Project Description
Hosted Australia & New Zealand Wellness Cruise
16 Nights | Auckland – Sydney | February 21 – March 8, 2020
Join your Signature Hosts: Lucy and Peter van den Brand as they sail from Auckland, the City of Sails, to survey both islands of New Zealand from Tauranga to the Fjordlands. Then sail across to marvelous Melbourne, Geelong and Sydney’s lovely harbor.
Add an extra layer of luxury, serenity and care to your adventure with this very special Seabourn Wellness Cruise. World-renowned health and wellness experts join you on board, hosting workshops, discussions and events that promote physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being. Share every day of your voyage with Dr. Andrew Weil and a hand-picked team of world-renowned experts in the fields of integrative medicine, enlightened nutrition, emotional balance and mindful living.
Exclusive Amenities
Choose ONE of the options below.
ONE Guided Sightseeing with Private Car and Driver tour (Value – Up to $900 per Couple)
ONE Private Car and Driver “At Your Leisure” tour (Value – Up to $500 per Couple)
$300 per Couple Shipboard Credit
CRUISE INCLUSIONS
16-night cruise
Meals
Entertainment
Complimentary wines, spirits, champagne, soft drinks and mineral water
Auckland – City of Sails Highlights – half day tour (4 hours)
You will be met dockside by your private guide and driver for your tailormade half day tour featuring the highlights of Auckland City.
Auckland – ‘City of Sails’ is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world. Set on the shores of the Waitemata Harbour, Maori name for ‘sparkling waters’, the city boasts marine reserves, golden swimming beaches and black sand surf. As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland has a diverse ethnic mix providing a myriad of cultural experiences, reflected in the Pacific atmosphere and cuisine.
Enjoy a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum standing in the Auckland Domain on the rim of an ancient volcano, one of a number of extinct volcanoes within the Auckland region.
Enjoy an authentic display of Maori culture. Following the Maori Performance experience what is known as the world’s best collection of Maori Taonga (Treasures) and South Pacific artifacts at the Auckland Museum.
For a bird’s eye view of Auckland, its harbour and outlying islands, visit the Sky Tower which soars to an incredible 328 metres above Auckland, offering the best views of the city. The tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sky Tower has four observation decks including an outdoor deck, glass lift and floor panels, and multi lingual audio guides.
You will be returned to embark your cruise vessel following your touring (approximately 4 hours duration).
- Private transfers (from ship) and touring as noted
- Entrance to Auckland Museum with Maori performance and Maori gallery tour
- Entrance to SkyTower
- New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 15%
Call or email us to book this optional excursion
Optional Private Excursion operated by an independent third party provider
North Auckland – full day tour (8 hours)
You will be met dockside by your private guide and driver for your tailormade tour featuring highlights of the north Auckland region,
the Takatu Peninsula and Matakana Coast.
The Takatu Peninsula is a very ‘undiscovered’ part of Auckland’s eastern coastline, looking out to Kawau Island and encompassing the fabulously uncrowded surf beaches of Tawharanui Regional Park. Vineyards, museums and the crafts and pottery at nearby Matakana add to the charm of the region.
Begin your drive north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge viewing the Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore areas of the city before entering the tranquil countryside of the Rodney District.
Upon arrival at Brick Bay Wines, enjoy a shared platter style lunch (including glass of local wine, tea/coffee and sweet treat) at the Brick Bay café overlooking the sculpture exhibits and vineyard.
Following lunch, enjoy walking through their sculpture trail. Showcasing contemporary sculpture by established and emerging artists, you will experience the art in a remarkable landscape framed by towering native trees and majestic palms, abundant birdlife, and green pastures all overlooking the celebrated Brick Bay Vineyard. It is a unique outdoor gallery experience, where an ever changing display of 25 to 30 works is sensitively sited along the 2 kilometre trail. The track is an easy one hour walk suitable for most ages and abilities. Surfaces on the trail are grass, bark mulch, pebbles and wooden boardwalks. The trail is undulating terrain that winds through a valley, there are several sets of easily negotiated stairs and viewing benches are located at regular intervals along the trail.
