Give in to the sunny, can-do spirit of the locals as you explore the best of Australia and New Zealand. Highlights? Discovering sophisticated cities such as Melbourne and Auckland. Scenic cruising in New Zealand’s pristine fjords and bays teeming with wildlife. Connecting deeply with the friendly people as you visit with award-winning vintners, sheep farmers and Maori artists.

New Zealand in Depth
A comprehensive exploration – six ports of call on both North and South islands.

Home of the fascinating Maori, aquamarine bays and geothermal wonders.
Warriors, hunters, artists: the Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous people, are at once fierce and friendly. On a visit to a Maori meeting house (marae) thrill to a traditional welcome ceremony (powhiri) which begins with a challenge from a spear-brandishing warrior and ends with the peaceful pressing of noses (hongi). Then, on with the visit as tribal members regale you with stories of their customs and carvings and a performance of the wildly entertaining haka war dancers.

More Australia
See the Great Barrier Reef, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, before or after the cruise.

Lift the veil on pure enchantment as you visit the Great Barrier Reef. Lacy hard corals reaching for the light, flowery soft corals undulating with the rhythm of the sea. The Great Barrier Reef is unequalled for the beauty of its coral – the world’s largest coral reef system.

Prepare for four unforgettable days cruising through a wonderland of lush tropical islands. Highlights: visits to Cairns and the Whitsunday Islands, an overnight anchorage off Sherrard Island, the incredible pleasure of ushering in the sunrise off Lizard Island, watching the sunset off Booby Island. Find flora and fauna unique to the island on “Tiny Tassie” - as the Aussies affectionately call Tasmania, the infamous Tasmanian devil, Huon pine trees more than 2,000 years old.

Take in the sights of world-famous Sydney: the harbour and Opera House, the botanical gardens. Shop for opals, visit the koalas at the zoo. The energy and friendliness of the residents is palpable

Lois and I love the friendly people of New Zealand and Australia. The sights are unforgettable.