15 Night Cruise sailing from Auckland to Cairns aboard Azamara Quest.

Get a taste of local island life from the shores of New Zealand to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. We’ll take you deeper into these remarkable lands than you ever thought possible. We’ve packed in restful sea days, too, because you’ll want them.

From our departure port of Auckland, we make sail for Bay of Islands. Both historic and heavenly, this group of 144 islands is a breathtaking start to your voyage. In Tauranga you can meet indigenous Maori, discover steaming geothermal springs, and watch gannets plunge to the sea at beautiful Cape Kidnappers. Sip your way through Chardonnay in Gisborne, Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, and Pinot Noir in the famous Wairarapa region. We’ve got a late stay next in Wellington. A fun blend of nature and nightlife, the nation’s capital is packed with parks, art galleries, museums, and more.

Spend three relaxing days at sea, then it’s Australia’s turn to impress. A late stay in Sydney gives you time for the dazzling harbor, Opera House and high-energy nightlife. Stroll and sample food and drinks along the beachfront on the Sunshine Coast at Mooloolaba. Discover the azure waters and coral reefs of Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach. See less tamed sides of Australia on protected Magnetic Island and the gold-rush town of Charters Towers. From Cairns, opt for a swim-and-snorkel day on the Great Barrier Reef or ride a historic railway through rainforests and waterfalls. A rollicking adventure, beginning to end.

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.

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.

Cairns
Cairns is the gateway to many of northern Australia’s natural attractions. Suit up and head offshore to explore the incredible world beneath the waves at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Great Barrier Reef. Filled with incredible beaches, coral reefs, and turquoise blue waters, you can swim, snorkel, dive, and enjoy a living masterpiece that is so big it can be seen from outer space.

Head inland to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Daintree Rainforest, the planet’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest. Or the tranquil village of Kuranda—which is home to colorful parrots, butterflies, platypus, and fresh water crocodiles—just a short, scenic railway journey from Cairns. If you’re looking to get higher, head to the cool, yet still tropical Atherton Tablelands, a mountain retreat with rolling plateaus averaging 700 meters above sea level.

But even though Cairns is so close to so many fantastic attractions, don’t be so quick to be on your way once you arrive. The city’s relaxed ambience, and year-round tropical climate means it’s a destination in its own right.