New Zealand Splendour
CRUISING TOUR
SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | BURNIE | MILFORD SOUND | DUNEDIN | AKAROA | WELLINGTON | NAPIER | ROTORUA | BAY OF ISLANDS | AUCKLAND
This tour combines incredible Australia, New Zealand and luxury cruising in one holiday. Begin by exploring the cosmopolitan city of Sydney before stopping at iconic Australian cities of Melbourne and Burnie, in Tasmania. Continue by cruising through the breathtaking Milford Sounds and finally making your way to New Zealand to take in the natural beauty and spectacular culture of this destination.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Cruise in luxury with Regent Seven Seas
- Free time to explore the spectacular city of Sydney
- Visit the urban city of Melbourne
- Discover the beautiful scenery of New Zealand
Click here to check out more holidays in Australia and New Zealand
Your Itinerary
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Day 1-2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6-7
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Day 8
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Day 9-11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18-19
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Day 20-21
Day 1-2 : UK - Sydney
Arrive in Sydney and make your way to your hotel where you will stay for two nights. This evening is free to explore.
Day 3 : Sydney
Awake to a full day at leisure to spend in Sydney. Wrapped around a spectacular harbour, this city is home to the instantly recognisable Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Perhaps you might enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Sydney’s coast aboard a seaplane or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Day 4 : Embark the Ship
Enjoy this morning at your leisure before setting sail with Regent Seven Seas.
Day 5 : At Sea
Now is the time to get familiar with this luxurious ship. Enjoy all the facilities onboard from the world-class cuisine, incredible guest lectures and spectacular spa.
Day 6-7 : Melbourne
Far from the clichéd Australia of popular perception, Melbourne is a graceful city of European style and substance, fine living and cultural riches. Its many green parks and public gardens reflect the foresight of this city's 19th century founders and their intention to create a "pleasing to the eye" metropolis for the enjoyment of all. The city's moderate climate and financial prominence have attracted huge numbers of visitors from all over the world.
Day 8 : Burnie, Tasmania
Located on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie was originally settled in 1827 as “Emu Bay.” The town was later renamed after William Burnie, a director of the Van Diemen’s Land Company. The first settlers literally carved a village out from the rain forests and tea-tree swamps that occupied the area. After mineral deposits were discovered in Tasmania, the town prospered. In the late 30s, Burnie’s industry bloomed even more when Associated Pulp and Paper Mills Limited began large production.
Day 9-11 : At Sea
Today is your chance to relax and take in some of the incredible amenities onboard. On day 11 you will be cruising through the fjords of Milford Sounds.
Day 12 : Dunedin
This charming city lies at the head of a fiord-like inlet and is surrounded by seven hills. In the early days, Dunedin was the largest and wealthiest city in the country, thanks mainly to the gold fields. It has been responsible for many firsts: the first to have gaslight, water mains, hydro power and steam trams. Discover the rugged, beautiful Otago Peninsula, filled with geological wonders, and gaze in awe at the great albatross with its ten-foot wingspan. Keep an eye out for fur seals on the rocks and perhaps some yellow-eyed penguins. Visit Larnach Castle, a historic 19th-century property surrounded by gardens and splendid views. It is often said that Dunedin is the most perfectly preserved Victorian City anywhere. Explore historic Dunedin with its splendid Victorian and Edwardian stone buildings. Look for delightful local crafts, artwork, wool and leather items among the souvenirs. Enjoy a wide variety of cuisines as well as lamb and seafood.
Day 13 : Akaroa
Set on a beautiful, sheltered harbour and overlooked by craggy volcanic hills, Akaroa is a popular resort town on Banks Peninsula in New Zealand. The name Akaroa means “Long Harbor.” Sailors from the HMS Britomart proclaimed British sovereignty for the land in 1840, but French settlers also settled in the area that year. There is still a heavy French influence found on the island, including many French local names.
Day 14 : Wellington
Stroll past Victorian Gothic buildings, visit the exquisite Botanic Gardens, take the cable car up the mountain for a fantastic view, or head for the city beach. Journey around the spectacular harbor with its amazing views and visit a sheep or cattle station. See some of the sites where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Shopping: Shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, fine woolens, and leather goods. Shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, fine woolens, and leather goods. Enjoy a variety of continental dishes in addition to succulent lamb and seafood.
Day 15 : Napier
The twin cities of Napier and Hastings, located within the region of Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island, are unique. The area is blessed with a Californian-Mediterranean climate, boasting one of the highest sunshine averages in the country. The area is also dotted with colourful vineyards and orchards, with some of the most fertile farmland you will see. Within the region are more than twenty of New Zealand's finest vineyards.
Day 16 : Rotorua (Tauranga)
Tauranga is the center of a large citrus and sub tropical fruit-growing area and is a favorite base for deep-sea anglers. Across the harbour is the major port for the region, Mt Maunganui, which is also the major overseas outlet for the vast timber industry established in the centre of the North Island. Tauranga has become a rendezvous for thousands of holiday makers to whom the lure of its sun-baked sands and sparkling waters prove an irresistible attraction.
Day 17 : Bay of Islands
The "Bay of Islands" was how Captain Cook described this area two centuries ago and the simplicity of his name masks the diversity of its charms. The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in the country with 144 islands, secluded bays and abundance of marine life. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since author Zane Grey publicized it in the 1930s.
Day 18-19 : Auckland
Auckland, “The City Of Sails”, is spread over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours on New Zealand’s North Island. It earns its sobriquet from having more boats per capita than any other city in the world. The first settlers here were the Maori, and are still a vibrant component of its cosmopolitan population. Auckland offers the visitor all the amenities of a world-class city. Browse the shops of Queen Street or the Parnell area with its galleries and boutiques in quaintly restored Victorian buildings. For a magnificent panorama of the city travel to Mount Eden, the city’s highest point, or visit the Skytower for loftier views. Minutes from downtown you can relax on a black sand beach, or explore the America’s Cup Yachting Village. Further afield there are the spectacular pine-clad Waitakere Mountains, the amazing Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the verdant vineyards of Kumeu River Wines.
Day 20-21 : Auckland - UK
Today is your final day of the holiday, enjoy a final morning in Auckland then make your way to the airport to board your flight back to the UK.
