15 Day New Zealand Cruise Escape

Auckland

Free days to explore Auckland.

Overnight: Copthorne Orchid Hotel or Ramada Hotel Auckland, standard room

Auckland

Free days to explore Auckland.

Overnight: Copthorne Orchid Hotel or Ramada Hotel Auckland, standard room

Auckland

Today you will prepare to set sail. Go to the port and check in for your cruise. The cruise is due to depart at 6 pm.

Rotorua (Tauranga), New Zealand Arrive 7:45 AM Depart 7:15 PM

Rotorua (Tauranga) is a centre of tourism and a place of extraordinary natural beauty. It is a smallish city on the shores of a lake of the same name, in the crater of an ancient volcano in the  Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. The entire area is thermally active, and the smell of sulphur, a ‘rotten eggs’ smell that is never far, results in the nicknamesSulphur City and Rottenrua. The surrounding geothermal wonderland including 16 beautiful lakes and the lush green of the abundant native flora, soon causes one to get used to the odour. 

At Sea

Picton, New Zealand Arrive 8:00 AM Depart 6:00 PM

The picturesque seaside town of Picton near the NE corner of New Zealands South Island is the South Island base for the ferry service that links the main islands of New Zealand. It’s also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. It offers a relaxed setting with beautiful beaches, easy bush walks and an outstanding climate. The town itself has an attractive seafront dotted with cafés, restaurants and various galleries. 

 Christchurch, New Zealand Arrive 8:00 AM Depart 6:00 PM

Christchurch, in the Province of Canterbury, is the largest city of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located mid-way down the islands east coast just north of Banks Peninsula, on the edge of the Canterbury Plains. It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. Christchurch was a planned settlement founded by English colonialists, and this rich English history is still apparent in the citys atmosphere. 

Dunedin, New Zealand Arrive 8:00 AM Depart 8:00 PM

Dunedin is the principal city of the Otago Region of New Zealand. It was founded in 1848 by Scottish migrants, and today the city still contains many Scottish relics, including a statue of the Scottish Bard Robbie Burns. Fine examples of working heritage include the Speight’s Brewery, the Gasworks Museum and the very popular Taieri Gorge Railway. Then there are the standout Victorian and Edwardian buildings like First Church and Dunedin Railway Station, as well as the stately homes such as Larnach Castle and Olveston.

Fjordland National Park, New Zealand Arrive10:00 AM Depart 7:00 PM

Fjordland National Park occupies the SW corner of South Island of New Zealand, and is the largest of 14 national parks as well as a major part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound are all within the Park. It is a region of waterfalls and misty virgin forests, snow-clad mountains and towering granite peaks, crystal clear lakes, rivers and remote fjords. This, together with two off-shore ice carved islands, makes it one of the most dramatic and beautiful places in New Zealand. 

At Sea

At Sea

Hobart, Australia Arrive 7:00 AM Depart 5:00 PM

Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the view of the river lined with sailing boats, whilst admiring the sandstone architecture warehouses throughout the city centre. Make your way through the iconic and most visited Salamanca market which operates every Saturday showcasing Tasmania’s local artisans, designers and producers. Heading west of the city centre, Mount Wellington is a spectacular site to visit and one not to be missed! Take a tour or a scenic drive up to the summit and stroll along historic walking trails. 

At Sea

Sydney, Australia Arrive 6:00 AM Disembark

Getting around Sydney is easy and accessible. You can jump on a train fromSydney airport to Circular Quay in approx.18 minutes, ride the hop on hop off bus around the city that offers multiple stops including Sydney Tower, Botanic Gardens, Australian Powerhouse and Maritime Museums, Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge or the Bondi bus. If travelling on the water is more your style, catch a ferry to visit Sydney’s amusement park, Luna Park, visit the buzzing Manly Beach wharf which is linked to the Corso mall or cruise west of the city to join a Haunted History, Crooked Character or Convict Precinct tour at UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, Cockatoo Island. The best times to visit Sydney are September through November and from March to May as they offer the most comfortable temperatures, around mid 20°C.