The vibrant cultural capital of Australia, Sydney is a must-see city for anyone visiting the Land Down Under. From the silhouette of its iconic opera house perched on the edge of the water to the idyllic green hills of the Blue Mountains sprawling from the city, Sydney is guaranteed to capture your heart. With its pristine beaches, landmark architecture, and charming islands, you may never want to leave Sydney Harbor - but venture outside the city and you'll be rewarded with a world of incredible nature just waiting to be discovered.

Established in 1952, Fiordland National Park is an area of unmatched natural beauty. More than 1.2 million hectares in size, it is New Zealand’s largest national park and wildlife reserve. The park encompasses mountains and valleys, forests and fjords, and it is home to several unique New Zealand bird species that are not found anywhere else. The park enthralls backpackers and cruise passengers alike with its pristine wilderness and lush rainforests, and cruise passengers can enjoy close-up views of its breathtaking waterfalls and granite fjords without ever leaving the ship.

Located deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is home to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Sail right up to its spectacular waterfalls tumbling from jagged, tree-covered cliffs on your ship. Take in the pristine waters which, on a calm day, reflect the sky. And see the flora and fauna of New Zealand in their natural habitat. This remote natural reserve is a must-see for anyone on a New Zealand cruise.

Port Chalmers is a historical seaside town, located North of Otago Harbour. Founded in 1844, many of the original brick houses still stand today adding to the historic feel of the town. Some of the very first explorations of the Arctic by adventurers such as Captain Scott began in Port Chalmers. Visitors to Port Chalmers can learn about the historical and modern day importance of the port by visiting the Port Chalmers Regional Maritime Museum. Port Chalmers is also a well-known hub for art and culture, visible by the many antique shops and art galleries located in the area. A visit to Port Chalmers promises to be culturally unique.

The village of Lyttelton is located on the South Island of New Zealand. The indigenous people New Zealand, the Maori settled in the surrounding area around 1000 years ago. The port facilities and the Holy Trinity Church there are worth seeing.

The capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a charming, coastal city with a number of cultural centers and landmarks disproportionate to its size. Its picturesque crescent-shaped harbor is the perfect place for a pleasant walk on a calm day, or you can explore the surrounding countryside on a guided tour – a landscape you just might recognize from New Zealand’s most famous fantasy film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.

The main city in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region, Napier is a charming town built in the distinctive Art Deco style of the 1930s. Classic cars, vintage clothing and stunning design await if you choose to tour the city’s historical quarter. Napier is also a great destination for kids, with an aquarium, a technology museum, and a petting zoo all providing great activities for families. Grown-up travelers may prefer to spend the day touring a winery, and adventurous travelers won’t want to miss a day trip to Te Mata Park with its redwood forests and limestone cliffs.

Gisborne is located on the Eastern coast of New Zealand. Unique to Gisborne is the opportunity to experience the first sunrise of the day before anywhere else in the world. Kaiti beach, the spot of the first European landing in New Zealand by Captain Cook is also located here. The wine produced in the area is highly regarded and tours are available of the many local wineries. Outdoor pursuits such as kayaking and surfing are also popular in the area. Certain Maori cultural traditions and customs can still be witnessed throughout the city.

Tauranga is a booming port city surrounded by stunning nature. Its bustling waterfront is full of diverse restaurants and pop-up shops that are popular among tourists and locals alike. Nearby, some of New Zealand’s greatest natural wonders are just waiting to be discovered. From the nearby Mount Maunganui to the hot springs of Rotorua to the marine life living just offshore, Tauranga is the perfect launching point to discover New Zealand’s bay of Islands.