DAY 1 – AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Blending beachy recreation with all the delights of a modern, diverse, and thoroughly multicultural city, Auckland sits on the lucid blue-green waters of New Zealand’s north island. Known as the “City of Sails”, its two harbors will tempt you with waterfront walks, and the chance to breathe fresh sea air deep into your lungs while absorbing spectacular views of Auckland’s grand harbor bridge’s span. Take in the true scale of Auckland’s magnificent cityscape by ascending 192 meters to the Sky Tower, and looking out over the city’s gleaming silver towers, which reflect on the abundant waters below. Views over the bay and adjacent islands await, and you can share elegant cocktails at this dizzying height, above the mingling yachts of Viaduct Harbour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the area at Auckland Art Gallery, Toi o Tāmaki.
DAY 2 – TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND
Tauranga is New Zealand’s sunny capital – with wide sweeping beaches and surfers curling across cresting waves. Climb to the top for spectacular views of the natural harbor, or take winding coastal footpaths to explore the unfolding scenery. An entry point to the vast indent of the Bay of Plenty, the volcanic peak of Mount Maunganui is a fittingly dramatic welcome. Brooding, geothermal energy creates spectacular natural attractions across this region, while plunging waterfalls, and fascinating Maori culture ensure that the Bay of Plenty has a lot to offer visitors. Said to receive New Zealand’s highest amount of sunshine, the hanging kiwi, citrus fruit, and avocados add an exotic touch to the area’s landscape – especially around Te Puke.
DAY 3 – GISBORNE, NEW ZEALAND
With a population of around 35,000 and located on the north island, Gisborne exudes history at every turn. Maori for “Great standing place of Kiwa”, Kiwa was a leading figure aboard the Maori ancestral canoe, Takitimu, which ran aground in Gisborne around 1450 AD. After landing, Kiwa became a coastal guardian, eventually marrying Parawhenuamea, the keeper of the streams. The union point of three rivers and the first place to see the sun, the city is filled with light and laughter and gracefully squeezes surfer’s beaches with the district’s colonial past.
Captain Cook made his first landfall here, John Harris set up his first trading station in the then village and today, Gisborn is the major center of Maori cultural life. Suffice to say then that the city is a watery wonderland. With its picture-perfect beaches, what savvy traveler does not want to add being among the first people in the world to say they have watched the sky change color as the sun bursts from out of the sea.
DAY 4 – NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND
Sip the fine wines of legendary producers, visit Cape Kidnappers’s crowds of birdlife, and wander the stylish streets of the world’s art deco capital, during your time in handsome Napier. Located on the huge arc of Hawke’s Bay, Napier enjoys a generous Mediterranean-style climate and a breezy cafe culture. A green, outdoor town, wander Marine Parade, which borders the rich blue Pacific and invites you to stroll along a tree-lined two-mile seafront. Take the gentle hike up to Bluff Hill, for panoramic views over the lively Napier Port and out towards Cape Kidnappers – given its name following a clash between Captain Cook’s settlers and the local Maori population.
DAY 5 – WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND
Sprawling around a hook-shaped peninsula, Wellington is a vibrant and energetic seaside capital. A compact, well-stocked city of buzzing bars and chatting cafes, New Zealand’s capital is a bright and breezy place with an infectious, easy-going atmosphere. Known as the creative hub of the South Pacific, there are shows to see, art installations to enjoy, and rich flavors to savor here. The sounds of rare and beautiful birdlife fill the hills around the city, and the bush of the green belt provides an easy-to-access sanctuary, for strolls and cycle rides. The Botanical Gardens break up the buildings, even more, while an iconic, cherry-red cable car rumbles up Wellington’s slope to the city’s best viewpoint, looking out over the city’s scenic harbor from above.
DAY 6 – LYTTELTON (CHRISTCHURCH), NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand’s “Garden City” is a place of quiet streets, leafy parks, and beautiful tree-lined boulevards. Christchurch has an unmistakable English flavor to it and serves as the gateway to southern New Zealand’s natural wonders. The rebuild of the country’s oldest city continues apace – following the earthquakes that devastated it in 2011 – and the South Island’s biggest city is now blossoming, having evolved into a confident and cultural powerhouse. Colorful street art adds an edge to the city, while shiny new bars and restaurants contribute to the sense of revitalization and renewal. Visit museums, and take tours to learn more of the reconstruction, which has made incredible progress in recent years.
DAY 7 – DUNEDIN (PORT CHALMERS), NEW ZEALAND
The south-easterly coast of New Zealand’s wild southern island is a haven for outdoor adventures, with masses of raw scenic beauty and thrilling coastline. Heading the Otago Harbour, Dunedin is a cosmopolitan city of culture and architectural splendor, with a distinctly tartan flare. Settled by the Scots in 1848, the romantically misty valleys and moody landscapes, continue to capture the hearts of visitors to these distant shores. Searing bagpipes echo down the streets in the Edinburgh of the South, which wears its Scottish origins proudly. Gothic revival architecture is scattered liberally, including the magnificent university – with its glorious clocktower – and the city’s grand cathedral.
DAY 8 to 10 – DAYS AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.
DAY 11 – HOBART, AUSTRALIA
Mount Wellington’s looming, cloud-wisped form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart, the cosmopolitan capital of Australia’s most southerly state. A former British penal colony, nowadays Australia’s second-oldest city is a place to live the free and easy life. Encircled by dramatic cliffs, landscaped gardens, and rolling vineyards, Hobart is also well-stacked with cultural pursuits including museums, and respected – if controversial – galleries plastering new and old art to their walls. With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location, Hobart is a creative place, where you can browse the produce of local artisans in Saturday’s massive Salamanca Market – which draws visitors from all across Tasmania and beyond.
DAY 12 – DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.
DAY 13 – GEELONG, AUSTRALIA
At just one hour southwest of Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road, Geelong is known for its enviable position. The city’s proximity to the capital (not to mention its welcoming waterfront on Port Phillip Bay) has made the city a magnet for Melbournian weekenders in recent years, so expect a young, hip city vibe permeating the Geelong sidewalks. Geelong was known as an agricultural and pastoral town in the past. During the Australian Gold Rush of the 1850s, Geelong became an industrial center becoming one of Australia’s center points for wool mills, rope works, and paper mills. Vestiges of these bygone days still stand, with the National Wool Museum and the Old Geelong Gaol imperative visits for historians.
DAY 14 – DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.
DAY 15 – EDEN, AUSTRALIA
Known for the migrating whales that cruise through its waters between May and November, Eden sits in New South Wales’s scenic Twofold Bay. While the whales are now protected and cherished here, the town was initially founded as a whaling center and has many fascinating stories to tell. Namely, a unique symbiotic relationship with the killer whales. Rewarded with the tongues of freshly caught whales, the orcas would help to round up baleen whales in the bay, making it easy for humans to land them. This mutually beneficial exchange came to be known as The Law of the Tongue.
DAY 16 – SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
With its glorious harbor, lavish golden beaches, and iconic landmarks, Sydney is Australia’s showpiece city. Creative and curious, discover the world-class cuisine, Indigenous culture, and irresistible beach life that make Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic, exciting destinations. Sydney’s sparkling harbor is the heart of a richly cultural city. Overlooked by the metallic curves of the masterpiece of an Opera House, and that grand arched harbor bridge. Take it all in from the water, and admire the iconic landmarks, which are set before the city’s gleaming skyline backdrop.
