Australia & New Zealand: Melbourne, Milford Sound Cruise

Day 1 - Sydney

Arrive: Thu 05 March 2026 / Depart: Thu 05 March 2026 at 18:00

Sydney's harbour is the hub from which there's much to see and do. You'll want to explore this area, home of the iconic Opera House. Admire the skyline, swim at a harbour beach or cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Want to see surfing? Grab your sunblock and towel and spend the day on world-famous Bondi Beach, or take a scenic walk on the coast from Bondi to Coogee Beach. The Rocks district is a shopper's mecca offering a wide variety of goods, from woodcrafts and unique art to outback fashions.

Day 2 - Eden, Australia

Arrive: Fri 06 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 06 March 2026 at 15:30

The town's name reflects what you will indeed find in Eden - a beautiful natural wonderland. Situated on the rugged coastline of Australia's New South Wales, Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas and enticing beaches. It's considered one of Australia's best locations for oyster farming, so bring your appetite. Eden and its surrounding landscapes offer an abundance of outdoor activities on the water and by land.

Day 3 - Burnie, Tasmania

Arrive: Sat 07 March 2026 at 10:45 / Depart: Sat 07 March 2026 at 18:30

A community of artisans on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie has long a history as a community that makes things, with locally crafted European-style cheeses, fine papers, ceramics and single-malt whisky. Surrounded by accessible wilderness areas, in Burnie you can still get a glimpse of little penguins and the platypus, a duck-billed mammal, in the wild. The vibrant shopping district spills onto the beach where you can sit down at a cafe and watch the world slow down for a little while.

Day 4 - Melbourne

Arrive: Sun 08 March 2026 at 08:30 / Depart: Sun 08 March 2026 at 18:30

Once the richest city in the world thanks to a gold rush, Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital with striking architecture, chic galleries and boutiques. Wave at a wallaby or get close to a koala at a wildlife park. Feel closer to the land on a ride on the Puffing Billy steam locomotive through the mountains and countryside. Back in the city, explore a different culture and visit Chinatown - the oldest one in the West.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - Milford Sound, New Zealand

Arrive: Wed 11 March 2026 / Depart: Wed 11 March 2026

Day 7 - Doubtful Sound

Day 7 - Dusky Sound

Day 8 - Dunedin, New Zealand

Arrive: Thu 12 March 2026 at 09:30 / Depart: Thu 12 March 2026 at 19:00

This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Equally impressive is the Victorian and Edwardian architecture that dates from its days as a gold rush town. New Zealand's only castle sits high above the city and offers sweeping views from its famous gardens. Shop for a locally made souvenir, with crafts, artwork, wool and leather items being popular.

Day 9 - Lyttelton

Arrive: Fri 13 March 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 13 March 2026 at 18:45

Just 20 minutes from the centre of Christchurch city, Lyttelton is a charming port town with a long history. Back in 1850, the first European settlers landed in Christchurch before heading over the Port Hills to establish their new home. Today, Lyttelton is accessed by an impressive road tunnel. It's a vibrant town, home to a small community of 3,000 residents, filled with bohemian artists, cafés, restaurants and unique shops to discover.

Day 10 - Picton, NZ

Arrive: Sat 14 March 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 14 March 2026 at 14:00

Built around a sheltered harbour, Picton is lined with cafés and restaurants for you to choose from (we suggest the fish and chips). Popular attractions in Picton include a maritime museum and an aquarium. But this town is not short on recreational activities. Some of Picton's favourite pastimes include fishing, dolphin watching and sea kayaking. Walk or bike the Queen Charlotte Track or spend the day exploring the scenic Marlborough Sounds. Check out one of the many wine tours (probably after biking the track). Then relax as you browse the local shops that offer a wide range of trinkets, including handmade jewellery, paintings from local artists and woodcarvings. Before leaving Picton, it's time for more fish and chips along the shore. It's the Picton way!

Day 11 - Napier, New Zealand

Arrive: Sun 15 March 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Sun 15 March 2026 at 14:30

Napier calls itself the Art Deco capital of the world, but it's also a leading wine-travel destination. Leveled by an earthquake in 1931, Napier was rebuilt in Art Deco style. Along with Miami Beach, Napier is one of the best examples of this style, with many of its structures well preserved. Take a walk down Marine Parade, a tree-lined ocean boulevard with fountains and gardens, or go out to the country to enjoy the lovely vistas, tour superb area vineyards and relax with a glass of wine.

Day 12 - Tauranga, New Zealand

Arrive: Mon 16 March 2026 at 08:15 / Depart: Mon 16 March 2026 at 19:30

Go walk-about and explore Tauranga, set on the beautiful Bay of Plenty. And indeed there are plenty of things to do. Head to the beach or discover Tauranga's lovely parks and rich history. Visit a village buried by a volcanic eruption and captured in a moment of time - a fascinating yet moving experience. Take a selfie at Hell's Gate, an aptly named geothermal park with boiling pools, fantastic geysers and mud baths, the largest of which is Poutamu, "the stairway to heaven."

Day 13 - Auckland

Arrive: Tue 17 March 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 17 March 2026

Surrounded by tranquil golden beaches, lush forests and dramatic coastal trails, Auckland is a nature lover's paradise. The 48 volcanic cones that dot the surrounding area provide stunning panoramic views of the city and harbour. New Zealand's largest city is also a shopper's paradise offering everything from top designers to local open-air markets. Learn about the indigenous Maori and take home some native art pieces or jewellery. The fine, locally produced woolens also make excellent gifts.