Itinerary

Day 1 Nov 30, 2028 Auckland Adorned with a harbor and a spectacular bridge, the largest and most populous city in New Zealand is also one of the most beautiful. Auckland will be the next stop on your MSC World Cruise, for an extraordinary vacation in the "City of Sails", named as such for its beautiful bays and its passion for water sports and yachting. Its superb location, on a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is made even more attractive by the lush subtropical forests that surround the nearby hills and the volcanic landscapes of the surrounding islands. Another stop on your trip with MSC Cruises that can not be missed is the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. At 328 meters in height, this tower offers breathtaking sights: out of its glass windows, the view stretches for 80 kilometers in every direction. To find out all about the Maori culture and the origins of life in the ocean, you can visit the Auckland Museum, with a section dedicated to the Second World War. Here you can not only enjoy the collections on the local traditions, but also watch live vocal performances and dances by the local people. The National Maritime Museum instead will reveal the secrets of sailing in New Zealand, and at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World aquarium, you can see fish of all kinds, alternating with the recreation of fantastic arctic excursions. The city has a lot to offer in terms of art galleries, festivals and events of all kinds, related to music, cooking, wine and adventure, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and diving or shellfish. Thanks to your MSC cruise ship, you will experience unique moments in one of the most amazing cities in the world. Auckland port guide Search cruises visiting Auckland

Auckland photo — Day 1 Nov 30, 2028 Auckland Adorned with a harbor and a spectacular bridge, the largest and most populous city in New Zealand is also one of the most beautiful. Auckland will be the next stop on your MSC World Cruise, for an extraordinary vacation in the "City of Sails", named as such for its beautiful bays and its passion for water sports and yachting. Its superb location, on a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is made even more attractive by the lush subtropical forests that surround the nearby hills and the volcanic landscapes of the surrounding islands. Another stop on your trip with MSC Cruises that can not be missed is the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. At 328 meters in height, this tower offers breathtaking sights: out of its glass windows, the view stretches for 80 kilometers in every direction. To find out all about the Maori culture and the origins of life in the ocean, you can visit the Auckland Museum, with a section dedicated to the Second World War. Here you can not only enjoy the collections on the local traditions, but also watch live vocal performances and dances by the local people. The National Maritime Museum instead will reveal the secrets of sailing in New Zealand, and at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World aquarium, you can see fish of all kinds, alternating with the recreation of fantastic arctic excursions. The city has a lot to offer in terms of art galleries, festivals and events of all kinds, related to music, cooking, wine and adventure, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and diving or shellfish. Thanks to your MSC cruise ship, you will experience unique moments in one of the most amazing cities in the world. Auckland port guide Search cruises visiting Auckland

Day 4 Dec 3, 2028 Napier, New Zealand Where Vineyards meet the Ocean As soon as you set foot in New Zealand on your MSC World Cruise, you will see just how charming and relaxing Napier is, the most populous city in Hawke's Bay. New Zealanders love it for its climate, very similar to that in the Mediterranean, the low cost of living and its well preserved Art Deco buildings, built after the earthquake of 1931. Enjoy walking around the city centre, where the streets are named after great English writers like Shakespeare or Dickens. Napier's main street is Emerson Street, which connects Marine Parade and the city’s beach (not suitable for bathing) to Clive Square. About 5 km from the centre, on the north side of Bluff Hill, there is the original Maori village of Ahuriri, where there are now clothes shops, cafes and trendy restaurants. From Napier, an MSC day trip will take you to visit the surrounding area, which is famous for its vineyards; there is also the New Zealand Wine Centre in the city if you want to find out more about the history of wine in this country. You can independently visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand, where the ocean marine fauna includes species from Africa, Asia and Australia. If you are passionate about architecture, a visit to the Art Deco district is a must. Inspired more by Californian than European architecture, the architects who rebuilt Napier after 1931 imitated their colleagues in Santa Barbara by using Mayan, Egyptian and Maori motifs to adorn the facades of buildings. Established forty years ago, the Art Deco Trust protects the buildings by restoring the original decorative elements (don't miss the ASB Bank, the former Hotel Central, the Daily Telegraph building, the Masonic Hotel or the Municipal Theatre). For lovers of adventure and outdoor activities, there is an MSC day trip which offers you the possibility to raft down the Mohaka River rapids, just 90 km from Napier. Napier, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Napier, New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand photo — Day 4 Dec 3, 2028 Napier, New Zealand Where Vineyards meet the Ocean As soon as you set foot in New Zealand on your MSC World Cruise, you will see just how charming and relaxing Napier is, the most populous city in Hawke's Bay. New Zealanders love it for its climate, very similar to that in the Mediterranean, the low cost of living and its well preserved Art Deco buildings, built after the earthquake of 1931. Enjoy walking around the city centre, where the streets are named after great English writers like Shakespeare or Dickens. Napier's main street is Emerson Street, which connects Marine Parade and the city’s beach (not suitable for bathing) to Clive Square. About 5 km from the centre, on the north side of Bluff Hill, there is the original Maori village of Ahuriri, where there are now clothes shops, cafes and trendy restaurants. From Napier, an MSC day trip will take you to visit the surrounding area, which is famous for its vineyards; there is also the New Zealand Wine Centre in the city if you want to find out more about the history of wine in this country. You can independently visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand, where the ocean marine fauna includes species from Africa, Asia and Australia. If you are passionate about architecture, a visit to the Art Deco district is a must. Inspired more by Californian than European architecture, the architects who rebuilt Napier after 1931 imitated their colleagues in Santa Barbara by using Mayan, Egyptian and Maori motifs to adorn the facades of buildings. Established forty years ago, the Art Deco Trust protects the buildings by restoring the original decorative elements (don't miss the ASB Bank, the former Hotel Central, the Daily Telegraph building, the Masonic Hotel or the Municipal Theatre). For lovers of adventure and outdoor activities, there is an MSC day trip which offers you the possibility to raft down the Mohaka River rapids, just 90 km from Napier. Napier, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Napier, New Zealand

