Harbors, Sounds & Sails - Sydney to Auckland Cruise

Day 1 - Sydney

Arrive: Fri 23 January 2026 / Depart: Fri 23 January 2026 at 18:00

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Day 2 - Bass Strait

Day 3 - Melbourne

Arrive: Sun 25 January 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 25 January 2026 at 18:00

Far from the clichéd Australia of popular perception, Melbourne is a graceful city of European style and substance, fine living and cultural riches. Its many green parks and public gardens reflect the foresight of this city's 19th century founders and their intention to create a "pleasing to the eye" metropolis for the enjoyment of all. The city's moderate climate and financial prominence have attracted huge numbers of visitors from all over the world.

Day 4 - Burnie, Tasmania

Arrive: Mon 26 January 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 26 January 2026 at 19:00

Located on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie was originally settled in 1827 as “Emu Bay.” The town was later renamed after William Burnie, a director of the Van Diemen’s Land Company. The first settlers literally carved a village out from the rain forests and tea-tree swamps that occupied the area. After mineral deposits were discovered in Tasmania, the town prospered. In the late 30s, Burnie’s industry bloomed even more when Associated Pulp and Paper Mills Limited began large production.

Day 5 - Hobart

Arrive: Tue 27 January 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 27 January 2026 at 18:00

Hobart is regarded by guests as one of the region's most friendly, exciting and diverse destinations. In the State of Tasmania, Hobart is Australia's second oldest city. It is rich in character and history, nestling next to one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world and at the base of Mount Wellington, which rises 3,600 feet from the sea. The working harbor is unique with Antarctic supply vessels and fishing boats coming and going throughout the year.

Day 6 - Cruising the Tasman Sea

Day 7 - Cruising the Tasman Sea

Day 8 - Fjords of Milford Sound

Day 8 - Fjords of Doubtful Sound

Day 8 - Fjords of Dusky Sound

Day 9 - Dunedin, New Zealand

Arrive: Sat 31 January 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 31 January 2026 at 18:00

This charming city lies at the head of a fiord-like inlet and is surrounded by seven hills. In the early days, Dunedin was the largest and wealthiest city in the country, thanks mainly to the gold fields. It has been responsible for many firsts: the first to have gaslight, water mains, hydro power and steam trams. Discover the rugged, beautiful Otago Peninsula, filled with geological wonders, and gaze in awe at the great albatross with its ten-foot wingspan. Keep an eye out for fur seals on the rocks and perhaps some yellow-eyed penguins. Visit Larnach Castle, a historic 19th-century property surrounded by gardens and splendid views. It is often said that Dunedin is the most perfectly preserved Victorian City anywhere. Explore historic Dunedin with its splendid Victorian and Edwardian stone buildings. Look for delightful local crafts, artwork, wool and leather items among the souvenirs. Enjoy a wide variety of cuisines as well as lamb and seafood.

Day 10 - Christchurch, New Zealand

Arrive: Sun 01 February 2026 at 06:30 / Depart: Sun 01 February 2026 at 19:00

Christchurch is the largest city of the South Island. Sprawling out across the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch was incorporated as a city in 1862. It was named after the Oxford College attended by John Robert Godley, leader of the settlers arriving in the first four ships to Christchurch. It is a charming city, a garden city with many parks within its boundaries. The city has a backdrop of the Southern Alps and long, ocean beaches are only a short drive away.

Day 11 - Wellington

Arrive: Mon 02 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 02 February 2026 at 18:00

Stroll past Victorian Gothic buildings, visit the exquisite Botanic Gardens, take the cable car up the mountain for a fantastic view, or head for the city beach. Journey around the spectacular harbor with its amazing views and visit a sheep or cattle station. See some of the sites where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Shopping: Shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, fine woolens, and leather goods. Shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, fine woolens, and leather goods. Enjoy a variety of continental dishes in addition to succulent lamb and seafood.

Day 12 - Napier, New Zealand

Arrive: Tue 03 February 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 03 February 2026 at 18:00

The twin cities of Napier and Hastings, located within the region of Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island, are unique. The area is blessed with a Californian-Mediterranean climate, boasting one of the highest sunshine averages in the country. The area is also dotted with colorful vineyards and orchards, with some of the most fertile farmland you will see. Within the region are more than twenty of New Zealand's finest vineyards.

Day 13 - Gisborne

Arrive: Wed 04 February 2026 at 06:30 / Depart: Wed 04 February 2026 at 17:00

This charming seaside community was named in honor of the crew member aboard Captain James Cook’s ship Endeavour who first sighted land in the area in 1769. Not only boasting a long maritime history and a vibrant Maori heritage and culture, Gisborne is also known for its wine, often called the “Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand.” Be sure to visit Gisborne’s splendid array of boutique wineries. And for a taste of Gisborne’s history and art, the Tairawhiti Museum is an essential destination in this city of warm smiles and even warmer hearts.

Day 14 - Tauranga (Rotorua) New Zealand

Arrive: Thu 05 February 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 05 February 2026 at 18:00

Tauranga is a harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand's North Island. It hosts historic buildings like the Elms Mission Station, an 1847 Georgian-style home. A bridge over the harbour connects Tauranga to Mount Maunganui, a beach town with hot saltwater pools and an extinct namesake volcano with winding walking paths. Offshore is the active volcano White Island, accessible by helicopter or boat.

Day 15 - Auckland

Arrive: Fri 06 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 06 February 2026

Auckland, “The City Of Sails”, is spread over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours on New Zealand’s North Island. It earns its sobriquet from having more boats per capita than any other city in the world. The first settlers here were the Maori, and are still a vibrant component of its cosmopolitan population. Auckland offers the visitor all the amenities of a world-class city. Browse the shops of Queen Street or the Parnell area with its galleries and boutiques in quaintly restored Victorian buildings. For a magnificent panorama of the city travel to Mount Eden, the city’s highest point, or visit the Skytower for loftier views. Minutes from downtown you can relax on a black sand beach, or explore the America’s Cup Yachting Village. Further afield there are the spectacular pine-clad Waitakere Mountains, the amazing Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the verdant vineyards of Kumeu River Wines.