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Silversea Expedition – Wild New Zealand, with Silversea’s Silver Discoverer

Departing 22nd Jan 2015 from Wellington, New Zealand.

Silversea Expeditions offer journeys that are just as exhilarating as they are luxurious. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Māori culture; the first settlers of New Zealand. Visit Nelson, New Zealand’s sunshine capital, and home to the Neudorf Winery situated in the Upper Moutere Valley of Nelson. Neudorf Winery was established by Tim and Judy Finn in 1978 and is credited with producing one of New Zealand’s best Chardonnays. Let the striking beauty of the peaks and waterfalls of Milford Sound and Dusky Sound take your breath away. Celebrate a myriad of rare animals, such as the smallest dolphin in the world, the Fiordland Penguins, and endangered sea lions. [/jbox] call-our-advisors [jcolumns model=”3,2″ inbordercss=”1px solid #555555″] [jbox]

Itinerary

NZ 9 Itinerary [/jbox]
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Silversea Expeditions Silver Discoverer

Silver Discoverer is designed for discerning travellers who like to explore the great outdoors while enjoying gracious comfort and gourmet cuisine indoors. [/jbox]
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Route Map

Silversea Expeditions SIlver Discoverer Wellington to Lyttelton 9 days 2015 01 22 [/jbox]
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Explorer Suite Prices

from £4,550 pp

Based on 2 persons sharing an Explorer Suite, including; Gourmet cuisine inspired by Relais & Châteaux Complimentary beverages served throughout the ship – including fine wines, champagnes, spirits, beer, bottled water, specialty coffees and soft drinks In-room bar and refrigerator stocked with your preferred beverage selections Complimentary 24-hour room service and in-suite dining served course-by-course from The Restaurant Complimentary guided excursions ashore, enrichment lecturers and destination consultants Fares include onboard gratuities [/jbox] [/jcolumns]  

About the Ship, Cruise Highlights, Ports of Call & Excursions

[jtabs] Silversea Expeditions Silver Discoverer ::

Silversea Expeditions Silver Discoverer

Silversea’s third expedition ship is expertly engineered to explore the most isolated archipelagos of the Pacific. Her small size and shallow draft allow close-up access to rugged coasts well beyond the reach of ordinary vessels. And she has been newly refurbished to help guests maximize their experience and build a genuine connection with the regions they visit. Spacious decks and panoramic public rooms mean the drama of the unexpected is never far from view. A fleet of Zodiacs allows exploration from the water or remote landings anywhere nature or curiosity dictate. Since many of our expeditions sail to some of the world’s most pristine coral reef systems, there’s a glass-bottom boat for underwater viewing along with a full complement of snorkelling equipment and a dive programme for advanced divers.

Click Here for Silver Discoverer – Deck Plans

Silversea have also taken great care to assemble a truly outstanding Expedition Team, composed of experts in the culture, history and wild life of the destinations, to present informal talks, guide Zodiac outings and lead small-group explorations ashore. While back on board, every creature comfort awaits: an ocean-view suite, in-suite bar and the head-to-toe pampering of a butler; elegant lounges and open bar where fellow travellers gather to swap tales about their day’s adventures; and cuisine that meets Silversea’s standards of culinary excellence — which are lofty, indeed. Imaginative menus in The Restaurant feature both regional offerings and dishes inspired by Relais & Châteaux. Additional amenities include a sun-catching pool deck, a fitness centre, and a beauty and massage centre — particularly alluring after an adventurous day ashore. Silver Discoverer is designed for discerning travellers who like to explore the great outdoors while enjoying gracious comfort and gourmet cuisine indoors. [jtab/] Dining ::

Silversea Expeditions Dining

Flavours and aromas become as much a part of your experience as the sights you see and the cultures you encounter on your expeditions. Silver Discoverer offers four all-inclusive dining venues, each serving superb cuisine with a sophisticated level of attentive service and ocean views. No matter where you dine, you can arrive at your leisure and dine with whomever you choose, recount experiences ashore with fellow guests and discuss lecture topics with Expedition Team members while savouring fine cuisine and perfectly paired wines.

The Restaurant

The Restaurant serves contemporary, international cuisine with sophisticated elegance and impeccable service. Menus feature local specialities unique to the voyage destination. The Restaurant offers open-seating dining, which means there are no assigned times, no assigned tables. You are free to dine when, where and with whom you please.

