About Our Destination
Climate
January is summertime in New Zealand and is one of the warmest months of the year. On the North Island, average top temperatures hover around 77°F (25°C) with lows of 55°F (12°C). The South Island is slightly cooler with average top temperatures of around 71°F (22°C) and lows of 50°F (10°C). However, be prepared for temperature fluctuations, potentially into the 80âs F (high 20âs C) or as low as 32°F (0°C).
Currency
The official currency is the New Zealand dollar. Check www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
Coral Expeditions requires that all guests show proof of vaccination + booster to sail. We will keep you updated with the vendorâs Health and Safety COVID protocols as we get closer to the trip date.
Before Your Trip
Airfare Discounts
Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Please visit our airline discounts page for the most up-to-date information.
Cancellation Policy
Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions.
Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.
Celebrations â Birthdays, Anniversaries, Honeymoons and more
If you will have a birthday or other celebration during your vacation and have not already informed your Olivia Travel Consultant, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
You can register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.
Connect with Other Guests â Join the Facebook Group
If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Olivia's New Zealand Adventure Cruise Facebook Group.
Passports and Visas
All guests (including guests from countries other than the United States) will be required to have a passport. Passports must be valid for three to six months after your return date, please confirm requirements with your countryâs consulate. US citizens are required to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or other applicable visa. If you are not a US citizen, please check visa requirements with your countryâs consulate and the consulates of the countries youâll be visiting.
For guests planning to visit Australia during this trip, please be aware that US citizens are required to obtain an Australian ETA. Guests from other countries should check visa requirements with your countryâs consulate and the consulates of the countries youâll be visiting.
Specific Needs â Dietary, Medical and Mobility
If you have any medical, mobility needs, or specific dietary requirements that you have not already advised your travel consultant. Please advise us of this information as soon as possible but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Travel Insurance
Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information.
For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a travel consultant.
Vaccinations
Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionâs website at: www.cdc.gov. Click on the Travelersâ Health section, then click on the Destinations Link and choose your destination in the âFor Travelersâ pull-down menu.
2024 NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE CRUISE |
START DATE | END DATE | CANCEL PENALTY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 1/21/2023 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 1/22/2023 | 1/21/2024 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
Travel and Arrival
Airports
All flights should arrive into Wellington International Airport (WLG) and depart from Queenstown International Airport (ZQN).
Flight Arrival and Departure Times
Please plan to arrive in Wellington on Sunday, January 21, 2024, by 12 pm to get to the ship in time for 4:30 pm all aboard. We set sail at 5 pm. Please book your departing flights from Queenstown at 5 pm or later the day of disembarkation, January 31, 2024.
Luggage Allowances
While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.
Transfers and Meeting up with Olivia
Getting to Your Ship
The pre-screening and check-in location for our cruise on embarkation day will be the InterContinental Wellington Hotel, 2 Grey Street, Wellington 6011 New Zealand. Transfers to the check-in location are not included. Once all guests have checked in, we will transfer to the ship as a group.
Staying in Wellington
In the event of flight delays, we strongly recommend arriving in Wellington 24 to 48 hours ahead of our scheduled departure.
The pre-screening and check-in location for our cruise on embarkation day will be the InterContinental Wellington Hotel, 2 Grey Street, Wellington 6011 New Zealand.
We recommend the following hotels:
InterContinental Wellington: Centrally located and adjacent to the waterfront, this global five-star hotel is rated Travel Sustainable Level 3 (Booking.com) and features a concierge team whose tips will help you discover the best of New Zealandâs capital. Please be aware: from August 15, 2023âFebruary 28, 2024 the Pool, Sauna, Hot tub & Gym area will be renovated. Alternative arrangements will be available at a nearby facility.
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington: Only a 1 minute walk from the check-in location at the InterContinental Wellington, the DoubleTree Wellington is rated Travel Sustainable Level 3 (Booking.com). This historic hotel was constructed in 1928 in Wellington's Central Business District.
Both hotels are adjacent to the Wellington Cable Car, which leads to the Botanic Garden and offers panoramic views of the city. Wherever you decide to stay in Wellington, there is plenty to do, from learning about movie-making magic at Weta Studios to touring boutique vineyards in one of New Zealandâs premier wine regions.
Check-In
Information about embarkation and check-in time will be available approximately 30 days prior to sailing.
During Your Trip
What's Included?
What's Not Included?
Airfare home to Wellington, New Zealand and from Bluff, New Zealand to home, arrival airport transfer to the ship, travel insurance, beer, wine, spirits outside of lunch and dinner service, laundry service, medical attention, and other incidentals.
Accommodations
Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores that are inaccessible to larger cruise vessels. With over 1,000 square meters of open deck space, multiple bars, majority balcony staterooms and suites, the Coral Geographer is as comfortable as she is capable. The shipâs Xplorer tenders extend the capabilities of the ship by allowing deeper exploration on shore excursions. These âsafari jeepsâ of the sea are fast, sturdy, and comfortable and developed to allow easy boarding from the ship and walk-off disembarkation onto remote shores. Able to navigate into shallow bays, disembark onto remote islands, and visit small villages without overwhelming the environment or community, the Coral Geographer delivers and intimate onboard atmosphere and world-class expedition experience.
