Cruise NZ & Australia
11-Day Australia & New Zealand from Sydney to Auckland
This 11-day itinerary begins in vibrant Sydney and sails to New Zealand’s enchanting Auckland, offering the best of Australia and New Zealand’s coastal gems. Begin with a visit to Eden, where pristine beaches meet rich marine life; explore the sparkling Sapphire Coast or take in panoramic views from the Pinnacles.
In Melbourne, immerse yourself in its cosmopolitan allure with hidden laneways, trendy cafes and the lush Royal Botanic Gardens. Cross the Tasman Sea to Tauranga, New Zealand, a gateway to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, where bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs create a surreal landscape. This unforgettable journey combines vibrant city culture, stunning natural beauty and relaxing days at sea.
Cruise Itinerary
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Embark Sydney at 04:00pm
Your cruise will depart from the city of sails this evening onboard the stunning Norwegian Spirit.
Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing on Day 1 of cruise.
Sydney’s harbour is the hub from which there’s much to see and do. You’ll want to explore this area, home of the iconic Opera House. Admire the skyline, swim at a harbour beach or cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Want to see surfing? Grab your sunblock and towel and spend the day on world-famous Bondi Beach, or take a scenic walk on the coast from Bondi to Coogee Beach. The Rocks district is a shopper’s mecca offering a wide variety of goods, from woodcrafts and unique art to outback fashions.
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07:00am-02:30pm
The town’s name reflects what you will indeed find in Eden – a beautiful natural wonderland. Situated on the rugged coastline of Australia’s New South Wales, Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas and enticing beaches. It’s considered one of Australia’s best locations for oyster farming, so bring your appetite. Eden and its surrounding landscapes offer an abundance of outdoor activities on the water and by land.
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10:00am-05:00pm
A community of artisans on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie has long a history as a community that makes things, with locally crafted European-style cheeses, fine papers, ceramics and single-malt whisky. Surrounded by accessible wilderness areas, in Burnie you can still get a glimpse of little penguins and the platypus, a duck-billed mammal, in the wild. The vibrant shopping district spills onto the beach where you can sit down at a café and watch the world slow down for a little while.
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7:00am-5:00pm
Once the richest city in the world thanks to a gold rush, Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital with striking architecture, chic galleries and boutiques. Wave at a wallaby or get close to a koala at a wildlife park. Feel closer to the land on a ride on the Puffing Billy steam locomotive through the mountains and countryside. Back in the city, explore a different culture and visit Chinatown - the oldest one in the West.
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Enjoy your time at sea enroute to Dusky Sound, New Zealand
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At 25 miles in length, and five miles wide at its broadest, Dusky Sound is the largest and most spectacular fjord in Fjordland National Park. Captain Cook named Dusky Sound in 1770, as he sailed past its entrance at twilight. Three years later, he returned and stayed 47 days as his crew repaired and replenished his ship, Resolution, after sailing 11,000 nautical miles from Cape Town. You can still see evidence of his landfall at Astronomer's Point, an overlook where the crew removed trees, so the ship's astronomer could get a reading on the stars. Dusky Sound is only accessible by boat or plane making its remoteness a haven for birds and a breeding site for Fjordland crested penguins. These endangered creatures are easy to spot with their bright yellow eyebrows. Other wildlife to look for include sunbathing seals on Seal Rock and southern right whales at Preservation Inlet. Upon entering Dusky Sound, it's customary to make a resolution as you sail past Resolution Island, named after Cook's ship.
Although technically not a sound (it's a fjord), Doubtful Sound is the second longest in New Zealand-and the country's second most famous tourist attraction. It does, however, capture the top spot for being the deepest, at over 1,300 feet. Doubtful Sound sits at the far southwest corner of the country and winds its way for 24 miles, past small islets and lush mountains covered in dense, native rainforest. With a staggering amount of precipitation, up to 240 inches, it's no wonder that it's so verdant, and also why most days are wet and misty with low-lying clouds. But where there is rain, there are rainbows, which makes for spectacular scenes, especially at the many waterfalls, some of which fall over 2,000 feet. Doubtful Sound is also home to fur seals, crested penguins, bottlenose dolphin and whales. Black coral even grows here at relatively shallow depths (35 feet) thanks to the sunlight's inability to penetrate the top layer of freshwater, stained heavy with tannins from the forests.
