Lautoka, Fiji
Welcome on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II. Settle into your suite in the sweet ‘Sugar City’ of Lautoka. Located in the heart of the sugar cane industry, Fiji’s second-biggest settlement opens up a world of blissful beaches, dense jungle and the culturally rich Fijian life.
Please book your flight to arrive into Nadi prior to 02:00 PM.
At sea
Acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board Scenic Eclipse II. Choose a class in one of the fitness spaces, relax in the Salt Therapy Lounge in the Senses Spa#, or tempt your palate from one of the up to 10 dining experiences and eight bars and lounges.
Tanna Island, Vanuatu
Tanna’s Mount Yasur, deemed the world’s most accessible active volcano, has been erupting since Captain James Cook witnessed its ash plumes in 1774. Revered as sacred by the John Frum cargo cult, who believe their deity dwells within, it captivates all who visit. Arrive via Zodiac to warm welcomes from local villagers, followed by performances from the John Frum string band and Waisis women’s choir. Enjoy vibrant custom dances and assist with traditional food preparation.
Freechoice:
Island Welcome - Step ashore and be greeted by the lively tunes of the John Frum string band and the harmonious Waisis Women’s Choir. Take a seat to enjoy an array of traditional dances, including the captivating Napam Napam women’s dance, dynamic men’s dances, and vibrant mixed performances. Capture the moment with a photo opportunity, then join in the preparation of authentic local foods, immersing you in the island’s rich cultural tapestry.
Island Welcome & Volcano - Experience the Island Welcome then, after lunch onboard, return ashore and board 4WD vehicles for a 40-minute drive to the volcano, trekking to the rim with guides for a thrilling finale.
Mystery Island, Vanuatu
Step into a world of untouched beauty as you arrive at Mystery Island, Vanuatu. This secluded paradise, accessible only by sea, offers an unspoiled retreat where turquoise waters lap against pristine shores. Indulge in pure relaxation, explore vibrant coral reefs, or immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture. Whether you seek serenity or discovery, this hidden gem invites you to experience the essence of the South Pacific.
Lifou Island, New Caledonia
A coral atoll atop a collapsed volcano, Lifou is the largest and highest of the Loyalty Islands. In the north, the coastline ends abruptly in cliffs, while the south is a long expanse of beaches. Further inland, the rich Kanak culture is proudly upheld by the local community.
Freechoice:
The Cliffs of Jokin: Discover the Mucaweng tribe’s tropical forest, where you’ll learn about vanilla harvesting and enjoy its rich aroma. Then, visit Jokin’s 120-foot cliffs for breathtaking views.
Lifous Vanilla House & Forest Animals: Visit Lifou’s Vanilla House, located in the Hnathalo tribe, for a tour of the Oni Wael Park. Spot unique forest animals and learn about vanilla cultivation and curing.
A Melanesian Encounter: Explore Drehu island with a local guide, visiting landmarks like St Xavier Church and the historic Xepenehe tribe. Enjoy scenic views, learn cultural stories and watch a demonstration of traditional bougna, a delicious underground oven meal.
Tropical Forest & Secret Grotto: Explore Lifou’s Mucaweng village, walk through the forest, discover local plants and venture into a limestone cave. Experience traditional hunting techniques, meet a coconut crab and enjoy fresh juice.
Amedee Island, New Caledonia
Today’s destination is Amédée Island, a picturesque coral cay near Nouméa, New Caledonia, famed for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and thriving marine life. Relax on the beach, swim or snorkel with fish and turtles in this marine reserve or explore the Island Bird Path for wildlife wonders. Climb the 56-metre Amédée Lighthouse’s 241 steps for breathtaking lagoon views, ride a glass-bottom boat to discover marine secrets, and enjoy coconut grating, sarong tying, and tamouré dance displays.
Discovery:
Weather permitting, the full range of Discovery activities will be available today.
At sea
Freshly squeezed juice, steaming barista-made coffee or tea delivered to your door by your butler will help you start your day. Find a cabana on Deck 10 to welcome the dawn before visiting the gym or the studio for a Pilates class, some guided stretching or aerial yoga.
Enjoy lunch at the Yacht Club for delightfully curated courses and a chance to meet your fellow guests. Spend the afternoon at leisure in your luxurious suite or head for the state-of-the-art theatre to hear from the Discovery Team. Then choose from up to 10 world-class dining experiences for dinner.
Norfolk Island, Australia
Roughly halfway between New Zealand and Australia, this tiny island is an outlying self-governing Australian territory with a tumultuous past. Claimed by Captain James Cook for the British in 1774, it was settled as a convict colony in 1788 and became known as Hell in the Pacific. In 1856, Queen Victoria gave the island to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers, who had outgrown their home on Pitcairn Island. Today, Norfolk remains a wild place, with dramatic landscapes, towering pines and pounding surf.
