioned whether it was navigable when he arrived here in 1770. The ship will navigate Secretary Island as well as the adjacent Thompson Sound, and you’ll have the chance to explore by Zodiac, discovering spectacular waterfalls along the shores. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Milford Sound

Your final stop in the Fiordlands is the incomparable Milford Sound, which meanders inland between the steep slopes of the Southern Alps, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. Spend the morning immersed in the sound’s natural majesty, taking in the views from on deck and setting out by Zodiac to spot fur seals and an array of birdlife native to New Zealand. This afternoon, the ship begins the voyage south to Ulva Island. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Ulva Island

Awaken on Paterson Inlet, a haven of marine life that reaches deep into Stewart Island—New Zealand’s third largest island. Go ashore at Ulva Island, a predator-free wildlife sanctuary that is home to an unspoiled podocarp forest as well as an array of flora and fauna that are rare or no longer exist on the North and South Islands. A guided walk with naturalists brings you through pristine forests, where you’ll discover unusual plant species and an array of native and endemic birdlife, including the flightless Stewart Island weka, South Island saddlebacks, yellowheads, and more. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Dunedin / Return Home

Drop anchor in Dunedin, at the base of the beautiful Otago Peninsula. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport or extend your stay. (B)