| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
[top] |
Depart Home / Cross International Date Line
|
3-5
[top] |
3 INCLUDED Nights in Auckland, New Zealand!
Day 3 brings you into this vibrant City of Sails. You’ll stay for three INCLUDED nights at the First-Class Crowne Plaza Auckland (or similar) located in the very heart of “The City of Sails.” Get oriented on an included panoramic tour — from Harbour Bridge to Okahu and Mission Bays to Mt. Eden’s summit. And, perhaps you’ll visit Albert Park or the Auckland City Art Gallery in your free time. Enjoy Days 4 and 5 at leisure.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Auckland  (2B) |
6-7
[top] |
Auckland / Embark the ms Volendam
Spend the morning exploring as you please. Then you’ll board the ms
Volendam for an evening departure. Day 7 is at leisure.
ms Statendam (B,D) |
8
[top] |
Tauranga, New Zealand
Tauranga, rich in Maori culture and healing hot springs, is a lovely
provincial city of pristine beaches, orchards, and fresh air. You can
cruise the open-air mall of the
Mid City Center or learn about kiwifruit cultivation.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
9
[top] |
Napier, New Zealand
This “Miami Beach of the Southern Hemisphere” boasts art deco-style
buildings and a wide ocean beach fronting Hawke’s Bay. The city is
situated in the midst of New Zealand’s oldest wine growing region, and
boasts an extensive array of award winning wines. Here you’ll also find
the world’s largest mainland gannet colony and the oft-photographed
Pania of the Reef statue.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
10
[top] |
Wellington, New Zealand
This capital features brightly painted wooden houses and
beehive-resembling government offices. The central city is nestled
between a stunning harbour, and forested hills, and you can spend time
walking among the boutiques, art galleries, popular cafés, and
restaurants. A must-see attraction is the Te Papa Tongarewa National
Museum and Art Gallery.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
11
[top] |
Captain Cook Ship Cove / Queen Charlotte Sound / Picton, New Zealand
Picton, a tiny township at the end of Queen Charlotte Sound, has an
unparalleled setting. And, despite its size, Picton is a hub of
activity — it’s where the ferry runs between the North and South
Islands.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
12
[top] |
Christchurch, New Zealand
Lovely, orderly Christchurch has been likened to a slice of Olde
England in the South Seas, complete with an Avon River, an Anglican
cathedral, and a Victoria Square. Although it’s actually in one of the
driest parts of New Zealand, it’s renowned for its lovely Botanic
Gardens. Christchurch is also the home of the International Antarctic
Center, departure point for many an exhibition and resupply trip to the
White Continent.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
13
[top] |
Dunedin, New Zealand
Have fun exploring Dunedin, a “Kiwi” city with a Scottish heart.
Brimming with well-preserved charm, it’s a fine example of a Victorian
and Edwardian city. Try strolling the Botanic Gardens, which is famous
for the Rhododendron Dell, celebrated every year in October during the
Rhododendron Festival. Or, visit grand Larnach Castle, from which you
can enjoy spectacular views of the city, and its jewel-like harbour.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
14
[top] |
Fjordland National Park
The stunning, glacier-carved coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers
terrific fjord cruising. Slip through this wonderland, crossing the
Dusky, Doubtful, Break Sea, and Milford Sounds. Milford Sound, one of
the most visit sights within the park, is an incredible glacier carved
fjord with waterfalls plummeting down the sheer granite walls into the
ocean below.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
15-16
[top] |
At Sea
ms Statendam (2B,2L,2D) |
17
[top] |
Burnie, Tasmania, Australia
You’ll have a “devil” of a time deciding what to do first here.
Spectacular scenery abounds, with beautiful waterfalls, including the
Guide Falls. The parks, gardens, and old downtown are the pride of this
key commercial city. Not far away are the Gunns Plains Caves, Pioneer
Village, and local cheese-makers’ workshops.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
18
[top] |
Melbourne, Australia
During your full day in this diverse, sophisticated city, strike out on
an urban walk-about — visit one of the world’s oldest zoos or take in
360-degree views from the Melbourne Observation deck. For a true taste
of Australia, do a kangaroo watch or an Aboriginal Heritage Walk.
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
19
[top] |
At Sea
ms Statendam (B,L,D) |
20-22
[top] |
3 INCLUDED Nights in Sydney, Australia!
You’ll dock in laid-back Sydney for an INCLUDED three-night stay at the
centrally located, Moderate Deluxe Hilton Sydney (or similar).
See a bit of Sydney on an included panoramic tour — the Opera
House, Sydney Harbour, the Botanical Gardens, and lively Pitt and
Liverpool Streets. Learn how opals — Australia’s national gemstones —
are procured at an included demonstration.
You’ll have ample free time to explore on your own. Or, join a
Vantage optional tour — ohh-ing and ahh-ing at native animals at
Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Hilton Sydney  (3B) |
23
[top] |
Sydney, Australia / Return Home
(B) |
|