Lace up your hiking boots and explore New Zealand's natural beauty.
The Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand is known for Maori culture, lush-valley-and-gentle-hill-filled landscapes made famous by the "Lord of the Rings" films and dramatic glacial mountain peaks. Cruise to New Zealand and head to the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, home to the mighty fjords of Milford Sound. Ever imagined setting foot on tundra? Check out Franz Josef and Foz Glaciers on the South Island, two of the world's most accessible glaciers. Get your fix of urban culture in windy Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. Adrenaline junkies will want to make a beeline for Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu's shores, where you have access to ski resorts, bungee jumping and jet boating.
All Natural Adventure
Lace up your hiking boots and explore the natural beauty
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FROM HARBORS TO HOBBIT-HOLES
Sightsee your way through New Zealand's best-known sites and cities. "Lord of the Rings" lovers, appreciators of the arts and culinary enthusiasts won't be disappointed.
WELLINGTON WOWS
Hilly and windy Welly is New Zealand's capital city. It's home to a scenic hillside tram, a collection of indigenous art and artifacts at the Te Papa Museum and an up-and-coming food scene, exclusive cocktail bars tucked next to modernist, high-end spots serving inspired takes on local ingredients.
AUCKLAND EXPERIENCE
New Zealand's largest city, Auckland is home to two harbors, black and white sand beaches, hiking trails and the iconic Sky Tower. Head to the top for the best views during your vacation.
JUST LIKE THE MOVIES
Follow in Frodo's footsteps and check out Hobbiton in Matamata — check out the recreation of the hobbit's houses nestled in the rolling green hills (watch your head!). Cruise to New Zealand to kayak past unique cliff structures at popular Cathedral Cove, where the Chronicles of Narnia were filmed.
NEW ZEALAND
RUGGED, ROBUST AND READY FOR YOU
The best part about a New Zealand cruise is that it departs from Australia, so you see two countries and two different landscapes in one visit.
SAMPLE AUSTRALIA
While you're "in the area," start in Australia and experience a sampler cruise from Sydney, or a cruise up the coast from Tasmania to Queensland.
ALL OVER NZ
From North to South, see city sights in Auckland, check out the art deco delights of Napier, and cruise through Milford Sound's majestic fjords.
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO
Hiking Know-How
Although summer is the best time to visit New Zealand in terms of warm weather, it's also the busiest season for domestic and international visitors. This means less accommodation options and higher prices. The shoulder season of autumn is a better option, as you have the bonus of falling leaves, while spring is known for its unstable and windy conditions.
If hiking is on the agenda, remember to pack quality hiking boots and layers, as some of the Great Walks have notoriously temperamental weather. A waterproof and windproof jacket will save you while cruising around New Zealand, particularly in the cooler months.
1
Kia Ora is a local greeting, which translates to "Hello!". It is derived from the Maori language, where it's literal meaning is "alive" or "healthy".
2
As in Australia, tipping is not a New Zealand custom.
3
If driving in New Zealand, bear in mind the roads can by windy, narrow and hilly, so give yourself extra time to get from point A to B.
CUISINE
Meats and Sweets
Like its neighbor Australia, New Zealand's national cuisine has British, Mediterranean and South Pacific influences. But it has developed its own sweet tooth, with a long list of cookies, candy and cakes that locals love.
EMBRACE YOUR SWEET TOOTH
New Zealander's sweet selection includes pavlova (a meringue cake with fruit toppings), Afghan and Anzac biscuits, hokey pokey ice cream (vanilla with honeycomb pieces), chocolate fish, Pineapple Lumps and lolly cake.
KIWIS LOVE THEIR LAMB
One of New Zealand's biggest meat exports, roast lamb — seasoned with rosemary and served with seasonal vegetables — is served in many local restaurants. When you visit New Zealand, look for options that are locally raised and grass-fed for the best flavor.
SEAFOOD ESSENTIALS
Satiate yourself on Bluff oysters, thought by many connoisseurs to be the world's best. Or try the country's British-inspired favorite, crisp-fried fish and chips with plenty of malt vinegar to cut through the richness. Top that off with savory whitebait fritters and green-lipped mussels in curry sauce with crusty bread.
Related Ports
New Zealand ports are a combination of cities and countryside stops. This includes Auckland and Wellington, as well as Tauranga's beaches, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds' fjords and the Bay of Islands. Don't forget Napier, with its distinctive art deco architecture like Miami Beach.
