Our tip
Stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens, founded in 1893. Home to a huge variety of exotic and local plants, it’s an exceptionally pleasant area of the city.
From Lyttelton (Christchurch) to Auckland
New Zealand: Great Contrasts At The End Of The World
From Lyttelton (Christchurch) to Auckland
New Zealand: Great Contrasts At The End Of The World
Voyage Itinerary
24 February
Setting sail from Lyttelton (Christchurch)
A garden city where punts glide down the Avon River, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were still in the UK when arriving into Christchurch, New Zealand's most English of cities. A gateway to the country's famously scenic South Island, its peaceful parks and quiet streets still show signs on the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 as the recovery continues. Lyttelton is just over 7 miles away; originally established as a landing point for Christchurch-bound seafarers, it serves the same purpose for visitors today.
25 February
New Zealand: Dunedin
Visitors to Dunedin are amazed by the extraordinary Victorian and Edwardian buildings dating back to the gold rush, which bring to mind the city's Scottish roots - not least when the sound of the pipes echoes through the streets.
26 February
New Zealand: Stewart Island
Stewart Island is New Zealand’s rarely visited third island. A landscape of lush rainforest and beautiful beaches is home to abundant birdlife, and it’s one of the best places in the country to see kiwis in the wild. You can also have a drink at New Zealand’s southernmost pub in Oban, the only town on the island.
27 February
New Zealand: Fiordland National Park
The vast wilderness of Fiordland is home to New Zealand’s most spectacular and iconic landscapes, a dramatic tableau of jagged mountains, plunging fjords and vast lakes. Most of the region is a protected national park, and the native wildlife includes dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins.
28 February - At sea
29 February
New Zealand: New Plymouth
The buzzing city of New Plymouth lies in the shadow of majestic Mount Taranaki, surrounded by rolling green farmland. Most visitors come here in search of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, mountaineering and surfing, and the city itself is home to a lively arts scene and some lovely botanical gardens.
1 March
New Zealand: Kaiteriteri
The beach town of Kaiteriteri is a popular holiday destination for Kiwis, and acts as the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. The park is famous for its beautiful walking trail, the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and it's also a hugely popular region to explore by sea kayak.
2 March
New Zealand: Queen Charlotte Sound
3 March
New Zealand: Kaikoura
Kaikoura sits amongst spectacular South Island scenery, and is renowned as a marine wildlife hotspot. The meeting of subtropical and cold southern ocean currents sustains an abundance of species including sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales, humpbacks, dolphins and seals, as well as birds including albatross, shearwaters and penguins.
4 March
New Zealand: Wellington
New Zealand’s cosmopolitan capital is arguably the country’s most likeable city. Hemmed in by forest-clad hills, Wellington is compact and easily walkable, with a lovely waterfront area where you’ll find the must-see Te Papa national museum. The city is also renowned for its strong winds, so make sure you hold on to your hat!
5 March
New Zealand: Napier
When Napier was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 the city was rebuilt entirely in the Art Deco style, making this a fascinating architectural time capsule. It’s a lovely, sunny seaside city, and a visit to the surrounding Hawke’s Bay wine region makes for an enjoyable day trip.
6 March
New Zealand: White Island
Situated off the coast of Whakatane, White Island (Whakaari) is New Zealand’s most active volcano. The smouldering cone that you can see is actually only the peak of a much larger submarine mountain, and the main vent is below sea level. A guided hard hat tour of the island may be possible, dependent on conditions when you visit.
7 March
New Zealand: Tauranga
Tauranga is the largest city on the Bay of Plenty, and is said to be one of the sunniest spots in the whole of New Zealand. There’s a real boom town feel here, with new restaurants, bars and hotels opening all the time, and neighbouring Mount Maunganui is a popular beach destination.
8 March
Australia: Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s true natural wonders, a remarkable marine habitat stretching for some 1,600 miles along the coast of Queensland. This string of idyllic islands and colourful reefs offers some of the best snorkelling and diving on earth, along with stunning beaches and pristine rainforest.
9 March
New Zealand: Whangarei
10 March - At sea
11 March
Norfolk Island: Cascade (Norfolk Island)
12 March - At sea
13 March
New Zealand: Bay of Islands
The beautiful Bay of Islands is scattered with some 150 undeveloped islands, an idyllic landscape of bright skies, secluded beaches and clear blue waters. The bay was also the site of the first permanent British settlement in New Zealand, and it was here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and the Maori chiefs.
14 March
Arriving in Auckland
Auckland offers a buzzing waterfront and a vibrant arts scene, and provides a fascinating introduction to New Zealand’s proud cultural heritage. The centre is home to excellent shopping and a number of fantastic restaurants, and to the west is the city's oldest wine region.
Don't miss
It’s not all about the city; there is stunning natural beauty within easy reach, including black sand beaches, islands and extinct volcanic cones.
The ship
HANSEATIC spirit
- Capacity:
- 230 Guests
- Style:
- Luxury expedition means a fresh and airy décor, great food, service and facilities, alongside technical expertise and 30 years of experience in operating the very best expedition cruises.
The expedition ships from Hapag-Lloyd, Hanseatic Nature, Hanseatic Inspiration & Hanseatic Spirit, represent the perfect marriage of experience and innovation in adventure cruising.
What we love
The perfect combination of technical expertise and thoughtful design makes these ships stand out as very special additions to the expedition fleet. We are particularly excited that Hanseatic Inspiration is a totally bilingual ship, showing Hapag-Lloyd's commitment to the English-speaking markets, and from January 2026 Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Spirit will also operate bilingually.
inclusions
- All meals
- Water sports and adventure equipment for use on board
- Comprehensive lecture programme
- Well equipped fitness area
- Zodiac tours and landings (subject to regulations in each destination)
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay near Christchurch
In New Zealand it’s all about great B&Bs, so go for the lovely Diamond Harbour Lodge.
Make the most of the South Island
From dolphin spotting to bungee jumping, New Zealand’s South Island has so much on offer that we recommend you spend as much time there as you can.
Where to stay in Auckland
There are some great luxury lodges within easy reach of the city. In the city itself we like the Langham.
Around Auckland
About 3 hours north of the city is the Bay of Islands, an area of pristine islands and turquoise water as well as small towns of historic and cultural interest.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From expedition tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions.
visit our faqs
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.
Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?
You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
How much time is spent ashore?
Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.
We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
