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New Zealand Discovery 14 Nights
Operated by Holland America Line
Tripcode: P5H14B
Overview
Destination:
New Zealand,
Start:Sydney, Australia
Finish:Sydney, Australia
Finish:Sydney, Australia
Duration:15 days
Ship:
Noordam
Travel Period
December 2025 - December 2025
Holland America Anniversary Sale: Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit^Majestic New Zealand is yours to explore on an enthralling 14-night adventure aboard the Noordam. On this Sydney roundtrip with Holland American Line, witness the jaw-dropping cliffs and waterfalls of Milford Sound in the deep South of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, explore Wellington's beautiful waterfront in the North and indulge your senses in Gisborne with its plethora of top-class wineries. Enquire about the various shore excursions today to make the most of each destination.
Please note:
- Price is based on the Cruise Only fare per person twin share in an Oceanview Stateroom assigned prior to sailing and includes $200 USD onboard spending money per stateroom.
- For the most up-to-date rates, itinerary, availability, and for more information about the different service levels, please enquire now.
Standard inclusions
- 24-hour room service;
- Complimentary dining at selected restaurants (Lido Market, The Dining Room, Dive In poolside grill);
- Entertainment including Billboard Onboard, World Stage and Rolling Stone Lounge;
- Fitness centre and Pickleball at Sea;
- Kids Club for ages 3 to 17.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Sydney, Australia
Departs: 6.30pm
If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travellers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-calibre chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too.
The famed harbour is among the top sights home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbour, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café.
Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife — a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection.
Day 2: At Sea
Enjoy a variety of onboard experiences at sea.
Day 3: At Sea
Enjoy a variety of onboard experiences at sea.
Day 4: Milford Sound, New Zealand (Service Call)
Arrives 7:00am | Departs 8:00am
Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi (its name in Maori), sits on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island and was first called the Eighth Wonder of the World by none other than Rudyard Kipling, who had seen some pretty wonderful places. As you sail up the 15-kilometer-long (nine-mile-long) sound, with soaring snow-topped peaks looming above — the tallest reaches an altitude of 1,517 meters (4,977 feet) — you'll understand Kipling's enthusiasm.
Although it is called a sound, it is technically a fjord—a narrow inlet created by glacial erosion over thousands of years. While its geological history is long, its human history is not. It is believed that the Maori first explored the sound, and the rest of the area that is now part of Fiordland National Park, around 1,000 years ago; Captain Cook followed in 1770. But neither Maori nor Europeans created permanent settlements of any significance, and the land was pristine when Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's largest national park, was established in 1952. While many walking trails cross the park, the most breathtaking views are arguably those from the water, with the sheer rock faces looming above your ship as you sail through this majestic landscape.
Day 4: Cruising Fiordland National Park
Times subject to weather conditions.
Every year, visitors flock to New Zealand in search of landscapes straight out of Middle Earth. They find what they're looking for in Fiordland National Park, on the southwestern coast of the South Island. This stunning 12,000-square-kilometer (4,633-square-mile) park encompasses mountains, lakes, fjords and rain forests. The area was once the home of Maori hunters; later, European whalers established small settlements here. But mostly, this region has seen a notable lack of human activity—the steep peaks and wet landscape deterred all but the hardiest people. That changed around the end of the 19th century, when travellers discovered the beautiful scenery of Fiordland. The national park was formally established in 1952.
Countless plant and animal species find a haven here. Among the park's rare birds is the flightless takahe, thought for decades to be extinct until it was spotted in the area in 1948. The natural wonders continue offshore: Seals, dolphins and whales frequent these waters.
Day 5: Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
Arrives 7:00am | Departs 6:00pm
Much of New Zealand feels like England, by way of Polynesia. There are a few exceptions, though, such as the town of Akaroa, a former French settlement, and the distinctly Scottish city of Dunedin, named after the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. After Dunedin was founded in 1848, city surveyor Charles Kettle attempted to impose Edinburgh's New Town grid plan on the growing city. But the Otago Peninsula's hilly landscape proved challenging—for evidence, note that Dunedin has one of the world's steepest streets (Baldwin Street). The volcanic remnants around the harbour make for a dramatic backdrop.
Dunedin's prominence during the gold rush in the late 19th century resulted in many grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Thanks to the beautiful University of Otago (the country's oldest), there's a large student population to keep the city vibrant and modern. But Dunedin's heritage is always proudly on display: The magnificent Dunedin Railway Station and Larnach Castle have been restored to their full glory, and the fascinating Toitu Otago Settlers Museum provides a glimpse into the lives of early residents. Outside the city, the Otago Peninsula is lined with scenic beaches and home to rare birdlife like the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguin.
