12 Night New Zealand Cruise

It's hobbit enthusiast's dream come true in Tauranga. This town on the Bay of Plenty, perched on New Zealand's North Island, is just a short trek from the rolling hills of Waikato — this is where you'll find Hobbiton, the location that served as the Shire in the uber-popular "Lord of the Rings" movies. But the fantastic findings of Tauranga don't end there. Cruise to Tauranga and take the one-hour drive to Rotorua, a geothermal fairyland where you can soak in the rejuvenating waters of the natural hot springs.

On the eastern side of New Zealand's North Island sits Napier, in Hawke's Bay. The entire city was rebuilt in the Art Deco style following an earthquake in 1931, giving Napier the best collection of authentic Art Deco buildings on the planet. Known for its wine, Napier boasts a cafe culture enjoyed year-round thanks to its sunny, Mediterranean-like climate. Nearby you can find the world's largest colony of gannets — a sleek, white sea bird known for its dramatic plunge-dive fish-catching technique — which can be viewed on a hike or a tractor ride on the beach.

Wellington, New Zealand's capital, sits at the southern tip of the North Island, roughly the middle of the country. According to Maori legend, New Zealand's two main islands are associated with the god Maui; the South Island is his canoe and the North Island is the fish he caught. Wellington sits in that fish's mouth. Wellington is New Zealand's second-biggest city, after Auckland. Despite its smaller size, it has an abundance of cultural attractions like the National Library, National Archives, theaters and excellent museums. The city is also home to the country's film industry and is nicknamed Wellywood.

Lyttelton lives up to the quaintness implied by its name, with a population of just under 3,000 people — but the welcoming town is home to big travel attractions and major beauty. Head into downtown Lyttelton to explore independent boutiques and a lively arts scene: Pop in for an afternoon theatre performance at the popular Lyttelton Arts Factory. Christchurch is just a 20-minute drive from the Lyttelton cruise port. Visit Christchurch and stroll through beautifully manicured Hagley Park or see Maori artifacts at the Canterbury Museum.

On the southeast coast of New Zealand's South Island, on the Otago Peninsula, you'll find Dunedin. The city basks in its Scottish heritage — its name is actually the Gaelic word for Edinburgh. No Scottish city would be complete without a castle: Explore Dunedin's Larnach Castle and Gardens, a Gothic Revival mansion surrounded by impeccably manicured rows of rhododendrons, azaleas and Scottish heathers. Then, check out Baldwin Street, the world's steepest residential street. Cruise to Dunedin and explore St. Paul's Cathedral in the city's center, the Octagon. Or head to Taiaroa Head at the end of the Otago Peninsula, where unique wildlife abounds: Spot the rare yellow-eyed penguin, New Zealand fur seals and royal albatross.