New Zealand Coastal Discovery Cruise

Day 1 UK - In flight

VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Sydney.

Day 2 Sydney

We’ll arrive this evening in Sydney and transfer to our hotel.

Day 3 Sydney

Today is free to explore the city. Our hotel is close to Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay and the main shopping areas and is well placed to walk to the old Rocks area. This cluster of some of the country’s oldest buildings in quaint streets of small houses also has plenty of cafés.

Day 4 Sydney

This morning, an orientation tour of Sydney takes in famous icons including the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, before we transfer to embark our ship, Oosterdam. Be sure to be up on deck when we set sail later this afternoon, with fantastic photo opportunities of the city.

Day 5 At sea

As we sail towards Melbourne the day is free. Why not take the opportunity to explore your ship’s extensive facilities including a number of restaurants.

Day 6 Melbourne

Welcome to this city of cutting-edge art and architecture, historic galleries and museums, beautiful Victorian railway stations, music, sport and fantastic parks full of treasures. If this isn’t enough, then hop on an excursion to one of Victoria's world-class wineries, travel along the spectacular coastline, or visit the famous penguins at nearby Phillip Island.

Day 7 At sea

As we head south to Tasmania, you’re free to do as you please. Maybe take a dip in the pool with a cocktail in hand.

Day 8 Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart is compact enough to easily explore on foot. Start at the sandstone area of Salamanca Place with its artist studios, and then roam the quaint streets of Battery Point, one of Hobart’s oldest neighbourhoods. Head out of town to meet the endemic Tasmanian devil or learn more about Tasmania’s dark - but fascinating - past in the convict centre of Port Arthur.

Day 9 - 10 At sea

Leaving Australia behind, we’re on our way to spectacularly scenic New Zealand. There are two free days, to rest and read a book. Maybe take in a show one evening in the ship’s theatre.

Day 11 Milford Sound - Cruising Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

The region of New Zealand’s ice-formed fiords has a natural magic with cascading waterfalls, luxuriant forests and towering peaks that rise dramatically out of the water. We spend our day cruising these waters, experiencing the stunning scenery of Milford Sound and its amazing wildlife, including bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins.

Day 12 Port Chalmers (Dunedin)

We’ll arrive early in Port Chalmers for Dunedin, the distinctly Scottish city of spires, chimneys and glorious Victorian and Edwardian buildings that lie at the head of a long fiord. Outside the city, the Otago Peninsula is lined with scenic beaches and home to rare birdlife like the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguin.

Day 13 Akaroa (Christchurch)

Akaroa is the oldest European settlement on the South Island. Signs of the French colonies can still be seen as you explore. Keep an eye out for the little penguins, fur seals and Hector’s dolphin - the smallest and rarest of that mammal family - that reside in the area. Christchurch is just 50 miles north, or head inland and you’ll be greeted with magnificent mountain scenes.

Day 14 Picton

The petite and picturesque port town of Picton is your starting point for exploring the region of Marlborough. Discover the majestic maritime beauty known as Queen Charlotte Sound, maybe traversing a portion of the extraordinary 43-mile Queen Charlotte Track - New Zealand’s greatest coastal cycleway - on foot or by bike. Or enjoy a glass of sauvignon blanc in the luscious wine country of Marlborough.

Day 15 Wellington

We arrive in New Zealand’s compact capital, nestled between the harbour and steep, forest-clad hills. The waterfront area leads from the cruise dock at the eastern end of town to the ‘must-see’ Te Papa Museum in the west.

Day 16 Napier

Napier is famed for its art deco buildings which were built following a great earthquake and fire in 1931. It sits on the coastline of Hawkes Bay - one of New Zealand’s leading wine-producing regions, with more than 50 leading wineries. The town also offers a rare opportunity to glimpse a kiwi at the National Aquarium.

Day 17 Tauranga (Rotorua)

We arrive in Tauranga, the fastest growing provincial area in New Zealand, boasting an abundance of pristine beaches, blooming orchards and prominent hills. The region is rich in Maori history. The hot springs of Rotorua can be visited on an optional excursion.

Day 18 Auckland - In flight

We disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 19 UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.