ISLAND HOPPING WITH PONANT

For New Zealanders considering cruising close to home on a luxury small ship in 2022, 2023 and 2024, Ponant has some wonderful offerings on its elegant expedition ships. Accompanied by guides, utilising Zodiac dinghies for coastal discoveries and access to remote beaches and waterways for hiking and photo opportunities, Ponant’s voyages allow guests to experience some of NZ’s most remote islands including New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands (described as the “Galápagos of the Southern Ocean”) and the Chatham Islands. Ponant’s new 8-day New Zealand’s North Island & Chatham Islands lets you explore the 80-million-year-old Chatham Islands archipelago that boasts incredible species of birds and plants, as well as other jewels including Gisborne, Whakatane and Rotorua. For a longer trip, the 15-day Expedition to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands visits the extraordinary nature sanctuary of Ulva Island, Fiordland National Park, Snares islands and Macquarie Island. The 8-day Ancient Fjords and Unspoiled Islands of Southern New Zealand trip explores the Fiordland National Park, Snares Islands and Ulva Island. youtravel.co.nz