Day 5 Dec 4, 2028 Picton, NZ Picton has developed a reputation in recent years. It’s the doorway to New Zealand’s South Island used by locals and international travelers alike to get to the islands and resorts of the Marlborough Sounds, an interconnected stretch of beautiful landscape. The surrounding area is famous for its wineries, so you can enjoy vineyard tours and tastings while stopped on Picton cruises. Picton is a hidden gem for international travelers. Beautiful scenery in the Marlborough Sounds and views of the New Zealand countryside make the area particularly memorable for first-time visitors. On the waterfront, explore Pollard Park for a leisurely stroll, or stop at EcoWorld Aquarium to see rescued and protected species during a tour of the wildlife rehabilitation center. On your New Zealand cruise, you’ll be endlessly surprised by its foodie and café scene, outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, and beautiful water and mountain views.

Day 7 Dec 6, 2028 Kaikoura Two hours north of Christchurch is the “we can’t believe how beautiful this is” town of Kaikoura, situated on a rocky peninsula with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The Māori name of Kaikoura translates to “meal of crayfish” (kai = food, koura = crayfish) for which the region is famous. And it’s this abundance of crayfish, combined with a complex marine system and rich habitat, which draws so many visitors here—humans and animals alike. In fact, you could call Kaikoura a marine mammal mecca, where sperm whales, fur seals, and dolphins live permanently, while migrating species like the rare Hector’s dolphins, humpback whales, and orca pop by for visits. Kaikoura port guide Search cruises visiting Kaikoura

Kaikoura photo — Day 7 Dec 6, 2028 Kaikoura Two hours north of Christchurch is the “we can’t believe how beautiful this is” town of Kaikoura, situated on a rocky peninsula with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The Māori name of Kaikoura translates to “meal of crayfish” (kai = food, koura = crayfish) for which the region is famous. And it’s this abundance of crayfish, combined with a complex marine system and rich habitat, which draws so many visitors here—humans and animals alike. In fact, you could call Kaikoura a marine mammal mecca, where sperm whales, fur seals, and dolphins live permanently, while migrating species like the rare Hector’s dolphins, humpback whales, and orca pop by for visits. Kaikoura port guide Search cruises visiting Kaikoura