The Grill

Poolside convenience for breakfast and lunch including fresh-from-the-oven pizza and lighter fare. When the stars come out, this popular eatery is transformed into an interactive dining venue where fresh seafood and prime cuts are grilled table side on a heated volcanic rock plate.

Discoverer Lounge

Enjoy lighter fares for breakfast and lunch while relaxing in the casual atmosphere of the Discoverer Lounge. Large picture windows give way to natural light and passing views of the ever-changing scenery.

In-suite Dining and Room Service

You can have breakfast delivered to your suite or a formal dinner ordered from The Restaurant menu. Lighter fare is always available from our 24 hour room service menu. [jtab/] Suites ::

Silversea Expeditions Suites

All Silver Discoverer suites offer ocean view, butler service, mini-bar stocked with your preferences, a choice of bathroom amenities, down duvet covers, premium mattresses, Radio/Alarm with iPod docking station, plush robe, hairdryer, WiFi internet access (fees apply), flat-screen television with on-demand movies, music and satellite news programming and daily suite service with evening turndown. [jaccordion]   Explorer Suite :: SIlversea Silver Discoverer Suite Explorer

Explorer Suite

As spacious as a View Suite, enjoy the passing scenery through two porthole windows. Each suite has an overall size of 186 SQ.FT. / 17.3 M2
  • Two portholes
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed, including storage draws
  • Marbled bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Choice of bathroom amenities
  • Writing desk
  • Hair Dryer
  • Wardrobe with personal safe
  • Flat screen television with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Radio/Alarm with Ipod docking Station
  • Wifi available (fees apply)
[jacc/]   View Suite :: SIlversea Silver Discoverer Suite View

View Suite

The perfect backdrop for breakfast in bed. Even guests who plan to spend only sleeping hours in their suite will appreciate the distinctive touches of this cosy Silversea accommodation. Each suite has a view window and overall size of 181 SQ. FT. / 16.8 M2
  • View window
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed, including storage drawers
  • Marbled bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Choice of bathroom amenities
  • Writing desk
  • Hair Dryer
  • Wardrobe with personal safe
  • Flat screen television with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Radio/Alarm with Ipod docking station
  • Wifi available (fees apply)
[jacc/]   Vista Suite :: Silversea Silver Discoverer Suite Vista

Vista Suite

A quiet sanctuary. Enough living space to roam and relax. Two large view windows provide ocean views. Each suite has an overall size of 269 SQ. FT. / 25 M2
  • Two large view windows
  • Sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed, including storage drawers
  • Marbled bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Choice of bathroom amenities
  • Hair dryer
  • Writing desk
  • Wardrobe with personal safe
  • Flat screen television with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Radio/Alarm with Ipod docking station
  • Wifi available (fees apply)
[jacc/]   Veranda Suite :: SIlversea Silver Discoverer Suite Veranda

Veranda Suite

Sophisticated and welcoming, Veranda Suites are a favourite of returning Silversea guests. The private balcony surrounds you with panoramic views. Each suite has an overall size of 280 SQ. FT. / 26 M2 (including balcony 35.5 SQ. FT. / 3.2 M2), and several Veranda Suites can accommodate three guests.
  • Teak style balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
  • Sitting area with convertible sofa that can accommodate an additional guest up to the age of 14 years old. Veranda Suites 601, 602, 603, 604 only)
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed, including storage draws
  • Marbled bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Choice of bathroom amenities
  • Hair dryer
  • Writing desk
  • Wardrobe with personal safe
  • Flat screen television with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Radio/Alarm with Ipod docking station
  • Wifi available (fees apply)
[jacc/]   Medallion Suite :: SIlversea Silver Discoverer Suite Medallion

Medallion Suite

The Medallion Suite is Silver Discoverer’s most spacious with an overall size of 408 SQ. FT. / 38 M2 (including a Balcony 27 SQ. FT. / 2.5 M2). This is the ideal suite for socialising with friends or enjoying quiet time alone on your private balcony.
  • Teak style balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Twin beds or queen-sized bed, including storage draws
  • Marbled bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Choice of Bathroom Amenities
  • Hair dryer
  • Writing desk
  • Wardrobe with personal safe
  • Laundry service
  • Two flat screen televisions with on-demand movies and music, and satellite news programming
  • Radio/Alarm with Ipod docking station
  • Wifi available (fees apply)
[/jaccordion] [jtab/] Voyage Highlights ::

Voyage Highlights

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Māori culture; the first settlers of New Zealand. Let the striking beauty of the peaks and waterfalls of Milford Sound and Dusky Sound take your breath away. Celebrate a myriad of rare animals, such as the smallest dolphin in the world, the Fiordland Penguins, and endangered sea lions.

