Auckland
Sited on a splendid and hilly isthmus, this is New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city. The newly redeveloped pierside offers intimate bars and splendid restaurants, while the harbour is a constantly shifting panorama of yachts that has earned the city its nick-name, the City of Sails. Travel south to experience the mighty geysers and plopping mud pools of Rotorua, or go underground in Waitomo and walk through grottoes illuminated by a million glow-worms. Auckland’s highest point, Mount Eden (643ft), offers incredible city views, reinforcing the claim that its twin harbors are among the most beautiful in the world.
Bay of Islands
North of Auckland, along the narrow Northland peninsula, lies a shady ‘cathedral’ of some of the world’s largest trees. These hulking specimens stand up to 170 feet tall, and are over 1,200 years old.
The captivating Bay of Islands shelters 150 islands and enchanting wetlands of birdlife, fish, seals, dolphins, and even whales. No wonder it’s one of New Zealand’s favourite destinations.
Christchurch
This vibrant, energetic city is ever-evolving. Discover amazing street art, innovative projects, a booming hospitality scene and state-of-the-art architecture that is changing the way the city looks, feels and functions. Recovery from natural and terror tragedies of the past few years is gradual but they are getting there.
Dunedin
Dunedin is the second-largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and principal of the Otago region. Its population boomed during 1865, with a steady stream of new settlers arriving in search of gold.
During your time here, the outstanding Dunedin Railway Station is a must-visit, and a ride on the world famous Taieri Gorge Train is a scenic experience you’ll cherish for years to come.
Napier
Napier is New Zealand’s Art Deco city. ‘Thanks’ to the huge earthquake of 1931, large parts of Napier were rebuilt in Deco and classical Revival architectural styles. It is set in the Hawke’s Bay
New Plymouth
Lying at the base of New Zealand’s most perfectly formed volcano – Mount Taranaki – sunny New Plymouth is brimming with vibrant art galleries and gorgeous parks.
At 8,261 feet Mount Taranaki dominates the skyline of New Plymouth.
Picton
The town itself is full of charm. It’s built around a sheltered harbour, whose curved flanks hold the sparkling blue waters in their dark green embrace. The seafront here has several spots to sip a drink, have a bite to eat and take it all in. There are several galleries and shops too, when you can tear your gaze away from the views. You may even have a chance to appreciate Maori traditions at the Omaki Marae, a local meeting house that often showcases elements of their rich culture.
Tauranga
The largest city in the Bay of Plenty has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk. The modern Strand waterfront is a lively home to a number of cafés, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs. One of New Zealand’s most popular beach towns, Mount Maunganui, is a short drive away. Climb 700ft to the top for great views, and to walk off some excess pounds. But wear strong shoes as its quite tricky in places.
Wellington
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait, just a short hop from the South Island and its famous Marlborough wine district. Enjoy the waterfront promenade, working harbour and colourful timber houses, and be sure to take the the iconic red Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the Wellington Botanic Gardens for wonderful views of the city.
