Best of New Zealand Cruise

Day 1 - Auckland

Arrive: Sun 18 October 2026

Your official welcome to New Zealand comes by way of a bustling harbor. Step ashore and into a surprisingly cosmopolitan environment. And once you venture inland, even more surprises await, including a total of 48 dormant volcanoes, a lush, leafy urban cityscape filled with beautiful parks, and a number of renowned art galleries.

Day 2 - Auckland

Depart: Mon 19 October 2026 at 19:00

Your official welcome to New Zealand comes by way of a bustling harbor. Step ashore and into a surprisingly cosmopolitan environment. And once you venture inland, even more surprises await, including a total of 48 dormant volcanoes, a lush, leafy urban cityscape filled with beautiful parks, and a number of renowned art galleries.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Tauranga, New Zealand

Arrive: Wed 21 October 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Wed 21 October 2026 at 17:30

Known as the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbors in New Zealand. You can take a ride on a bush jet boat, go white-water rafting on the Rangitaiki River, or dine on the freshest fish and chips you’ll ever taste, served al fresco. If you’re looking for a more exotic counter, travel to the Mount Mauganui Hot Salt Water Pools.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Napier, New Zealand

Arrive: Fri 23 October 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 23 October 2026 at 17:00

Arguably one of the prettiest cities in New Zealand, with elegant art deco architecture, captivating beaches and award-wining vineyards.

Day 7 - Picton, Neuseeland

Arrive: Sat 24 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 24 October 2026 at 19:00

Picton has developed a reputation in recent years. It’s the doorway to New Zealand’s South Island used by locals and international travelers alike to get to the islands and resorts of the Marlborough Sounds, an interconnected stretch of beautiful landscape. The surrounding area is famous for its wineries, so you can enjoy vineyard tours and tastings while stopped on Picton cruises. Picton is a hidden gem for international travelers. Beautiful scenery in the Marlborough Sounds and views of the New Zealand countryside make the area particularly memorable for first-time visitors. On the waterfront, explore Pollard Park for a leisurely stroll, or stop at EcoWorld Aquarium to see rescued and protected species during a tour of the wildlife rehabilitation center. On your New Zealand cruise, you’ll be endlessly surprised by its foodie and café scene, outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, and beautiful water and mountain views.

Day 8 - Wellington

Arrive: Sun 25 October 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 25 October 2026 at 19:00

From the new to the old, Wellington offers a bit of everything. Locals are particularly proud of the National Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Tongarewa. Loosely translated as "our place" from the native Maori tongue, the museum is one of the world’s largest and most progressive. A great way to explore the city is on the restored cable cars, which traverse the shopping district. And if you want to experience it all from above, take in the panoramic views from Mount Victoria.

Day 9 - Christchurch, New Zealand

Arrive: Mon 26 October 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 26 October 2026 at 19:00

New Zealand's "Garden City," featuring numerous parks and gardens as well as Victorian architecture, avenues and squares.

Day 10 - Dunedin, New Zealand

Arrive: Tue 27 October 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 27 October 2026 at 19:00

Dunedin is a city in New Zealand, at the head of Otago Harbour on the South Island’s southeast coast. It's known for its Scottish and Maori heritage, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and a large student population. Hiking and cycling trails crisscross the dramatic landscape of the adjoining Otago Peninsula, home to colonies of albatross, sea lions and rare yellow-eyed penguins.

Day 11 - Dusky Sound

Arrive: Wed 28 October 2026 / Depart: Wed 28 October 2026

Steep cliffs that have been carved over centuries by dozens of waterfalls surround the largest and most complex of the many fjords along the New Zealand coast, Dusky Sound. It's also a wildlife paradise, with seals and dolphins patrolling the water, and birds like broad billed prions, mottled petrels and sooty shearwaters floating on the overhead thermals.

Day 11 - Doubtful Sound

Arrive: Wed 28 October 2026 / Depart: Wed 28 October 2026

As cold mountain water cascades from the cliffs above Doubtful Sound, it creates an unusual phenomenon-a dual-layered marine ecosystem of fresh and saltwater. This serves as a playground for a number of species, including fur seals and two types of penguins - the fiordland crested and blue penguin.

Day 11 - Milford Sound, New Zealand

Arrive: Wed 28 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 28 October 2026 at 21:00

As we sail into the narrow fjords of the Milford Sound, even your massive ship seems to shrink in comparison to the towering cliffs topped by lush mountain terrain. Situated within Fiordland National Park, this natural wonder is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site and is protected by its natural geography, which makes it a haven for all types of wildlife.

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - Sydney

Arrive: Sat 31 October 2026 at 06:30 / Depart: Sat 31 October 2026

Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers just about anything—from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. Tour architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, view life below the surface from Sydney Aquarium’s underwater walkways, or take it all in from above on a tour of the Sydney Tower.