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

Want golf, wine tasting, spectacular cruising and an in-depth New Zealand experience all on one voyage? You got it. This adventure with partner PerryGolf™ includes an optional golf package to some of the world’s most exclusive courses, including two of Golf Digest’s “Best in the World” in New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Islands. Cape Kidnappers has been described as “Pebble Beach on steroids.” Kauri Cliffs features holes along cliffs with views of the sea far below. Rounds at The Royal Wellington, the highly regarded Christchurch Golf Club, Chisholm Links and Jack’s Point (optional) complete the set.

Not a golfer? No problem. Take a first class wine tour, sipping your way through sublime Chardonnay in Gisborne, world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, and Pinot Noir in the famous Wairarapa region. Architecture buffs will love the art deco style of Napier and Scottish-influenced Victorian and Edwardian structures of Dunedin. Or, you could turn your attention to scenic outdoor and wildlife destinations. Wellington is home to some of the amazing scenery in Lord of the Rings, Tauranga is a cornucopia of kiwi, avocado and citrus farms, and the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin has penguin and fur seal colonies.

Highlights of this cruise:

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.

Napier
Located on the east coast of the North Island, Napier is a popular tourist town, and together with inland Hastings, are known as “the Bay Cities of New Zealand”. After Napier was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1931, the city rebuilt in spectacular Art Deco style that Mr. Gatsby himself would approve of. Take a stroll through the streets and you’d swear you can hear the clink of glasses and the faint notes of jazz music in the air.

But even though the past is still very much present in Napier, there are plenty of contemporary delights, too. Make a pilgrimage to Pania of the Reef, a statue of a figure of Māori mythology, and one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country. Take a guided walk around the city, or visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Spend a day testing out the local vineyards, or stop by the Napier farmers’ market for fresh artisan products.

Picton
A seaside town situated close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island, Picton is a great jumping off point for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. Like most of New Zealand, this area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose your own adventure and go fishing, swimming, bird watching, or visit the playful fur seal pups at their colony near the waterfall at Ohau Point. Bring your walking shoes and walk to the Snout—located between Picton and Waikawa Bay, this peninsula is still wild and untamed. There are tracks and trails for all abilities, from a few minutes-long stroll, so a full-scale hiking adventure.

Oenophiles will also be interested to know that Picton is less than half an hour away from the world famous Marlborough wine region. Explore more than 35 cellar doors—from small family producers, to international operations. Pair a glass of acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc with another regional delicacy, greenshell mussels.

And when it’s time to wave goodbye to Picton, be sure to stay above deck to see the incredible sights of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Sailing through should be a bucket-list item for any world-traveler.

Sydney
Head Down Under to the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia, the one and only Sydney. With a sunny attitude and a climate to match, Sydney is a vibrant place that combines the best of the beach, with the convenience of the city.

Your first stop should be the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Sydney Opera House. Snap a picture of this iconic building that is a prominent feature of Sydney’s famous skyline for the folks back home. Get out and explore the streets to shop, dine, and view spectacular architecture and heritage buildings including Parliament House, Sydney Town Hall, and the Australian Museum.

For a chance to feel like you’re away from the city without having to travel very far, hop on the ferry and head to Manly Beach to enjoy miles and miles of white sand and turquoise water. In nearby Darling Harbor you can visit The Rocks, where much of Sydney’s past is hidden in plain sight alongside hip restaurants, cafés, and shops, not to mention spectacular views of Sydney’s other iconic landmark—the Harbor Bridge.