This is a wonderful opportunity to experience this magical southern corner of the world early in the season when the region is clear and the snow pristine.
Frequent zodiac shore excursions give you the opportunity to step ashore onto the Antarctica Peninsula in a sea and coastline of abundant marine life and stunning scenery.
Seals, penguins, albatross, sea lions, gulls, skuas and possibly Orca whales await.
Enjoy three nights in Buenos Aires before flying to Ushuaia where we board our expedition vessel ‘Seabourn Pursuit” for our voyage to Antarctica.
“If this is one destination you have on your list – this is the ideal time. It was high on my bucket list and the advice to me was go at this time of the year, I went and agree.” - Jim Murphy - Director and previous tour escort’
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Depart Auckland on Latam Airlines, change planes in Santiago and arrive in Buenos Aires on the same day. Transfer to a centrally-located hotel.
Today our city tour highlights the best of Argentina’s capital including the glamorous neighbourhoods of Recoleta and its famous cemetery, May Square, the Pink House, Metropolitan Cathedral and the Puerto Madero area. Also included are the first settlements of the city, former residences of aristocracy and the colourful La Boca area.
Remainder of day free before a welcome dinner.
Today we continue our exploration of the City of Buenos Aires. Remainder of day free before a dinner and Tango show, a night to remember.
This morning we fly by charter flight to Ushuaia and board the Seabourn Pursuit. The Captain’s welcome dinner is tonight. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our evening sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.
Wildlife-spotting opportunities abound as we sail south. See Albatross, Prions, and Petrels that frequently follow the ship. Our Expedition Team will be out on deck as well, looking for the whales and dolphins that may also be seen in the area. Later our experts will begin the on-board presentation series covering many relevant topics. Later cross the boundary between the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
The expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. This unique, white wilderness of white ice, calm-dark seas, rock and sky will astound. Daylight overshadows night in an array of extraordinary colours glowing in every shade of deep blues and aquamarine – an amalgam of greens and blues.
The route will stress the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.
Take time to cruise by Zodiac into picturesque harbours and bays and wildlife-filled Channel and active scientific and historic bases. See Adelie, Chinstrap, Emperor, Macaroni and Gentoo Penguins and Weddell, Crab Eater and Elephant seals which are often found resting along with predatory Leopard seals and the aggressive Antarctic Fur Seal.
Ease gently into Paradise Bay with its glacial mountains and towering icebergs and the famous Lemaire Channel with its mountainous narrow channel and reflections.
Opportunities to step ashore are numerous – be guided by experts in their fields and experience the wilderness of Antarctica.
We continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting as we sail back across Drake Passage to Ushuaia with time to reflect on the beautiful Antarctica and its fragile future. Farewell Dinner on-board.
Morning disembarkation of ‘Seabourn Pursuit’ and fly to Buenos Aires. Transfer to the International Airport for your flight home. Late departure for Auckland via Santiago
Change planes in Santiago
Cross the International dateline
• Economy flights Auckland - Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires – Ushuaia / Ushuaia – Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires - Auckland
• Three nights in Buenos Aires
• Breakfast daily
• Lunches and dinners as specified
• Transfers as specified
• Sightseeing in Buenos Aires
• Dinner and Tango Show
• Eleven nights on board ‘Seabourn Pursuit’
• All meals on board ‘Seabourn Pursuit’
• All excursions / shore landings whilst on board ship
• Complimentary wine with lunch and dinner on board
• Open bar throughout the ship ‘Seabourn Pursuit’
• Complimentary mini bar onboard ‘Seabourn Pursuit’
• Gratuities included onboard ‘Seabourn Pursuit’
• Complimentary Seabourn parka and backpack
• Waterproof boots – on loan
• Government taxes & port handling fees
• Pukekohe Travel escort – subject to 18 persons travelling
ESTIMATED Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
---|---|---|
Veranda Suite Twin ( V2 ) | $23,850 | $38,000 |
Veranda Suite ( V3 ) | $25,550 | $40,000 |
Suite Upgrades Please Apply |
Business Class Upgrade |
P.O.A |
Early Booking Discount ( 15 Decemeber ) | $150 |
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount | $100 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
• Travel Insurance – compulsory
• Items of a personal nature
• Meals not specified
• Airport, airline & fuel surcharges (approx NZ$350)
• Twin share: a non-refundable deposit of $6,000 per person secures a place on the tour
• Single: a non-refundable deposit of $8,500 per person secures a place on the tour
• Full payment is due no later than 10 August 2025
• From date of booking until 10 August 2025 – no refund
• After 10 August 2025 – no refund
Travel Insurance is essential. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.
Documentation
•Travel insurance is compulsory
•A current passport is required – valid six months beyond return date of travel
•No visas are required for NZ passport holders. All other passport holders please ask
Temperatures / Weather
Buenos Aries Max 25˚c Min 17˚c
Ushuaia Max 14˚c Min 04˚c
Antarctic Peninsula – Coastal areas are generally close to freezing in December- Daylight Hours 17+
Clothing for Zodiac Excursions
Closer to departure date, extensive information will be provided – a brief summary is as follows
• PolarShield parka, waterShield waterproof and beanie – this is included on the tour and is yours to keep
• The ship will lend you a pair of waterproof expedition boots for the duration of the cruise
• The Golden Rules are: Layers, layers, layers – base, mid, outer
• Wear breathable fabric – not cottons
• Waterproof – not water repellent
• Protect your extremities
• Remember the SPF
• NB: “There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” – Ranulph Finnes
Expedition Team
There will be an expedition leader along with the team whose mix of expertise will enhance the overall experience of the Antarctica. Their knowledge will cover ice and snow; photography; geology; zoology; marine biology and kayaking and more
A good standard of health is required, with the ability to walk on uneven surfaces, negotiate ship’s stairs to zodiacs and get in and out of zodiacs. (see Terms and Conditions)
For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change