Day 6: Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand
Arrives 8:00am | Departs 5:00pm
The South Island’s biggest city, Christchurch is now inextricably linked with the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, which levelled the planned city centre and many historic buildings. The city has shown resilience and ingenuity by erecting new projects such as the Re:START mall, a shopping centre and public space made up of colourful shipping containers outfitted as boutiques and cafés. Deserted buildings and gaping holes left by the quakes have been replaced by pop-up restaurants, art installations and even a cardboard cathedral. In spite of the many original buildings lost, Christchurch maintains its classic English feel, with lush botanical gardens and Edwardian punting boats cruising along the Avon River. Outside the city, the Canterbury region stretches from the ocean to the Southern Alps, with opportunities for adventure sports, wildlife viewing and winetasting. Whether you want to ski or swim, Christchurch is an ideal jumping-off point from which to enjoy all the South Island has to offer. Like Christchurch on the other side of the Port Hills, Lyttelton was devastated and redefined by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. The historic port town is still reinventing itself as a sustainable community, with an eclectic mix of eateries and a lively Saturday farmers market. Historically, Lyttelton has served as a gateway to Canterbury and the South Island and as an important commercial seaport, and additionally as a launching point for expeditions to Antarctica.
Day 7: Wellington, New Zealand
Arrives 8:00am | Departs 6:00pm
New Zealand's cool little capital is located at the southern tip of the North Island, meaning it's blessed with a beautiful waterfront, fresh seafood and unpredictable weather. So famously tempestuous is Windy Welly that visitors quickly learn not to go outside without an umbrella and will spend more time than usual talking about the weather. Politics is a hot topic too, with government workers buzzing about the Beehive, as the distinctive Parliament building is colloquially known.
Wellington is also known for culture and cuisine. Learn about Maori history and Kiwiana at Te Papa, the national museum; go behind the scenes of the Lord of the Rings movies made in Wellywood; and wash down a plate of chilled bluff oysters with a crisp sauvignon blanc at a Cuba Street restaurant.
Gourmands are spoiled for choice with the city's many coffee micro roasteries, craft breweries, innovative chefs and artisanal markets. Fortunately for your waistline, it’s also a terrific city for walking, hiking and cycling, with a compact historic core hugged by green hills and dotted with impossibly perched houses. They say you can't beat Wellington on a good day—but visitors will soon discover that even if it's wet and windy, it's always a good day to be in Wellington.
Day 8: Napier, New Zealand
Arrives 8:00am | Departs 5:00pm
The Southern Hemisphere's answer to Miami Beach — at least when it comes to Art Deco architecture — Napier has a perfect mix of natural and manmade beauty. The historic district, which was mostly constructed in the 1930s after a massive earthquake and subsequent fires destroyed the city in 1931, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. As a delicious bonus, there's a thriving food and wine scene, too. Surrounded by the rolling vineyards of the Hawke's Bay wine region and edged by pristine waters, Napier has attracted a host of culinary innovators that has put it on the foodie map over the past two decades. Nature lovers, too, are drawn by this North Island city's scenic splendour and abundant wildlife. Down the coast, colonies of Australasian gannets thrive at Cape Kidnappers. Within the city, Norfolk Island pines line the seafront Marine Parade, a half dozen parks and gardens bloom from September to March (spring and summer Down Under), there are forested hiking trails and active pursuits range from cycling to golf. It's easy to enjoy yourself while soaking up Hawke's Bay's spectacular landscape.
Day 9: Gisborne, New Zealand
Arrives 8:00am | Departs 5:00pm
The small town of Gisborne, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, claims several firsts: As the easternmost town in the country, it’s the first to see the sun rise, and it was the first place in New Zealand spotted by the British explorer Captain James Cook, in 1769. (Polynesian sailors had arrived centuries earlier.) The Gisborne region, also known as Tairawhiti, has one of the largest populations of Māori people in the country, and it offers many opportunities for visitors to learn about the indigenous culture of these descendants of the Polynesian settlers and see their art. While most New Zealand residents speak at least some phrases in the Māori language—travellers are often greeted with “Kia ora,” a welcome that means “Have life and be well\"—here it is the primary language for many residents. The Tairawhiti Museum provides an excellent introduction to the culture of the Māori and that of other communities living in and near Gisborne. Beyond the town itself, the area’s long stretches of sand and protected breaks draw surfers, swimmers and sunrise watchers. This part of the country is also famous for its wines, in particular chardonnays, whose grapes thrive in the mild climate and limestone-rich soil.
Day 10: Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand
Arrives 8:00am | Departs 5:00pm
The curved shoreline of the Bay of Plenty—known in Maori as Te Moana-a-Toi—is home to incredible surfing, white-sand beaches and New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Tauranga, with 130,000 residents, is the largest city on the Bay of Plenty and fifth largest in New Zealand. The city offers visitors a number of water-focused activities, like sailing and kayaking, as well as drier alternatives such as shopping and people-watching at a café in the Historic Village.
