In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Because it is so remote, New Zealand was one of the last places on Earth to be settled by human beings. During long centuries of isolation, these islands developed a biodiversity of animals and plants that is rare, possibly unique, in the world. Throughout this 10-day voyage, encompassing both South and North Island, focus will be on the unparalleled richness of New Zealand's flora and fauna, but there will also be ample time to discover some of the richness of the Maori culture and history that continues to thrive in this island nation.
From Lyttleton, sail first to the port of Dunedin. Experience here the spectacular natural beauty of the wilderness that surrounds the town—either by train through the Taieri Gorge, or by eight-wheel-drive vehicles through the wildlife preserve on the Otago Peninsula.
As your ship rounds the southern tip of the island, you enter the stunning, glacier-carved waterways of Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage site known for its narrow fjords, vertical cliffs, and old-growth forests. Sail into remote Dusky Sound for an up-close look at wildlife, including endemic species such as the Fiordland crested penguin. Continue north to the long and narrow Doubtful Sound, so named by Captain Cook, who questioned whether it was navigable when he arrived here in 1770. Navigate Secretary Island as well as Thompson Sound, where you will discover spectacular waterfalls along the shores.
The final day in the Fiordland is in the incomparable Milford Sound, which meanders inland between the steep slopes of the Southern Alps, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. Spend the day immersed in the sound’s natural majesty, taking in the views from on deck, spotting fur seals and a wide array of birdlife native to New Zealand.
A relaxing day at sea is followed by a call in Picton, at the northern tip of South Island, your gateway to New Zealand's famed Marlborough Wine Route. Enjoy some of the local vintages during visits to three different wineries, or if you prefer, explore the fascinating exhibits of historic aircraft at Omaka Airfield.
In Napier, the first call on North Island, you may continue discovery of New Zealand's abundant fauna at the gannet colony on Cape Kidnappers, or you may immerse yourself in Maori culture during a visit to the Hakikino ancestral lands in the village of Waimārama.
Whakatane, on the verdant shores of the Bay of Plenty, provides an opportunity to sample the world's finest kiwifruit and to visit a local farm that specializes in growing truffles. Or you can travel inland to Rotorua, a geo-thermal wonderland of geysers, bubbling mud pools, and hot springs sacred to the Maori, where you enjoy a performance of Maori dance, sample Maori cuisine, and visit a studio where young Maori women and men learn traditional skills.
The last day of the voyage is spent in Auckland, where your final experience of New Zealand may be a wilderness adventure in the rainforest, a tour of three wineries on Waiheke Island, or exploration of the Auckland Museum, home to world's largest collection of Maori art—a treasure trove of New Zealand history and culture.
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included shore excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
- Explore Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage area.
- Marvel at glacial fjords with breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls.
- Explore ancient forests untouched since the dawn of time.
- Encounter the abundant marine and bird life of both South and North Island.
- Sample New Zealand wines along the Marlborough Wine Route
- Immerse yourself in Maori culture in Napier, Rotorua, and Auckland.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
On the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Lyttelton (or Te Whaka Raupo in the Maori language) served, thanks to its proximity with Ross Island, as the starting point for the British expeditions in the mythical age of the South Pole explorations. It takes its name from George Lyttelton (1709-1773), aristocrat and colonial governor of South Carolina. In this colourful port town full of history, you’ll be able to discover the Time Ball: constructed in 1876, it rang at 1.00 pm every day for 58 consecutive years to give Greenwich meridian time, enabling ship captains to set their chronometer and very precisely calculate their position.
Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.
Dusky Sound is one of the most isolated fjords in Fiordland National Park. This huge, protected natural zone situated in the south-west quarter of New Zealand’s South Island is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The sheer cliffs, waterfalls, shimmering lakes and primitive forests here are each more beautiful than the next. These spectacular landscapes sculpted by successive glaciations are a source of endless wonder. In 1773, the British navigator James Cook spent a few weeks at Dusky Sound, as demonstrated by a plaque that can be seen at Astronomer’s Point. During your sailing, observe the richness of the local wildlife: cormorants, seagulls, New Zealand fur seals, but also Fiordland crested penguins, a rare and endemic species.
Referred to as the Sound of Silence, there is a secluded serenity that surrounds Doubtful Sound in contrast with the better-known Milford Sound. Lieutenant James Cook named 'Doubtful Harbour' in 1770 as he was uncertain if it was navigable under sail. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords with a maximum depth of 421 m. It contains three distinct 'arms' and several outstanding waterfalls in the area from Deep Cove to the open ocean. Your ship will spend time navigating around Secretary Island through both Thompson and Doubtful Sounds. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery from the outer decks.
Milford Sound fjord is among one of the most beautiful natural sites in New Zealand. So much beauty will quite simply take your breath away. Located on the south-west coast of South Island, in the Fiorldland National Park, this sumptuous inlet carved out by glaciers advances over at least 15 kilometres inland, in the Southern Alps. Majestic cliffs seem to surge out of the dark waters, rising several hundred metres high: an abrupt relief from where impressive waterfalls cascade.
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
A must-see entry point to the South Island, Picton is a little coastal town girded by gentle hills, located on the south side of the Queen Charlotte inlet. The cafés and restaurants which border the charming waterfront give a very lovely view of the fjord. You can also decide to get some height above sea level, and walk in the surrounding areas. However, Picton is above all an opportunity to explore the unique Marlborough Sounds. This interweaving of submerged valleys in this area, has creating numerous navigable routes, wich are among the most beautiful natural wonders of New Zealand.
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.
Lying to the east of Tauranga, Whakatane stretches the entire length of the Bay of Plenty, protected by the outlying Matakana Island. Discovered in 1769 by James Cook, the Bay of Plenty is one of the jewels of the North Island. You can also reach the town of Rotorua and the unmissable thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu, combining volcanic valleys and geysers for an exceptional geothermic experience. Boasting a strong Maori culture, Whakatane will not fail to surprise you with its history and its authenticity.
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest, most populated and busiest city. Located on an isthmus linking the peninsula of Northland to the expansive North Island, it seems to float between land and sea. It is one of the few cities in the world to have two separate harbours : Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. You will understand why Auckland is known as "the City of Sails" when you see the forest of masts in the marina. The 328 metre-high Sky Tower offers splendid views of the city. Surrounded by dormant volcanoes such as Mt Eden, Auckland is noted for its abundant nature and magnificent black-sand beaches. A blend of Maori, European and Asian cultures give the city a vibrant atmosphere.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Le Jacques Cartier
| Built | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Lifts/elevators | Yes |
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.
Le Jacques Cartier will embody refinement, intimacy and comfort. 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.
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.
In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts.
PUBLIC AREAS
Le Jacques Cartier 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.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
