Maps showing the areas explored in the two routes. Click on the image to view a larger version

Guests will be taken on a multi-sensory journey, exploring the historical and ecological significance of the country's rich coast that features glaciers, fiords, rugged mountains, subtropical forests and stunning wildlife.

Discover Fiordland's breathtaking Milford Sound in unmatched style aboard Oceanic Discoverer's New Zealand Summer Cruise Click here to view a larger version	The takahe - the rare flightless native bird thought to be extinct until it was re-discovered in Fiordland in 1948 by Dr Geoffrey Orbell Click here to view a larger version
Dolphin watching on the cruise Click here to view a larger version	Whale Watching off the Kaikoura coast Click here to view a larger version

These images were supplied by NAVIGATE.

Massey University Professor Kerry Howe returns from Oceanic Discoverer's highly successful 06/07 series. A 2007 Montana Book Award winner for Vaka Moana- Voyagers of the Ancestors, Professor Howe will use his expertise in Pacific history, prehistory and cultures to guide guests in retracing Captain James Cook's pre-European navigation of New Zealand. Points of interest include Pickersgill Harbour in Dusky Sound where Captain Cook set up an observatory, and the infamous Cannibal Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Another returning lecturer is naturalist Damon Ramsey. An expert on New Zealand physical climate and landforms, seashore ecology, seabirds and marine mammals, Ramsey will guide guests to spot fur seals, sperm whales, Dusky Dolphins and Orcas at the marine mammal capital of New Zealand, Kaikoura. Damon amazed guests last year by identifying an average of 50 species of exotic and native birds on each cruise.

Joining this season's cruise is Malcolm Anderson. A leader in sustainable tourism, Malcolm offers an interpretive experience, with stories behind New Zealand's world-famous natural, cultural and historic heritage sites. Highlights include lectures on the North Island's Tiri Tiri Matangi, one of only two Scientific Reserves in New Zealand, the Fiordland National Park, the country's largest national park, and Milford Sound, the most scenic and dramatic of the fiords, featuring the Stirling Falls and the highest sea cliff in the world, Mitre Peak.

The vessel, Oceanic Discoverer
Oceanic Discoverer accommodates just 72 guests in 36 staterooms and has a cruising speed of 14 knots. The shallow draft of the 63m ship allows it to access isolated places beyond the reach of larger ships. Other facilities available to guests include the purpose-built excursion vessel, Xplorer, a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs, a large sundeck and spa pool, a reference library, a lecture lounge and a dive shop. Gourmet dining is complemented by selected Australian and New Zealand wines.

For more information, visit the website.