Ship Amenities
Room Amenities
Dining
Electricity
The standard voltage in New Zealand and aboard the Coral Geographer is 230 V / 50 Hz and power plugs and sockets are Type I.
Gratuities
All gratuities are included. Tipping is not commonly considered Australian custom and is completely optional. Should you choose to recognize the service provided onboard, gratuities are payable to the Purser in cash for equal distribution to all crew.
Internet and Mobile Phones
While sailing through remote areas, you may not have access to Internet/mobile reception through your own provider for extended periods of time. Coral Geographer is equipped with an onboard communication system, and prepaid satellite Internet cards are available to purchase to connect to the Internet through either a laptop computer or mobile device. Calling cards can also be purchased and used to make calls from your cabin. Note: Internet access on the ship is contracted by Coral Expeditions to an external industry service provider and is a satellite connection. While every effort is made to ensure uninterrupted service, from time to time there may be disrupted service due to lack of satellite coverage or other technical issues. Internet access is best in public areas but not guaranteed in staterooms due to the steel structure of the ship.
Laundry Service
Limited laundering services are available onboard for an extra charge.
Medical Services
There is no clinic or doctor onboard the Coral Geographer.
Money: On-Trip Purchases
There is very little to charge or pay for on board since most everything is included. At the end of the trip, you may opt to pay for small purchases via credit card.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is permitted only in the designated smoking area. There is a no smoking policy throughout the interior of the ship. There is a total smoking ban when traveling on tender vessels and refueling.
Solo Travelers
Solo travelers can mix and mingle with everyone. We often have a few independent travelers on trips of this size. We do not have an official Solos Coordinator or Solos program like on the bigger trips. Before the trip, you can start to meet other Olivians in the official Olivia New Zealand Adventure Cruise Facebook Group.
Spa Services
Enjoy complimentary access to the onboard gym. There is no spa on board.
Telephone
Coral Geographer is equipped with an onboard communication system, and calling cards can be purchased and used to make calls from your cabin.
- Accommodations for 11 days / 10 nights on board Coral Expeditionsâ Coral Geographer
- Excursions and services on a tailor-made itinerary
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including morning and afternoon teas and 24-hour access to coffee and tea
- Selected beers, wines and spirits are included with lunch and dinner service, as well as soft drinks and juices
- Fresh drinking water at drinking stations
- Daily lecture series about the destinations we will visit
- Daily housekeeping service and turndown
- Wifi available in all guest areas
- Gratuities, port taxes and fees (as covered by your NDAs)
- Personalized Team Olivia assistance throughout
- Gym
- Passenger elevator can access all decks
- Wifi available in all guest areas
- Open Bridge with navigator lounge giving a vantage point of ship operations
- Over 1,000 sq m of open deck space incl. a wrap-around promenade deck w/ panoramic view
- Engine room tours and high level of crew interaction with guests
- Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers for shore excursions
- Six Zodiacs (tender boats) for more intrepid exploration
- Lecture lounge with multimedia for daily expedition briefings and presentations
- Onboard library
- Gift shop
- Laundry service
- Shallow draft to access remote destinations
- Advanced navigation and propulsion systems
- Advanced stabilizers for enhanced comfort while sailing
- All outside-facing guest cabins with ensuite bathrooms
- Majority have private balcony
- Basic toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion
- Internationally compatible power outlets
- Communal âwine tableâ
- Galley viewing window
- Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including the Explorer Bar on the Vista Deck
- Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds
After Your Trip
Disembarkation & Transfers to the Airport
We will disembark in Bluff beginning at 8 am on Wednesday, January 31st and take included group transfers to Queenstown, where commercial flights are widely available from the Queenstown International Airport (ZQN). The transfers will take you directly to your Queenstown hotels or the airport, depending on your travel plans.
Departures
To allow for potential delays, we recommend you book flights from Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) at 5 pm or later January 31st or fly the following day.
Staying in Queenstown
Should you decide to stay overnight in Queenstown, we would like to share two hotel recommendations:
If you prefer to be in the center of town, we recommend the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa. In the heart of Queenstown's dining and entertainment district, this is the perfect base to explore central Queenstown on foot. The airport is approximately 15 minutes away by taxi or Uber. Sofitel Queenstown has been awarded a 5-star Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award by Qualmark, New Zealand tourismâs official quality assurance organization.
If you would like to stay outside of town and close to the airport, we recommend the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, less than a 10-minute drive from Queenstown Airport. The resort is a lovely place to relax and unwind by the shores of Lake Wakatipu. You can reach the center of town in under 30 minutes by taxi, Uber, or water taxi. The Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is committed to sustainability, from hosting carbon neutral events to supporting local reforestation efforts, which you may read about here.
This trip requires a high level of mobility as you must be able to walk long distances with varying steepness and heights; tours will involve walking on rocky boulders or uneven terrain, gentle hiking uphill and getting in and out of zodiac boats from the ship to shore. This trip is not suitable for canes, scooters, or wheelchairs.
Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700, option 1.
