Orion, New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands ex Dunedin to Auckland

View remarkable vistas & explore remote, untouched islands teeming with rare wildlife.

Navigating New Zealand’s verdant coastlines we will encounter pristine beaches, quiet coves, and waters filled with whales, dolphins, and seals. The soaring peaks and countless waterfalls of the country’s dazzling fjords are at their jaw-dropping best in Fiordlands National Park, where we spend two days exploring Milford Sound and Dusky Sound. Step into an ancient rainforest, stunning national parks, and fragrant botanical gardens; learn about Maori history and culture and tour cosmopolitan cities.An ornithologist’s dream, New Zealand boasts 300 species of birds including the magnificent royal albatross and a colony of 20,000 gannets. Below the South Island in the Southern Ocean lie the remote and wildly beautiful sub-Antarctic islands where few humans have tread. Teeming with major populations of pelagic seabirds and animals and plants found nowhere else in the world, they burst with thousands of seals and millions of penguins.

Immerse yourself in unparalleled beauty: scenic beaches and lush native forests in the North Island and deep fjords and dramatic landscapes in the South Island.

Discover the history and dynamic culture of New Zealand and the Maori people.

Explore the sub-Antarctic islands which remain almost completely protected from human activity and are home to a diverse collection of endemic plant and animal species

Delve into New Zealand’s cultural riches – from Napier’s Art Deco architecture, to historical Maori sites.

Visit Abel Tasman National Park where we’ll discover its golden sand beaches, abundant bird and sea life and native forests.

Designed and purpose built in Germany in 2003 specifically for expedition travel, National Geographic Orion was created from the outset to explore the far corners of the Earth in complete self-sufficiency.

Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.

National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.

For over 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been turning vacationers into informed and engaged explorers. Together with National Geographic we offer intimate small-ship expedition cruises that, unlike traditional cruises, are your opportunity to encounter the world’s most pristine and inspiring places up close with the seasoned experts who know them best.

Our expedition cruises provide the safest and most innovative ways to explore places already “discovered” and those that are still very, very wild. Whether you choose to go on a Galapagos cruise, an Alaska cruise, a cruise to Egypt, or any of our other cruise destinations, each expedition cruise features an unmatched combination of adventure travel technology as well as well-appointed cabins, regional and sustainable cuisine and friendly, personal service.

We believe the more closely our guests are able to connect with a destination, the more valuable an affect it will have on their lives and on the more they will come to care about and protect it for future exploration.