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13 night roots of the pacific exploring new zealand and melanesia

Ask your friends: Should I go?

Length of cruise: 13 nights
Ship: National Geographic Orion (details)
Cruise line: Lindblad Expeditions

Departure port: Auckland
Ports of call: Bay Of Islands, Mare, Lifou, Blasket Islands, Ambrym Island, Espiritu Santo, Lo Island, Fenualoa, Utupua Island, Santa Ana
Return port: Honiara

Day Location

1
Auckland
2
Auckland
3
Bay Of Islands
4
Mare
5
Lifou
6
Blasket Islands
7
Ambrym Island
8
Espiritu Santo
9
Lo Island
10
Fenualoa
11
Utupua Island
12
Santa Ana
13
Honiara
14
Honiara

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or a wilderness adventure, the islands of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park have it all. More than 50 islands have been set aside for conservation and most have public access. Visit an island sanctuary to see rare and endangered birds, climb a volcanic cone or simply relax in the sun on a white sand beach.

A ferry ride from downtown Auckland can take you to Waiheke Island, where life revolves around wine, food, beaches and outdoor adventures.

An America's Cup boat leaving Viaduct Harbour in Auckland.

A giant fern at Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland in Auckland, New Zealand.

An America's Cup boat in Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand.

Returning World War 1 servicemen once worked the land within what is now the Whanganui National Park in the southwest of New Zealand's North Island. Jet boat and kayak tours provide easy access to this fascinating site deep in the forest. There’s also a multi-day-day hiking or one-day mountain biking trail. It's not a destination for cruise ship day trippers, but a good destination for a longer stay on the North Island.

In any season, cruising on Lake Taupo will allow you to appreciate the awesome grandeur of the North Island’s volcanic region. To the south you’ll see the giant volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Beneath you is the Taupo caldera, one of the world’s few "super volcanoes," which last erupted about 1,800 years ago.

Artwork at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Parnell, New Zealand.

A kayaker under Auckland Harbour Bridge in New Zealand.

Viaduct Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand.

Preserving traditional Maori culture and customs often involves sharing authentic experiences with visitors to New Zealand. At Te Puia in Rotorua, guests are welcomed onto the marae (tribal meeting place) in the traditional manner and in front of the wharenui (sacred meeting house). After taking part in the powhiri (welcoming ceremony), you are forever linked to the marae.

The Haruru Falls were created by an ancient lava flow. You can reach the falls by road, walking track or sea kayak from historic Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. The walking track includes native forest and a boardwalk through a tidal mangrove forest. Local guided kayak tours offer full tuition and an informative commentary along the way.

The Auckland city skyline with a view of the Sky Tower and Ferry Building.

A view of Pina Beach in Auckland with a surfer in the distance.

A day sail in the Bay of Islands is easy to arrange from Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell or Opua. Once you leave the main harbor, the view expands to reveal an amazing cruising ground. Most of the surrounding islands are protected nature reserves where you can discover ancient Maori pa sites, walk through native forest and explore gorgeous beaches. The Bay of Islands are a must-visit on a longer stay on the North Island.

A 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland you'll find the relaxed, historic suburb of Devonport, where you can bike or stroll along the waterfront to enjoy views of the city and the Hauraki Gulf islands.

The beach at Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. The island is just 11 miles from Auckland and makes for an easy day trip for cruisers.

A view of Pina Beach in Auckland, New Zealand.

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