Cruise Itinerary

The only city in the world built on an active basaltic volcanic field, Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand. With a warm, costal climate, you can surf at black-sand beaches, enjoy picnics in secluded coves, or go horseback riding nearly year round. Dominating the CBD—that’s the central business district, or simply downtown—is the Sky Tower. At 1,076 feet tall it’s the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a trip to the top and enjoy a meal and a panoramic view of the city below, including the busy harbor that lends Auckland the nickname “The City of Sails”.

Often referred to as “the coolest little capital in the world”, Wellington sits on the southwestern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. For such a small city, Wellington—or Windy Welly as it’s affectionately known—packs a huge reputation. With its fantastic nightlife and renowned entertainment district of Courtenay Place as well as an internationally recognized coffee culture, the city is both cosmopolitan and relaxed.

A seaside town situated close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island, Picton is a great jumping off point for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. Like most of New Zealand, this area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose your own adventure and go fishing, swimming, bird watching, or visit the playful fur seal pups at their colony near the waterfall at Ohau Point. Bring your walking shoes and walk to the Snout—located between Picton and Waikawa Bay, this peninsula is still wild and untamed. There are tracks and trails for all abilities, from a few minutes-long stroll, so a full-scale hiking adventure.

Two hours north of Christchurch is the “we can’t believe how beautiful this is” town of Kaikoura, situated on a rocky peninsula with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The Maori name of Kaikoura translates to “meal of crayfish” (kai = food, koura = crayfish) for which the region is famous. And it’s this abundance of crayfish, combined with a complex marine system and rich habitat, which draws so many visitors here—humans and animals alike. In fact, you could call Kaikoura a marine mammal mecca, where sperm whales, fur seals, and dolphins live permanently, while migrating species like the rare Hector’s dolphins, humpback whales, and orca pop by for visits.

With a distinctly continental flair, which stands out against the country's Maori roots and British colonial history, Akaroa is New Zealand's only town to have originally been established by the French and is the oldest European settlement on the South Island. French settlers first arrived in 1840 only to discover that the British had been granted dominion of the country after the Treaty of Waitangi, but the French remained and left their mark. The long harbor of Akaroa sits along the Banks Peninsula, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Christchurch, sheltered by the crater of an extinct volcano. The bays surrounding the village have an especially high degree of biodiversity, including the largest colony of little penguins on New Zealand's mainland and the only natural habitat of Hector's dolphin, the smallest and rarest of that mammal family. The region's volcanic history also makes for dramatic geological formations, bucolic high-country farms and dazzling blue waterfronts. Should you stay within the picturesque town, you can stroll the historic rues, marveling at the colonial architecture, enjoying the French-inspired and Kiwi-made cheeses and wine, and soaking up the stunning scenery.

Strolling along the city’s hilly streets and past its Edwardian and Victorian buildings and green spaces, you might not guess that Timaru was built on the lava flows of a now-extinct but vividly named volcano, Mount Horrible. Timaru’s own name comes from the Maori Te Maru, which means \"place of shelter.\" Chief among Timaru’s charms are its parks and gardens. As if the backdrop of the Southern Alps wasn't enough, a rose garden, boardwalk and beach also enliven the already beautiful waterfront of Caroline Bay, named for a 19th-century whaling ship. Up the hill, the scenic reserve of Centennial Park offers picturesque picnic spots and walking and biking trails. Timaru showcases New Zealand and Maori culture at the stellar Aigantighe Art Gallery and South Canterbury Museum. (If you have time to venture beyond Timaru and are interested in learning about the area's truly ancient history, the fascinating Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre, about half an hour outside the city, exhibits rock art made by early Maori settlers more than 700 years ago.)

You might not realize that New Zealand has a third island. It hangs beneath the South Island and is just about the last inhabited place before Antarctica. The island itself is only about four percent inhabited, and that is its attraction. It is an unspoiled piece of primeval New Zealand. Oban is a very small town, about 800 souls. The phonebook is printed on a single sheet of A4 paper!

As you sail through parts of Fiordland National Park, you will appreciate how it has mesmerised and intrigued travellers and tourists over the centuries, with its graceful and mostly untouched beauty. Amongst and beyond the glacier-carved fjords of Doubtful and Milford Sound, stand impressive snow-capped peaks, luscious green slopes and forests that are home to unusual and unique species.

Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi (its name in Maori), sits on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island and was first called the Eighth Wonder of the World by none other than Rudyard Kipling, who had seen some pretty wonderful places. As you sail up the 15-kilometer-long (nine-mile-long) sound, with soaring snow-topped peaks looming above—the tallest reaches an altitude of 1,517 meters (4,977 feet)—you'll understand Kipling's enthusiasm. Although it is called a sound, it is technically a fjord—a narrow inlet created by glacial erosion over thousands of years. While its geological history is long, its human history is not. It is believed that the Maori first explored the sound, and the rest of the area that is now part of Fiordland National Park, around 1,000 years ago; Captain Cook followed in 1770. But neither Maori nor Europeans created permanent settlements of any significance, and the land was pristine when Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's largest national park, was established in 1952. While many walking trails cross the park, the most breathtaking views are arguably those from the water, with the sheer rock faces looming above your ship as you sail through this majestic landscape.

Melbourne has the honor of being “the world’s most livable city” not to mention “Australia’s cultural capital”, a UNESCO City of Literature, the hub of the country’s film and television industry, and the unquestioned sporting capital of Australia. But don’t mistake Melbourne for a relentless overachiever, it’s got a laid-back and easy vibe that will leave you wanting more.

Just 87 miles south-southeast of Melbourne, lies Phillip Island, ancestral home of the Bunurong people, among the first indigenous people to encounter Europeans. Wildlife is abundant here, including little penguins, fairy penguins and Pacific gulls; as well as wallabies and kangaroos.