Freechoice:
Half-Day Extravaganza: Visit Norfolk Islands historic areas, such as Kingston, Cascade, and Longridge. Admire the spectacular scenery and learn about its unique history.
Historic Kingston Experience: Embark on a half-day tour of the islands history, including the World Heritage-listed Kingston settlement. Expert guides will uncover the diverse stories behind the sites.
Behind the Scenes: Experience Norfolk Island life by visiting local businesses. Meet owners, sample their products, and pick up some local goods to take home.
Bush Walk Adventure: Choose a gentle stroll through Palm Glen Reserve or a leisurely 3.5km walk up scenic Mt Bates, the islands highest point. Reach the Captain Cook Monument for panoramic coastal views.
At sea
Spend a lavish day at sea as you cruise towards New Zealand. Indulge in a signature ESPA treatment# at Senses Spa, unwinding in steam rooms, saunas, and Salt Therapy Lounge. Relax in a cabana on Deck 10 or sip a drink by the Vitality pool, watching the horizon unfold. Alternatively, enjoy afternoon tea on your private verandah, served by your butler, or join Discovery Team lectures in the theatre. Spot wildlife with your in-suite binoculars or Swarovski telescopes from the Observation Lounge.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Step into the Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island east coast, a haven of stunning scenery. Admire lush gardens, charming whitewashed homes, beautiful beaches and Christ Church, the oldest church in the country.
Freechoice:
Northland Maori Waka Encounter: A thrilling Maori War Canoe tour. Explore historic sites, paddle over Waitangi River estuaries and visit Haruru Falls, while a guide shares stories.
Glowworms and Kauri Forest: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Puketi Kauri Forest and journey through the Kawiti Caves, illuminated by shimmering glowworms.
Bay Of Islands Lunch Cruise: Sail through the waterways of Opua and Okiato and learn about the colourful people and events that shaped this country before a delicious lunch.
Enrich
Maori Culture & Marae Experience: Discover the essence of New Zealands heritage on a guided tour from Kerikeri Basin to a traditional Maori marae. Immerse yourself in captivating narratives, cultural insights, and unforgettable moments.
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Gorgeous white sand beaches, award-winning vineyards, emerald seas and picture-perfect landscapes – it’s easy to see why Waiheke is frequently rated one of the top islands escapes in the world. Sitting just off Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf, its popular with day trippers travelling by ferry but only a handful of smaller cruise ships ever dock off its charming coastline.
Meander along a coastal trail before finding shade under a Pohutukawa tree, explore the different bays while gliding on the blissful water on a kayak, or learn why Waiheke is known as New Zealand’s ‘Island of Wine’.
Freechoice:
Waiheke Scenic Overview: Drive around the north of the island, admiring landscapes and learning its stories. Finish at Onetangi’s sandy beach lined with ancient Pohutukawa trees.
Waiheke EcoZip: A thrilling zipline journey and a guided nature walk through Waiheke Islands spectacular native forest.
Waiheke Scenic & Wine Tasting: A curated tour featuring scenic highlights like Oneroa Village and Onetangi Beach, followed by a personalised wine tasting at a renowned vineyard.
Tauranga
Your Discovery Yacht will arrive in Tauranga (pronounced toe-run-gah) this morning. Set along the edge of the beautiful Bay of Plenty, this is New Zealand’s busiest port. The city is one of the fastest growing in New Zealand, yet retains its peaceful, laid-back charm.
It’s also the closest port for some of New Zealand’s most iconic sights. Rotorua is a natural geothermal wonderland with hot springs, bubbling mud pools and clouds of steam erupting from the ground. Set on a peninsula to the north-east of Tauranga, Mount Maunganui is regularly voted the most beautiful beach in New Zealand.
Freechoice:
Kiwi Geysers & Maori Crafts at Te Puia: Explore Te Puia village and Whakarewarewas geothermal valley, visit the Kiwi House, and enjoy a Maori lunch.
The Little Tribe That Could: Visit one of the local Maori Iwi at their marae. Hear their history and legends and join in a traditional Maori “hangi” meal.
Truffle Farm Visit: Visit a boutique truffe farm to learn about the art of truffle cultivation.
Tauranga Highlights & Kiwifruit: Discover The Elms, a historic colonial house. Explore the agricultural heartland and learn more about the kiwifruit.
As New Zealand as it Gets: Explore Kevin McCardles gallery, taste organic milk, fruits, and local produce at nearby farms and orchards.
Auckland
This lovely city has two harbours offering waterfront walks and views of Auckland’s harbour bridge, but the best cityscape vista is from 192 metres high at the Sky Tower. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, a French-Renaissance building houses New Zealand’s most extensive art collection, including works by Maori and Pacific artists.
Disembark after breakfast as you farewell the Scenic Eclipse II Captain and crew and take away stories for life from a truly remarkable voyage of discovery.
Please book your flight to depart out of Auckland after 12:00 PM.
#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ~Water activities may not operate in all locations. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions. Submersible not operational in New Zealand.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.