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Saturday, March 6 - AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Departs at 7:00 pm
Straddling a narrow isthmus created by 60 different volcanoes, New Zealand's former capital boasts scenic beauty, historical interest, and a cosmopolitan collection of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, and gardens. Rangitoto, Auckland's largest and youngest volcano, sits in majestic splendor just offshore. Mt. Eden and One Tree Hill, once home to Maori earthworks, overlook the city. One of New Zealand's fine wine districts lies to the north of Auckland. Auckland served as New Zealand's capital from 1841 until 1865, when the seat of government moved to Wellington.
Sunday, March 7 - BAY OF ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
Arrives at 7:00 am
Departs at 5:00 pm
The Bay of Islands offers more than broad vistas of sea and sky, more than beaches, boating, and fabulous water sports. The Bay is the birthplace of modern New Zealand. Here, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, establishing British rule and granting the native inhabitants equal status. Fich in legend and mystery, the Bay of Islands has age-old ties to the Maori and to whalers, missionaries, and New Zealand's early settlers. The Bay of Islands has lured explorers for countless centuries. The Maori say that Kupe, the great Polynesian adventurer, came here in the 10th century. Captain Cook anchored offshore in 1769, followed by assorted brigands, traders, colonists, and missionaries.
Note: Bay of Islands is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via the ship's tender.
Monday, March 8 - TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND
Arrives at 9:00 am
Departs at 8:15 pm
New Zealand's natural bounty is always on display at the Bay of Plenty. It was Captain James Cook who, in 1769, aptly named this bay, thanks to the prosperous Maori villages of the region. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center, and a popular seaside resort. Tauranga is also the gateway to Rotorua - a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture. A 90-minute drive from Tauranga, Rotorua is New Zealand's most popular tourist attraction. Your ship docks near the foot of Mt. Maunganui, which rises 761 feet above the bay. Across the harbor, Tauranga offers scenic tidal beaches at OMokoroa and Pahoia. The region boasts fine beaches, big-game fishing, thermal springs, and seaside resorts.
Tuesday, March 9 - AT SEA
Wednesday, March 10 - PICTON, NEW ZEALAND
Arrives at 7:00 am
Departs at 5:00 pm
Located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is your gateway to the South Island's famed Marlborough District. Once known primarily for its lush farmlands and numerous sheep stations, Marlborough came to international attention thanks to a new agricultural product - wine. The release of the 1985 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the map. The region is named after the first Duke of Marlborough, while the largest town, Blenheim, is named after his most famous battle. Picton is named for Sir Thomas Picton, a favorite of another general, the first duke of Wellington.
Thursday, March 11 - CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
Arrives at 8:00 am
Departs at 5:00 pm
Travel down the tree-lined Avon River, tour English-style gardens, and drive past a Gothic cathedral. No, it's not England - it's Christchurch, New Zealand's most English city. The colonists who settled Christchurch transformed the treeless landscape by planting European trees and setting aside vast tracts as parkland. Today, parks dot the town, giving Christchurch an old-world ambience that belies its sophisticated style. Settled under the auspices of the Church of England in the mid-1800s, Christchurch is a planned city that flourished alongside New Zealand's agricultural and sheep industries. At the heart of the town lies Christchurch Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral built of local stone. The port of Lyttelton serves as your gateway to Christchurch.
Friday, March 12 - DUNEDIN (Port Charlmers), NEW ZEALAND
Arrives at 9:00 am
Departs at 7:00 pm
Perched on the hills above one of New Zealand's loveliest harbors, Dunedin is a Kiwi city with a Scottish heart. Hailed as the "Edinburgh of New Zealand," Dunedin takes pride in its heritage. A statue of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns graces downtown, and the presence of New Zealand's only kilt maker and whisky distillery - as well as many bagpipe bands - keeps Dunedin's ties to Scotland alive. The city also boasts a distinguished architectural and cultural history, a legacy of New Zealand's 1860s gold rush. Port Charlmers, gateway to Dunedin, is located eight miles from the city center. Dunedin is a planned city: its streets and suburbs fan out from the town's octagon. Travel tip: Dunedin is pronounced"Dunn-knee-din."
Saturday, March 13 - FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK (Scenic Cruising)
Arrives at 10:00 am
Departs at 7:00 pm
New Zealand's largest national park was formed millennia ago by massive glacial flows that carved deep fiords into the coast of New Zealand's South Island. At the heart of Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound. Lined by cliffs that soar nearly a mile above its surface, Milford Sound cuts into the heart of the Southern Alps. Rainforest clings to cliffs, and graceful waterfalls plummet into the void. Mile-high Mitre Peak dominates the upper reaches of the sound. The town of Te Anau in Fiordland National Park is also your gateway to the South Island's other natural wonders, including Lake Wakatipu, the resort of Queenstown, and Mt. Cook National Park.