Regent Seven Seas sets pulses racing with record-breaking 2023-2024 Voyage Collection
Regent Seven Seas Cruises obviously set the pulses racing with the recent launch of its 2023-2024 Voyage Collection and the response was the largest booking day in the company’s 29-year history. The Regent fleet will sail 139 new voyages, with itineraries across Africa and Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, Canada
Looking to smoother waters worldwide with Crystal Symphony in 2023
Cruising may look a little unlikely for some time yet but Crystal is looking to a more certain future and offering for sale all of its 2023 cruises aboard Crystal Symphony. In all, the ship will sail 36 all-inclusive itineraries of six to 15 nights, with 23 sailings of 10 nights or less. There are
- Published in 2023, Asia, British isles, Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East, New Zealand, Northern Europe, Ocean Cruises
Fred Olsen offers ‘small ships for a big world’ in 2021-2022, visiting 224 destinations in 73 countries
Fred Olsen’s fleet of smaller, more intimately-sized ocean ships will be visiting 224 destinations in 73 countries, on 93 different itineraries in 2021-22, with durations between three and 153 nights to 88 different areas of scenic cruising. Complementing the UK departure ports of Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh (Rosyth), Olsen will also be offering
- Published in 2021, 2022, Africa, Baltic, British isles, Caribbean, Cuba, Europe, French Polynesia, Greek Islands, Greenland, Mediterranean, New Zealand, Norwegian fjords
Cunard boosts variety for Winter 2020-21, sailing 139,000 nautical miles to 94 destinations
Cunard’s winter 2020-21 programme will feature exciting new destinations and more variety than ever before as its fleet tours the globe. From November 2020 to May 2021, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will travel 139,000 nautical miles, calling at 94 destinations in 38 different countries, including three maiden calls to Hualien, Miyakojima and New Plymouth. Blending world-class
- Published in 2020, 2021, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Mediterranean, New Zealand, Ocean Cruises, Singapore, Southeast Asia, World Cruise
Princess answers call for Down Under cruises with biggest ever Australia season in 2020-21
Answering the booming demand for cruising in Australia, Princess Cruises’ biggest ever Down Under programme between October 2020 and April 2021 features its two newest ships, Majestic Princess and Regal Princess, with a choice of 123 cruises departing from six ports across Australia. Princess will visit almost 80 destinations in 19 countries and increase the number of cruise
- Published in 2020, 2021, australia, Australia & New Zealand, Destinations, New Zealand, News, Ocean Cruises
Cunard Queens to sail 160,000 miles to 94 destinations in winter 2020 – 21
Cunard’s winter 2020 – 2021 programme features exciting new destinations and more variety than ever before as its three Queens travel 160,000 miles to 94 destinations in 38 different countries. Blending world-class cities such as San Francisco and Auckland with smaller, less well-known, destinations, itineraries range from short two-night breaks to a 108-night world voyage
- Published in 2020, 2021, Asia, australia, Australia & New Zealand, Hawaii, New Zealand, News, Ocean Cruises, Panama Canal, San Francisco, World Cruise
Queen Elizabeth to spend record four months in Australia in summer 2020-21
Queen Elizabeth will be spearheading Cunard’s biggest ever Australian summer season in 2020-21 when she returns for an unprecedented 118 days. Flagship Queen Mary 2 and sister ship Queen Victoria will also be visiting during their world voyages, spending a record 49 days in Australian ports between them. Queen Elizabeth’s four-month season will begin in November 2020 and will include
- Published in 2020, 2021, australia, Australia & New Zealand, New Zealand, News
Majestic sight in Singapore as she heads for Sydney and inaugural Australia season
Majestic Princess signalled the completion of half of her 23-day Grand Asia voyage from Shanghai which started on 24 August when she arrived in Singapore after visiting Busan, Hong Kong, Nha Trang, Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City). Majestic Princess cuts a striking figure at her berth in Singapore The ship is now en route to
- Published in Australia & New Zealand, Destinations, New Zealand
Crystal Endeavour ‘breaks boundaries and expectations’ in her inaugural 2020-21 season
Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises has unveiled the inaugural season of itineraries for its newest globetrotting vessel, Crystal Endeavor, which it promises will “take travellers beyond their previous travel expectations”. Covering August of 2020 to January 2021, the luxury 20-,000-ton expedition yacht will sail voyages of 12 to 22 days, exploring the cultural and bio-diversity of Japan
- Published in 2020, 2021, Australia & New Zealand, Destinations, Expedition Cruises, New Zealand
New series of ‘The Cruise’ to be filmed on Majestic Princess in Australia, New Zealand and Asia
A new six-part series of ITV documentary “The Cruise” is to be filmed later this year on board Majestic Princess for screening in early 2019. The series, the sixth to date, will continue to offer an insight into life onboard for both guests and the ship’s crew. Filming on board Majestic Princess will start in August Picture courtesy
- Published in Australia & New Zealand, Destinations, New Zealand
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