The Australia and New Zealand Cruising Experience

Cruising is a great and economical way to see a lot without having to pack and unpack every day. Enjoy incredible cuisine and nightly entertainment onboard the ship. Meet interesting people from all over the world and make lifelong friendships. This vacation gives you the opportunity to see a little of Australia and enjoy the highlights of New Zealand.  An interesting itinerary is the 12 day cruise on Holland America visiting Sydney, Tasmania in Australia and North and South Island of New Zealand.

Sydney is a very interesting and multicultural city. The city is best known for its harbour front, uniquely designed Opera House and the arched Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney has a laid-back outdoor lifestyle, making it a very popular city to visit. Tours are offered by the many different hotels in the city or any Information Centre.  For the more adventurous visitor take a “Sydney by Sail” cruise or even the Sydney Heli Tours which gives you unbeatable views of the famous icons of the city: Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and Bondi Beach. There are also great tours on Harley Davidson motorcycles, which have become very popular with all age groups.

 The zoo in Sydney will give you an opportunity to see very cute Koalas plus the many species of animals and reptiles which live in Australia. There is always the opportunity to take a photo of you holding a koala to put in your memory book of your trip “down under”. If you like to see the countryside and a little of how people live then take a Hunter Valley Wine tour or travel up to the Blue Mountains. It is a great opportunity to see the vastness of the farms, small towns and the many kangaroos roaming the land.

Board your ship in Sydney and begin an exciting 12 day cruise. Visit Hobart and Port Arthur in Tasmania. Wander through colonial architecture and historic charm where you experience the contrast between the old and new. Tasmania would not be complete without seeing the famous Tasmanian devil in one of the wildlife parks. Despite its reputation, it is actually a shy creature and now a protected species.

Sail to the South Island of New Zealand and visit Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. It has been described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. Milford Sound was carved out by glaciers during the ice ages.  Day trips can be to Queenstown or Te Anau.  Dunedin is known for its Scottish and Maori heritage plus old Victorian architecture. It is the second largest city and called the Edinburgh of NZ. Next port is the city of Christchurch known as the “Garden City” because of its spectacular gardens and wide variety of plants. A city tour purchased off the ship is the best way to see the highlights of Christchurch. There is such a wide variety of attractions from whale watching, hot air ballooning, jet boat tours, bungy jumping or rafting for the thrill seekers.

Lighting it up

P.A.'s Zablocki leads Regina to victory on Day 4 at Esso Cup

1h ago

WORLD SOFTBALL

Group stages officially set for Men's Softball World Cup in P.A.

8h ago

Safety first

Safety concerns and tips surrounding discarded needles in P.A.

Apr 23, 2024

 Cross the Cook Strait and visit the capital city of Wellington. It is the coolest little capital and well worth a city tour. Take a stroll down Cuba Street,  it is the bohemian haven with colourful shops, bars and cafes. The street entertainers put on quite a show.

Napier is a seaport on the east coast of the North Island. This is the perfect wine growing region and offers many tours. An Electric Bike Tour of the city is a fabulous way to explore Napier. Also has a great little Aquarium where you can see penguins, sharks and kiwi birds.  Sail up the coast to the Port of Tauranga which is NZ’s largest and most efficient port. If you wish for a day relaxing, then walk to the beach and enjoy the miles of white, fine sand of Mt Maunganui. Take the opportunity to visit Rotorua, the Geothermal Wonderland of NZ.  Hobbiton film set and the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves is another tour that is very popular.

The final port is Auckland. This large, busy city offers a number of world class attractions. The Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is an explanation of the underwater world of many species in the southern ocean. Travel through the underwater tunnel as the sharks swim over-head, jellyfish, Sea Dragons, stingrays and the playful Gentoo penguins.  A city tour will include the Sky Tower, One tree Hill for panoramic views, Viaduct Harbour plus many other sights Auckland has to offer.  Hauraki Golf Harbour offers a chance to sail on one of the famous NZ yachts from the America’s Cup Regattas. Enjoy some of the city’s restaurants and experience local cuisine of abundant seafood, lamb, venison and kiwifruit.

Visit the gorgeous Bay of Islands north of Auckland.  Historic Russel is now a village of small eateries and boutique shops.  Tour the natural wonder called Cape Brett Hole-in-the-Rock and Waitiangi harbour or spend an afternoon swimming with the dolphins. Northland is regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand as it is believed to be where the first Maori voyager, Kupe arrived on its shores more than 1000 years ago. This was where the historic “Treaty of Waitangi” was signed between Maori and the Crown in 1840 and is still the heart of New Zealand governance today.

I am sure if you decide on this cruise itinerary or a similar one, the rewards will be endless. Stopovers on each end are recommended, as there is still much to explore in both countries. The culture and lifestyle of both Australia and New Zealand is known to be laid-back and the people friendly.  This destination should be on your bucket list of adventures yet to experience. You will never regret your fabulous and fun vacation “Down under” in Australasia.

Lynda Spriggs

Lobstick Travel / Prince Albert.