2022-08-01
2025-01-01
from$ 9190 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Ship
Le Laperouse
Le Laperouse
City
Wellington to Wellington
Wellington to Wellington
Up to 30% Off - Ponant Bonus
2022-08-01
2025-01-01
Overview
Succumb to the charms of an all-new expedition cruise between the northern New Zealand cities with their strong Māori traditions and the preserved nature of the Chatham Islands. From Wellington, you will set sail for 8 days aboard Le Lapérouse in search of these ancestral treasures that have forged the reputation and the charm of the North Island. On the east coast of North Island, Napier unfolds before you, revealing its treasures in a unique architectural style where the sleek lines of Art Deco buildings mingle with traditional Māori patterns. Following the warm and translucent waters of the South Pacific Ocean, Le Lapérouse will sail towards Gisborne. The first city on Earth to see the sun rise each day, it is distinguished by its enchanting environment of sandy strips and subtropical forest. Here you will learn about Māori culture and local history, and will be invited to taste some of the products of this rich farming region, renowned in particular for its Chardonnay. Heading east, the Chatham Islands will appear to you, adding new breathtaking landscapes to your expedition, from isolated beaches to sheer ochre-coloured cliffs covered in verdant nature. The 80-million-years-old archipelago is comprised of 10 islands that boast various endemic species of birds and plant that you will be able to see, guided by your team of passionate expedition experts. Your cruise will come to an end in Wellington, the New Zealand capital. This ancient site of the Māori people, as showcased at the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, perfectly combines local traditions and bustling nightlife. The wildlife encounters described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Departures
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Cruise Itinerary
Crowned with gentle green hills, Wellington Harbour is located in the far south of the North Island. This city offers a charming mix of traditional and modern cultures, bestowing on the New Zealand capital, a unique atmosphere, both 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.
On the east coast of the North Island, south of Hawke’s Bay, you’ll find Napier. Mostly destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, reviving from its ashes in less than two years, it grew into a magnificent Art Deco style city, very in-vogue at the time. With its pure lines mixed with traditional Maori designs, the singular New Zealand character of this city will intrigue you. You’ll discover all this extraordinary architectural heritage as you take a stroll through the city. Famous for its vineyards, wine lovers will be able to taste some of the best wines from the region.
Gisborne, called “Gizzy” by the locals and Teoneroa by the Maori, is located to the north of a large bay surrounded by fertile hills and long, wild beaches that attract walkers and surfers. At the southern end of the bay, the magnificent cliffs of Young Nick’s Head majestically keep watch over the ocean’s tides. In Ngatapa, a few kilometres north of the city, the Eastwoodhill Arboretum stretches out over more than 130 hectares (320 acres) and is home to magnificent exotic and native plants. In the city, you can learn about Maori culture and the local history at the Tairawhiti Museum or enjoy some of the products of this rich farming region, renowned in particular for its Chardonnay.
During 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.
The remote Chatham Islands are renowned for their stunning scenery, intriguing history, flora, fauna and friendly hospitality. Located 800 kilometres to the east of the South Island, the archipelago consists of about ten islands within an approximate 60-kilometre radius, the largest of which are Chatham Island and Pitt Island. The islands were first inhabited by Moriori, who named the islands 'Rekohu' – translated as 'misty skies' or 'misty sun'. European sealers and whalers were next to arrive, followed by Māori from New Zealand who named the islands 'Wharekauri'. Much of the natural character of the Chatham Islands is protected in a network of areas set aside for conservation including Mangere and Rangatira (South East Island). Rangatira has been described as one of the world's premier bird islands and is best known for the endemic black robin and the millions of storm petrels, sooty shearwaters and broad-billed prions that nest on the Island. Your ship will arrive at the Chatham Islands in the morning and will spend the day here. You will discover the unique Chathams with zodiac cruises (subject to weather conditions). In the evening the ship will set sail for the Bounty Islands.
During 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.
Crowned with gentle green hills, Wellington Harbour is located in the far south of the North Island. This city offers a charming mix of traditional and modern cultures, bestowing on the New Zealand capital, a unique atmosphere, both 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.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Le Laperouse
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. 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. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. 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. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse 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.
Highlights
• An all-new expedition cruise to discover the treasures of New Zealand’s North Island and the Chatham Islands, combining ancestral tradition and breathtaking scenery. • Gain an insight into the history and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert expedition team on board and whilst exploring by zodiac. • The isolated Chatham Islands, 80 million years old, and home to several endemic bird species. • Discover sublime New Zealand landscapes with exceptional diversity. • Meet the Maori people, brave warriors with ancestral traditions and customs.
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