Continue to Tawharanui Regional Park – for a leisurely walk to view the natural wonderland of the bush and beach followed by a drive to the beautiful LeighHarbour via the scenic Matakana countryside if time permits.
Return to Auckland – if time permits there may be the opportunity to visit some of the local vineyards, such as Ascension, Heron’s Flight Vineyard and Hyperion Wines.
You will be returned to embark your cruise vessel following your touring (approximately 8 hours duration).
- Private transfers (from ship) and touring as noted
- Platter lunch at Brick Bay Wines
- Sculpture trail at Brick Bay Wines
- New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 15%
- Alcoholic beverages at lunch
- Wine tasting charges
Call or email us to book this optional excursion
Optional Private Excursion operated by an independent third party provider
Auckland – West Coast – half day tour (4 hours)
You will be met dockside by your private guide and driver for your half day tailormade tour featuring the highlights of the Auckland region.
Auckland – ‘City of Sails’ is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world. Set on the shores of the Waitemata, Maori name for ‘sparkling waters’, the city boasts marine reserves, golden swimming beaches and black sand surf. AsNew Zealand’s largest city, Auckland has a diverse ethnic mix providing a myriad of cultural experiences, reflected in the Pacifica atmosphere and cuisine.
Travel west to the spectacular West Coast beaches, where you will experience the magnitude of the area, the softness of black sand and the cool ocean breeze. VisitMuriwai Beach to enjoy the opportunity of a light walk and explore this unique New Zealand coastal landscape with its rugged surf pounded cliffs .View the nesting sites of one of the world’s largest sea birds, the Gannet, in their natural environment.
Return to the Kumeu area – New Zealand’s most concentrated wine making region which has a distinct Mediterranean flavour. Many of the vineyards were settled by Dalmation migrants in valleys and on the sunny slopes footing the dramatic Waitakere Ranges. There is the opportunity to enjoy wine tasting if desired.
You will be returned to embark your cruise vessel following your touring (approximately 4 hours duration).
- Private transfers (from ship) and touring as noted
- New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 15%
- Meals
- Winetasting charges
Call or email us to book this optional excursion
Optional Private Excursion operated by an independent third party provider
Rotorua – thermal and cultural highlights (ex Tauranga) – full day tour (8 hours)
Upon disembarking at Tauranga you will be met by your private guide and driver for a full day’s sightseeing tour of Rotorua tailored to suit your interests and requirements (approximately 1 hours journey).
Rotorua – heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture. Surrounded by steaming lakes, bubbling hot pools and bursting geysers, Rotorua is host to some of the worlds most incredible earth forces, capturing all that is precious and unique – feel its spirit ~ Mannakitanga.
Visit the Rotorua Museum of Art & History for an insight into this fascinating thermal area. The RotoruaMuseum inhabits a building that is a national icon, recognisable throughout the world. The lavishly designed Tudor-style building opened as a spa in 1908 and was later refurbished to reopen as the Museum it is today.
Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants (cost not included).
Continue to the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Te Puia Thermal Valley. See Maori people weaving traditional flax objects, and continue to the thermal area where exploding from the ground up to 30 metres high is the world famous Pohutu Geyser – an awesome display of mother nature’s power. Ten to 20 times a day it bursts into life; a tourist attraction since the early 1900’s. See silica terraces, bubbling mud pools and unique geothermal vegetation – each of the geothermal wonders is woven into a legend surrounded by memories and sometimes mystery.
You will be returned to Tauranga to embark your cruise vessel following your touring (approximately 8 hours duration).
- Private transfers (from ship) and touring as noted
- Entrance to Rotorua Museum
- Entrance to Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts and Crafts Centre
- New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 15%
- Meals
Call or email us to book this optional excursion
Optional Private Excursion operated by an independent third party provider
Sydney: Blue Mountains Day Tour – 9 hours
Your private guide and vehicle will meet you at the cruise terminal for your luxury eco-tour into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region, Blue Mountains.
