Hidden treasures of New Zealand and Vanuatu
The traces and vestiges of an ancestral past, the turquoise blue of the ocean, the gleam of the lush vegetation... the islands of the Pacific Ocean are strikingly beautiful. Over the course of a unique and unforgettable 16-day cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, fall in love with these treasures of the South Pacific, their ancient local cultures, verdant landscapes and exceptional marine environments.
The shores of the historical and dynamic city of Auckland slowly disappear from view. Cruise a little further north until Waiheke Island appears on the horizon. Succumb to the charms of its green lands, its heavenly beaches, and its vineyards and olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. Further north, the Bay of Islands is a historical treasure just begging to be discovered. It was here that in 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was signed between representatives of the British Crown and a number of Maori chiefs from the northern part of the North Island.
Le Jacques-Cartier will now make its way northward and call at Australia’s Norfolk Island, used in the 19th century as a British penal colony for the most dangerous prisoners. The ruins from the convict era are now on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. There, you will also discover lush vegetation lining the magnificent Emily Bay Lagoon, where Norfolk pines, an endemic species and the symbol of the island, are grown.
Then, you sails towards heavenly lands, where legends and myths remain engraved in memories and traditions... In Port-Vila, capital of Vanuatu, you will relish the unforgettable sight of magnificent bays, a colonial heritage and enchanting waterfalls. You have the opportunity to visit several traditional villages, particularly on the islands of Ambrym and Malekula. Their inhabitants will be happy to share with you their customs, including singing, dancing and art. In Espiritu Santo, the archipelago's main island, you are sure to be captivated by the unspoilt seabed surrounding this luxuriant islet.
Next, your ship will set a course northward to reach Cairns, where this unforgettable journey will draw to an end.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
