Explore the Beauty of New Zealand

Have you ever dreamed of waking up every morning with a new spectacular view without the hassle of re-packing your luggage each day? Welcome aboard! This is what you experience on our luxury cruise to picture-perfect New Zealand. My husband and I are hosting a Virtuoso Voyage on the Seabourn Quest to New Zealand and Australia from January 28 – February 14, 2025, so you have the opportunity to come with us!

Embarkation Day: Auckland

Our cruise journey begins in the cosmopolitan city of Auckland — the “City of Sails .” Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have harbors on two separate bodies of water: The Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

As you embark, you’re greeted with a skyline that’s a feast for the eyes, dominated by the Sky Tower. But it doesn’t stop there: Auckland’s diverse landscapes offer beach lovers, hikers, adventure-seekers, and wine enthusiasts just about everything they could desire.

Discover Wellington: New Zealand’s Eccentric Capital

Next, we head to Wellington, NZ’s vibrant capital, combining natural beauty and artistic flair. From the eclectic Cuba Street to the tranquil Botanical Garden, Wellington leaves you wanting more. And brace yourself for a visual treat if the day is clear – Mount Victoria Lookout’s panoramic view is breathtaking.

Picton: Tranquil Gateway to the Stunning Marlborough

Our cruise then ventures to Picton, the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds (and wine country). This seaside town is a hub for wildlife enthusiasts, hosting dolphin-watching tours while offering sunny beaches that seem as if they were meticulously painted into the landscape.

The Heart of New Zealand’s Wildlife: Marvelous Kaikoura

As we continue to Kaikoura, you will witness majestic mountains meet the deep blue sea, creating a unique landscape teeming with wildlife. Kaikoura’s reputation as a marine life hotspot makes it a paradise for whale and dolphin spotting.

The Blend of Colonial Heritage and Natural Beauty: Akaroa

In Akaroa, be ready to be enchanted by its stunning bays, vibrant wildlife, and colonial architecture. This is where French and British heritage meet natural beauty – the result? A charming town that’s a postcard in itself.

Timaru: New Zealand’s Riviera

Then, we cruise to Timaru, fondly known as ‘The Riviera of the South.’ Here, the blue Pacific Ocean aligns with the rolling grasslands, producing a picturesque coastline that’s relaxation personified.

Imagine stepping into a scene straight from a beautiful, restful postcard. That’s what awaits you in Timaru, an underrated gem on New Zealand’s South Island. Coined as the ‘Riviera of the South,’ Timaru effortlessly blends the sweeping blue Pacific ocean with Sun-licked rolling grasslands to compose an enchanting picturesque coastline. Stroll along Caroline Bay, a famous beach boasting a charming promenade, while devouring one of Timaru’s famous hokey-pokey ice creams. Witness the unique Maori rock art, explore the stunning botanical gardens, or marvel at the Edwardian architecture that gives this town a distinct aura. As the day winds down, find your favorite spot along the sandy stretches, bask in the warm sun, and watch the sapphire ocean water blend with the sky’s twilight hues. It’s moments like these, where beauty and serenity intertwine, that capture the essence of Timaru – making it a vacation destination that’s hard to resist.’

Oban: New Zealand’s Best-Kept Secret

Oban, the largest town on Stewart Island, with rich Maori heritage, feels the holistic mix of pristine rainforest, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife (including unique birdlife). This place has the uncanny ability to make the outside world seem far, far away.

Enchanting Milford Sound

Our final stop is Milford Sound — a fjord often touted as the ‘8th Wonder of the World.’ Mother nature seems biased here, bestowing this place with boundless beauty – towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It’s nature’s grand finale!

There’s magic as you cruise along New Zealand’s coast. Every port of call is a marvel of its own, giving you a chance to absorb this land’s culture, beauty, and wonderment, all while you unpack only once. This isn’t just a holiday; it’s a journey handcrafted to create lifetime memories at your pace and in style aboard our floating luxury hotel. Say hello to stress-free, inspirational travel. New Zealand is waiting for you. Hop on, and let’s set sail!

Seabourn is running a promotion for only one more week: Book by February 29 and receive up to 25% savings on select voyages and a reduced 15% deposit, plus up to $1000 Shipboard Credit per suite! And because it is a Virtuoso Hosted Voyage, you will get added amenities. Contact us to find out more!