New Zealand & Australia Holiday Cruise: Wellington, Hobart & Sydney

The only city in the world built on an active basaltic volcanic field, Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand. With a warm, costal climate, you can surf at black-sand beaches, enjoy picnics in secluded coves, or go horseback riding nearly year round. Dominating the CBD—that’s the central business district, or simply downtown—is the Sky Tower. At 1,076 feet tall it’s the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a trip to the top and enjoy a meal and a panoramic view of the city below, including the busy harbor that lends Auckland the nickname “The City of Sails”.

Situated in the heart of the sunniest region of the North Island, Tauranga is a popular seaside getaway for locals and visitors alike. Initially settled by the Māori in the 13th century, the Bay of Plenty area has an abundance of things to see and do.

Located on the east coast of the North Island, Napier is a popular tourist town, and together with inland Hastings, are known as “the Bay Cities of New Zealand”. After Napier was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1931, the city rebuilt in spectacular Art Deco style that Mr. Gatsby himself would approve of. Take a stroll through the streets and you’d swear you can hear the clink of glasses and the faint notes of jazz music in the air.

Often referred to as “the coolest little capital in the world”, Wellington sits on the southwestern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. For such a small city, Wellington—or Windy Welly as it’s affectionately known—packs a huge reputation. With its fantastic nightlife and renowned entertainment district of Courtenay Place as well as an internationally recognized coffee culture, the city is both cosmopolitan and relaxed.

“Ōtautahi.” “The Garden City.” “The Most English City Outside England.” Christchurch may go by many names, but one thing is for certain: There’s so much to see and do in this lovely, energetic city, you’re going to have to plan strategically. First, how would you like to explore Christchurch? You can go punting through the city center on the Avon River. Hop on a tram, double-decker bus, or a bike to take advantage of the excellent cycleways and paths. Or head to the Christchurch Gondola for spectacular 360° views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, and Banks Peninsula.

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is sure to be a pleasant chapter in your voyage. Known both as a City of Literature, and the Edinburgh of the South, it’s no surprise that there’s a statue of Robbie Burns in the heart of town. Though a Scottish influence can be felt throughout town, Dunedin is still distinctly Kiwi.

The first thing you notice when you step ashore in Hobart, Tasmania is the crystal clear fresh air. And with the abundance of national parks, forests, lakes, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains found in this tiny island state, it’s easy to see why. The capital and most populous city in Tasmania, Hobart is filled with old world charm. Stroll along the historic waterfront—famous for its Georgian architecture—and take in the sights. Make your way to Salamanca Place filled with rows of sandstone buildings. Be sure to check out the market, if you happen to arrive on a Saturday. The buildings are filled with bars and restaurants, shops and boutiques, and galleries and craft shops—the perfect place to pick up a souvenir for your friends and family back home handmade by one of Hobart’s many local artisans.

The first thing you notice when you step ashore in Hobart, Tasmania is the crystal clear fresh air. And with the abundance of national parks, forests, lakes, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains found in this tiny island state, it’s easy to see why. The capital and most populous city in Tasmania, Hobart is filled with old world charm. Stroll along the historic waterfront—famous for its Georgian architecture—and take in the sights. Make your way to Salamanca Place filled with rows of sandstone buildings. Be sure to check out the market, if you happen to arrive on a Saturday. The buildings are filled with bars and restaurants, shops and boutiques, and galleries and craft shops—the perfect place to pick up a souvenir for your friends and family back home handmade by one of Hobart’s many local artisans.

White Bay is a bay on Sydney Harbour with a surrounding locality near the suburbs of Balmain and Rozelle in the Inner West of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

White Bay is a bay on Sydney Harbour with a surrounding locality near the suburbs of Balmain and Rozelle in the Inner West of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

White Bay is a bay on Sydney Harbour with a surrounding locality near the suburbs of Balmain and Rozelle in the Inner West of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Melbourne has the honor of being “the world’s most livable city” not to mention “Australia’s cultural capital”, a UNESCO City of Literature, the hub of the country’s film and television industry, and the unquestioned sporting capital of Australia. But don’t mistake Melbourne for a relentless overachiever, it’s got a laid-back and easy vibe that will leave you wanting more.