Begin your adventure in Brisbane, Australia’s vibrant riverside city. Known for its laid-back charm and modern flair, Brisbane offers a blend of culture, nature, and stunning views. Explore the city’s bustling art scene, lush parks, and picturesque riverfront before setting sail toward New Zealand.

.

The Bay of Islands offers more than broad vistas of sea and sky, more than beaches, boating, and fabulous water sports. The Bay is the birthplace of modern New Zealand. Here the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, establishing British rule and granting the native inhabitants equal status. Rich in legend and mystery, the Bay of Islands has age-old ties to the Maori and to whalers, missionaries and New Zealand's early settlers. The Bay of Islands has lured explorers for countless centuries. The Maori say that Kupe, the great Polynesian adventurer, came here in the 10th century. Captain Cook anchored offshore in 1769, followed by assorted brigands, traders, colonists and missionaries. Note: Bay of Islands is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship's tender.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

It was here in 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown. This historic site offers a commanding view of history and the Bay of Islands.

Kerikeri & Surrounds

Today Kerikeri is a major citrus fruit center and tourist destination. The town also boasts the historic Mission house (1819), Stone Store (1833), and is noted for its thriving art and craft scene.

Russell

Russell, known as Kororareka[a] in the early 19th century, was the first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand. It is situated in the Bay of Islands, in the far north of the North Island. New Zealand census recorded a resident population of 720, Much of the accommodation in the area consists of holiday homes or tourist accommodation.

Cultural Experience

Learn about the history, traditions and contemporary lives of the indigenous Maori people who inhabit the Bay of Islands. Experiences include Marae life and travelling by waka canoe which are brought to life by descendants of the original families.

Glow-worm Caves

The family owned Kawiti Cave tours were first established in the 1950's by Te Tawai Kawiti, Great grandson of the famous Maori Chief, Kawiti. The limestone cave system is home to thousands of glow worms spread across the ceiling surrounded by breath taking stalactites and stalagmites.

Paihia and Surrounds

Paihia is the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island of New Zealand. It is 60 kilometres north of Whangarei, located close to the historic towns of Russell and Kerikeri. Missionary Henry Williams named the mission station Marsden's Vale and eventually the Paihia became the accepted name of the settlement. Nearby to the north is the historic settlement of Waitangi, and the residential and commercial area of Haruru Falls is to the west. The port and township of Opua, and the small settlement of Te Haumi, lie to the south. The population of Paihia is 1719

Haruru Falls

Haruru Falls is a small but wide waterfall. It's where the Waitangi River is at its strongest, feeding into a significant lagoon that ebbs its way out to the Bay of Islands beside Te Tii Marae and the Waitangi Treaty grounds. A small town with accommodation options is built around it. The falls are about 5km from the town of Paihia, and worth a trip to see. You can take a car and walk two minutes down a track to the Falls, passing a rope-swing installed bravely on a tree hanging off the cliff into the lagoon below.

Straddling a narrow isthmus created by 60 different volcanoes, New Zealand's former capital boasts scenic beauty, historical interest and a cosmopolitan collection of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and gardens. Rangitoto, Auckland's largest and youngest volcano, sits in majestic splendor just offshore. Mt. Eden and One Tree Hill, once home to Maori earthworks, overlook the city. One of New Zealand's fine wine districts lies to the north of Auckland. Auckland served as New Zealand's capital from 1841 until 1865, when the seat of government moved to Wellington.

Waitomo Caves Region

Waitomo is a village on the North Island of New Zealand. It's known for its extensive underground cave systems. Thousands of glow-worms light up the Glowworm Caves. The vast Ruakuri Cave features waterfalls and limestone formations. West, Mangapohue Natural Bridge is a high limestone arch over Mangapohue Stream. Northeast of the village, Otorohanga Kiwi House shelters several species of the rare native kiwi bird.

Auckland Museums

A trio of exceptional museums displays the unique natural culture of the area. The Maritime Museum focuses on nautical treasures, the War Memorial on native origins and the Art Gallery on visual mediums.

Auckland Harbour and Islands

An Auckland icon, the Harbor Bridge stretches over the sparkling Waitemata Harbor, dotted with colorful yachts. Unparalleled city views of the city, Rangitoto Island, Devonport and the Waitakere Ranges can be seen from its heights.

Auckland City and Surrounds

Auckland, based around 2 large harbours, is a major city in the north of New Zealand's North Island. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens. Near Downtown, Mission Bay Beach has a seaside promenade.

New Zeland Culinary Experience

New Zealand cuisine is largely driven by local ingredients and seasonal variations. An island nation with a primarily agricultural economy, New Zealand yields produce from land and sea.

New Zealand Adventure Experience

New Zealand is an extraordinary playground. Not only does it have every landscape you can think of crammed into an area the size of California (but with about 34 million fewer people), it also offers a dizzying array of activities, most of which can be easily accessed by a city (or even luxury) base. With something for every level of derring-do and ability.

New Zealand's natural bounty is always on display at the Bay of Plenty. It was Captain James Cook who in 1769 aptly named this bay, thanks to the prosperous Maori villages of the region. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center and a popular seaside resort. Tauranga is also the gateway to Rotorua - a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture. A 90-minute drive from Tauranga, Rotorua is New Zealand's primary tourist attraction.Your ship docks near the foot of Mt. Maunganui, which rises 761 feet above the bay. Across the harbor, Tauranga offers scenic tidal beaches at Omokoroa and Pahoia. The region boasts fine beaches, big-game fishing, thermal springs and seaside resorts.

Rotorua

A place of natural beauty, Rotorua is the geothermal capital of New Zealand and home to 16 incredible lakes.

