New Zealand & Australia cruise with Azamara Club Cruises

As you would have seen the previous day, Auckland is a multi-faceted city and lying a short ferry ride away from its central harbour is the attractive Waiheke Island, home to artists, wine growers and those that enjoy a different pace of life. We've arranged for a return ferry pass across to Waiheke from where you'll be met and spend the day sampling some of the island's best wines on a small group tour.

Spend your morning at leisure before making your way to the harbour in time to board the luxurious Azamara Journey, for your breathtaking 15-night cruise of New Zealand and Australia. The Journey will set sail late in the afternoon.

First stop on your Azamara voyage is Gisborne on the North Island's Eastern Cape — a place of rich history, fantastic wine and beautiful beaches.

Arrive this morning in the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand, Napier and spend the day exploring its characterful streets.

After sailing overnight you'll arrive into Wellington today, New Zealand's capital and home to unique architecture and wonderful museums.

Overnight you will have crossed from north to south island and arrived early this morning in the port town of Picton. This is a particularly scenic region and is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and wine lovers.

The Journey will continue its voyage south along the eastern coast of the country, today arriving at New Zealand's only French settlement, Akaroa. This pretty port town is a paradise for animal lovers and has unique colonial architecture with a distinctly French flair.

You'll awake this morning and feel like you've travelled from France to Scotland, with your arrival in the port city of Dunedin. Positioned on the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin is home to rare wildlife, beautiful beaches and some of the country's best Pinot Noir.

A day of exploring one of New Zealand's undisputed highlights, Milford Sound.

The Azamara Journey will depart New Zealand today and start its voyage across the Tasman to Australia.

A day at sea.

Arrive this morning in Tasmania's capital and most populous city, Hobart — a fine introduction into Australia and often voted as one of the country's most liveable cities. Choose from an array of activities today to make the most of your visit.

A day at sea as the Journey travels across the Bass Strait to the Australian mainland and the city of Melbourne.

Arrive this morning in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne where you'll spend the next day and a half. Despite its size, Melbourne is a very approachable city, full of cultural, sporting and culinary attractions to enjoy.

Depart today and travel north along Australia's south east coast and to the bustling city of Sydney.

A final day at sea.

You'll arrive this morning in the impressive city of Sydney. Upon disembarkation this morning you'll be met by your chauffeur and transferred to your hotel, tucked away in the historic Rocks region of the city. Here we've suggested you spend some time exploring at your leisure, before enjoying a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House and a meal by the harbour.

The Blue Mountains are located approximately 1.5 hours out of Sydney, and offer stunning landscapes and walking opportunities. We've arranged a small group tour today to collect you from your hotel which will see you travel firstly via an animal rehabilitation centre and then onwards to explore some of the Blue Mountains' highlights, including the Three Sisters. Your tour will include a picnic lunch and then time to walk a scenic stretch of walking trail at your own pace.

You've spent plenty of time on the water, so we thought your last day in Sydney was the right opportunity to marvel at its beauty from the air. Your scenic seaplane flight will first fly north out of the city and over its golden northern beaches, before landing on the picturesque Hawkesbury River. Here you'll moor at a private wharf of an award winning, riverside restaurant and you'll enjoy a three-course a la carte lunch in the most idyllic setting, before travelling back to the city via some of Sydney's most famous icons, such as the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. A truly memorable way to spend your last full day in Sydney.

A private transfer will collect you and take you to the airport for your onward arrangements.