Day 1 – Auckland, New Zealand

Departs 10:00 pm.

Straddling a narrow isthmus created by 60 different volcanoes, New Zealand’s former capital boasts scenic beauty, historical interest and a cosmopolitan collection of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and gardens. Rangitoto, Auckland’s largest and youngest volcano, sits in majestic splendor just offshore. Mt. Eden and One Tree Hill, once home to Maori earthworks, overlook the city. One of New Zealand’s fine wine districts lies to the north of Auckland. Auckland served as New Zealand’s capital from 1841 until 1865, when the seat of government moved to Wellington.

Day 2 – Tauranga, New Zealand

Arrives 10:00 am, departs 11:45 pm.

New Zealand’s natural bounty is always on display at the Bay of Plenty. It was Captain James Cook who in 1769 aptly named this bay, thanks to the prosperous Maori villages of the region. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center and a popular seaside resort. Tauranga is also the gateway to Rotorua – a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture. A 90-minute drive from Tauranga, Rotorua is New Zealand’s primary tourist attraction.Your ship docks near the foot of Mt. Maunganui, which rises 761 feet above the bay. Across the harbor, Tauranga offers scenic tidal beaches at Omokoroa and Pahoia. The region boasts fine beaches, big-game fishing, thermal springs and seaside resorts.

Day 3 – At Sea

Day 4 – Napier, New Zealand

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.

Napier and Hawke’s Bay have become New Zealand’s premier lifestyle getaways. Located on the North Island’s eastern coast, New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing region boasts a superb Mediterranean climate and golden sand beaches. In recent years, Hawke’s Bay has become a leading producer of fine olive oils and artisanal cheeses. Wildlife lovers and birders will flock to Cape Kidnappers in Southern Hawke Bay: the Cape is home to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. In 1931, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake leveled Napier. The town rebuilt itself, and today Napier is hailed as the “Art Deco City” for its superb collection of Deco, Spanish Mission and Classical Revival buildings.

Day 5 – Wellington, New Zealand

Arrives 09:00 am, departs 10:00 pm.

New Zealand’s capital offers stunning views of forested peninsulas, dramatic cliff-side homes and fine Victorian buildings. Settled in 1840 by the London-based New Zealand Company, “wonderful, windy Wellington” is frequently buffeted by bracing winds funneling through Cook Strait. The sophisticated metropolis boasts museums, winding streets and even a cable car. No wonder many travelers compare it to San Francisco. Despite its steep hills, the city can be easily explored on foot. Kelburn Cable Car, stairways and footpaths climb the slopes from the city center.

Day 6 – Picton, New Zealand

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

Day 7 – Kaikoura, New Zealand

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

Day 8 – Akaroa (Christchurch), New Zealand

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.

Day 9 – Timaru, New Zealand

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

Timaru is the largest city in South Canterbury and is a seaside city and major port town. The rolling green hills on which Timaru is built where formed from the lava flows of the extinct volcano of Mt Horrible. Timaru’s attractions include the Timaru Botanic Gardens, Caroline Bay (which sports a safe beach for swimming), the South Canterbury Museum and Aigantighe Art Galley – one of New Zealand’s largest art museums.

Day 10 – Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

Arrives 06:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

Day 11 – Oban, Stewart Island, New Zealand

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.

Day 12 – Cruising Fiordland Natl Park

Day 13 – At Sea

Day 14 – At Sea

Day 15 – At Sea

Day 16 – Sydney, Australia

Arrives 07:00 am.

As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney – hailed by many seafarers as “the most beautiful harbor in the world.” Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbor. There is a wealth of adventure waiting in Sydney – from its cosmopolitan city center to miles of beautiful beaches and the Blue Mountains.Australia’s oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the “First Fleet” transporting 760 British convicts. Today, Sydney is the largest port in the South Pacific and is often voted the most popular destination in the South Pacific.