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  • Haruru_Falls_Bay_of_Islands - 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.
  • Bay_of_Islands_New_Zealand - 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.
  • Cruising_Fiordland_2 - Fiordland is a collection of huge glacier-carved valleys that have been flooded by the sea. Maori believe  the fjords were created by a giant stonemason, Tute Rakiwhanoa, who hewed out the steep-sided valleys with his edging tool.
  • Cruising_in_Marlborough_Sound - On your cruise around New Zealand, Marlborough Sounds  promises to take your breath away. This vast network of drowned valleys is full of perfect bays, beaches and islands that can be reached only by water. There’s also a good chance your ship will be escorted by a pod of local dolphins.
  • Explore_Marlborough_Sounds_3 - Maori legend says that the spectacular Marlborough Sounds were formed when Kupe, a Polynesian demi-god, chased and caught a giant octopus. His struggles with the creature gouged out the many waterways, bays and coves. Today the area is a safe home for rare birds, dolphins, penguins and fur seals.
  • Easy_walk_ in_rugged_landscapes - Most of New Zealand’s wilderness areas are set aside for recreation. Where the terrain is not too challenging, well-formed tracks described as "gentle walks" help cruisers explore forests, discover landscapes and collect memories you’ll enjoy forever.
  • Lake_Alexandrina_Canterbury_New_Zealand - Resting between snow-capped mountains and tussock covered hills on the South Island, Lake Alexandrina inspires complete peace and tranquility. Just a short drive west from the much larger Lake Tekapo, it’s a protected sanctuary for more than 45 bird species. Rainbow trout, brown trout and salmon offer rewarding fishing here. Only kayaks and row boats are allowed on the lake, to preserve the perfect peace.
  • Bay_of_Islands_New_Zealand - 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.
  • Cruising_into_Milford_Sound - Milford Sound was dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling. Skimming along sheer rock walls as tall as 4,900 feet, some waterfalls begin so high up they never reach the sea.
  • Cruise_a_World_Heritage_area - From a steamer chair on the Promenade Deck, take in the spectacular sights of Fiordland — which has has World Heritage status. You’ll seeing the untouched scenery that impressed Captain Cook when he sailed into Fiordland more than 230 years ago.
  • Kawarau_cycle_ trail_Queenstown - Stopping to refuel is easy on the Queenstown Cycle Trail. Countless lookout points offer perfect places to stop for a snack and a chance to take in the views. Local tour operators can provide near-new cycles and help you plan your rides. They can even organize transport, so you can plan a downhill route or just explore part of a trail.
  • Cruising_Fiordland - Not only is cruising relaxing, it can be an economical way to see New Zealand. Your accommodation, meals and transport costs are covered by your fare, which means more money for shopping and side trips. You’ll also get to see places that are hard to reach by land, like fabulous Dusky Sound in Fiordland.
  • Hauraki_Gulf_Islands_Auckland - 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.
  • Explore_Marlborough_Sounds_2 - The Marlborough Sounds is an intricate arrangement of drowned valleys, islands, coves, bays and beaches. When you arrive in the port town of Picton, you can arrange to visit the Marlborough wine region where you’ll discover world-famous sauvignon blanc. It’s a perfect match for the local green-lipped mussels.
  • Silversea-Silver-Discoverer-rockhopper-penguins - Silver Discoverer takes you to visit festively festooned rockhopper penguins in New Zealand.
  • Milford_Sound_in_summer - Mitre Peak takes centre stage in this perfect view of Milford Sound in summer.  Carved by glaciers over thousands of years, Fiordland is a world of deep waters, tall peaks and waterfalls.
  • Mountain_views_ Queenstown - Nestled in a bay on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is dwarfed by surrounding mountains. On the peninsula across the bay. the Queenstown Gardens offer relaxing walks through well-established native and exotic trees. From there, views extend back over the town to the gondola that runs up Bob’s Peak and across the lake to the well-named Remarkable Mountains.
  • Cruise_ship_through_fjord - Cruise ships are big, but fjords are bigger. Some of these mountains rise to more than 4,900 feet above sea level. Fur seals and penguins play on the rocks with rainforests as a backdrop.
  • Bridge_to_Nowhere_Whanganui_River - 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.
  • Haruru_Falls_Bay_of_Islands - 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.
