New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic Island Adventure

20 December 2011 - 3 January, 2012
(15 days)
Bluff (Invercargill) - Hobart (Australia)
aboard Orion 1

8 December 2012 - 20 December 2012
(13 days)
Bluff (Invercargill) - Hobart (Australia)
aboard Orion 1


Protected by the Southern Ocean, secluded and seldom visited, the Australian and New Zealand sub-Antarctic Islands, recognised by UNESCO as one of the worlds' precious regions of unique biodiversity, will be visited by Orion.

These remote Nature Reserves enjoy World Heritage status, recognised for their volcanic and glacial geological formations and extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna - much of which is endangered or recovering since being discovered and later plundered in the late 1700's and early 1800's by sealers and whalers.

Home to over half of the world's seabirds, some of which exist nowhere else, this wildlife paradise contains 40% of the world's albatross species and 50% of the world's penguin species including the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, plus hundreds of thousands of other endemic birds - petrels, prions and cormorants.

At Snares Island there is every expectation that guests will see Sooty Shearwaters, the endemic Snares Crested Penguins, Snares Fernbird and Tomtits. On Enderby Island expect to see pipits, parakeets and plovers, Hooker's Sea Lions, and perhaps even the Auckland Island Flightless Teal and sub-Antarctic Snipe. Campbell Island, home to the Southern Royal Albatrosses, has the highest diversity of breeding albatrosses of any island in the world.

And then there are plant species that have to be seen to be believed, including 5 meter high tree daisies on Snares, giants compared to their relatives in more temperate climates. With convenient embarkation in Bluff (Invercargill, NZ) or Hobart, Orion will head south to visit (depending on voyage) Macquarie, Campbell, Stewart, Snares and Auckland Islands as well as spending time exploring New Zealand's beautiful Fiordlands (including Milford and Doubtful Sounds).

Outline Itinerary
Due to the uncertainty of flight schedules, we cannot give precise details of departure and arrival dates and flights to and from the UK. The schedules may mean extra days before and after the cruise. The costs are given for the cruise only.

Day 1Bluff -Invercargill, New Zealand - Embark
Day 2Milford Sound
Days 3-4Dusky & Doubtful Sounds – (Day 3, 2012)
Day 5Stewart Island - (Day 4, 2012)
Day 6Snares Island - (Day 5, 2012)
Day 7Auckland Islands- (Day 6, 2012)
Day 8Campbell Island - (Day 7, 2012)
Day 9At Sea - (Day 8, 2012)
Day 10Macquarie Island - (Day 9, 2012)
Day 11Macquarie Island (Scenic Zodiac Cruising) - (Day 10, 2012)
Days 12-14At Sea- (Day 11-12, 2012)
Day 15Hobart (Australia) - Disembark- (Day 13, Departure 2012)

Orion
Prices per person 2011

Departing 20 Dec 2011 (15 days)
Bluff (New Zealand) - Hobart (Australia)
Category B: Oceanview Stateroom£ 6,700
Category A: Oceanview Stateroom£ 7,780
Junior Suite: £ 9,240
Deluxe Suite: £ 10,120
French Balcony Suite: £ 12,080
Owners Suite: £ 14,035

Deposit:
25%


Orion
Prices per person 2012

Departing 8 Dec 2012 (13 days)
Bluff (New Zealand) - Hobart (Australia)
Category B: Oceanview Stateroom£ 5,890
Category A: Oceanview Stateroom£ 6,835
Junior Suite: £ 8,125
Deluxe Suite: £ 8,895
French Balcony Suite: £ 10,615
Owners Suite: £ 12,335

Deposit:
25%


Please enquire for single supplements.

The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of the cruise, meals during the voyage, shore excursions by Zodiac and activities throughout the voyage, lectures and leadership by expedition staff, taxes and port charges and pre-departure information.

The prices exclude return flights UK/Invercargill - Hobart/UK, fuel surcharges, any necessary accommodation in Invercargill/Hobart, travel insurance, meals ashore, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, and other personal expenses.

Please allow two days either side of the cruise dates for travel and an overnight at each end of the cruise in case of any delays.

Accommodation:
Cabins as described in the full itinerary subject to availability.

Travel:
Please enquire for details.

Leaders:
Guides from Orion Expeditions



Although our itinerary is based on many years of collective experience, prevailing weather conditions in this area of the world are unpredictable, Mother Nature dictates our course. These are not cruises they are true expeditions. Bring with you a spirit of adventure and flexibility.


Click here for a full, printable itinerary


Orion 1
Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as "the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship". Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices.

Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion's luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75.

Every room offers you ocean views, room to relax during the day and a choice of either queen or twin bed sleeping arrangements. All of the staterooms and suites have the same high standard of amenity. The marble bathrooms are well appointed, with Grohe tapware, fluffy towels and robes. All rooms offer conveniences such as ample storage space, complementary 24-hour room service, a flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, internet connectivity, a personal safe, hairdryer and a mini-refrigerator continuously stocked with complimentary bottled water.

Facilities include: Boutique, Elevator, Gymnasium, Hair and Beauty Salon, Hospital & Infirmary, Internet, Jacuzzi, Lecture Theatre, Leda Lounge and Cocktail Bar, Library, Marina Platforms, Mud Room, Observation Lounge, Outdoor Café, Outdoor Bar, Reception, Restaurant, Sporting Facilities, Sun Deck, Vega Health Spa.

"MV Orion" deckplan

MV Orion