Australia, Tasmania & New Zealand cruise with Azamara

This morning, you'll make your way to the Sydney Opera House for a backstage tour. You'll have the chance to stand on the stage where some of the world’s legendary performers have stood, with exclusive access to areas normally reserved for stars and their crew, including dressing rooms and the orchestra pit. Once the tour concludes, you'll enjoy breakfast as a small group in the Green Room. The rest of the day is yours. You might like to visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales — the gallery’s new north building, Naala Badu, opened in 2022, and offers dynamic galleries and a public art garden to explore.

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel this morning and drive you to the Blue Mountains National Park. The park takes its name from the blue haze created by light reflecting off the eucalyptus trees. You’ll stay for three nights at Lillianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, a restored heritage property with sweeping views across the Jamison Valley. Once you settle in, you may want to explore some of the mountain towns or simply enjoy the views from the pool.

Walking trails cover the Blue Mountains in every direction, offering a choice of waterfalls, rocky outcrops, eucalyptus forests, and hidden gorges to explore. Today, your private guide will take you through this landscape and pick the best trails based on your interests, whether that’s epic views, flora and fauna, or the rich cultural history of the area. At the end of your walk, you’ll enjoy a well-earned picnic lunch.

Your final day in the Blue Mountains is yours to enjoy. You might like to take advantage of the spa, where native botanicals are used in treatments. Or if you prefer something more active, we recommend taking a walk to the Scenic Railway for extended views of the Three Sisters and the large canyons.

Today, you'll be picked up by your driver and taken to the Sydney cruise port for your Azamara journey.

This morning, you will be docked in Eden on the Sapphire Coast. The region is named after the sparkle of the sea. If you want to venture out onto the water, you might like to join a catamaran cruise around Twofold Bay or kayak into the calm estuary of the Pambula River. Alternatively, you could join one of Beowa National Park’s rangers to see the sea-carved landscape, with its red cliff faces and unspoilt beaches.

For your first day at sea, ease into life on board and explore all your ship has to offer. You might also like to head to The Den lounge to find out more about the ports you’ll soon be visiting and the experiences available.

Today, you might want to meet one of Hobart's rarest native species, the Tasmanian devil. Visit one of Tasmania’s animal sanctuaries, where you’ll learn about the devils and the ongoing conservation work to protect them. Alternatively, you might like to take part in a tasting tour along the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Along the coastal route, you might stop at a distillery, dairy, vineyard, and a historic eatery to enjoy the region's finest produce. You could also join a guided tour of Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a penal colony holding many of Australia’s first convicts.

You'll have two days at sea to enjoy the amenities and make the most of your time onboard. Take a trip to the Sanctum Spa for a treatment before relaxing on the spa's private terrace, complete with a thalassotherapy pool.

Today, you might like to attend a lecture or Q&A session hosted by one of the ship’s expert destination speakers. You could also head to the Living Room to listen to live music, test your knowledge at trivia, or simply enjoy afternoon tea with views across the sea. In the evening, you could try one of Azamara’s speciality restaurants: you could have steak cooked to perfection at Prime C or taste Italian-inspired cuisine at Aqualina.

This morning, you’ll sail around the south coast of the country as you make your way toward Dunedin. You’ll arrive at Milford Sound in the afternoon and cruise through the fjord on your ship. Look out for hanging valleys, dramatic waterfalls, and mountains that, according to Māori legend, were carved by the supernatural figure Tu-te-raki-whanoa.

You’ll be docked in Scottish-influenced Dunedin today. Walking around the city, you’ll see the historic architecture of the University of Otago (New Zealand’s oldest university), the First Church, and the Dunedin Railway Station. Alternatively, you might opt to leave the city and join a wildlife cruise of the Otago Peninsula. Look out for sea lions and penguins, who are year-round residents.

The charming coastal city of Timaru welcomes you today. Explore the popular Caroline Bay for swimming and picnics. You can learn about the city's history and culture at the South Canterbury Museum. For outdoor adventures, hike in the nearby Waitaki Valley or pay a visit to the stunning Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki.

Today you’ll arrive in the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. The city is ever-changing as it continues the long process of rebuilding after the major 2011 earthquake. Visit New Regent Street, which is lined with pastel Spanish Mission-style buildings that house boutique shops, restaurants, and trendy cocktail bars. Christchurch’s heritage trams are a great way to see the city. Hop on one as they pass through New Regent Street to visit the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, and Hagley Park.

Your next stop is Picton, the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. You might like to explore Queen Charlotte Sound by catamaran or kayak, keeping your eyes peeled for the four species of dolphin that reside here. You could also join a wine tour and enjoy tastings in New Zealand's largest grape-growing and winemaking region.

Today you’ll make port in the country’s capital, Wellington. You might like to join a morning tour of Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary home to the country’s diverse native species. In the morning, you’ll hear the sounds of tūī, known for their complex song and mimic abilities, among a chorus of other endemic birds and have a chance to see the prehistoric tuatara or an armoured wētā. In the afternoon, explore the city at your own pace. We suggest a visit to Te Papa, an interactive and immersive museum which delves into the intertwining natural and cultural histories of New Zealand.

As your cruise makes its way up New Zealand’s east coast, you'll arrive in Napier. See the city in style with a tour in a 1930s classic car. While seeing the sights, your local guide will explain how the city rebuilt itself in the Art Deco style following an earthquake.

Home to stunning beaches and fragrant wines, Gisbourne offers the finer things in life to its visitors. You'll have the chance to walk among the diverse trees of Eastwoodhill's Arboretum, or relax and enjoy watching the sea roll into this coastal gem.

Today, you will dock in Tauranga. The relaxed atmosphere of this popular coastal town is offset by the numerous adventures awaiting those who wish to get more active during their visit. Whether sunning on the beach, trying your hand at fishing, taking a challenging hike, or joining a dolphin-spotting tour, Tauranga offers an array of memorable activities.

Your Azamara cruise comes to an end in Auckland. After disembarking, your driver will meet you at the port and take you onward to your hotel. You'll have the day at leisure to get acquainted with Auckland.

Today you’ll join a wine tour on Waiheke Island. As you take the local ferry across the Hauraki Gulf, you’ll see why Auckland is also known as the City of Sails. You’ll sail past Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s youngest but largest volcanic cone, to Waiheke. Here you’ll have the chance to visit some of the island’s wineries, taste their award-winning produce, and enjoy a scenic tour of the island with your guide before taking the ferry back to Auckland.

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport for your flight home.