PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys Show You the Best of New Zealand

When you travel to a destination as breathtakingly scenic and as culturally rich as New Zealand, you want to have all hands on deck to ensure you experience it to the fullest. That’s why we’re collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys to bring you on an illuminating voyage to New Zealand’s North and South Islands by Sea.

This island-nation is overflowing with epic beauty and rooted in the vibrant heritage of the Māori. Our voyage is bound to be filled with head-turning vistas and welcoming traditions, and we’re happy to have our Smithsonian Journeys Experts and PONANT naturalist guides along to interpret local culture and share insight into New Zealand’s natural history.

We challenged our program designers to share their favorite moments of this 10-day itinerary – no small task for an adventure that’s so packed with natural and cultural beauty. Here’s what they think will enthrall you most.

The Awe-Inspiring Fjords of Fiordland National Park

Carved by glaciers over millennia and today boasting towering cliffs, waterfalls as tall as skyscrapers, and dense old-growth forest, Fiordland National Park is an unspoiled Eden. In this UNESCO World Heritage site, the scenic waterways of Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Milford Sound lead our elegant ship, Le Jacques-Cartier, into dramatic fjords whose sheer scale takes your breath away. 

Amidst the tranquility of Dusky Sound – the largest at about 25 miles long – you may catch a glimpse of fur seals, cormorants, or the elusive Fiordland crested penguin with its curiously feathered brow. Doubtful Sound greets you with hauntingly beautiful mountain terrain. We sometimes enjoy the privilege of spotting southern right whales and humpback whales in its deep waters. The sound was named by the legendary Captain Cook, who doubted its navigability under sail. 

The grand finale of your fjord adventure is Milford Sound, where the majestic Southern Alps frame narrow, deep waters. Here, every turn presents a new breathtaking vista, from cascading waterfalls to frolicking fur seals. On deck, you’ll have the chance to spot an array of New Zealand’s unique birdlife, making this a true highlight of your journey. It’s little wonder Rudyard Kipling called this the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Marlborough’s Scenic Wine Route and Omaka Airfield

Near the tip of Queen Charlotte Sound, the charming town of Picton welcomes you. This is our gateway to New Zealand’s famed Marlborough Wine Route. Known globally for its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc, the region invites you to savor the fruits of its fertile vineyards. On one such excursion, you may choose to visit a renowned winery, indulging in local vintages while soaking in the picturesque landscapes that are integral to Marlborough’s wine-making heritage.

You’ll also visit the Omaka Airfield, where history and aviation converge. The airfield’s exhibits – including one of the largest collections of World War I aircraft – offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, complementing the region’s more serene wine experiences.

Cape Kidnappers and Its Astonishing Gannet Colony

In Napier, the gannet colony on rugged Cape Kidnappers provides a rare opportunity to observe one of New Zealand’s most intriguing bird species – the gannet, a large seabird of the booby family. The colony, thousands strong, struts and nests and takes wing off the cape, a spectacular display of majestic birds in their natural habitat. 

Alternately, join our excursion into Napier, where lively splashes of Art Deco adorn the cityscape. Considered one of the best-preserved Art Deco cities in the world, Napier was entirely rebuilt in the style after an earthquake leveled much of it in 1931 – at the height of the Art Deco movement that was taking the world by storm at the time. 

Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders and Māori Heritage

Rotorua, located on the verdant shores of the Bay of Plenty, is a geothermal juggernaut that showcases the earth’s natural forces in spectacular fashion. Geysers, bubbling mud pools, and steaming hot springs offer a sensory experience like no other. These phenomena are not only visually stunning; they hold significant cultural importance for the Māori, who revere these sites for their sacred qualities, and for kiwi locals, who flock here to take to the waters of this spa town.

Complement your exploration of Rotorua’s natural wonders with an immersion into Māori culture. Our excursions provide you with a bounty of options. Enjoy a vibrant performance of traditional dance before sitting down for a chat with community members; visit a local studio where young members of the community are taught traditional arts and crafts; or head inland to visit a family farm, where they and their dogs escort you on a hunt of one of the area’s more surprising treasures: Périgord black truffles. Your experience is sure to deepen your understanding of the Māori way of life and their enduring connection to the land.

Auckland’s Urban Sophistication

One of the most vibrant cities in Oceania, Auckland straddles the isthmus between Waitemata Harbor and Manukau Harbor. It’s easy to see how this cosmopolitan capital earned the nickname “City of Sails” – one out of every three households own a boat, and most of them drift along the serene waters of either harbor. You’ll have opportunities to experience the city’s urban energy, perhaps at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Māori art. Its vast treasure trove tells the story of New Zealand’s indigenous peoples and their artistic heritage. Or delve into Auckland’s natural surroundings during an outing to the Waitakere Ranges – a spectacular canvas of black-sand beaches, primeval rainforests, and rock formations along the Auckland Isthmus – and enjoy traditional tea amidst the charms and warm welcomes of Piha village. 

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Illuminate Your Every Moment

Through our alliance, not one but two Smithsonian Journeys Experts join you for the entire voyage, infusing each day with their wealth of knowledge about New Zealand’s natural and cultural worlds. Geologist Jim Zimbelman, senior geologist emeritus of the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) of the Smithsonian Institution, brings his vast knowledge and insight about planets to the landscapes that sometimes seem otherworldly. Among many other accolades, he has had the honor of being lead curator of the “Exploring the Planets” gallery at the NASM. Dr. Lori Blanc, a conservation biologist and avian ecologist who studied at Virginia Tech, knows New Zealand and the South Pacific well, thanks to her various field studies in the region. She has developed and taught university programs in the region and specializes in birds and sustainability. Each expert will add depth and context to your PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys voyage. 

From magnificent wildernesses far removed from civilization to the sophisticated pleasures of civilization itself, PONANT shows you the very best of New Zealand’s South and North Islands, while Smithsonian Journeys Experts provide immeasurable insight along the way.

Join us on board Le Jacques-Cartier in January 2025 for the journey of a lifetime to New Zealand’s North and South Islands by Sea.