Sunday, March 14 - AT SEA
Monday, March 15 - AT SEA
Tuesday, March 16 - HOBART, TASMANIA
Arrives at 7:00 am
Departs at 9:00 pm
Tasmania's capital has many similarities with Sydney. Founded a few years later, Hobart also owes its origins to the establishment of a penal colony, and its natural setting is just as impressive. Seen from its fine deep water harbor, Hobart spills over the lower reaches of the Derwent Valley as Mt. Wellington towers in the background. Much of the city's heritage is centered on the historic waterfront. North of the town stretches the vast parkland of the Queen's Domain. Many of Tasmania's other attractions are within easy reach of Hobart. With more than 90 National Trust buildings, Hobart, founded in 1804, combines colonial character with a sophisticated metropolitan lifestyle.
Wednesday, March 17 - PORT ARTHUR, AUSTRALIA
Arrives at 7:00 am
Departs at 6:00 pm
Port Arthur is named for George Arthur, the Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania from 1823 to 1837. It was Arthur who converted a small convict lumber station on the Tasman Peninsula into the most feared penal colony in Australia. Preserved today as the Port Arthur Historical Site, the then state-of-the-art prison was designed to hold repeat offenders in isolation and subject them to hard labor. When it closed in 1877, it marked the end of a dark chapter in English and Australian history. Port Arthur is also your gateway to the wild and scenic Tasman Peninsula. Its wave-lashed coast is the site of spectacular rock formations such as Tasman Arch, the Tessellated Pavements, and the Devil's Kitchen. The peninsula is also home to small farms, superb fruit orchards, and acclaimed vineyards. The Tasman Peninsula is one of the last refuges for the endangered Tasmanian devil. The Tasmania Devel Conservation Park is in the forefront of protecting these unique - if surly and downright disagreeable - remnants of Tasmanian prehistory.
Note: Port Arthur is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via the ship's tender.
Thursday, March 18 - AT SEA
Friday, March 19 - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Arrives at 6:00 am
As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney - hailed by many seafarers as "the most beautiful harbor in the world." Two prominent landmarks, the Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbor. There is a wealth of adventure waiting in Sydney - from its cosmopolitan city center to miles of beautiful beaches and the Blue Mountains. Australia's oldest and largest city was founded in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" transporting 760 British convicts. Today, Sydney is the largest port in the South Pacific and is often voted the most popular destination in the South Pacific.
Saturday, March 20 - WAFA OR SYDNEY TOUR
Your Choice to Attend WAFA or Check Out Sydney On Your Own
🌸 World Flower Show 2027: A Blooming Spectacular!
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of international floral artistry at the 14th World Flower Show. This premier global event promises to transform the landscape of botanical creativity, offering an unprecedented showcase of breathtaking designs, innovative arrangements, and world-class horticultural talent.
Whether you're a passionate World Association of Flower Arrangers (WAFA) member or a curious first-time visitor, the 2027 show guarantees an inspirational journey through the most stunning floral displays on the planet. Prepare to be amazed by intricate designs, global artistic interpretations, and the pure beauty of nature's most exquisite creations.
Sunday, March 21 - WAFA
Spend the Day at WAFA
Imagine wandering through a vibrant landscape of botanical brilliance, where thousands of meticulously cultivated flowers create a living canvas of color and fragrance. At the World's Flower Show, visitors stroll past expertly designed garden exhibits, each representing THE different global regions and horticultural traditions. Passionate gardeners and casual enthusiasts alike marvel at intricate floral arrangements, rare plant specimens, and innovative landscape designs. Interactive workshops offer insights into gardening techniques, while competitions showcase the pinnacle of botanical artistry. The air is filled with the delicate scents of roses, orchids, and exotic blooms, creating a sensory experience that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the plant world. Whether you're a serious horticulturalist or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, the World's Flower Show offers a breathtaking day of discovery and wonder.
Monday, March 22 - FLY HOME FROM SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
As the plane lifts off from Sydney, memories of an incredible Australian and New Zealand cruise dance through the mind. This experience has been nothing short of magical - from the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's fjords to the vibrant energy of Sydney's harbor. Our journey across the Tasman Sea has been a perfect blend of adventure, cultural discovery, and pure relaxation. The warm hospitality, stunning scenery, and unforgettable moments will linger long after the plane touches down, leaving us with a treasure trove of memories that capture the essence of this extraordinary voyage.