Continuing your journey to the Blue Mountains National Park, where you will enter a little known hidden clearing to unlock a piece of Australia you would never have known existed. Enjoy morning tea in a secluded valley, where you may see kangaroos grazing in the wild.
Visit a number of scenic lookouts, including Kings Tableland with its breathtaking views over the Jamison Valley. See firsthand the ruggedness and beauty that the Blue Mountains are famous for.
Lunch is included today at a local café in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Then head to Wentworth Falls and take a short walk to the falls with your guide. Enjoy stunning views and experience the local flora and fauna up close as your guide shares their knowledge of the incredible geology of the Blue Mountains and how they were formed.
Re-join your vehicle and travel towards the township of Katoomba. At Eagle Hawk lookout you will see the famous Three Sisters and learn the Aboriginal legend behind this famous rock formation while marvelling at the stunning views of Jamison Valley. Then continue around Narrow Neck Plateau for more incredible vantage points.
Then sit back and relax during your journey back through Sydney’s western suburbs and across the ANZAC Bridge to reboard your cruise vessel.
Tour duration: approximately 9 hours
Cost includes: touring in luxury vehicle, professional local guide, pick-up and return to cruise vessel, wildlife park entry fee, morning tea, lunch, national park fee
Cost excludes: beverages at lunch
Call or email us to book this optional excursion
Optional Private Excursion operated by an independent third party provider
Sydney: Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour – 10 hours
Your private guide and vehicle will meet you at the cruise terminal for your full day tour to the Hunter Valley.
180 years young, the Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest and best-known wine region. It’s a dynamic and fascinating area that is home to over 150 top-class wineries, 65 indulgent restaurants as well as gourmet produce and boutique breweries.
Travelling north over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, your first visit is to a 5-star winery nestled in the Mount View region of the Hunter Valley, a well-renowned viticulture area, where you sample exquisite wines in a private area.
Then continue on to Leogate Estate, one of the most highly regarded vineyards in Australia. This opulent cellar door is the perfect place to enjoy that unique taste which only the Hunter Valley and their award-winning wines can provide. Sample a selection of cheeses to accompany your wine tasting, followed by a tour of the onsite winery to learn of the winemaking process. Then enjoy a relaxing 2-course lunch: a selection of platters with a glass of red or white wine, followed by a dessert of choice.
After lunch, travel to Keith Tulloch Winery, a small family owned winery and vineyard produces wines that express the unique terrain and climate from the ancient soils of the Brokenback Range. Enjoy a unique wine tasting experience in collaboration with artisan chocolatier “Cocoa Nib”. Sample five handmade praline chocolates, matched to the wineries current release wine – a sensational way to conclude our day in the Hunter Valley Wine Region.
On conclusion of your tour, you will be transferred back to the cruise terminal.
Tour duration: approximately 10 hours
Cost includes: touring in luxury vehicle, professional local guide, pick-up and return to cruise vessel, morning tea, lunch, wine tasting
Cost excludes: beverages at lunch
Call or email us to book this optional excursion
Optional Private Excursion operated by an independent third party provider
Meet your expert local guide for the drive to Wellington.
Your tour of Wellington passes Victorian architecture gracing the steep hills surrounding one of the finest harbors and beautiful coastlines in New Zealand. You will visit the Te Papa Museum – New Zealand’s leading contemporary museum.
Then, continue past galleries, museums housing national treasures, and the distinctive “Beehive” and old Parliament Buildings. Admire Wellington’s spectacular harbor from a windswept lookout on top of Mount Victoria.
Your tour will conclude at the pier.
Included:
- Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking guide and driver for 4 hours
- Entrance fees for listed sights
- Gratuities to guide and driver*
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Excluded:
- Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
- Items of personal nature
*Gratuities have been prepaid. Additional gratuities are at guest’s discretion.
You decide where to go and what to see.