  • Milford_Deep_Underwater_Observatory - Sheltered by high peaks, the water of Milford Sound is still and deep. After you’ve toured the sound by cruise boat, it’s interesting to see what’s happening beneath the surface at the Milford Deep Underwater Observatory. The fjord’s underwater life includes rare black coral and anemones, sponges and unusual fish species.
  • White_water_rafting_Queenstown - Once rich in gold, today Queenstown’s river canyons have an equally strong attraction: the chance to hurtle down rapids in an inflatable raft. As you grip your paddle and remind yourself that your guide does this every day, it’s time to flick the turbo switch on your Queenstown holiday. What a way to enjoy the scenery!
  • Silversea-Silver-Discoverer-king-penguins - Sail to southern New Zealand with Silver Discoverer and meet friendly king penguins, cousin to emperor penguins.
  • gannets-at-Cape-Kidnappers - A pair of gannets at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. Every year thousands of visitors come to view these beautiful birds, cousins to the booby. Take a wildlife tour of the area while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
  • Silversea-Silver-Discoverer-king-penguins-2 - Visit distinctive-looking king penguins in the southern climes of New Zealand when you sail with Silver Discoverer.
  • dawn-princess-in-akaroa-new-zealand.jpg - Dawn Princess in Akaroa, New Zealand.
  • Ponant-New-Zealand-Milford-Sound.jpg - Enjoy the beauty of Milford Sound, New Zealand, on a Ponant cruise.
  • Ponant-New-Zealand-Muriwai-gannet.jpg - Visit Muriwai, New Zealand, to see a colony of gannets on a Ponant cruise.
  • Ponant-New-Zealand-Muriwai-gannet3.jpg - View the gannets of Gannet Beach in sunny Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, on a Ponant cruise.
  • Ponant-New-Zealand-Napier.jpg - Stroll the charming streets of Napier, New Zealand, on a Ponant cruise.
  • Ponant-New-Zealand-Picton1.jpg - Visit the islands and inlets of Marlborough Sound on a Ponant luxury cruise.
  • Ponant-New-Zealand-Picton2.jpg - Cruise the inlets of Marlborough Sound, New Zealand, on a Ponant sailing.
  • Ponant-New-Zealand-Picton3.jpg - Cruise the inlets of Marlborough Sound, New Zealand, on a Ponant sailing.
  • Ponant-New-Zealand-Picton4.jpg - Enjoy the beauty of New Zealand on a Ponant luxury cruise.
  • Ponant-New-Zealand-sheep.jpg - You'll run into sheep wherever you travel on New Zealand's South Island.
  • Ponant-NewZealand-Auckland-skyline.jpg - Enjoy the nightlife of Auckland, New Zealand, on Ponant's L'Austral.
  • Ponant-NewZealand-Miriwai.jpg - See New Zealand's coast from aboard a cruise on a Ponant luxury expedition ship.
  • Ponant-NZ-fjord.jpg - Sail through the dramatic fjords of New Zealand on your next Ponant cruise.
  • Ponant-NZ-Milford-Sound.jpg - Visit eye-popping Milford Sound, New Zealand, on your next Ponant cruise.
  • Ponant-NZ-Rotorua.jpg - Visit Rotorua Museum and art gallery on your next Ponant cruise to New Zealand.
  • Ponant-NZ-Tauranga.jpg - Learn about Maori culture in Tauranga, New Zealand, on your next Ponant cruise.
  • Ponant-NZ-Tauranga2.jpg - Visit the unearthly Waiotapu springs in New Zealand on your next Ponant cruise.
  • entrance_to_Milford_Sound - Fiordland’s Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice age. The immense beauty of the area can be appreciated from air or sea — on a cruise ship.
  • Ponant-NZ-Waiotapu.jpg - Learn about Maori culture in Waiotapu near Rotorua, New Zealand, on your next Ponant cruise.
  • ferry_Auckland_to_Waiheke_Island - A ferry ride from downtown Auckland can take you to Waiheke Island, where life revolves around wine, food, beaches and outdoor adventures.
  • Lake_Wakatipu - The second largest of New Zealand's southern glacial lakes, Lake Wakatipu is nearly 50 miles long and bordered on all sides by glaciated mountains. The highest peak is Mount Earnslaw at 9,249 feet.
  • Cruising_Lake_Taupo - 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.
  • Cruise_Milford_Sound - At Milford Sound the landscape has an almost palpable spirit. Carved by ancient glaciers, these steep-sided fjords dwarf the boats that cruise their deep, clear waters. High above you can see hanging valleys, their ends sliced off by a passing glacier, release giant waterfalls down the walls of the fjord to the sea below.
  • Mists_of_Milford_Sound - On calm days, the deep waters of Milford Sound reflect the landscapes like a perfect mirror. And when clouds linger around the towering peaks, there's a sense of isolation from the outside world. This fJord and 13 others are part of a protected national park and World Heritage site.
  • Explore_Milford_Sound - A guided cruise lets you slide between the vertical mountains that form the sides of Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most famous fjord. The sheer rock faces are decorated with ancient mosses, lichen, ferns, native trees and tumbling waterfalls.
