12-Day World Cruise: New Zealand & Fiordland Wonders

Day 1 - Auckland

Arrive: Fri 23 February 2029 / Depart: Fri 23 February 2029 at 19:00

Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have harbors on two separate bodies of water. The central part of urban Auckland covers a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbor on the Tasman Sea, and the Waitemata Harbor on the Pacific Ocean. In addition, Auckland's diverse geography and warm, humid climate has inspired a lifestyle regularly ranked in the world's top ten. A half hour drive from the city there is an abundance of activities: sailing to a secluded island, trekking through the rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or exploring a black sand beach.

Day 2 - Tauranga, New Zealand

Arrive: Sat 24 February 2029 at 07:30 / Depart: Sat 24 February 2029 at 18:15

Tauranga, the principal city on the Bay of Plenty, is the largest export town in New Zealand. Its name, fittingly enough, means "resting place for canoes", as this was the landing place of some of the first Maoris to arrive in New Zealand. The 19th-century missionaries left a legacy of well-planned parks and gardens for today's residents and visitors to enjoy. Tauranga is one of New Zealand's primary kiwi fruit and orchard regions, and the gateway to the geothermal park, Rotorua.

Day 3 - Gisborne

Arrive: Sun 25 February 2029 at 10:00 / Depart: Sun 25 February 2029 at 18:00

Gisborne is a city on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The Tairawhiti Museum has exhibits on indigenous and colonial history, with Wyllie Cottage, an early European house, and Maori artefacts. Titirangi Reserve has lookouts and a monument to explorer James Cook. Nearby, Te Poho-o-Rawiri is a Maori meeting house with carvings of ancestral figures.

Day 4 - Napier, New Zealand

Arrive: Mon 26 February 2029 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 26 February 2029 at 23:00

Napier, with its pleasant Mediterranean climate and famous Art Deco architecture, is a charming and lively seaside resort located on the eastern side of North Island and is the is the main city and port of the Hawkes Bay province. It also is the largest wool-exporting port in New Zealand, and the nearby Hastings area is famous as a fruit and wine-growing region. In 1931, Napier was almost totally destroyed by a massive earthquake. The city was rebuilt in a Spanish Mission and Art Deco style that is unique to New Zealand.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Picton, NZ

Arrive: Wed 28 February 2029 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 28 February 2029 at 16:00

Picton sits at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound and the sail into and out of town will reveal some classic New Zealand scenery. The town offer access to the Marlborough wine country, other spectacular sounds and lots of outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, trekking and cycling.

Day 7 - Akaroa

Arrive: Thu 01 March 2029 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 01 March 2029 at 18:00

Set on a beautiful, sheltered harbor and nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano, Akaroa is a popular resort village. Located 50 miles southeast of Christchurch, this quaint seaside town is situated on the southern side of the Banks Peninsula and has a distinct French flavor to it. Many street names are of French origin because of its French Whaling and colonial history. One of the first settlements in the Canterbury region of the South New Zealand Island, the town has a rich Maori and British heritage, as well as its French history. Today, the town center is dotted with colonial architecture, and the harbor area is lined with boutiques and cafes.

Day 8 - Dunedin, New Zealand

Arrive: Fri 02 March 2029 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 02 March 2029 at 18:00

Port Chalmers is the main port for the city of Dunedin. Situated in a natural amphitheater at the head of a long fjord-like inlet, Dunedin was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, founded in 1848. Not long afterwards, gold was discovered in the region, and the province quickly became the richest and most influential in the colony. While Christchurch is New Zealand's most English town, Dunedin is its most Scottish; the name Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Numerous distinctive and historic buildings remain from the time of its predominantly Scottish settlers, preserving its architectural heritage.

Day 9 - Cruising Fiordland National Park

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Sydney

Arrive: Wed 07 March 2029 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 07 March 2029

Sydney is a cosmopolitan, multicultural city surrounded by golden sand beaches, World Heritage areas, lush national parks and acclaimed wine regions. Sydney owes much of its splendor to its magnificent harbor. Arriving by ship provides an unequaled impression, showing off the city's famous landmarks: the dramatic white sails of the iconic Opera House and the celebrated Harbor Bridge, looming over the skyline.