Day 1 — Wellington, New Zealand

Embark Silver Discoverer and depart on your exciting 9-day Silversea Expedition — “Wild New Zealand.” After settling in and setting sail, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and attend a safety briefing. Tonight we invite you to familiarise yourself with your new home away from home, meet some of your fellow travellers and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant.

Day 2 — Kaikoura, New Zealand

Step into the rich culture of the Māori as you learn their history in the Kaikoura area from the Tangata Whenua, the people of the land. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of being Māori in their modern day world, while discovering how their past has helped them cultivate a fundamental relationship with the environment. Visit the fortified villages of pre-European days known as the Pa sites. Hear how they were settled by our ancestors — often in battle — and see the stories the land still tells today. Be guided into one of the indigenous forest walkways to learn about the trees and plants, and their traditional uses as food and medicine. Participate in customs while learning Māori Protocol and key values. Learn a waiata — a song that holds within its words the key philosophy of Māori Tours Kaikoura. During this tour guests will partake in light refreshments and receive a small memento to remember this wonderful cultural experience by.

Day 3 — Nelson, New Zealand

Our expedition continues to New Zealand’s sunshine capital, Nelson, located at the top of the South Island. Nelson is home to three national parks and a smorgasbord of activities to suit all walks of life,and today we discover one of New Zealand’s best products: New Zealand Wine. The Nelson area is one of New Zealand’s sunniest regions and clear skies allow for very cool nights, which result in an expressive flavour development in the fruit and a solid structure of fruit acid. We travel to Neudorf Winery situated in the Upper Moutere Valley of Nelson; Neudorf Winery was established by Tim and Judy Finn in 1978 and is credited with producing one of New Zealand’s best Chardonnays. It also has an international reputation for the quality of its other Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris wines. We also visit the historic Upper Moutere village situated amongst picturesque hills, and this is where we find the small family owned boutique vineyard of Moutere Hills. Your wine experience continues with a visit to Seifried Estate. Seifried Wines is the biggest and one of the oldest established wine producers in the Nelson region. Hermann and Agnes Seifried established their first vineyard in 1973 in the Moutere Valley. The original winery has since been outgrown, and Seifried is now located in the district of Redwood. Main varieties grown include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. We return to Silver Discoverer at the end of a relaxing day full of memories of New Zealand’s wine country.

Day 4 — At Sea

A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Begin perhaps with a late breakfast and another cup of coffee or tea during the first of the day’s lectures. Join the lectures and hear fascinating tales of adventure. Learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields.

Days 5-6 — New Zealand Fiordland National Park

Milford Sound, New Zealand Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site and includes Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, which will take two days to explore. Tucked away in the Fiordland National Park, you’ll immerse yourself in the breath-taking views of Milford Sound (Piopiotahi in Māori). The majestic carved peaks and dramatic waterfalls will leave you in awe as you marvel at the striking figure that is Mitre Peak. Using Zodiacs and the ship to explore, the journey there is just the beginning as your Captain and Expeditions Leader work together to create the perfect schedule for your day. A jaunt away is the subdued, Doubtful Sound. The rounded hills put up a greater resistance to glaciation, making its appearance seem softer and less dramatic. However, the sight is still inspiring as wildlife is slightly more abundant. Here you have a greater chance of seeing the resident pod of dolphins, penguins and seals. Dusky Sound, New Zealand Another day at the Fiordland National Park awaits your arrival. Today you will explore Dusky Sound. While seals and dolphins are often sighted in these waters, you may be witness to the occasional visiting whale. However, keep your eye on land as well, this is a prime-breeding site for the Fiordland Penguins.

Day 7 — The Snares, New Zealand

The Snares is a small island group at approximately 200 kilometres south of New Zealand’s South Island and covers a total of approximately 3.5 square kilometres. Unlike other sub-Antarctic islands that were greatly affected by the whaling and sealing industry in the nineteenth-century, The Snares remains one of the last near pristine areas in New Zealand. Using the fleet of zodiacs on board the Silver Discoverer we go in search of some endemic bird species such as the Snares Crested Penguin, the Snares Island Snipe, the Snares Fern bird and the Snares Black Tomtit, as well as several endemic invertebrates.

