New Zealand Cruise

We depart for Sydney, via Vancouver.

Relax and enjoy the flight.

We arrive in Sydney and transfer to our hotel. Afternoon at leisure, with dinner at the hotel.

Our included tour takes us to the Rocks area (Sydney’s birthplace), the magnificent and iconic Opera House, Chinatown, Bondi Beach, the Gap, Watson’s Bay, and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone rock carved into the shape of a bench (for spectacular city and harbour views).

This morning we visit the Botanical Gardens—a masterpiece of nature overlooking Sydney Harbour. Later we board the Royal Princess for our first delicious lunch and dinner on-board.

Time to get acquainted with the ship and your fellow travellers, and enjoy the endless array of facilities, activities and entertainment on board.

Spend the day at leisure, doing as much—or as little—as you want.

Relax and enjoy the views as you sail across the open ocean, with plenty of time to indulge in onboard spa treatments or cooking classes.

Thanks to this region’s subtropical climate, it’s a hub for many water activities, nature walks and fishing. The Bay of Islands is referred to as the “birthplace of New Zealand” due to the numerous events that have taken place here over the centuries. It is also home to many Maori sacred sites and legends.

New Zealand’s former capital boasts scenic beauty, historical interest and a cosmopolitan collection of shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. One Tree Hill, once home to Maori earthworks, overlooks the city. There is much to explore.

For a fun, interactive experience, join a wine-tasting session or a cooking demonstration with the ship’s expert chefs.

Picton is the gateway to the South Island’s famed Marlborough District. Once known primarily for its lush farm lands and sheep stations, Marlborough is now known for producing fine wines. This region also boasts dramatic sea and landscapes and some of New Zealand’s finest gardens. The rich waters here attract seals and Bottlenose and Hector Dolphins.

Christchurch is known as the “most English city outside England”. In fact the river that flows through the town is called the River Avon and is crossed by 37 stone bridges. There is a pleasant botanical garden and the Canterbury Museum has a large Maori and Antarctic collection.

Hailed as the “Edinburgh of New Zealand”, this town has Scottish roots and still retains its Celtic flavour. Enjoy a stroll in the parks and gardens and admire the beautiful surrounding scenery. Optional tours will be offered such as a ride on the Taieri Gorge Railway, the Otago Wildlife Cruise and many more.

Here on the South Island, many fjords cut the coastline with peaks rising thousands of feet straight from the sea.

Spend your day unwinding by the pool or treating yourself to a luxurious spa day.

We enjoy our last day at sea before heading back to Australia.

We disembark in Sydney and transfer to our hotel. Dinner this evening will be a at lovely restaurant by the harbour.

We transfer to the airport and fly back to Canada.