Sounds Of The Sea

There are two dedicated cruise passenger terminals - the White Bay Cruise Terminal at Rozelle and the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay in the city centre. This is your opportunity to marvel at Australia’s famous icons, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as you glide past The Heads - the dramatic sandstone cliffs at the entrance of the harbour.

Evenings on board are filled with music and fun. Enjoy a rousing cabaret show, test your luck at the Casino, step onto the stage for karaoke or simply find a quiet place on deck to revel in the symphony of stars.

Deep within Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction. Soaring snow-capped mountains, ice-carved fiords, waterfalls and lush rainforests - the best way to appreciate Milford Sound is on a cruise.

Top Things to See at Milford Sound:

• admire one of the world’s most spectacular vistas 
  
• spot bottlenose dolphins in the fjord
• Fur seals can be seen resting on Seal Rock on the northern shore, while on the opposite side is a Fiordland Crested Penguin site

The deepest and second longest of New Zealand's fiords, Doubtful Sound has some splendid waterfalls, particularly during the wetter seasons.

The only way to reach it from land, is actually is by boat, crossing Lake Manapouri, so of the three Sounds (Dusky and Milford being the other two), Doubtful is the least touristy.

You can expect to get up close and personal with fur seals, pods of bottlenose dolphins and some lucky souls have even sighted the occasional whale and albatross.

Steep cliffs that have been carved over centuries by dozens of waterfalls surround the largest and most complex of the many fjords along the New Zealand coast, Dusky Sound.

Stunning scenery that bathes in “Lord of the Rings” grandeur, Dusky Sound is an important ornithological area too with a wealth of birdlife to be found here and a breeding site for Fiordland Penguins.

This untouched region is also home to a wide range of sea life, as the fresh and salt water combine to create an extraordinary aquatic environment.

Dunedin offers a blend of Scottish heritage and rich wildlife. Explore the historic Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand, or take a stroll through the vibrant Otago University campus. The nearby Otago Peninsula is famous for its rare yellow-eyed penguins and albatross colonies, providing nature lovers with unforgettable wildlife encounters against dramatic coastal landscapes. Ships dock at Port Chalmers, located 15 km (9 miles) from the city.

Cruise Destination GeneratorTimaru, located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, is a charming seaside city that captivates visitors with its blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the city's streets are lined with historic buildings that tell the tale of its development. The South Canterbury Museum is a treasure trove of local heritage, offering insights into the region’s Maori roots and European settlement.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Caroline Bay, a popular beach that hosts carnivals and music festivals, and provides a beautiful setting for a relaxing day by the sea. The bay area also features beautifully maintained gardens and walking tracks, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, complementing the serene atmosphere of this coastal retreat.

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.

Cruise ships visiting Christchurch dock at Akaroa, located approximately 83 kilometers (52 miles) from Christchurch, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours. Akaroa Harbour is known for its stunning scenery and is a tender port, meaning passengers will be ferried to the shore. The charming town of Akaroa itself is a delightful place to explore, with its French and British colonial history, boutique shops, and waterfront cafes.

Nestled between a picturesque harbour and forest clad hills, Wellington boasts museums, galleries, boutique shopping, trendy cafés and fine restaurants.

The National Museum of Te Papa is a favourite among visitors and locals alike.

Wellington's compact size makes it easy to walk around and its proximity to the ocean and native forests makes it an ideal place to enjoy nature. It's no surprise Lonely Planet labelled Wellington “the coolest little capital in the world”.

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 colorful 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.

Excursion Highlights:

• Travel from the pier by safari vehicle to Cape Kidnappers Station, a vast private farm adjacent to a vast gannet sanctuary.
• Sit back for a drive through several Napier neighborhoods that showcase its unique Art Deco heritage.
• Travel from the pier by coach into the beautiful winegrowing landscape of Hawke’s Bay.

Perched on the East Coast of the North Island, Gisborne is a place of rich history, beautiful uncrowded beaches, and legendary wines. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the port.

Top Things to Do in Gisborne:

• embark on a reef tour at low tide and feed stingrays
• visit a winery and discover why Gisborne is recognised as the 'Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand'
• take the steam train to Muriwai
• visit the Eastwoodhill Arboretum

From the popular beaches of Tauranga, where Mount Maunganui towers over calm Bay of Plenty waters, travel to a wonderland of geothermal oddities and the center of Maori heritage in Rotorua. Walk among the dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and verdant native bush of Te Puia before visiting a re-creation of an early Maori village and a kiwi conservation center.

Head south of Rotorua to hike through majestic redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest or perhaps travel to the Waikato region, where the well-preserved Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set is a dream come true for fans of Peter Jackson’s film adaptations of JRR Tolkien’s beloved novels.

Known as the city of sails, Auckland is built on a narrow strip of land surrounded by two harbours, dotted with 50 picturesque islands. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Volcanic cones, forest parks and stunning beaches are all within easy reach.

In downtown Auckland you can enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and sights. If you've a mind to explore, visit the island volcano of Rangitoto, or head to Waiheke, known as 'the island of wine' each are within a 40 minute ferry ride of your port.