Highlights of a Cruise Around New Zealand

Visit Auckland, New Zealand on a Cruise

A cruise around New Zealand is a great way of seeing a wide variety of beautiful scenery, including places that are inaccessible by land. Add to that exotic Maori culture, coastal cities and excellent wine and you have a cruise that is guaranteed to delight!
   Here is a rundown of the highlights of our cruise from the north of the North Island to the south of the South Island.

• Bay of Islands - (for history) - see Waitangi where the treaty was signed between Maori and the British in 1840 and visit Russell, the oldest township in New Zealand.
• Auckland - (the largest city) - catch a ferry to the historic seaside suburb of Devonport or jump on the 'hop on hop off' sightseeing bus that will take you around the major visitor attractions of the city. 
• Tauranga - ( for Maori culture and thermal scenery) - this is the closest port to Rotorua and it is a day trip to see traditional Maori cultural shows and the scenic attractions of the active thermal region.
• Napier - ( for Art Deco architecture) - take a guided walk and learn about the Art Deco period and the buildings of the 1920s and 30s.
• Wellington - ( the capital city) - walk around this small city and visit Te Papa, the interactive National Museum with displays that showcase New Zealand's history, cultures, and art. 
• Picton - ( for wineries) - tours from the port to the Marlborough Region, one of the premier grape growing and wine making areas of the country.
• Akaroa - (for a French influence) - an historic French settlement on the shores of a beautiful harbour.
• Dunedin - ( for wild life) - albatrosses and rare yellow-eyed penguins are some of the wildlife that make the area around Dunedin and the Otago Harbour their home. Go bird watching only half an hour from the city centre.
• Fiordland - (A World Heritage Site wilderness area) - this National Park of stunning mountains, deep fiords, and many waterfalls is home to a wide variety of marine mammals and native birds. Your cruise ship can go deep into the Sounds to places inaccessible by vehicle.

So there you have it - a list of what I think, are the best things to do in your New Zealand ports of call. Enjoy your exploring!