Holiday Australia & New Zealand

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.

Phillip Island boasts wide sandy beaches, spectacular coastal scenery, excellent surfing and a world-famous Grand Prix circuit. However, its biggest attraction measures about one foot tall, the island is home to thousands of little penguins. The ships will anchor offshore and provide tenders to the jetty.

Top Things to Do on Phillip Island:

• watch the penguin parade
• take a scenic helicopter flight
• visit the world famous Grand Prix Circuit
• join a seal watching cruise
• kayak the wetlands

Melbourne’s vibrant character shines through its eclectic mix of architecture, culture, and green spaces. Stroll through Federation Square, where contemporary art and historic buildings collide, or explore the street art in hidden laneways like Hosier Lane. For a taste of local flavors, the Queen Victoria Market offers fresh produce and handmade goods. Don’t miss the Royal Botanic Gardens, a peaceful escape near the city’s core.

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

As you sail through parts of Fiordland National Park, you will appreciate how it has mesmerised and intrigued travellers and tourists over the centuries, with its graceful and mostly untouched beauty.

Ancient rainforest clings impossibly to the mountains, waterfalls tumble hundreds of meters into massive fiords and granite peaks look the same today as they did a thousand years ago. Amongst and beyond the glacier-carved fjords of Doubtful and Milford Sound, stand impressive snow-capped peaks, luscious green slopes that are home to unusual and unique species.

Stewart Island, New Zealand's southernmost island, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The small village of Oban is the island's main settlement, offering local eateries, and the informative Rakiura Museum. Rakiura National Park covers over 80% of the island and features lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and an extensive network of walking trails. The Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, is a highlight. Birdwatchers will be thrilled with the chance to see kiwi in their natural habitat, as Stewart Island is one of the best places to spot these iconic birds.

Oban, located in Halfmoon Bay is a tranquil village known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife. As the only settlement on Stewart Island, Oban offers a peaceful escape surrounded by lush forests and pristine beaches. Your ship will anchor in the bay and you'll be tendered ashore. The town center is just a short walk from the tender dock. The island is renowned for its wildlife and natural beauty, with highlights such as Ulva Island bird sanctuary, coastal hiking trails, and opportunities for bird watching, particularly the native Kiwi.

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.

Two hours north of Christchurch is the town of Kaikoura, situated on a rocky peninsula with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. It’s abundance of crayfish combined with a rich habitat makes Kaikoura a marine mammal mecca - perfect for seeing dolphins, seals, and orca, humpback, and sperm whales. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the jetty.

Top Things to Do in Kaikoura:

• whale watching cruise
• swim with the dolphins
• walk the Kaikoura peninsula
• visit a lavender farm

With 1500km of New Zealand's coastline, Marlborough Sounds is a collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays. The area is made up of four distinctly different Sounds: Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, Pelorus, and Mahau.

Keep an ear out for native birdsong from the bush-clad hills surrounding beautiful bays. Spot dive-bombing gannets and rare New Zealand king cormorants, look out for dolphins, see sunbathing seals and even cruising orca.

Docking at Picton, your ship will arrive at the Waitohi Wharf, just 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) from the town center, a quick 5-minute drive. This quaint town is the gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds and the world-renowned wine region of Marlborough.

For transportation, taxis and shuttle buses are readily available at the port. Alternatively, a scenic 15-minute walk along the waterfront will take you into Picton's heart. Don't miss the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum or a boat tour to explore the breathtaking bays and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. Wine enthusiasts should consider a short trip to nearby Blenheim to sample some of New Zealand’s finest wines.

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”.

Matiatia Bay, located on Waiheke Island in New Zealand, is a picturesque gateway to the island's delights. On arrival by tender, you'll be greeted by stunning vistas of clear blue waters and rolling hills. The bay is known for its vibrant art scene, with galleries and studios showcasing local talent. Don’t miss the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, featuring diverse exhibitions and contemporary works.

The bay’s serene environment makes it ideal for relaxing strolls and picnics. For a taste of Waiheke’s renowned wines, visit one of the nearby vineyards offering tastings and tours. The lush landscapes and inviting atmosphere of Matiatia Bay provide a perfect introduction to the island’s charm.

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.