Dear Cycling Enthusiasts, |
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Embark Day: Our charter of the Star Breeze embarks in Christchurch, the “quaint” South Island metropolis with New Zealand's second largest airport. |
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The most popular club ride for the city’s cyclists is along the rim of the ancient volcano that separates Christchurch from its seaport. |
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A series of earthquakes allowed the sea to reclaim the center of the caldera, which became the perfectly-protected harbor for the South Island’s largest city. |
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Our embark day ride out of Christchurch will let you take in the majesty of this massive volcano by cycling the perimeter. Those who don’t care to start with a long and gentle climb can use a shuttle to reach the lofty lip. |
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Day 2: Described as “a ride through God’s photo album,” New Zealand’s most celebrated annual cycling event is the GrapeRide. A metric century that attracts thousands, the best part of this circular course that starts and ends in the Marlborough Wine Valley is the scenic roadway along the edge of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
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Santana’s use of a yacht-sized cruise ship allows us to start with a few miles along an additional (and nicer) fjord before we reach the vineyards. Moreover, our non-circular route with a pair of fjords is a bit shorter, and finishes with the GrapeRide’s best segment; all while avoiding the harsh climb on a busy highway. In summary, another celebrated ride you’ll never forget. |
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Instead of rides linking hotels that are up to 100 miles apart, a ship that relocates up to 200 miles while we sleep allows a less-frantic way to enjoy better cycling, and a wider range of New Zealand's diverse sights. |
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Day 3: A morning without cycling? One of the world’s most famous hikes is the 4-day “tramp” along Queen Charlotte Track, a trail that traces the shore of Queen Charlotte sound. Our ship allows us to sample the prime portion of this trail linking Furneaux Lodge with Ship Cove, a tidal inlet where British explorer James Cook returned during successive multi-year voyages of discovery to “haul out” his sailing ship in order to clean the hull. If 10.6 miles seems too far for a morning hike, an optional retrieval from Resolution Bay trims the distance and provides more time to explore a waterfall and Cook’s Monument. |
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Our post-lunch cruise anchors in a calm bay near Cook Strait, a place named for the Captain who witnessed a spectacular wildlife show staged by resident dolphins. Although Cook’s final departure from this favored spot occurred in 1775, the obliging troupe of dolphins who entertained him have remained in the area. |
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In this calm South Seas anchorage the Star Breeze will be able deploy its signature water-sports platform with kayaks and paddle boards. The ship’s fleet of zodiacs will allow us to explore adjacent bays. With a bit of luck, we'll be welcomed by a friendly escort of leaping dolphins. |
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Day 4: In Nelson, a city famous for museums, a choice of coastal rides view the famous beaches of Tasman Bay. All routes pass the tall monument marking the geographic center of New Zealand before pausing at botanical gardens and a wildlife sanctuary to gain an understanding and appreciation for New Zealand’s plants and animals. |
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Nelson is not only located at the very center of New Zealand, it’s also the country's second-oldest British settlement. At the New Zealand Heritage Center we’ll tour a village with relocated buildings, and learn about colonial life through live docents in period costumes who play the role of early settlers. |
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Day 5: Crossing to the North Island we’ll dock at the center of Wellington, New Zealand’s lively capital. Today’s rides offer an eclectic mix of bayside and urban cycling. Our routes cruise through trendy Cuba Street, pass in front of New Zealand’s Parliament, cycle the National Mall, and pause for a famous cable-car ride that climbs to a viewpoint above the city. In a country that recently zoomed to the top of the wine world, New Zealand’s brewers refuse to be left behind. In a colorful capital with over a dozen craft breweries, we’ll stop for a tour and tasting at our favorite. |
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If you feel the need to add miles on this otherwise easy day, continue along Wellington’s Bay for a gentle climb along the Hutt River on New Zealand’s most scenic cycle path. For the truly athletic we found a great return route that traces a high ridgeline with wondrous views and hilltop estates. As always, this day includes GPS guidance and a wide choice of routes—all with recommended stops. Santana’s format allows you to enjoy a healthy, unhurried, and un-herded vacation in your own way and at your own pace. |
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Day 6: A second day of North Island Cycling loops through Hawke’s Bay Vineyards and pauses for a tasting of celebrated wines before returning to Napier, where the world’s finest collection of Art Deco architecture is the result of a San Francisco scale 1931 earthquake that leveled the entire town. |
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Our guided walking tours with local experts allow you to appreciate the harmonized result of an amazing civic rebirth that remains an intense source of local pride. |
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Day 7: A day that starts in Gisborne explores the East Cape region, a friendly corner of New Zealand that remained a Maori stronghold. |
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Today our choice of routes include an inland loop through Maori farmlands to reach village stores and bakeries where English is a foreign language. |
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Long riders will get up early to add shoreline miles along a forested coast |
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Day 8: Another highlight of this tour is the tropical Coromandel Peninsula, the top-rated recreational getaway for vacationing New Zealanders. |
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The Coromandel is a relaxing natural wonderland where our coastal routes skirt a volcano cone and pass through a towering fern forest. |
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This carefree final day of cycling includes opportunities to explore Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, and Shakespeare Cliff. All routes end at a river inlet, where we’ll use a small ferry to reach Whitianga, the resort town where we’ll repack our bikes. |
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Day 9: We’ll disembark Windstar’s Star Breeze at the center of Auckland, where our tour concludes with a 15-minute shuttle to AKL International Airport.
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Since most flights leave in the late afternoon or evening, it’s easy to check bikes and luggage before spending the day exploring a beautiful city that reminds many of San Diego. Due to the international date line, most will arrive home before their flight departs. |
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Would you care to arrive early?
Until you’ve visited the “Adventure Capital of the World,” we don’t blame you for wondering if Queenstown can live up to the hype. It does.
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Although this Aspen-like resort town is too far inland to appear on any cruise ship itinerary, this exceptional 10th region includes amazing activities and a pair of days with epic cycling. Options that make Santana's 3-night Queenstown PreTour a "don't miss" extension to your cruise. |
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No need to decide now, we’ve already blocked a boatload of rooms at our favorite lakefront resort. Our Queenstown PreTour offer with full details will be delivered five months prior to the cruise. |
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Ship & Stateroom Info Tomorrow! |
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Dates & Pricing on Wednesday! |
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Your personal invitation to Reserve a Suite will arrive on Thursday at 10am Pacific! |
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