New Zealand Intensive Cruise: Auckland, Dunedin & Kaikoura

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”.

It’s been said that the Bay of Islands is home to some of the bluest skies in the world. Located between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula on New Zealand’s North Island, this group of 144 islands is truly a sight to behold. History buffs will want to visit Waitangi, the site of New Zealand’s first permanent British settlement and learn more about the birthplace of the Treaty of Waitangi—an important document signed between the British and the Māori people. If you’re there are the right time, you might just see a live kapahake performance.

Under snow-capped Mount Taranaki unfolds the vibrant city of New Plymouth. Midway between Auckland and Wellington, this active center of the Taranaki region offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventure from its crowning peaks to its coastal plains. Explore this award-winning city like the locals do: on foot or by bike. Known for its extensive promenade, the Coastal Walkway offers eight miles of sea-edge, multi-use paths that run the entire length of the city from Bell Block mouth to Port Taranaki. Take in views of the Tasman Sea and iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge while exploring the downtown area, City Shopping Centre, Fitzroy beach, and fantastic selection of Indian restaurants.

Nestled on the shores of Tasman Bay at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, Nelson is also known as the top of the south. It is also the geographical center of New Zealand, marked by a landmark on a hilltop near the center of the city. Climb up to point zero and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the area—two massive bays surrounded by hills and mountains. An area of extraordinary beauty, the Nelson Tasman region is home to several film locations from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

A seaside town situated close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island, Picton is a great jumping off point for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. Like most of New Zealand, this area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose your own adventure and go fishing, swimming, bird watching, or visit the playful fur seal pups at their colony near the waterfall at Ohau Point. Bring your walking shoes and walk to the Snout—located between Picton and Waikawa Bay, this peninsula is still wild and untamed. There are tracks and trails for all abilities, from a few minutes-long stroll, so a full-scale hiking adventure.

Named for the Māori word for “Long Harbor”, Akaroa is a village situated in the heart of an ancient volcano on the South Island of New Zealand. With waters that are home to the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector’s Dolphin, Akaroa is a haven for animal lovers. Be sure to take a dolphin sighting tour where you can also spot New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins, and various other forms of sea life in and around the sheltered harbor. If you’d you’d rather stay on dry land, take a tour of an Alpaca farm, and get up close and personal with the unique animals. View the colonial architecture, crafts, and cafés as you explore the streets of this charming seaside town. There is a distinctly French flair here, with many businesses and homes flying French flags in their windows.

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.

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.

Two hours north of Christchurch is the “we can’t believe how beautiful this is” town of Kaikoura, situated on a rocky peninsula with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The Māori name of Kaikoura translates to “meal of crayfish” (kai = food, koura = crayfish) for which the region is famous. And it’s this abundance of crayfish, combined with a complex marine system and rich habitat, which draws so many visitors here—humans and animals alike. In fact, you could call Kaikoura a marine mammal mecca, where sperm whales, fur seals, and dolphins live permanently, while migrating species like the rare Hector’s dolphins, humpback whales, and orca pop by for visits.

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.

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”.