If you’re chasing paradise along the shores of the Sapphire Coast, you’ll find it in Eden. Set on the breathtaking Twofold Bay, Eden’s laid-back atmosphere, charming locals, and stunning natural surroundings make it a destination you’ll never want to leave. Start by making your way to the Eden Lookout, where the best views of Twofold Bay are found. In the distance, marvel at the vast hinterland, as well as Boyd’s Tower—an elaborate structure crafted from sandstone that was once used as a lookout for whale spotting.

Head Down Under to the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia, the one and only Sydney. With a sunny attitude and a climate to match, Sydney is a vibrant place that combines the best of the beach, with the convenience of the city. Your first stop should be the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Sydney Opera House. Snap a picture of this iconic building that is a prominent feature of Sydney’s famous skyline for the folks back home. Get out and explore the streets to shop, dine, and view spectacular architecture and heritage buildings including Parliament House, Sydney Town Hall, and the Australian Museum.

At 23 miles long and 72 square miles in area, Moreton is the third-largest sand island in the world. It is part of a sand barrier system that includes the larger Fraser Island, and separates Moreton Bay from the Coral Sea about 27 miles north of Brisbane. Moreton Island National Park encompasses 98 percent of the island, where visitors flock to experience activities such as “sand-tobogganing” down the slopes of 920-foot Mount Tempest, the highest stable coastal sandhill on earth. They also enjoy fishing, kayaking, surfing and snorkeling over the Tangalooma Wrecks offshore. Tangalooma is the largest of four small towns on the island’s west coast. It was an active whaling station from 1952 until 1962. There are no roads on Moreton Island, so visitors get around by 4WD vehicles or ATVs. A popular site to visit is the picturesque red-and-white Cape Moreton lighthouse, built in 1857 and Australia’s oldest.

Head out to the Great Barrier Reef to dive or snorkel, or discover the local beaches and enjoy the tropical scenery, the seafront promenade, galleries and shops. Venture out to stunning Magnetic Island with its national park, miles of walking trails, wildlife and magnificent coral reefs. Take home local artwork, crafts, jewelry and souvenirs. Savor fresh seafood along with a wide variety of international cuisines, perhaps a cold beer or a glass of fine wine.

Cairns is the gateway to many of northern Australia’s natural attractions. Suit up and head offshore to explore the incredible world beneath the waves at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Great Barrier Reef. Filled with incredible beaches, coral reefs, and turquoise blue waters, you can swim, snorkel, dive, and enjoy a living masterpiece that is so big it can be seen from outer space.

As the capital of Australia’s vast and sparsely populated Northern Territory, Darwin has grown from a gateway to South East Asia to one of the country’s most modern and tropical cities. With folks from more than 50 countries calling this pleasant burg home, Darin has a multiculturalism unmatched by many other places. A trip to Darwin is a walk in the park—literally. George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Knuckey Lagoons Conservation Reserve, Charles Darwin National Park, Bicentennial Park, and Jingili Water Gardens are just a few of the parks found within city limits. Plus, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park—an incredible combination of lush rainforests, wetlands, wildlife, and a treasure trove of Aboriginal rock art—is just a short jaunt away.

As the capital of Australia’s vast and sparsely populated Northern Territory, Darwin has grown from a gateway to South East Asia to one of the country’s most modern and tropical cities. With folks from more than 50 countries calling this pleasant burg home, Darin has a multiculturalism unmatched by many other places. A trip to Darwin is a walk in the park—literally. George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Knuckey Lagoons Conservation Reserve, Charles Darwin National Park, Bicentennial Park, and Jingili Water Gardens are just a few of the parks found within city limits. Plus, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park—an incredible combination of lush rainforests, wetlands, wildlife, and a treasure trove of Aboriginal rock art—is just a short jaunt away.

Komodo, the volcanic island of giant lizards, lies 320 miles (515 kilometres) east of Bali. Komodo is 25 miles (40 kilometres) long and 12 miles (19 kilometres) wide; its parched hills ascend to a height of 2,410 feet (734 metres). Komodo is home to a community of some 2000 people who make their living primarily from fishing. The island is the centrepiece of the Komodo National Park, where you will find the most tangible legacy left behind from the Jurassic Era. View less Komodo Island was little-known and the Komodo dragons were only a myth until the giant lizards were scientifically described in 1912 . Extinct almost everywhere else, the island attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to see the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Komodo National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The Komodo dragon’s great bulk and weight are its most unique characteristics; even hatchlings average 20 inches (51 centimetres) in length. The adult male can reach 10 feet (3 metres) and weigh up to 330 pounds (150 kilos). Females attain only two-thirds of this size, and lay up to 30 eggs at a time. With their saw-like teeth, these fierce creatures are able to rip apart a deer, goat or wild pig. The animals have an uncanny sense of smell, and are considered among the world's most intelligent reptiles. They are quite agile over short distances, and can move swiftly to capture their prey. The Indonesian Directorate of Nature Conservation (PPA) administers Komodo National Park. Park Rangers must escort all visitors; independent exploration of the park is not permitted.

Lombok

Bali is enchanting – a lush, verdant isle where rice terraces color every available acre with the brilliant green of young shoots, and volcanic peaks said to house the gods tower above. It is a deeply spiritual place, where artful offerings of flowers and incense are ever present, and on any given day at least one of the thousands of temples scattered around the island will be hosting a colorful festival. Culturally rich, each village has its own artistic specialty – music, dance, painting, and sculpture. The beaches are tempting, but if you want the real Bali, head for the hills – the Balinese occupy that middle ground, and demons reside in the sea.