Day 8 Dec 7, 2028 Akaroa With pretty painted cottages, overflowing verdant balconies and street names such as Rue Lavaud and Fleur Lane, you could be forgiven for thinking that you have stepped onto the streets of Provence upon arrival in Akaroa. And yet, here you are, in New Zealand’s South Island, less than 50 kilometres from Christchurch. The French connection stems from 1838, when Captain Jean Francois Langlois acquired the land for six British pounds (and questionable circumstances) from the Maoris. He then travelled home to France in order to bring back anyone who might want to join him in his new life. However, during his travels, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed (signatories included two Akaroa Maori chiefs) and New Zealand's first Governor, Hobson, declared sovereignty over the whole of New Zealand. Thus when Langlois and his settlers arrived back, they were faced with a choice: either return home to France or stay on. They chose the latter, and their legacy prevails. There are many stunning places on the coast of New Zealand, but none of them can quite hold a candle to Akaroa. Visually, it is stunning. Surrounded by natural wonders, the town (Maori for “Long Harbour”) stands on a peninsula formed by two volcanic cones, and is self-styled as nature’s playground. Such a moniker might seem superlative for other destinations, but not here: sheep graze almost right to the water’s edge, dolphins are regularly spotted in the many small, secluded bays and Lord of the Rings grandeur stretches as far as the eye can see. Akaroa port guide Search cruises visiting Akaroa

Akaroa photo — Day 8 Dec 7, 2028 Akaroa With pretty painted cottages, overflowing verdant balconies and street names such as Rue Lavaud and Fleur Lane, you could be forgiven for thinking that you have stepped onto the streets of Provence upon arrival in Akaroa. And yet, here you are, in New Zealand’s South Island, less than 50 kilometres from Christchurch. The French connection stems from 1838, when Captain Jean Francois Langlois acquired the land for six British pounds (and questionable circumstances) from the Maoris. He then travelled home to France in order to bring back anyone who might want to join him in his new life. However, during his travels, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed (signatories included two Akaroa Maori chiefs) and New Zealand's first Governor, Hobson, declared sovereignty over the whole of New Zealand. Thus when Langlois and his settlers arrived back, they were faced with a choice: either return home to France or stay on. They chose the latter, and their legacy prevails. There are many stunning places on the coast of New Zealand, but none of them can quite hold a candle to Akaroa. Visually, it is stunning. Surrounded by natural wonders, the town (Maori for “Long Harbour”) stands on a peninsula formed by two volcanic cones, and is self-styled as nature’s playground. Such a moniker might seem superlative for other destinations, but not here: sheep graze almost right to the water’s edge, dolphins are regularly spotted in the many small, secluded bays and Lord of the Rings grandeur stretches as far as the eye can see. Akaroa port guide Search cruises visiting Akaroa

Day 11 Dec 10, 2028 Milford Sound, New Zealand Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi (its name in Maori), sits on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island and was first called the Eighth Wonder of the World by none other than Rudyard Kipling, who had seen some pretty wonderful places. As you sail up the 15-kilometer-long (nine-mile-long) sound, with soaring snow-topped peaks looming above—the tallest reaches an altitude of 1,517 meters (4,977 feet)—you'll understand Kipling's enthusiasm. Although it is called a sound, it is technically a fjord—a narrow inlet created by glacial erosion over thousands of years. While its geological history is long, its human history is not. It is believed that the Maori first explored the sound, and the rest of the area that is now part of Fiordland National Park, around 1,000 years ago; Captain Cook followed in 1770. But neither Maori nor Europeans created permanent settlements of any significance, and the land was pristine when Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's largest national park, was established in 1952. While many walking trails cross the park, the most breathtaking views are arguably those from the water, with the sheer rock faces looming above your ship as you sail through this majestic landscape. Milford Sound, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Milford Sound, New Zealand

Day 13 Dec 12, 2028 Port Chalmers Much of New Zealand feels like England, by way of Polynesia. There are a few exceptions, though, such as the town of Akaroa, a former French settlement, and the distinctly Scottish city of Dunedin, named after the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. After Dunedin was founded in 1848, city surveyor Charles Kettle attempted to impose Edinburgh's New Town grid plan on the growing city. But the Otago Peninsula's hilly landscape proved challenging—for evidence, note that Dunedin has one of the world's steepest streets (Baldwin Street). The volcanic remnants around the harbor make for a dramatic backdrop. Dunedin's prominence during the gold rush in the late 19th century resulted in many grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Thanks to the beautiful University of Otago (the country's oldest), there's a large student population to keep the city vibrant and modern. But Dunedin's heritage is always proudly on display: The magnificent Dunedin Railway Station and Larnach Castle have been restored to their full glory, and the fascinating Toitu Otago Settlers Museum provides a glimpse into the lives of early residents. Outside the city, the Otago Peninsula is lined with scenic beaches and home to rare birdlife like the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguin. Port Chalmers port guide Search cruises visiting Port Chalmers