Te Puia Thermal Reserve

Learn about the Maori culture at the fascinating Te Puia Thermal Reserve, home to a re-creation of an early Maori village, the magnificent Pohutu geyser, boiling mud pools, and the National carving and weaving school.

Rainbow Springs

Spread over 22 beautiful acres, Rainbow Springs is a must-see destination for nature lovers. Explore the trout pools, view 135 varieties of native trees and observe exotic native birds, including New Zealand's national emblem, the kiwi.

Skyline Skyrides

Rotorua's Skyline Skyrides is the perfect venue for a family day out. Enjoy the thrilling gondola cable-car ride up the side of Mount Ngongotaha, experience the fun of the high speed Luge, while soaking up the stunning panoramic views.

Waiotapu

Wai-O-Tapu, Maori for "Sacred Waters", is an active geothermal area found in New Zealand's Taupo volcanic zone. This thermal wonderland boasts breath-taking erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, mineral terraces and steaming volcanic lakes.

Agrodome

See New Zealand through the eyes of a farmer on this unique 160-hectare sheep and beef farm. Watch sheep dogs in action, a sheep shearing demonstration, view 19 breeds of sheep and purchase woolen products at their shop.

Polynesian Spa

One of New Zealand's leading international day spas, the Polynesian Spa boasts many sumptuous spa and massage therapies. Enjoy their four relaxing hot spring pools, as well as the stunning views of Lake Rotorua.

Located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is your gateway to the South Island's famed Marlborough District. Once known primarily for its lush farm lands and many sheep stations, Marlborough came to international attention thanks to a new agricultural product - wine. The release of the 1985 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the map and changed the world's focus on winemaking in the Southern Hemisphere. Today, the Marlborough region boasts dramatic sea and landscapes, fascinating wine country, excellent restaurants and a number of the nation's finest gardens. Military names abound in this corner of New Zealand - the region is named for the first Duke of Marlborough, while the largest town, Blenheim, is named after his most famous battle. Picton is named for Sir Thomas Picton, a favorite of another general, the first duke of Wellington.

Marlborough Wineries

Marlborough wines put New Zealand on the viticultural map.

Queen Charlotte Sound

The sound's colors range from turquoise to emerald - attract seals, sea birds and dolphins including common, bottlenose and Hector's dolphins.

Lochmara Lodge

The lodge is home to a Wildlife Recovery Center and an Arts Center with galleries and a sculpture trail.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Center

Home to one of the largest private collections of World War I aircraft in the world.

Pelorous Sound

One of the two major arms of the Marlborough Sounds. In keeping with the area's penchant for place names honoring military heroes, Havelock is named after Sir Henry Havelock, hero of the Indian Mutiny.

Makana Confections

This boutique confectioner has garnered international attention for its classic chocolate truffles and macadamia nut candies.

Outdoor Adventure

The intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds make up a fifth of the New Zealand coastline, making it a perfect spot for exploring by kayak. The spectacular Queen Charlotte Track is one of the most popular walks in New Zealand.

Perched on the hills above one of New Zealand's loveliest harbors, Dunedin is a Kiwi city with a Scottish heart. Hailed as the "Edinburgh of New Zealand," Dunedin is proud of its heritage. A statue of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns graces downtown, and the presence of New Zealand's only kilt maker and whisky distillery - as well as many bagpipe bands - keep Dunedin's ties to Scotland alive. The city also boasts a distinguished architectural and cultural history, a legacy of New Zealand's 1860s gold rush.Port Chalmers, gateway to Dunedin, is located eight miles from the city center. Dunedin is a planned city: its streets and suburbs fan out from the city's octagon.Travel tip: Dunedin is pronounced "Dunn-knee-din"

Taieri Gorge Railway

Travel the fabled route of pioneers & prospectors through spectacular Taieri River Gorge. This historic railway, from the 1870s, boasts wrought iron viaducts, tunnels and modern and vintage carriages. Exclusively chartered for Princess Cruises, the train journey commences from alongside the ship and includes tea, lunch and continuous refreshment service.

Larnach Castle

Enjoy spectacular tower views and beautiful gardens at this neo-Gothic estate. Commissioned by William Larnach for his beloved first wife, the home preserves the baronial lifestyle of the 1800s.

Olveston House

Designed by London architect Sir Ernest George and built in 1904-06 for David Theomin, a Dunedin importer, this magnificent 35-room Jacobean-style mansion tells the story of a gracious age.

Otago Harbour & Peninsula

Otago Peninsula is one of the South Island's most significant wildlife areas and boasts untamed landscape.

Speights Brewery

Still on Rattray Street at the foot of City Rise, the same site it has occupied since 1876, Speight's Brewery brews the "Pride of the South," a favorite New Zealand beer.

Botanical Garden

Established in 1863, the lush Botanic Gardens boast rose, camellia, rhododendron and native plant displays. Also on site are a Glasshouse Garden, aviary, and convenient souvenir shop.

Otago Museum

The Otago Museum was founded in 1868 and has undergone many changes over the years. It is the largest cultural and heritage institution in Otago and has a collection of over two million natural science specimens and human history artifacts. The Museum is Dunedin's most visited attraction.

Dunedin Train Station

Dunedin's landmark railway station features an elaborate Victorian facade, extravagant tile floors and etched glasswork.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Fiordland National Park as your ship cruises through its dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and misty waterfalls. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound offer spectacular scenery, providing an unforgettable natural spectacle from the comfort of your ship.

Conclude your unforgettable journey back in Brisbane, filled with incredible memories of New Zealand’s landscapes and rich culture. Take a final stroll through the city’s parks and riverside before disembarking, ready to reflect on the beauty and adventure of your 14-day cruise.