Join us on a unique journey to uncover the wonders of New Zealand
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14 25 Day New Zealand Explorer & Cruise Day 1 Depart Sydney (D) Step on board your ship Diamond Princess at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal for your 15 day cruise to New Zealand via Melbourne and Hobart. Day 2 At Sea (B,L,D) A day to familiarise yourself with the multitude of services, facilities and activities on offer during your cruise. Day 3 Melbourne (B,L,D) Today enjoy Melbourne the birthplace of much Australian culture. It has been rated the world's most livable city. There is lots to see, but you can't go wrong in the city centre, full of welcoming pedestrian lanes and Victorian veneers. Day 4 At Sea (B,L,D) Relish in the bow to stern luxury of your cruise ship as you journey south to Tasmania. Day 5 Hobart (B,L,D) The capital of Tasmania, Hobart lies along the Derwent River and is dominated by the breathtaking Mount Wellington. With more than 90 National trust buildings, Hobart combines colonial character with a sophisticated metropolitan lifestyle. Day 6-7 At Sea (B,L,D) Day 8 Milford Sound – Cruising Fiordland (B,L,D) New Zealand's largest national park! Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of Milford Sound, star of Fiordland National Park. New vistas mesmerize at each turn – towering Mitre Peak, plunging waterfalls, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland Crested Penguins. Day 9 Port Chalmers – Dunedin (B,L,D) Perched on the hills above one of New Zealand's loveliest harbours, Dunedin is a kiwi city with a Scottish Heart. The word "Dunedin" comes from the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, Dùn Èideann. Similarities to Scotland's capital don't end with the name, even though the two cities are as geographically distant from one another as they can be. Day 10 Akaroa – Christchurch (B,L,D) Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Explore the village and enjoy colonial architecture, art galleries, shopping and cafés. Day 11 Picton (B,L,D) Located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is your gateway to the South Island's famed Marlborough District. Picton is perfect in every way: climate, scenery and outdoor adventure. Gateway to the largest grape- growing and wine-producing region of New Zealand. Day 12 Wellington (B,L,D) New Zealand's capital offers stunning views of forested peninsulas, dramatic cliff-side homes and fine Victorian buildings. Walk its windy paths, stop to smell the rose gardens, take in the view of the city and Wellington Harbour. If the countryside looks familiar that's because many signature scenes from the "Lord of the Rings" movies were filmed nearby. Day 13 At Sea (B,L,D) Day 14 Tauranga (B,L,D) Site of fierce Maori wars, Tauranga today is a peaceful city in the heart of kiwifruit-growing country. Farther afield is Rotorua, with its spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and nocturnal kiwi houses. Day 15 Auckland (B,L,D) There is a point on the North Island of New Zealand where the land narrows to a thin strip between the island peninsula to the north and the mountainous, cave-addled terrain to the south. On this spot stands Auckland, one of the loveliest cities in the world. Today is yours to discover the largest city on the North Island. Maybe visit Waiheke Island, a charming blend of farmland, beaches, forest and vineyards. It is a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, a picturesque area for sightseeing, winery tours and a host of outdoor activities. Day 16 Auckland – Bay of Islands (B,D) Say farewell to the Diamond Princess and depart Auckland traveling north to visit the Kauri Museum. These coniferous trees are the largest in number throughout New Zealand. Arrive at the Bay of Islands for a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Two Night Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Paihia. Day 17 Bay of Islands (B) Embark on a cruise through the scenic waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). The afternoon is free to relax or to explore this picturesque area. Day 18 Bay of Islands – Cambridge Farm Stay (B,D) Travel south through Whangarei before arriving in Cambridge. You will be transferred in small groups where you will meet your farm stay hosts for the night. Cambridge is the majestic tree lined town that sits at the heartland of the Waikato region. Enjoy a real home cooked meal for dinner showcasing local produce. Overnight Stay: Cambridge Farm Stay Day 19 Farm Stay – Rotorua (B,D) Bid farewell to your farm stay hosts then make your way to Waitomo Caves where you will view some beautiful formations and watch the roof sparkle as you glide silently through the Glowworm Grotto on a boat tour. In the afternoon, continue to Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture and explosive geothermal activity. Two Night Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua Day 20 Rotorua HM (HB,HD) Today begins with a Gondola ride to Skyline Cableway Restaurant where a champagne buffet breakfast and spectacular views over the surrounding lakes and geothermal areas are on offer. Enjoy a day at leisure to discover more about this cultural centre of New Zealand. Tonight embark on a journey to Tamaki Maori Village to experience traditional Maori cultural ceremonies and performances followed by a hearty Hangi feast. Day 21 Rotorua – Queenstown (B,D) Transfer to Auckland for your included flight to Queenstown. Situated on a picturesque lake and surrounded by towering peaks, Queenstown is an incredibly beautiful place with endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Two Night Stay: Scenic Suites Queenstown Day 22 Queenstown at Leisure – TSS Earnslaw HM (B,HD) Today is free to explore at your own pace. Make sure you ask your Tour Director how to Discover More of this wonderful region. This evening board the steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival relax as you are treated to New Zealand high country cuisine and wine tasting. Enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along as you cruise back to Queenstown. Diamond Princess