President’s Council Cruise: Optional Pre-Cruise Package

Auckland & Waiheke Island

January 9-10 // 2020

Join the Purdue President’s Council and unwind after your long flight with a one- or two-night pre-cruise in Auckland, New Zealand. Cruising between New Zealand and Australia is the experience of a lifetime, and this is your opportunity to make the most of your time down under. Enjoy included tours and time to relax before embarking the Viking Orion.

The cultural capital of New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” and enjoys a stunning setting between two harbors.

Itinerary

Thursday, January 9, 2020 // Arrive Auckland, New Zealand

Welcome to New Zealand!
Upon arriving in Auckland, you will be met by a local representative and transferred directly to the hotel. It is approximately a 30-minute drive depending on traffic.

M Social Auckland Hotel
Set in Auckland’s vibrant Viaduct Harbor waterfront area, M Social is on iconic Quay Street, only a few steps from a hub of attractions, restaurants, bars, and the cruise ship pier. The hotel features the Beast & Butterflies, M Social’s all-day Pacific Rim-inspired Restaurant & Bar, and 24-hour fitness center.

Club Room: Your upgraded Club Room offers king-size or twin beds, modern décor, Waitemata Harbor view, free Wi-Fi, lounge access throughout the day for refreshments, and an evening reception with cocktails and canapés from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Check-in time is 3:00 pm. The hotel will do its best to accommodate early arrivals; however, early check-in cannot be guaranteed. If you have an early morning arrival and prefer immediate access to your room, it is suggested to book the night prior.

Kiwi Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour of Auckland
This afternoon you have the chance for a fun and intimate tour of Auckland via a 100% electric tuk tuk built for two. The local private guides are very passionate about their city, and they will acquaint you with the best and most iconic inner-city sights rich with Māori and European history. You will hear insight into how this wonderful city emerged from a narrow volcanic isthmus and became a bustling, vibrant city on the edge of the world.

After an evening reception in the Club Lounge, join President Council members for an optional visit to Auckland’s Sky Tower, with its distinctive spire visible from all corners of the city. Standing at 1,076 feet high, the tower is New Zealand’s highest building, offering unbeatable views. Standard Sky Tower admission includes access to the viewing platform and cafe. You can also opt to have dinner at the gourmet Sugar Club or dine at Orbit 360° Dining where the dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience with amazing 360-degree panoramas of the city, the Hauraki Gulf and beyond.

Friday, January 10, 2020 // Auckland, New Zealand

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Depart Hotel
Check-out of the hotel. We will walk as a group with our luggage across the street to Queens Wharf where the Viking Orion is docked. We drop our luggage off in the cruise ship terminal where Viking will transfer it to your stateroom.

Waiheke Island Wine Tour
Located in the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland Harbor. Aboard the ferry, cruise past stunning coastlines and beautiful islands. Waiheke is known for its pristine beaches, stunning coastal headlands, vineyards, olive groves, and seaside villages. It is home to more than 30 boutique vineyards, and with our local guide we will visit and have tastings at three unique vineyards along with various tasty finger foods.

For the adventurous, there is opportunity to venture out on the wine trail hiking route or take time for great shopping in the unique stores bursting with local art, gifts, jewelry, clothing, and more.

Later in the afternoon, we take the return ferry to Auckland Harbor and embark the Viking Orion.

Inclusions and Pricing

Inclusions:

Your package includes one or two nights at the M Social Auckland Hotel in a Club Room, breakfast, arrival airport transfer, Kiwi Tuk Tuk Tour, Waiheke Island Wine Tour with ferry ticket, local guides, gratuities, tax, and the assistance of pre-cruise staff.

Price:

One Night: January 9-10, 2020

$770 per person, double occupancy
$940 per single

$25 Sky Tower admission per person

Deposit: $250 per person

Final Payment: July 2, 2019

Two Nights: January 8-10, 2020

$960 per person, double occupancy
$1,130 per single