Carved by ancient glaciers, Milford Sound, which is really a fjord, is the crown jewel of Fiordland National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is only nine miles long from its head to the open sea, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in grandeur. Its vertical cliffs covered in verdant rainforests provide a breathtaking backdrop to thundering waterfalls, misty rainbows and the tannin-stained waters of the fjord. Below the surface is the largest population of black coral in the world. Milford Sound receives an amazing 22 feet of precipitation annually, yet there are only two permanent waterfalls, Lady Bowen and Sterling Falls. Depending on the weather, waterfalls can appear around every corner, cascading down the mountain in spectacular fashion. Rising upwards of 5,555 feet, the iconic landmark of Milford Sound is Mitre Peak, named for its resemblance to a bishop's hat, known as a mitre. Five individual peaks create its distinctive shape.
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9:00am-6:00pm
This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Equally impressive is the Victorian and Edwardian architecture that dates from its days as a gold rush town. New Zealand's only castle sits high above the city and offers sweeping views from its famous gardens. Shop for a locally made souvenir, with crafts, artwork, wool and leather items being popular.
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7:00am-2:00pm
Located on the east coast of the South Island’s Canterbury region, Timaru was built upon rolling hills created by the lava flows of an extinct volcano, Mt. Horrible. Māori tribes were believed to have settled in the area before 1400 AD. You can view rock carvings of these earliest inhabitants on a guided tour. Timaru boasts many fantastic vistas of the ocean and surrounding mountains and is an ideal base from which to explore the history, culture and natural beauty of the region.
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Enjoy a day at sea enroute to Bay of Islands, New Zealand
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10:30am-8:00pm
This subtropical region of around 150 undeveloped islands is known for its stunning beauty and history. From kayaking to fishing to wildlife watching, it's a water enthusiast's paradise. You'll want to have your camera ready for an abundance of sea life, from dolphins that fly to penguins that dress in blue. The site of New Zealand's first British settlement, it offers numerous historic sites as well. Meet local artists while shopping for paintings, pottery, textiles and woodcarvings.
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Disembark Auckland, New Zealand 7:00am
Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking on final day of cruise.
Surrounded by tranquil golden beaches, lush forests and dramatic coastal trails, Auckland is a nature lover’s paradise. The 48 volcanic cones that dot the surrounding area provide stunning panoramic views of the city and harbour. New Zealand’s largest city is also a shopper’s paradise offering everything from top designers to local open-air markets. Learn about the indigenous Maori and take home some native art pieces or jewellery. The fine, locally produced woollens also make excellent gifts.
Your Ship, Norwegian Spirit
Step aboard Norwegian Spirit®, where sleek design meets sophistication. Revitalised following a complete bow-to-stern transformation, she offers upgraded staterooms, stylish lounges, upscale dining and adult-only spaces tailored for couples, solo travellers, and mature explorers. With 14 dining options, 9 bars & lounges, and over 50 immersive itineraries through 2027, every journey is crafted for comfort, connection, and curated discovery.
Book now and Enjoy Up to 50% Off All Cruises on Select Sailings
From $3,775 per person share twin in an Oceanview stateroom, or a Balcony stateroom from $8,380 per person share twin
Prices are based on departure date 16 Feb 2027 and are cruise-only fares. Upgrade your cruising experience with the Free at Sea Offer from $69 per person, per day, and enjoy Premium Beverages, Specialty Dining Package, Shore Excursion Credits, and Wi-Fi packages. Selected departures also feature a fantastic offer where the 3rd and 4th guest cruise FREE. Contact your Travel Expert for more details.
Terms & Conditions Prices are per person based on twin share, inclusive of fuel costs and are subject to change. Prices, itinerary and offers are correct as of 21 Oct 2026 and are subject to change, availability and withdrawal. Port charges, taxes, and fees of $751 included. Daily Crew Gratuities are included for Room stewards & Hospitality staff. Offers are valid until 16 Nov 2026. Free at Sea™ offer is also available for purchase and applicable to all categories including IX, OX, BX and MX (Guarantee Categories). Up to 50% Off All Cruises offer is applicable to all categories including IX, OX, BX or MX (Guarantee Categories) and all guests in the stateroom. 3rd & 4th Guest Free Offer valid for guests 3-4 (taxes only) sharing a stateroom with guests 1-2 paying full fare on certain dates and select sailings, dates are subject to change at any time without notice. Travel agent & credit card service fees may apply. For full terms & conditions, please contact our Travel Experts for details.
Interested in this deal? Mention this Deal Code: 1171 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.