Tauranga is also a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby beaches and Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world, as well as a wealth of Maori cultural sites. The world-famous geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, nicknamed Sulfur City, has been a major Polynesian spa resort town since visitors first arrived in the late 1800s. In Maori, roto means lake and rua means two, but Rotorua actually comprises 18 lakes — plus an incredible redwood forest.
For the best views, take the gondola up to Skyline Rotorua, a recreation complex atop Mount Ngongotaha. Other day trips you should consider are a boat ride through the incomparable glowworm caves of Waitomo or an unforgettable tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata — a must for all Tolkien fans.
Day 11: Auckland, New Zealand
Arrives 8:00am | Departs 5:00pm
New Zealand's biggest city deserves more than a layover. Auckland is multicultural and cosmopolitan, with sizeable Polynesian, Asian and Māori populations enriching its history and broadening the palate. Internationally known chefs and fashion designers have made neighbourhoods like Ponsonby, Newmarket and Parnell world-class destinations for shopping and dining.
You're never far from water attractions in New Zealand—and this is especially true in Auckland where it's not unheard of for downtown workers to go kayaking on their lunch break. The once-gritty port has been transformed into inviting public spaces and buzzing nightclubs, with sailboat charters and regular ferry connections waiting to whisk visitors around the harbour for sightseeing.
Start your day sipping a flat white while you plan your explorations: art gallery crawl, winery tour or volcano hike? It's possible to do all three without losing sight of the Sky Tower, one of Auckland's top tourist attractions, from which you can get a bird's-eye view of the gateway to Aotearoa.
Day 12: Waitangi (Bay of Islands), New Zealand
Arrives 7:00am | Departs 2:00pm
Historic sites — including the place where the most important treaty in New Zealand's history was signed—winemaking, golfing, sailing and scenic beauty all combine to make the Bay of Islands one of this South Pacific nation's most compelling regions. Located at the top of the North Island, the area has a subtropical microclimate that gives it an abundance of flora and fauna and a lengthy beach season. Comprising 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, the Bay of Islands requires a few days to fully explore. Visitors with just a day here will have to make a tough choice: cultural immersion, nature appreciation or wining-dining-shopping. Waitangi, home to both the cruise port and the region's historic treaty grounds, is one of three main towns with celebrated sights. The others are Kerikeri, with its historic buildings and vineyards, and Russell, where a notorious seafaring past has mellowed into tidy, day-trip-worthy charm. Those who'd rather experience the Bay of Islands' breathtaking nature can walk amid majestic kauri trees, descend into glowworm caves or spy on whales and dolphins (or even swim with the latter) in one of New Zealand's sunniest and most picturesque playgrounds.
Day 13: At Sea
Enjoy a variety of onboard experiences at sea.
Day 14: At Sea
Enjoy a variety of onboard experiences at sea.
Day 15: Sydney, Australia
Arrives 7:00am
If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travellers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-calibre chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too.
The famed harbour is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbour, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café.
Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Holland America
At Holland America Line, we believe travel has the power to change the world. We consider it our higher purpose to help make the world a better place through opening minds, building connections, and inspiring a shared humanity. For 150 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, exquisite dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries, you've come to the right place.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
^Holland America Anniversary Sale Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit: Terms & Conditions
Receive $200 USD onboard credit per stateroom when you book this Holland America cruise travelling in an Oceanview Stateroom. Plus, enjoy a 50% reduced deposit. Book by 2 June 2025.
Conditions apply.
~Onboard Credit (‘OBC’) is per person, in USD, and applies to the first two guests in a stateroom only. Amount varies by stateroom type and itinerary duration as specified: For 4- to 8-day cruises, guests receive US$25 OBC per person if booked in an Inside or Ocean View stateroom; US$50 OBC per person if booked in a Verandah stateroom; and US$75 OBC per person if booked in a Suite. For 9+ day cruises, guests receive US$50 OBC per person if booked in an Inside or Ocean View stateroom; US$100 OBC per person if booked in a Verandah stateroom; and US$150 OBC per person if booked in a Suite. OBC expires at the conclusion of the cruise, is neither transferable nor redeemable for cash, and cannot be used in the Casino or medical centre.
#50% Reduced Deposit is a reduced per-person booking deposit available on new bookings only on select cruises and cruisetours booked outside of the final payment date. Balance is due on final payment due date, 90 days prior to sailing (unless otherwise stated). The offer is available only on select cruises and cruise-tours unless sold out or otherwise withdrawn.
Further terms and conditions may apply, for full details, please enquire with your RACV Travel Expert when booking.
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14 nights
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