Auckland to Brisbane

Set on New Zealand’s North Island astride a narrow isthmus between the shimmering waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Auckland – or Tamaki Makaurau in Maori – is an urban oasis ringed by natural beauty. The CBD (Central Business District) is brimming with artisanal coffee shops, fine-dining restaurants, and cultural institutions like the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, but venture just beyond the skyscrapers to discover ancient mountain ranges, sculpted fjords, black-sand beaches, and lush rainforests.

Delve into Tauranga, New Zealand's picturesque coastal gem, where golden sand beaches, rolling green hills, and a blend of Maori and contemporary cultures create a captivating town. The spectacular Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island is home to the resort town of Tauranga. Known for its fine restaurants, boutiques and galleries, the city is also a hot spot for water sports and a gateway to nearby attractions, such as the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. At the southern end of Tauranga’s harbor lies the relaxed beach town of Mount Maunganui, named after its distinctive peak, Mauao, which towers 750 feet above the town’s white-sand surf.

Nestled on the Pacific coastline of New Zealand’s North Island is charming Napier, a town with much to boast about. Napier is known for producing wool, growing fruit, cultivating grapes and making wine. The city abounds in art deco splendor with iconic landmarks, rivaled only by the surrounding natural beauty of Hawke’s Bay. A highlight of the region is wild and wonderful Cape Kidnappers, known for its gannet colony, considered to be one of only two such mainland colonies in the world.

Arrive in Wellington and its ambitious spirit is clear to see in the skyline of shiny towers. Yet New Zealand’s capital is a friendly place with an independent air, where just wandering around the streets is a pleasure, stopping for a great coffee or a glass of locally brewed craft beer. You can delve a little deeper into New Zealand’s culture and history at the national museum, Te Papa Tongeriwa, on the waterfront, with stories and objects from pre-colonial days. In fact, at Zealandia, you can travel even further back in time – this urban eco-sanctuary is attempting to restore nature to its pre-human state. Movie fans won’t want to miss a tour of the Weta Workshop, the film effects company that worked on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit among other blockbusters. But find time, too, for a ride on the cable car to the Kelburn Lookout for a spectacular overview.

Christchurch is known as NZ's "Garden City," boasting an array of lush parks and gardens - take the opportunity to visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where you can explore a diverse range of plant species. A short walk away, the Canterbury Museum offers fascinating exhibits on the region's natural and cultural history.

For a unique perspective, take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola, providing panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the city's innovative architecture, such as the Cardboard Cathedral, a symbol of resilience and creativity following the 2011 earthquake. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Re:Start Mall, a shopping area built from colorful shipping containers.

The historic port of Lyttelton serves as the gateway to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. Traditionally considered the most English of New Zealand’s cities, there is much to explore in vibrant Christchurch, from its neo-Gothic stone buildings and beautiful botanical gardens, to its picturesque Avon River lined by graceful willows. Further afar, the Canterbury Plains, snow-capped Southern Alps and numerous rivers beckon with their enchanting beauty and wildlife.

Located in the south of New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is a place rich in natural attractions and historic monuments. In this captivating city, you can visit iconic Larnach Castle to sample its diverse local beers and discover rare local fauna such as the charming little blue penguins.

Dusky Sound, also known as Tamatea, is a fjord in the southwest region of New Zealand’s South Island. Though its name is due to its usually gloomy weather, it is home to strikingly unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, including dolphins, whales and its charming Fjordland penguins.

Take in the stunning views of New Zealand’s deepest fjord, Doubtful Sound. Also named Patea, this remote fjord is surrounded by dense rainforest and can be accessed only from the small town of Manapouri. Rich in diverse flora and fauna, these landscapes will leave you stunned.

The most accessible fjord in New Zealand has also become one of the country’s most recognizable landscapes. Milford Sound’s majestic mountains, impressive waterfalls and captivating cliffs are the main attraction of this highly photogenic area, where you can also participate in activities such as kayaking, fishing or sailing.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

The capital of Victoria is a dynamic melting pot, shaped by influences from every corner of the world. A thriving café culture, world-class wine bars, and a city-wide croissant obsession (a visit to Lune Croissanterie is a must) will transport you to the boulevards of Paris, but the city is also famed for its old-school Italian delis, traditional Greek tavernas, and authentic bánh mì joints. To sample the myriad flavors of Melbourne in one place, visit the historic Queen Victoria Market and stock up on supplies, before enjoying your delicious bounty in one of the many urban parks – from the historic Fitzroy Gardens to the sculpture-dotted Gasworks Arts Park.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Discover Sydney, Australia's most iconic city home to architectural wonders such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Sydney is an energetic and exciting metropolis where nightlife, shopping and fine restaurants compare favorably with the finest the world has to offer. Despite its modern advances, Sydney has lovingly cherished its heritage, for this was the birthplace of the Australian nation.

Understandably, in this part of the world Sydney gets all the attention but there’s another city in New South Wales – the second-oldest in Australia, in fact – that’s well worth checking out. Newcastle, two-and-a-half hours north of Sydney, has a laidback vibe that befits its sunny coastal position while still offering all the liveliness and culture of urban life. Stroll around the compact, cosmopolitan center and discover street art, chic galleries, a magnificent Gothic Revival cathedral, and the heritage property Miss Porter’s House, which gives a fascinating insight into life here in the early 20th century. Take a dip in Bogey Hole – an ocean pool built by convicts which, despite its name, is a beautiful spot and said to be the first of its kind in the whole country – or take a taxi or bus to the nearby Blackbutt Reserve to spot parrots, koalas, and wombats. Edged by glorious golden-sand beaches, Newcastle is home to world-class surfing but if you’re not up for taking a board out yourself, you can hop on a boat to head out into the blue to spot whales and dolphins. It is also a gourmand’s playground, with fantastic restaurants and cafes plus the famed vineyards of the Hunter Valley on its doorstep – take a tour to visit a few cellar doors and try the Semillon that the area is renowned for. You’ll soon see why Newcastle deserves to be in the spotlight.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

If you're heading home or continuing to explore more of Australia, Brisbane's Portside Cruise Terminal is just 7kms from the domestic and international airport. Brisbane's city centre is just 10-15 mins away if you're planning to explore the city.