New Zealand Cruise 9 Nights • Sydney, Australia • Anthem of the Seas

Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers so much—from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. Tour architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, view life below the surface from Sydney Aquarium’s underwater walkways, or take it all in from above on a tour of the Sydney Tower. You’re never far from nature in this thriving urban center. Well-known surf beaches, zoos, national parks, whale watching tours, bush tours, and the Royal Botanic Gardens—featuring over 7,500 plants—offer visitors a chance to enjoy the area’s sunshine, lush greenery, wildlife, and clear blue oceans. Sydney is not only Australia’s oldest city, it is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the globe, offering a wealth of cuisines, unique museums, and cultural opportunities. Explore lively pubs, shops, and historic buildings at The Rocks, located on Sydney harbor.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Wellington claims to be the coolest little capital in the world. See for yourself on your cruise to Wellington. Get an overview of its geological, biological, and cultural history at Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand, just 10 minutes from CentrePort. The interactive exhibits pique your curiosity through innovative storytelling. Wander along Oriental Bay, the scenic waterfront that is highly walkable—and jog-able, skate-able, bike-able—and dotted with cafés, bars, and ice cream vendors. Hike up through a large central park to Mount Victoria for 360-degree photo opps of the city, airport, and harbor—including your Wellington cruise. At Wellington Zoo, a 10-minute drive south, you can play with meerkats, hand feed a giraffe, and stroke a cheetah. The zoo has 100 species of animals. Blocks west of the port, ride the iconic cable car up to beautiful Wellington Botanic Garden, with a cable car museum, observatory, and planetarium. Catch a shuttle out to the Zealandia ecosanctuary, a project to restore 556 acres of bush, where you can hike to the singing of native birds. On Miramar Peninsula, film fans off a Wellington cruise make their journey to Middle Earth—and beyond—to learn secrets of great film making. Weta Workshop is the design and effects facility behind big movies like Blade Runner 2049, Thor: Ragnarok, Power Rangers, Man of Steel, and several Hobbit properties. To taste your way through Wellington, start on Cuba Street, home to hipsters, artists, and lovers of all things vintage. Amid the city's creative craft beer scene, the street has colorful shops and street performers, as well as bohemian bars and cafés. For food and drink, look for Husk, café by day, beer bar by night; Olive, with big breakfasts, excellent waffles, and mimosas; Laundry, when you feel like a classic burger or tacos; Floriditas, famous for eggs and scones; and Midnight Espresso, the quirky place for coffee, snacks, and people watching.

Discover Art Deco architecture, an alluring seaside town, and some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest wineries. Napier’s devastating 1931 earthquake resulted in a magnificent rebuilding effort that makes the city home to the greatest density of Art Deco buildings in the world. Stroll along Napier’s lovely streets and admire the architecture characterized by bold symmetrical shapes, linearity balanced by gentle curves, and sometimes intricate ornamentation. Visit lovely cafés, restaurants, and shops as you explore Napier’s seaside sights. Enjoy a beer, or fish and chips. Take a traditional tea break and sample a Pavlova, a New Zealand dessert of meringue and fresh fruit. Journey outside the city to explore some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wine vintages in Hawke’s Bay. Tour the wineries and enjoy exclusive wine tastings. Bird watchers and eco-tourists can visit Cape Kidnappers to admire the world’s largest gannet nesting site. Explore sheep farms, lush coastal scenery, mountain top lookouts, or just sit back and relax at a café in Napier, taking in the ambiance of another era.

Tauranga, New Zealand: Explore this chic coastal town in the North Island and you’ll discover the land of the Māori. Tauranga’s white sand beaches offer something for everyone. Relax and sunbathe on one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and popular coasts. Take a dip in the ocean or immerse yourself in a lush waterfall swimming hole. Watch dolphins frolic in the waves or swim with these lovable creatures. Learn to sail, try surfing, take a diving lesson, or refine your fishing technique. Water activities abound in Tauranga. If you’re a landlubber, you can tee up at a golf course on your Tauranga cruise or stroll down The Strand where you can enjoy cafés and a vibrant nightlife. Journey to charming waterfalls or board one of the many eco-cruises available in the Bay of Plenty. Sometimes called the New Zealand Riviera, downtown Tauranga offers galleries, shops, history, and a vibrant café and restaurant scene. The culinary culture brings together innovative chefs working in diverse traditions. Enjoy Italian, Indian, Turkish, Thai, French, and fusion flavors. Sip a hand-crafted drink or enjoy fresh-caught seafood from the Bay of Plenty. From casual al fresco dining to sophisticated New Zealand Riviera gastronomy, Tauranga offers something to tantalize every taste.

Discover indigenous New Zealand Maori culture in a land of sparkling seas and pristine beauty. Bay of Islands is a sub-tropical paradise of clear blue water, hundreds of undeveloped islands, diverse wildlife, and historical significance. The pristine oceans, warm weather, and many animal species attract nature lovers from around the globe. Take an eco-cruise and discover the area’s dolphins, penguins, marlins, whales, and bird life. Journey into a beautiful cave with majestic rock formations and glow worms. Kayak, sail, swim, or sunbathe on one of the many beaches. Those who love beaches consider these in Bay of Islands & New Zealand some of the world’s finest, with their perfect white sand and crystal-clear water. And as tempted as you’ll be to pull up a lounge chair and soak in the surroundings, many consider a Bay of Islands cruise the ideal time to partake in more active pursuits, such as kayaking, mountain-biking, parasailing, swimming with dolphins and scuba-diving.

Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers so much—from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. Tour architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, view life below the surface from Sydney Aquarium’s underwater walkways, or take it all in from above on a tour of the Sydney Tower. You’re never far from nature in this thriving urban center. Well-known surf beaches, zoos, national parks, whale watching tours, bush tours, and the Royal Botanic Gardens—featuring over 7,500 plants—offer visitors a chance to enjoy the area’s sunshine, lush greenery, wildlife, and clear blue oceans. Sydney is not only Australia’s oldest city, it is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the globe, offering a wealth of cuisines, unique museums, and cultural opportunities. Explore lively pubs, shops, and historic buildings at The Rocks, located on Sydney harbor.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.