Day 14 Dec 13, 2028 Timaru Strolling along the city’s hilly streets and past its Edwardian and Victorian buildings and green spaces, you might not guess that Timaru was built on the lava flows of a now-extinct but vividly named volcano, Mount Horrible. Timaru’s own name comes from the Maori Te Maru, which means \"place of shelter.\" Chief among Timaru’s charms are its parks and gardens. As if the backdrop of the Southern Alps wasn't enough, a rose garden, boardwalk and beach also enliven the already beautiful waterfront of Caroline Bay, named for a 19th-century whaling ship. Up the hill, the scenic reserve of Centennial Park offers picturesque picnic spots and walking and biking trails. Timaru showcases New Zealand and Maori culture at the stellar Aigantighe Art Gallery and South Canterbury Museum. (If you have time to venture beyond Timaru and are interested in learning about the area's truly ancient history, the fascinating Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre, about half an hour outside the city, exhibits rock art made by early Maori settlers more than 700 years ago.) Timaru port guide Search cruises visiting Timaru

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 34-day span: $14,503 · range $14,503–$34,990

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

Not available

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $14,503

$1,115 / night

Fare rows

Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $14,503

$1,115 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $15,615

$1,201 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $16,003

$1,231 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,115

$1,316 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,194

$1,322 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,779

$1,367 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $18,694

$1,438 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $18,715

$1,439 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $19,279

$1,483 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $19,359

$1,489 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $20,215

$1,555 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $20,859

$1,604 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spa Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $23,805

$1,831 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spa Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $24,097

$1,853 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spa Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $25,305

$1,946 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spa Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $25,597

$1,969 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $34,990

$2,691 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $37,460

$2,881 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $40,970

$3,151 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $41,998

$3,230 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $42,270

$3,251 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $42,817

$3,293 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $43,498

$3,346 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $44,317

$3,409 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $44,350

$3,411 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $45,780

$3,521 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Penthouse Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $51,709

$3,977 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Penthouse Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $53,209

$4,093 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spa Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $55,660

$4,281 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spa Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $56,310

$4,331 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $96,090

$7,391 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Panorama Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $97,910

$7,531 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Penthouse Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $117,670

$9,051 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jul 1, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Scenic Ocean Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Prices are the lowest fares we track that don't require proof of residency, age, or service. Eligibility is set by the cruise line — verify at booking. How our pricing works

Show all 21 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Verandah Suite	A	Suite
Deluxe Verandah Suite	AA	Suite
Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite	AD	Suite
Verandah Suite	B	Suite
Deluxe Verandah Suite	BA	Suite
Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite	BD	Suite
Verandah Suite	C	Suite
Deluxe Verandah Suite	CA	Suite
Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite	CD	Suite
Verandah Suite	D	Suite
Deluxe Verandah Suite	DA	Suite
Deluxe Verandah Suite	DB	Suite
Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite	DD	Suite
Grand Panorama Suite	GP	Suite
Owner's Penthouse Suite	OP	Suite
2-Bedroom Penthouse Suite	OT	Suite
Panorama Suite	P	Suite
Spa Suite	S	Suite
Spa Suite	SA	Suite
Spa Suite	SB	Suite

Ship

Your ship Scenic Eclipse II 6★ **16,500** GT **228** guests In 2019, the launch of Scenic Eclipse, The World's First Discovery Yachts™, set the benchmark in ultra-luxury ocean cruising. Now, we invite you to experience a new era of expedition cruising with the highly anticipated arrival of Scenic Eclipse II. Combining innovative design and state-of-the-art technology with unrivalled discovery. Enjoy enhanced ultra-luxury spaces, new culinary experiences and unmatched exploration as you soar above by helicopter^. On the 13th April Scenic Eclipse II set sail from Lisbon, Portugal, on her inaugural voyage, the 12-day Incredible Iberian Discovery cruise to Barcelona, Spain. On board for her maiden voyage the Scenic Group Chairman and founder Glen Moroney and his wife, Karen Moroney, joined our loyal guests, invited VIPs, and dedicated Scenic Eclipse crew who have played a part in the vision and delivery of this much-anticipated state-of-the-art Discovery Yacht. Scenic Eclipse II ship guide Search cruises on Scenic Eclipse II

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Splendours of New Zealand: Auckland to Christchurch

Itinerary

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Inside

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