Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 – Auckland New Zealand

Experience New Zealand’s most cosmopolitan city—a melting pot of British, Asian, Pacific, and Māori cultures. Your cruise from Auckland allows you to sample their diverse arts, entertainment, and traditions. Natural landmarks include Auckland Domain, a central park offering great views of Hauraki Gulf; Mount Eden, with 360-degree views from the city’s highest volcanic cone; Mount Victoria, a volcanic cone overlooking downtown from North Shore; and Waiheke Island, a remote site of beaches, forests, vineyards, and olive groves. The hills surrounding the city are cloaked in rainforest.

Day 2 – Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Discover indigenous New Zealand Maori culture in a land of sparkling seas and pristine beauty. Bay of Islands is a sub-tropical paradise of clear blue water, hundreds of undeveloped islands, diverse wildlife, and historical significance. The pristine oceans, warm weather, and many animal species attract nature lovers from around the globe. Take an eco-cruise and discover the area’s dolphins, penguins, marlins, whales, and bird life. Journey into a beautiful cave with majestic rock formations and glow worms. Kayak, sail, swim, or sunbathe on one of the many beaches. Those who love beaches consider these in Bay of Islands & New Zealand some of the world’s finest, with their perfect white sand and crystal-clear water. And as tempted as you’ll be to pull up a lounge chair and soak in the surroundings, many consider a Bay of Islands cruise the ideal time to partake in more active pursuits, such as kayaking, mountain-biking, parasailing, swimming with dolphins and scuba-diving.

Day 3 – Tauranga, New Zealand

Tauranga, New Zealand: Explore this chic coastal town in the North Island and you’ll discover the land of the Māori. Tauranga’s white sand beaches offer something for everyone. Relax and sunbathe on one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and popular coasts. Take a dip in the ocean or immerse yourself in a lush waterfall swimming hole. Watch dolphins frolic in the waves or swim with these lovable creatures. Learn to sail, try surfing, take a diving lesson, or refine your fishing technique. Water activities abound in Tauranga. If you’re a landlubber, you can tee up at a golf course on your Tauranga cruise or stroll down The Strand where you can enjoy cafés and a vibrant nightlife. Journey to charming waterfalls or board one of the many eco-cruises available in the Bay of Plenty. Sometimes called the New Zealand Riviera, downtown Tauranga offers galleries, shops, history, and a vibrant café and restaurant scene. The culinary culture brings together innovative chefs working in diverse traditions. Enjoy Italian, Indian, Turkish, Thai, French, and fusion flavors. Sip a hand-crafted drink or enjoy fresh-caught seafood from the Bay of Plenty. From casual al fresco dining to sophisticated New Zealand Riviera gastronomy, Tauranga offers something to tantalize every taste.

Day 4 – Day at Sea

Enjoy a luxurious day at sea.

Day 5 – Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington claims to be the coolest little capital in the world. See for yourself on your cruise to Wellington. Get an overview of its geological, biological, and cultural history at Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand, just 10 minutes from CentrePort. The interactive exhibits pique your curiosity through innovative storytelling. Wander along Oriental Bay, the scenic waterfront that is highly walkable—and jog-able, skate-able, bike-able—and dotted with cafés, bars, and ice cream vendors. Hike up through a large central park to Mount Victoria for 360-degree photo opps of the city, airport, and harbor—including your Wellington cruise. At Wellington Zoo, a 10-minute drive south, you can play with meerkats, hand feed a giraffe, and stroke a cheetah. The zoo has 100 species of animals. Blocks west of the port, ride the iconic cable car up to beautiful Wellington Botanic Garden, with a cable car museum, observatory, and planetarium. Catch a shuttle out to the Zealandia ecosanctuary, a project to restore 556 acres of bush, where you can hike to the singing of native birds. On Miramar Peninsula, film fans off a Wellington cruise make their journey to Middle Earth—and beyond—to learn secrets of great film making. Weta Workshop is the design and effects facility behind big movies like Blade Runner 2049, Thor: Ragnarok, Power Rangers, Man of Steel, and several Hobbit properties. To taste your way through Wellington, start on Cuba Street, home to hipsters, artists, and lovers of all things vintage. Amid the city’s creative craft beer scene, the street has colorful shops and street performers, as well as bohemian bars and cafés. For food and drink, look for Husk, café by day, beer bar by night; Olive, with big breakfasts, excellent waffles, and mimosas; Laundry, when you feel like a classic burger or tacos; Floriditas, famous for eggs and scones; and Midnight Espresso, the quirky place for coffee, snacks, and people watching.

Day 6 – Christchurch, New Zealand

On a Christchurch cruise, you’ll discover the second-largest New Zealand city and urban hub of the vast Canterbury region, celebrated for its alpine landscapes, marine wildlife, and protected dark skies. Visitors stopping here on a New Zealand cruise will find vibrant street art splashed across prominent city sites, a booming arts and hospitality scene embracing new laneways and dining precincts, and diverse city attractions. World-class architecture and design meet skilfully restored heritage treasures set between vast areas of green parks and gardens alongside the banks of the ambling Avon River. The central city is flat, easy for walking and cycling, or you can take the scenic route on a heritage tramway. Beyond the city, explore the diverse natural playground of the Port Hills and craggy Banks Peninsula with its walks, cycling tracks, and New Zealand’s longest chairlift, where the views stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps.

Day 7 – Dunedin, New Zealand

Here in this capital of architectural heritage, you might think your Dunedin cruise had taken you to Edinburgh. The architecture, scenery, and culture—if not the accents—borrow heavily from those in Scotland. Take a harbor cruise to spot albatrosses, cormorants, and other sea birds. You might even see penguins, dolphins, and seals. In town, stroll the spectacular Dunedin Botanic Garden, discover ancient Maori artifacts in the Otago Museum, or learn all about beer at Speight’s Brewery—touring, tasting, and shopping for beer gear. Browse several engaging art galleries in the central Octagon neighborhood, also known for bars and cafés. Look for experimental exhibitions at Blue Oyster Gallery, bespoke jewelry at Chris Idour, old masters at Dunedin Public Art Gallery, heritage at Reed Gallery, and New Zealand artists at the De Novo and Milford galleries. Head inland aboard Taieri Gorge Railway, departing from the charming gingerbread Dunedin Railway Station, for a four-hour excursion past former gold-mining sites. Venture out to Otago Peninsula and visit 19th-century Larnach Castle—New Zealand’s only castle—perched on a hill overlooking the harbor. Hear stories of scandal, tragedy, and intrigue—all part of its lavish history. Top off your cruise to Dunedin with Highland dancers and bagpipers at Larnach.

Day 8 – Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound & Millford Sound

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.  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 9 – Day at Sea

Enjoy a luxurious day at Sea.

Day 10 – Day at Sea

Enjoy a luxurious day at Sea.

Day 11 – Arrive Sydney

Today arrive in Sydney, and depart for home.

**You may opt for a customized post-cruise stay in Sydney. Ask your U S Tours Representative for details!

This itinerary operates in reverse on January 31 – February 10, 2028

Tour Map