Day 8 — Ulva Island, Stewart Island, New Zealand

Ulva Island delivers a wonderful natural history encounter free of any invasive species. You’ll enjoy a spectacular walk while marvelling at the endemic plants and birdlife. Today, our natural history walks will go in search of endemic plants and birdlife in this world-renowned open bird sanctuary.

Day 9 — Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city, a university city of Scottish heritage, possesses a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture and world-famous wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula. Explore the town, taking in the ornate Edwardian railway station and the Octagon plaza at the centre of town. Alternatively visit the Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries and has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the rare Royal Albatross breeding ground and Yellow-Eyed & Little Blue Penguin colonies.

Day 10 — Lyttleton, New Zealand

Following breakfast, disembark Silver Discoverer. Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation. [jtab/] Expedition Team ::

Chris Stanley, Photographer and Videographer

Chris Stanley is a Canadian cinematographer and editor who has produced some of the most inspiring travel videos in more than 30 countries across six continents over the last five years. Trained in Digital Cinema at The Art Institute of Vancouver, Chris founded Amber Pacific Studios in 2007. Since then, he’s produced eye-catching HD videos that range from travel television programs and music videos to corporate production work and promotional videos for tourism boards.

Craig Ward, Marine Biologist and Dive Instructor

Craig Ward is a Dive Instructor & Marine Biologist. He has specialized in Marine education throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly; the Northern Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberley, South East Asia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. He has taught hundreds of people to dive and has provided in-depth knowledge of the reef to novices and scientists alike.

Kara Weller, Expedition Leader and Biologist

Kara Weller has always had a passion for travel and for the biology of the natural world. Growing up in Alaska, she first became interested in wildlife when bears and moose constantly visited the woods next to her house. Kara has earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in wildlife biology, with research experiences that range from studying whales in the Bering Sea to mouflon sheep in Eastern Europe.

Lars Maltha Rasmussen

Lars has worked with bird monitoring and scientific research for more than 25 years. He has a scientific interest in seabirds and a thorough knowledge of many aspects of arctic wildlife and ecology. He is currently based in Copenhagen, counseling in environmental impact assessment, conservation management, bird ecology, and Arctic environment. Since 2010, Lars has guided in the Arctic on tours in Svalbard, East Greenland, and West Greenland.

Louis Justin, Lecturer

Louis Justin shares his knowledge of geography and the history of exploration as a lecturer aboard expedition ships. His interest for the natural world enables him to discuss subjects such as geophysics, navigation, weather, volcanoes, and related sciences. Lecturer, tour manager and expedition leader, Louis organises voyages and leads itineraries to the world’s most secluded wilderness and cultural jewels.

Olive Andrews, Research Scientist

Olive Andrews’ compass has been fixed on marine mammals since she was eighteen, when she joined a whale research expedition on a tall ship. Nowadays, Olive is a research scientist at the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC) and Director of Whaleology, a consultancy where she leads international programmes dedicated to research and the conservation of whales. She leads marine research and tourism operations from the tropics to the poles.

Stefan Kredel, Geologist

Kredel has cycled throughout Europe, traversed Nepal’s Annapurna Circle, hiked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, and explored copper, gold and diamond mines in Austria, Italy, South Africa, and his native Germany. He has travelled extensively throughout Iceland, Greenland, and the North Pole regions.

Thomas Hammerich, Geologist

It was Thomas Hammerich’s love for geology and paleontology, and a specialty in Marine Geology, Subduction Zones and Volcanology, that led him to the sea. The Neumuenster, German native has participated in travel exhibitions and international science & arts expos. Thomas is also a lecturer at the annual international Fleugel-Course at the University of Erlangen, Nürnberg. He also reviews articles for international science magazines and works as a consultant.

Will Wagstaff, Ornithologist

For 25 years now, Will Wagstaff has been a freelance wildlife tour guide based on the Isles of Scilly in southwest England. He leads daily walks, boat trips, and weekly digital presentations on the islands’ wildlife. He was a bird recorder for thirteen years, regularly contributes to magazines, and has appeared as a local expert on television and radio. In 2001, Will published the first guidebook to the Falkland Islands. [/jtabs]
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