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

Meet local people and immerse yourself in one-of-a-kind adventures in the Lands Down Under. Take a ride on Great Ocean Road in Melbourne, stopping for spectacular views, wines and local foods. Learn about life in the old whaling town of Hobart, where warehouses have been converted to lively shops, bars and restaurants. Your first glimpse of Kiwiland will be dramatic as we enter Milford Sound, a panoramic showcase of towering mountains and cascading waterfalls. Dunedin retains the feeling of the Scottish settlement it once was, and charming French-influenced Akaroa is the place for dining, pretty gardens, and nearby vineyard touring. Sip fine Sauvignon Blanc wines at Hawke’s Bay and sample Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from other renowned vineyards. Architecture fans will love the art deco charm of Napier, bird watchers will be thrilled by gannet acrobatics at Cape Kidnappers, and gardeners will sigh over the abundant kiwi farms and other crops of Tauranga. Did we leave anyone out? Trust us, New Zealand will find its way into your heart.

Highlights of this cruise:

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.

Dunedin
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is sure to be a pleasant chapter in your voyage. Known both as a City of Literature, and the Edinburgh of the South, it’s no surprise that there’s a statue of Robbie Burns in the heart of town. Though a Scottish influence can be felt throughout town, Dunedin is still distinctly Kiwi.

Take a guided coach tour around the city and view the Flemish architecture or explore the Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of the Otago Peninsula. Stroll along one of the many beautiful, white sandy beaches. View some of the wildlife unique to the area, like the Northern Royal Albatross, the Little Blue Penguin, and the Kiwi. Learn more about local culture at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, where you’ll discover the story of the people who settled here.

If you’re up for a challenge, take a page from the Guinness Book of World Records and climb to the top of Baldwin Street—the steepest street in the world. Or for a chance to live like another famous literary character, Willy Wonka, visit Cadbury World—a working chocolate factory located in the heart of Dunedin.

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.


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.