Ponant unveils 14 new ‘border bubble’ voyages to New Zealand and beyond

Ponant unveils 14 new ‘border bubble’ voyages to New Zealand and beyond

Ponant is taking advantage of the trans-Tasman travel bubble with the release of several new itineraries exploring the very best of Aotearoa!

From November 2021 to early 2023, the luxury expedition cruise line will launch 14 voyages focused on New Zealand and beyond, each varying in duration from seven to 21 nights.

Your clients can delve deep into the highlights of the South Island, with special visits to the Snares Island with its prolific birdlife, the predator-free sanctuary of Ulva Island and spectacular glacial fiords and mountains.

Or, they can explore the isolated Subantarctic Islands with privileged visits to New Zealand’s rarely visited Enderby, Campbell and Antipodes islands, plus time ashore on the only island in the world composed entirely of oceanic crust and rocks from the mantle: Australia’s Macquarie Island.

Heading north of New Zealand on board Ponant’s small luxury expedition ship, Le Lapérouse, your clients can visit Norfolk Island en-route to the exotic sub-tropical isles of New Caledonia, including the dreamy Isle of Pines and picture-perfect Lifou in the Loyalty archipelago.

Or, for ultimate polar adventure, send them south to travel in the footsteps of Scott and Shackleton!

Conveniently departing and returning from Dunedin, this new expedition allows exploration deep into the seldom-visited Ross Sea, the southern-most sea on Earth.

Weather permitting, clients can check out the historic huts of Scott, Shackleton and Borchgrevink, and reflect on the heroic journeys of some of the world’s most intrepid polar explorers.

As a bonus, you can add some Subantarctic islands, including Australia’s own Macquarie Island, home to armies of king penguins, to complete their polar expedition.

Deb Corbett, regional general manager of sales and marketing at Ponant, said: “From the remote subantarctic islands to spectacular fiords and fascinating Maori traditions, these voyages offer an eclectic mix of culture and nature that makes travelling to this Land of the Long White Cloud a unique experience.

“Besides, our exciting new itineraries allow for exploration beyond the beauty of New Zealand, such as neighbouring paradise New Caledonia and Antarctica’s seldom-visited Ross Sea.

“Surely, the question is not ‘will we go?’, but rather, ‘which voyage?'”


Featured image source: Ponant/Nathalie Michel

Latest News

  • Aviation
  • News

Velocity Frequent Flyer Bonus Points offer deadline looms

Aussies only have a few days left to take advantage of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer Bonus Points offer, available on eligible Virgin Australia international long-haul flights (including Euro summer!) Aussies can maximise their leave, while maximising their points-earning potential by racking up to 20,000 bonus points on business return flights and 10,000 bonus Points […]

  • Attractions
  • News

Inspirational Australians lead events across NSW as Australia Day Ambassadors

Innovators, educators, musicians, healthcare professionals, elite athletes and environmental advocates are among 80 inspirational Australians who will take part in events across NSW as Australia Day Ambassadors on 26 January 2025. These outstanding citizens and local heroes are handpicked each year by the Australia Day Council of NSW for their exceptional contributions to the community […]

  • Cruise

Royal Caribbean’s latest summer getaway deals with up to 60 per cent off

Royal Caribbean has announced its latest itineraries for short summer getaways aboard Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas with various savings. Prices for these cruises start from $659 per person for a balcony stateroom. Travellers can enjoy up to 60 per cent off second guests, with up to $850 in instant savings and kids’ sailings from […]

  • Luxury
  • News
  • Tour Operators

APT reveals rebrand for Luxury Travel arm with new look and new monogram

APT Travel Group, Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, has unveiled a transformative rebrand for APT Luxury Travel, introducing a new era with a fresh, contemporary new look. At the heart of the rebrand is a newly designed luxury monogram, replacing the company’s old logo. APT said the elegant, bespoke symbol represents the legacy […]

  • Events

Brand USA Trade Expo returns to Auckland and Wellington

Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the US, has announced the return of its New Zealand Trade Expos in partnership with Air New Zealand and United Airlines. Registrations are now open and are free for travel agents. Last year’s event sold out quickly, so agents are encouraged to register early to secure their place […]