Lace up your hiking boots and explore New Zealand's natural beauty.
The Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand is known for Maori culture, lush-valley-and-gentle-hill-filled landscapes made famous by the "Lord of the Rings" films and dramatic glacial mountain peaks. Cruise to New Zealand and head to the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, home to the mighty fjords of Milford Sound. Ever imagined setting foot on tundra? Check out Franz Josef and Foz Glaciers on the South Island, two of the world's most accessible glaciers. Get your fix of urban culture in windy Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. Adrenaline junkies will want to make a beeline for Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu's shores, where you have access to ski resorts, bungee jumping and jet boating.
Lace up your hiking boots and explore the natural beauty
Sightsee your way through New Zealand's best-known sites and cities. "Lord of the Rings" lovers, appreciators of the arts and culinary enthusiasts won't be disappointed.
Hilly and windy Welly is New Zealand's capital city. It's home to a scenic hillside tram, a collection of indigenous art and artifacts at the Te Papa Museum and an up-and-coming food scene, exclusive cocktail bars tucked next to modernist, high-end spots serving inspired takes on local ingredients.
New Zealand's largest city, Auckland is home to two harbors, black and white sand beaches, hiking trails and the iconic Sky Tower. Head to the top for the best views during your vacation.
Follow in Frodo's footsteps and check out Hobbiton in Matamata — check out the recreation of the hobbit's houses nestled in the rolling green hills (watch your head!). Cruise to New Zealand to kayak past unique cliff structures at popular Cathedral Cove, where the Chronicles of Narnia were filmed.
The best part about a New Zealand cruise is that it departs from Australia, so you see two countries and two different landscapes in one visit.
While you're "in the area," start in Australia and experience a sampler cruise from Sydney, or a cruise up the coast from Tasmania to Queensland.
From North to South, see city sights in Auckland, check out the art deco delights of Napier, and cruise through Milford Sound's majestic fjords.
1
Kia Ora is a local greeting, which translates to "Hello!". It is derived from the Maori language, where it's literal meaning is "alive" or "healthy".
2
As in Australia, tipping is not a New Zealand custom.
3
If driving in New Zealand, bear in mind the roads can by windy, narrow and hilly, so give yourself extra time to get from point A to B.
Like its neighbor Australia, New Zealand's national cuisine has British, Mediterranean and South Pacific influences. But it has developed its own sweet tooth, with a long list of cookies, candy and cakes that locals love.
Satiate yourself on Bluff oysters, thought by many connoisseurs to be the world's best. Or try the country's British-inspired favorite, crisp-fried fish and chips with plenty of malt vinegar to cut through the richness. Top that off with savory whitebait fritters and green-lipped mussels in curry sauce with crusty bread.