Ultimate New Zealand & Australia Cruise & Stay

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: UK - Auckland, New Zealand

  Fly from the UK to Auckland for your 3-night hotel pre cruise stay

• Day 2-3: Auckland, New Zealand

  New Zealand's largest city of Auckland is an urban jungle with natural beauty on its doorstep. Auckland is packed with things to see and do; discover lush green rainforests and dramatic black sand beaches in the west and golden sandy beaches sheltered by red-flowering trees in the east. The rolling hills and country gardens are met by the 48 volcanic cones dotted around the Auckland region. Each provides spectacular panoramic views of the city and harbour, Rangitoto Island is the most iconic and an ideal location for day trips. The city centre is a shopaholic's paradise with its diverse range of boutiques and markets. The nightlife is buzzing at city centre hotspots such as Wynyard Quarter, the Viaduct Harbour and the Britomart precinct, where you'll also find a variety of restaurants which offer cuisines from around the world.

• Day 4: Auckland, New Zealand (Embarkation Day)

  Embark onboard Noordam for your 16-night cruise

• Day 5: Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand

  Explore Tauranga, a harbour side city in the Bay of Plenty region, and one of New Zealand's main centres for international trade and culture. Climb the extinct 232 metre-tall Mount Maunganui volcano and admire spectacular views of the city and the harbour below. Enjoy a picturesque stroll to Tauranga Harbour and look out to sea, or take a boat tour to Mayor Island and watch the sunset. Pay a visit to Taupo Volcano Zone and admire the pools of colourful bubbling water at the Waiotapu active geothermal area. Thrill-seekers can venture to Waimarino Adventure Park and take part in a range of water activities and finish with a picnic or a BBQ. Those seeking tranquillity need look no further than Kaiate Falls which features a picnic area along with a swimming hole and beautiful scenic views.

• Day 6: Napier, New Zealand

  Set amid New Zealand's renowned wine-producing region of Hawke's Bay; Napier was rebuilt after a 1931 earthquake and is known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag-patterned Daily Telegraph Building. Climb to the top of Te Mata Peak to reveal views of Hawke's Bay and beyond. Learn about the local marine life and get a close-up look at sharks through an underwater glass tunnel at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. See a live performance, film screening, or local exhibition at MTG Hawke's Bay or honour Maori heritage and admire the striking bronze Pania of the Reef Statue surrounded in peaceful gardens. Drive to Bluff Hill Lookout and be rewarded with expansive views across the beautiful port - the perfect place to relax with a picnic.

• Day 7: Wellington, New Zealand

  New Zealand's capital city is nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills. Situated at the southern end of the North Island, the city is renowned for its heritage, culture, art and beauty. Discover Wellington's golden-sand inner city beach at Oriental Bay. There's a pulsing cultural vibe in Wellington, with an array of museums, art galleries and theatre shows to explore. Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand's national museum, is located on the waterfront; learn about the country at one of the best interactive museums in the world. If you're into adventure, discover the great outdoors on a mountain bike ride or go sea-water kayaking. Take a walk around the stunning harbour or trek up Makara Peak to experience spectacular views. A must for any Lord of the Rings fans; visit Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop and discover a behind-the-scenes experience.

• Day 8: Picton, New Zealand

  The town of Picton on the north coast of New Zealand's South Island is the gateway to the islands and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. Built around a sheltered harbour, the town has a beautiful seafront lined with cafes, restaurants, and a variety of galleries. See the native fish and reptiles including the rare tuatara on tours and feedings at EcoWorld Aquarium and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Take a look at the Edwin Fox exhibition; the world's second oldest surviving merchant sailing ship that transported convicts to Australia. Picton Museum offers an array of local history and photo displays. Enjoy a bite to eat at Cafe Cortado whilst admiring views of the harbour.

• Day 9: Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

  Lyttelton is a port town on the north shore of Lyttelton Harbour on the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island. Twenty minutes from the centre of Christchurch; Lyttelton is brimming with bohemian artists, cafes, quirky shops, and restaurants. Visit Lyttelton Farmers Market on a Saturday morning to get your hands on some unique handmade goods and fresh local produce. Take a boat trip from the harbour in search of Hector's dolphins. The neo-Gothic Lyttleton Timeball Station was erected in 1876 to keep Greenwich Mean Time and was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake. Escape to the idyllic surroundings of Orton Bradley Park, take a peaceful stroll along Sumner Beach, or see the historic homestead and formal garden at Ohinetahi. Hop on the Christchurch Gondola cable car to savour views of the Christchurch cityscape, Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, and the hills of Banks Peninsula.

• Day 10: Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

  Surrounded by dramatic hills, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the southern hemisphere. Discover the spectacular landscape on a mountain biking expedition; the countryside offers five trail networks. Dunedin is known as the Edinburgh of the New Zealand so head to Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, to explore the Scottish heritage and see sweeping scenery. Drive up the Otago Peninsula and marvel at the magnificent views and rugged beaches. Discover incredible wildlife in Dunedin; the world's rarest penguin colonies can sometimes be spotted close by and the Royal Albatross Centre at the foot of Taiaroa is the only mainland place in the world where you can view the Northern Royal Albatross in its natural habitat.

• Day 11: Fiordland Natl Park

  Scenic Cruising

• Day 12-13: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 14: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

  Hobart is the capital of Australia's island state of Tasmania and is situated on the River Derwent. Climb up Mount Wellington and savour panoramic views of the city and beyond. The main waterfront of Constitution Dock has a wealth of fishing punts which sell seafood; sit outdoors on the harbour and indulge in fish and chips and a spot of people-watching. Pay a visit to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) and Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Enjoy the flora and fauna at Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Explore the old harbour quarter of Battery Point to admire Lenna House and St George's Anglican Church. Stroll through waterfront Princes Park and step back in time at Narryna Heritage Museum.

• Day 15: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 16: Melbourne, Australia

  The vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Melbourne sits in the state of Victoria on Australia's south eastern shores. Melbourne is a shopper’s paradise - from over 300 shops at Melbourne Central and niche boutiques in The Block Arcade and Royal Arcade, to bargain-hunting at the open-air Queen Victoria Market. Visit the Old Melbourne Gaol or stop by Ian Potter Centre and Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square. Take a walk over the Otway Fly Treetop Walk or admire the 360-degree views from Eureka Skydeck 88. Get up close to the marine life at Melbourne Aquarium and wildlife at Melbourne Zoo and Healeville Sanctuary. Admire the flora and fauna at Royal Botanic Gardens or head to Brighton, Williamstown, and St Kilda beaches to swim, surf, or simply sunbathe.

• Day 17: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 18: Sydney, Australia (Disembarkation Day)

  Disembark your cruise and make your way to your 2-night post cruise stay

• Day 19: Sydney, Australia

  Sydney is the capital of Australia's New South Wales and is packed to the brim with famous attractions and sights. Explore Sydney Harbour with its Opera House and Harbour Bridge; before relaxing with a seafood platter in an open-air, waterside eatery. Admire the architecture at Parliament House, Australia Museum, and Sydney Town Hall. Head to Darling Harbour and visit Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney Zoo, before discovering the city's history at the nearby Rocks area and Rocks Discovery Museum. Ride to the top of Sydney Tower Eye for amazing city-wide views and to meet the challenge of the Skywalk. Or simply hop on a ferry and spend a few hours enjoying the delights of Manly Beach.

• Day 20: Sydney, Australia - UK

  Check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your return flight back to the UK