DAY 2
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is situated on a narrow strip of land, flanked by two magnificent harbours to the east and west. The shallow Manukau Harbour opens out to the Tasman Sea to the west, while the Waitemata Harbour lies at the heart of the city centre and is Auckland’s deepwater port. It has a vibrant waterfront that has flourished with the successful hosting of the America’s Cup, and the trendy restaurants and waterside cafes are a constant hive of activity.
Arrive: 28/12/2023 -Depart: 28/12/2023
DAY 4
Tauranga, New Zealand
The population centre of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities. Along with its neighbour, Whakatane, this seaside city claims to be one of the country’s sunniest towns. Unlike most local towns, Tauranga doesn’t grind to a halt in the off-season, because it has one of the busiest ports in the country, and the excellent waves at the neighbouring beach resort of Mount Maunganui—just across Tauranga’s harbour bridge—always draw surfers and holiday folk.
Arrive: 30/12/2023 -Depart: 30/12/2023
DAY 5
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
The Bay of Islands is a stunning area of New Zealand located in the far north of the country. It is home to some 144 islands, making it one of the top destinations for anyone looking to explore some of the most pristine waters in the world. With its crystal clear waters, lush landscapes, and outdoor activities, the Bay of Islands promises a truly unique and memorable experience for visitors. The Bay of Islands is perhaps best known for its idyllic beaches. Swimming in its sheltered waters is a popular summertime activity, topped off with a picnic and glass or two of local wine. The beaches are often lined with greenery that spills into the water, offering visitors a glimpse into the spectacular beauty and diversity of New Zealand’s nature.
Arrive: 31/12/2023 -Depart: 31/12/2023
DAY 7
Picton, New Zealand
The maritime township of Picton (population 4,000) lies at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound and is the arrival point for ferries from the North Island, as well as a growing number of international cruise ships. It plays a major role in providing services and transport by water taxi to a multitude of remote communities in the vast area of islands, peninsulas, and waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park. There’s plenty to do in town, with crafts markets in summer, historical sights to see, and walking tracks to scenic lookouts over the sounds. The main foreshore is lined by London Quay, which looks up Queen Charlotte Sound to the bays beyond. High Street runs down to London Quay from the hills, and between them these two streets make up the centre of town.
Arrive: 02/01/2024 -Depart: 02/01/2024
DAY 8
Akaroa, New Zealand
Akaroa is a charming coastal town situated on the Banks Peninsula in the South Island of New Zealand. The town’s history dates back to the mid-19th century when it was founded by French settlers. Today, Akaroa retains much of its French influence, evident in its architecture, street names and local cuisine. Visitors can explore the town’s vibrant art scene, enjoy the stunning scenery and take part in a range of water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking and dolphin watching.
Arrive: 03/01/2024 -Depart: 03/01/2024
DAY 9
Port Chalmers, New Zealand
European whaling ships first called at Otago Province during the early decades of the 1800s, yielding a mixed response from the native Māori. In 1848 Dunedin was settled, and by the mid-1860s the city was the economic hub of the Otago gold rush. Dunedin’s historical wealth endures in such institutions as the University of Otago, the oldest in the country. But if any region can bring out the bird-watcher in you, this is it; the area is home to the Royal Albatross and yellow-eyed penguins.
Arrive: 04/01/2024 -Depart: 04/01/2024
DAY 10
Milford Sound, New Zealand
New Zealand fiord country along with Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s premier attractions. Incredibly beautiful, wild and remote, the region is an intriguing combination of rugged mountain ranges, dense rainforest, solitary alpine lakes, sparkling rivers and splashing waterfalls. Much of Fiordland is virtually unexplored wilderness and still the habitat of rare birds. As the ship cruises the beautiful Doubtful, Dusky and Milford Sounds, experience the majestic fiordland of South Island’s western coast.
Arrive: 05/01/2024 -Depart: 05/01/2024
DAY 13
Hobart, Australia
Tucked between Mount Wellington and the River Derwent, 12 miles (20km) upstream of the river mouth, Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, and boasts one of the world’s most secure deep-water harbours. Hobart was established in 1804 and is saturated in colonial history. It is a sleepy, charming city and a great travel hub for Tasmanian adventures.
Arrive: 08/01/2024 -Depart: 08/01/2024
DAY 15
Melbourne, Australia
Australia’s second-largest city and capital of Victoria, Melbourne is the Land Down Under’s most European in style, with trams rattling through streets past historic buildings, parks and outdoor cafes. The city centre is laid out in a simple grid pattern, with wide north-south streets gently sloping down to the Yarra River, crossed by a mix of narrow lanes, and the main shopping streets such as Bourke and Collins Streets. The Central Business District is easily navigable by foot, and if a rest is needed after a session of sightseeing or shopping there are numerous pretty parks to rest in, such as the Royal Botanical Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens. The burgundy-coloured City Circle tram is free, and taking a ride is a good way to get your bearings upon arrival as well as explore the inner city.
Arrive: 10/01/2024 -Depart: 10/01/2024
DAY 17
Eden, Australia
Eden is a coastal town located in the southern part of New South Wales, Australia. It is situated on Twofold Bay, a natural harbour renowned for its spectacular beauty and rich maritime history. The town is known for its whale watching tours, as humpback whales can often be seen in the bay during their annual migration. Visitors can also explore the Eden Killer Whale Museum, which highlights the area’s unique relationship with killer whales, or enjoy the local seafood at one of the town’s many restaurants.
Arrive: 12/01/2024 -Depart: 12/01/2024
DAY 18
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is Australia’s most popular tourist hotspot, luring millions of holidaymakers every year with the promise of sun, sand, merry-making and culture. It is slick and smart, the streets are clean, the parks sublime, the water in the huge harbour bright blue, and the landmark buildings breathtaking. Sydney’s population is approaching five million, but it is easy to leave the frenetic urban pace behind with just a simple ferry ride to the North Shore for a bush walk, or a stroll along the harbour beaches, or any one of a number of day trips to explore the ‘real’ Australia on the city’s doorstep.
Arrive: 13/01/2024 -Depart: 13/01/2024