  • Waterfalls_Milford_Sound_Fiordland - At Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park, water thunders down hundreds of meters from hanging valleys that were cut in half by ancient glaciers. The noise is deafening and the raw power inspiring as your boat eases you closer to the torrent. It’s an exciting taste of nature’s grand design that can leave you with a fresh outlook on life.
  • Milford_Sound_wildlife_cruises_Fiordland - From the upper reaches of Milford Sound you can cruise in sheltered waters all the way to the Tasman Sea. This World Heritage Area on the edge of the great southern ocean is a natural sanctuary for fascinating wildlife. Your onboard nature guide can introduce you to fur seals, rare penguin species and dolphins, if they come to play.
  • Rock_hopping_Milford_Sound - There’s a prehistoric feel to Milford Sound. The steep cliffs, carved by an ancient glacier, are draped in native forest and ferns. High waterfalls plummet from river valleys, creating streaks of white amid the green.
  • Camera_action_Milford_Sound - How much natural grandeur can you handle? You’ll find out at Milford Sound, where the scenery comes in just one size: extra large. Peaks rise straight out of the water and fairy tale waterfalls fill the air with mist.
  • Explore_Marlborough_Sounds - Cruise ships love to visit the Marlborough Sounds because the waters are sheltered and the scenery is mind-blowing. Ashore you can explore the port town of Picton, catch a tour to the world-famous Marlborough wine region or arrange to go fishing.
  • Milford_Sound_waterfalls - Carved by glaciers during a series of ice ages, Milford Sound is a world of waterfalls. Some of them tumble more than 1,000 metres before they splash into the ocean. Others never even reach the sea – they simply drift away in the wind. When it rains here, the number of waterfalls explodes – they’re simply everywhere.
  • Milford_Sound_ - As a passenger on a cruise ship, you’ll get the ultimate view of Milford Sound. Make yourself comfortable on the promenade deck and just drink it all in. What you’re seeing is the work of successive ice ages, when huge glaciers carved paths to the sea.
  • Moonrise_on_Kaikoura_Beach - Known for its exceptional whale watch boat trips, Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island also offers a spectacular seascape. The coastal road runs between a steep rugged mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. Fur seals are a common sight on the rocks and freshly cooked crayfish (lobster) is readily available from restaurants and roadside stalls. Stress levels? Close to zero. Take a pre- or post-cruise stayover.
  • Moonset_Milford_Sound - As the moon sets behind the towering peaks of Milford Sound, it’s easy to see why the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area is known as the land that time forgot. During the day you can cruise along the sound, get close to towering waterfalls, wave to playful seals and marvel at the rainforest that clings to the cliffs. Pre- or post-cruise is your best option here.
  • Cheltenham_Beach_Auckland - 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.
  • Hooker_Valley_Aoraki_Mount_Cook_National_Park - Hooker Valley in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park was carved from rock by the relentless creep of glacier ice, leaving dramatic cliffs that rise from the valley floor. Beyond the cliffs, rugged mountain peaks silently carry their mantle of snow.
  •  Lake_Pukaki_New_Zealand - Imagine just 4.5 million people living in a country nearly the size of California. Now put half of those people in four cities, then cover the rest of the country in green pastures and dramatic landscapes. It’s easy to see why you can stop on the roadside at a place like Lake Pukaki on the South Island and have it all to yourself.
  • Kayak_tour_ in_Abel_Tasman_National_Park - Like a giant swimming pool, the waters of Abel Tasman National Park are beautifully clear and blue. From the settlement of Marahau you can catch a water taxi to any beach or bay in the park. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling or kayaking, then call for a taxi ride back out again. It's at the north end of the South Island.
  • Kayaking_on_the_Pororari_Punakaiki - Next to Punakaiki village is the Pororari River, which opens out to a serene lagoon flanked by forest and cliffs on the west side of New Zealand's South Island. It’s the perfect location for a kayaking expedition. You don’t need to be especially fit or experienced to enjoy this adventure and all the gear is provided by the local kayak rental company.
  • Traditional_Maori_welcome_Rotorua - 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.
