16 Night Cruise sailing from Melbourne to Auckland aboard Azamara Quest.

If cruising through scenic bays, soaring cliffs and deep blue fjords is your idea of a good time, you’ll love New Zealand. While the earliest explorers arrived by canoe, you’ll be sailing in the lap of luxury, with a glass of fine New Zealand wine in hand. But first, a taste of Tasmania, where you’ll walk the grounds of notorious Port Arthur, a former penal colony in a stunningly beautiful setting. Then sail to nearby Hobart, an old whaling town full of shops, galleries and lively restaurants. Then, we enter scenic Milford Sound, an Ice-Age spectacle of jagged peaks and tumbling waterfalls.

New Zealand towns are surprisingly different, with plenty of 19th century Victorian and Edwardian architecture to explore. The modern capital of Wellington is filled with sophisticated restaurants, art galleries and museums. Architecture buffs will love charming Napier, rebuilt in perfect art-deco style after an earthquake.

Wine aficionados won’t want to miss guided tours of the Marlborough region and Hawke’s Bay. And every gardener will swoon over Tauranga’s lush kiwi, citrus and avocado farms. The breathtaking Bay of Islands is just another in the long list of reasons New Zealand is like no other place on earth.

Highlights of this cruise:

Melbourne
Melbourne has the honor of being “the world’s most livable city” not to mention “Australia’s cultural capital”, a UNESCO City of Literature, the hub of the country’s film and television industry, and the unquestioned sporting capital of Australia. But don’t mistake Melbourne for a relentless overachiever, it’s got a laid-back and easy vibe that will leave you wanting more.

The best way to experience what makes Melbourne so special is to hit the streets and explore. Your first stop should be to fuel up with a cup of jo. Coffee culture is taken very seriously here, and there are all kinds of quaint cafés to be found on the charming city streets. Then, wander to take in the restored 19th-century architecture—including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition building—much of which was built following the Victorian gold rush.

Visit the seaside suburb of St. Kilda for such renowned attractions as Luna Park, Fitzroy Street, and St. Kilda Beach, the city’s most famous beach. Stroll through Melbourne’s interconnected arcades and laneways, filled with vibrant street art, boutiques, restaurants and cafés, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the heart of the city center at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Wellington
Often referred to as “the coolest little capital in the world”, Wellington sits on the southwestern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. For such a small city, Wellington—or Windy Welly as it’s affectionately known—packs a huge reputation. With its fantastic nightlife and renowned entertainment district of Courtenay Place as well as an internationally recognized coffee culture, the city is both cosmopolitan and relaxed.

Browse the shops on chic Lambton Quay and then get a lay of the land by taking a ride on the iconic Kelburn cable car. Soaring high above the city, enjoy panoramic views before being dropped off at the doorstep of the Botanic Gardens. Pack a picnic to enjoy when you get there to take part in a favorite local pastime.

From 19th-century wooden cottages to streamlined art deco structures, Wellington is filled with sculptures, fountains, and art galleries; be sure to visit The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum and art gallery. Film buffs will want to tour the famous Oscar-winning Weta Cave—home to props, collectibles, and souvenirs of such movies as Lord of the Rings, Avatar, Man of Steel, and Narnia.

Auckland
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”.

Tour a sheep farm, take a guided tour of the coastal rainforest, or go on a harbor cruise. Immerse yourself in Auckland’s art, Māori culture, and history. View the beauty of the coastline from above when you go hang gliding, or take a trip around the winemaking regions of either Matakana or Waiheke Island. No matter what your speed, it’s easy to find an authentic New Zealand experience in Auckland.