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The Best of New Zealand (Le Bellot)

The Best of New Zealand (Le Bellot)

From AUD $8,310

Description

On this cruise, PONANT invites you to discover New Zealand, a unique destination with a multitude of natural treasures.

Set sail aboard Le Bellot for a 10-day cruise from Auckland to Dunedin.

Your ship will first call at White Island, a volcanic island with an unreal atmosphere, between lunar landscapes and steam emanating from the numerous fumaroles.

From Tauranga, you will be able to explore many treasures: volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, rivers and gorges, and lakes that range in colour from deep blue to orange-tinged.

You will also sail to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This ancient site of the Maori people, as demonstrated by the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, perfectly combines local traditions and bustling nightlife.

In Picton, discover the Marlborough region, famous for its vineyards and its submerged valleys.

The Banks Peninsula will reveal wonderful landscapes of lush hills and rugged coasts during your calls in the bays of Lyttleton and Akaroa, two ancient flooded volcano craters.

Your ship will finally reach Dunedin. The Edinburgh of New Zealand is a lively student city, with a rich Scottish Heritage.

Surrounded by the blue waters of the Pacific, the twin islands of New Zealand are the promise of an incredible mosaic of contrasting panoramas.

Trip Name
The Best of New Zealand (Le Bellot)
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 131 metres Passenger Capacity: 184 Built: 2019-2020 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bellot will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS Le Bellot has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:   Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Auckland
Embarkation 21/1/2021 from 16h00 to 17h00Departure 21/1/2021 at 22h00Auckland is New Zealand’s largest, most populated and busiest city. Located on an isthmus linking the peninsula of Northland to the expansive North Island, it seems to float between land and sea. It is one of the few cities in the world to have two separate harbours : Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. You will understand why Auckland is known as the city of sails when you see the forest of masts in the marina. The 328 metre-high Sky Tower offers splendid views of the city. Surrounded by dormant volcanoes such as Mt Eden, Auckland is noted for its abundant nature and magnificent black-sand beaches. A blend of Maori, European and Asian cultures give the city a vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2 - Day 2 White Island
Arrival 22/1/2021 middayDeparture 22/1/2021 early eveningLocated in the Bay of Plenty, White Island is an active volcano which has been built up by continuous volcanic activity over the past 150,000 years. It is possible to walk inside the main crater and experience nature's immense power, as gas and steam burst up from far below the Earth's crust. The smell of sulphur and the noise of steam emanating from the many fumaroles makes for an amazing sensory experience. The island has also been identified as an important bird area because of its breeding colony of Australasian Gannets.
Day 3 - Day 3 Tauranga
Arrival 23/1/2021 at nightDeparture 23/1/2021 early eveningLocated to the north of Rotorua, Tauranga stretches the length of the Bay of Plenty, sheltered from the ocean by the island of Matakana. This coastal city boasts a flourishing economy thanks to its port, and is a pleasant and pretty town with a peaceful, relaxed feel. The seafront area is contemporary and lively, dotted with cafés and restaurants. The town centre reveals more picturesque charms, while the surrounding area is packed full of natural delights. Travel on to the town of Rotorua to visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: a fantastic opportunity to experience an absolutely exceptional geothermal phenomenon.
Day 4 - Day 4 At sea
Arrival 24/1/2021Departure 24/1/2021During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 5 - Day 5 Wellington
Arrival 25/1/2021 early morningDeparture 25/1/2021 late eveningCrowned with gentle green hills, Wellington harbour is located in the far south of North Island. This city offers a charming pell-mell of traditional and modern cultures, bestowing on the New Zealand capital, a unique atmosphere, at once friendly and avant-guard. Where some sites, like the large National Te Papa Tongarewa museum, reflect the city’s Maori past, others, like the many cafés and restaurants, affirm the inhabitants’ incredible lust for life.
Day 6 - Day 6 Picton
Arrival 26/1/2021 early morningDeparture 26/1/2021 late afternoonA must-see entry point to South Island, Picton is a little coastal town girded by gentle hills, located on the south side of the Queen Charlotte inlet. The cafés and restaurants which border the charming waterfront give a very lovely view of the fjord. You can also decide to get some height above sea level, and walk in the surrounding areas. However, Picton is above all an opportunity to explore the unique Marlborough fjords. This interweave of submerged valleys, making numerous different navigable routes, are among the most beautiful natural wonders of New Zealand.
Day 7 - Day 7 Lyttelton
Arrival 27/1/2021 middayDeparture 27/1/2021 late eveningOn the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Lyttelton (or Te Whaka Raupo in the Maori language) served, thanks to its proximity with Ross Island, as the starting point for the British expeditions in the mythical age of the South Pole explorations. It takes its name from George Lyttelton (1709-1773), aristocrat and colonial governor of South Carolina. In this colourful port town full of history, you’ll be able to discover the Time Ball: constructed in 1876, it rang at 1.00 pm every day for 58 consecutive years to give Greenwich meridian time, enabling ship captains to set their chronometer and very precisely calculate their position.
Day 8 - Day 8 Akaroa
Arrival 28/1/2021 early morningDeparture 28/1/2021 late afternoonSet on the east coast of South Island, Christchurch is New Zealandメs second-biggest city. You can soak up its easy-going atmosphere in one of the many parks and gardens that give Christchurch its nickname モthe garden cityヤ, or dally a while in Cathedral Square to see how the city is transforming itself after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Attractions such as the International Antarctic Centre and Christchurch Gondola ride are as popular as ever, while pop-up cafes, the Cardboard Cathedral and community art projects showcase the citizensメ resilience. The beautiful port of Akaroa, where ships dock, is about 90 minutesメ drive from Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula
Day 9 - Days 9-10 Dunedin
Arrival 29/1/2021 early morningDisembarkation 30/1/2021 at 07h00Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The picturesque Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-01-202121-01-2021AUD $8,310Deluxe Stateroom
12-01-202121-01-2021AUD $21,560Prestige Deck 6 Suite
12-01-202121-01-2021AUD $22,670Privilege Suite
12-01-202121-01-2021AUD $25,010Grand Deluxe Suite
12-01-202121-01-2021AUD $26,300Owner's Suite
12-01-202121-01-2021AUD $9,390Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
12-01-202121-01-2021AUD $9,890Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
12-01-202121-01-2021AUD $10,420Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
12-01-202121-01-2021AUD $14,880Deluxe Suite
12-01-202121-01-2021AUD $20,500Prestige Deck 5 Suite
21-01-202130-01-2021AUD $8,310Deluxe Stateroom
21-01-202130-01-2021AUD $9,390Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
21-01-202130-01-2021AUD $9,890Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
21-01-202130-01-2021AUD $10,420Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
21-01-202130-01-2021AUD $14,880Deluxe Suite
21-01-202130-01-2021AUD $20,500Prestige Deck 5 Suite
21-01-202130-01-2021AUD $21,560Prestige Deck 6 Suite
21-01-202130-01-2021AUD $22,670Privilege Suite
21-01-202130-01-2021AUD $25,010Grand Deluxe Suite
21-01-202130-01-2021AUD $26,300Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover sublime New Zealand landscapes with exceptional diversity.
    • Meet the Maori people, brave warriors with ancestral traditions and customs.
    • In Wellington, discover the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum.
    • The volcanic landscapes of White Island.
    • Overnight in Dunedin: visit of the city and its historical heritage.
    • A lecturer passionate by New Zealand history will be on board.

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