  • Macetown_Road_near_Queenstown - Macetown was established in 1862 to support gold miners working the Arrow River. Long since abandoned, it's now a historic reserve. Pioneers’ fruit trees, house sites and a couple of buildings remain.
  • Pioneering_trails_Queenstown - In the South Island lakes district, before the days of motorized transportation, pioneers in search of gold or trade routes created pathways through the rugged terrain. Now preserved for public access within vast national parks, these trails live on as a well-managed network of inspiring walks through totally natural landscapes.
  • Diamond-Princess-Marlborough-New-Zealand - Diamond Princess in Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough, New Zealand.
  • Sapphire-Princess-Akaroa-New-Zealand - Sapphire Princess in Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand.
  • Sea-Princess-New-Zealand - Sea Princess in the Bay of Islands on the north island of New Zealand.
  • Silversea-Silver-Discoverer-Dusky-Sound - Silver Discoverer takes you through beautiful Dusky Sound in Fiordland National Park when you sail to New Zealand.
  • Silversea-Silver-Discoverer-whale-tale - See real whales up close when you sail to New Zealand with Silver Discoverer.
  • Hauraki_Gulf_Islands_Auckland - 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.
  • gannets-at-Cape-Kidnappers - A pair of gannets at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. Every year thousands of visitors come to view these beautiful birds, cousins to the booby. Take a wildlife tour of the area while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
  • ferry_Auckland_to_Waiheke_Island - A ferry ride from downtown Auckland can take you to Waiheke Island, where life revolves around wine, food, beaches and outdoor adventures.
  • Silversea-Silver-Discoverer-whale-tale - See real whales up close when you sail to New Zealand with Silver Discoverer.
  • Bay_of_Islands_New_Zealand - 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.
  • Haruru_Falls_Bay_of_Islands - 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.
  • Cheltenham_Beach_Auckland - 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.
  • Cruising_Lake_Taupo - 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.
  • Traditional_Maori_welcome_Rotorua - 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.
  • Auckland-skyline-Sky-Tower-Ferry-Building - The Auckland city skyline with a view of the Sky Tower and Ferry Building.
  • Beach-Waiheke-Island - 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.
  • Giant-fern-Waitekere-Ranges-Regional-Park - A giant fern at Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland in Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Kayaker-under-Auckland-Harbour-Bridge - A kayaker under Auckland Harbour Bridge in New Zealand.
  • Piha-Beach-Auckland-with-surfer-in-distance - A view of Pina Beach in Auckland with a surfer in the distance.
  • Piha-Beach-Auckland - A view of Pina Beach in Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Viaduct-Harbour-Americas-Cup-boat - An America's Cup boat in Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Viaduct-Harbour-Auckland - Viaduct Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand.
  • View-from-Cable-Bay-Vineyard-Waiheke-Island - The view from Cable Bay Vineyard on Waiheke Island near Auckland.
  • View-from-Cable-Bay-Vineyard-Waiheke-Island-1 - Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, 11 miles from Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Waitakere-Ranges-Regional-Park - Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland in Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Piha-Beach-with-girl-running - A young girl runs along Piha Beach in Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Bridge_to_Nowhere_Whanganui_River - 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.
  • Americas-Cup-boat-leaving-Viaduct-Harbour - An America's Cup boat leaving Viaduct Harbour in Auckland.
  • Artwork-Auckland-War-Memorial-Museum - Artwork at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Parnell, New Zealand.

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Overheard

“One of the 144 islands (in the Bay of Islands) has a narrow gap, called the Hole in the Rock, which dolphin-watching boats attempt to pass through, conditions permitting. The area is also home to secluded, pristine beaches and plenty of diving, snorkeling, and big-game fishing.”

Porthole magazine

“There's no better place to stop and smell the roses (and the dahlias and begonias) than Christchurch Botanic Gardens. From New Regent Street, hop the renovated tram, which stops near the entrance to the 80-plus acres of majestic oaks, water gardens and rose beds.”

Afar magazine

 

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