Included:
- Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking guide and driver for 4 hours
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Gratuities to guide and driver**
Excluded:
- Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
- Entrance fees
- Items of personal nature
*Mileage restrictions may apply.
**Gratuities have been prepaid. Additional gratuities are at guest’s discretion.
Meet your expert local guide for the drive to Melbourne.
Start your tour with a drive around Melbourne Panoramic, well-known for its tree-lined boulevards and many parks and gardens. Then, you will take a walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens which was laid out over 150 years ago and is reputed to be the finest in the Southern Hemisphere.
You will travel past Victorian terrace houses, the city’s exclusive suburbs, and the Arts precinct.
Your tour will conclude at the pier.
Please Note: Due to the nature of weather and traffic conditions the above itinerary could change.
Included:
- Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking guide and driver for 4 hours
- Entrance fees for listed sights
- Gratuities to guide and driver*
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Excluded:
- Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
- Items of personal nature
*Gratuities have been prepaid. Additional gratuities are at guest’s discretion.
You decide where to go and what to see.
Included:
- Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking guide and driver for 4 hours
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Gratuities to guide and driver**
Excluded:
- Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
- Entrance fees
- Items of personal nature
*Mileage restrictions may apply.
**Gratuities have been prepaid. Additional gratuities are at guest’s discretion.
Andrew Weil, M.D.
Andrew Weil, M.D., is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, a healing oriented approach to health care which encompasses body, mind, and spirit.
Combining a Harvard education and a lifetime of practicing natural and preventive medicine, Dr. Weil is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, where he also holds the Lovell-Jones endowed chair in integrative rheumatology and is clinical professor of medicine and professor of public health. The Center is the leading effort in the world to develop a comprehensive curriculum in integrative medicine. Graduates serve as directors of integrative medicine programs throughout the United States, and through its fellowship, the Center is now training doctors and nurse practitioners around the world.
Dr. Weil is an internationally-recognized expert for his views on leading a healthy lifestyle, his philosophy of healthy aging, and his critique of the future of medicine and health care.
Victoria Maizes, M.D.
Dr. Victoria Maizes is Executive Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and a Professor of Medicine, Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Arizona. Internationally recognized as a leader in integrative medicine, Dr Maizes is committed to helping individuals live healthier lives and pioneering change efforts that solve US health care system problems. For more than twenty years she has worked together with Dr Andrew Weil and their team at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine to create and implement educational programs that reach thousands of physicians, nurses, and other health professionals; developed an innovative, integrative primary care clinical model; and carried out research to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of integrative care. A highly sought-after international speaker, she is the editor of the Oxford University textbook Integrative Women’s Health and the author of Be Fruitful: The Essential Guide to Maximizing Fertility and Giving Birth to a Healthy Child. In 2009, she was named one of the world’s 25 intelligent optimists by ODE magazine.
Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD, MD
Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD, MD — is a Clinical Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine; Department of Family and Community Medicine; and Department of Psychiatry at the University of California School of Medicine (UCSF) in San Francisco; and, a Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine and Department Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona School of Medicine in Tuscon. At the University of California School of Medicine, he is Director of the Corporate Health Improvement Program (CHIP) which is a collaborative research program between CHIP and 15 of the Fortune 500 corporations including Ford, Oracle, Prudential, Dow, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Pepsico, IBM, Cummins, Steelcase, and the Mayo Clinic. He also serves as Chairman of the American Health Association (AHA) and is a Vice President with American Specialty Health (ASH).
Your Hosts
Lucy and Peter van den Brand
Offer ID :1309894
Prices are cruise-only, per person and based on double occupancy. Some amenities may not be combinable with the fare listed. Information and pricing is subject to change without notice. While we do our very best to ensure that information and pricing appearing in this website is complete and accurate, we cannot be responsible for incomplete and inaccurate representations, which may or may not be under our control. In the event of a pricing error, misrepresentation or omission, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing or make any other corrections. Prices shown are in USD unless stated otherwise.