Explore and book Holland America Line 14 Night Australia Cruise on the Noordam departing from Auckland, New Zealand on Nov 23, 2025 and ending in Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand on Dec 7, 2025 Sail to Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand, Melbourne, Australia, Tauranga, New Zealand, Hobart, Australia, Auckland, New Zealand, Timaru, New Zealand, Sydney, Australia, Picton, New Zealand, Napier, New Zealand, Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Group Rate

Auckland, New Zealand Boarding Time To Be Assigned Visa Req For Some

Known as the "City of Sails", Auckland offers a mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Cruising to this New Zealand port allows visitors to explore volcanic islands, Maori culture, and a lively waterfront all in one destination.

Tauranga (rotorua), New Zealand Times Subject To Tidal Cond Visa Req For Some

Tauranga, New Zealand

Situated in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is New Zealand's coastal gem. With its golden beaches, Maori heritage sites, and proximity to geothermal wonders, it offers a diverse array of experiences. Cruising to Tauranga provides a gateway to the North Island's treasures.

Napier, New Zealand

Explore Napier, New Zealand's art deco gem. Rebuilt in the 1930s following a devastating earthquake, the city now boasts some of the world's best-preserved art deco architecture. Cruising to Napier ensures cultural experiences, wine tasting in the surrounding vineyards, and captivating Pacific views.

Picton, New Zealand

The Wines of Marlborough Tour
Wings and Wine
Marlborough Flyer Steam Train Tour
Huon Valley & Tahune Airwalk
The Wines of Marlborough Private Tour

Lyttelton (christchurch), New Zeala Visa Req For Some

Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Arthur's Pass Day Tour
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: TranzAlpine and Arthurs Pass Tour
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sights with Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Godley Head Guided Walking Tour & Senic Drive - Adventure By Nature
Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Christchurch City Sights
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center
One day in Christchurch, Ports and Peninsula by Car
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating
Lyttelton Cruise Excursions: Christchurch Sightseeing with Sheep Farm

Timaru, New Zealand

Mount Cook National Park By Chartered Plane
Executive Collection Half Day Van
Executive Collection Half Day Minibus
Victorian Oamaru
Timaru Botanic Gardens & Aigantighe
The Road to Mesopotamia
Executive Collection Full Day Car 
Chef Led: Os-Game Reserve Visit & Sumptuous Lunch
Central South Island Highlights

Port Chalmers (dunedin), New Zealan Visa Req For Some

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

Serving as the gateway to Dunedin, New Zealand, Port Chalmers is a port town rich in maritime history. From the Seafarers Memorial to the local galleries, cruisers can immerse themselves in its nautical heritage and use it as a stepping stone to explore the Otago Peninsula's wildlife.

Cruising Fiordland Natl Park (cruising Only Times Subject To Weather Cond)

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Visa Req For Some

Hobart, Australia

The capital of Tasmania, Hobart offers a mix of natural beauty and historic charm. With its picturesque waterfront, colonial architecture, and nearby national parks, it’s a prime destination for those seeking culture and wilderness in one.

Melbourne, Australia

Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne boasts art galleries, cosmopolitan cuisine, and iconic sports venues. Its laneways, parks, and coastal vibe make it a diverse and vibrant cruise stop down under.

Sydney, Australia Times Subject To Tidal Cond Visa Req For Some

Sydney, Australia

14 Night Australia Cruise

Oceania

Australasia

Explorations Central™ (EXC®), Holland America Line’s exclusive destination programming, is designed to deepen your understanding of the places you visit. Its indispensable travel resources and opportunities to engage with experts and local insiders, make exploring each port of call more vivid and meaningful. Enjoy the programs listed below and visit our Explorations Central discovery center on board. *

Explorations Central

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Casino Action

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

Onboard Shopping

Enjoy a game of pickleball on top-deck courts with stunning ocean views. Play casually anytime or join a tournament, with beginner lessons available for newcomers. Complimentary equipment provided, weather permitting.



Pickleball At Sea

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges on board. In the Piano Bar, gather around and sing along as our pianist plays your favorites.

Piano Bar

Enjoy live music in this popular bar perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.

Ocean Bar

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.

Crow's Nest

Direct from Beale Street, B.B. King's All Stars bring the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, enjoy dancing and try specialty cocktails like the Lucille and Rock Me Baby.

B.B. Kings Blues Club

This sophisticated venue is adorned with an eclectic and whimsical mix of artwork including portraits, landscapes, still life and abstract pieces. Order your favorite cocktail or try one from our signature cocktail menu created in partnership with our Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, a James Beard “Who’s Who” inductee.

Gallery Bar

The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.

Explorer's Lounge

Feel the rhythm at the Rolling Stone Lounge, where a live band delivers rock, pop, and country hits every night. Grab a drink and hit the dance floor for an unforgettable evening of music and energy.



Rolling Stone Lounge

Unwind at Pinnacle Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails and fine wines set the tone for a sophisticated evening. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink before heading to Pinnacle Grill.



Pinnacle Bar

Sip on a cool cocktail while basking in the sun and savoring stunning ocean views from the deck lounge chairs. A laid-back vibe with unbeatable scenery.



Sea View Bar

Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

Lido Market

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes from James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council® member, David Burke. Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor.

Pinaccle Grill

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!

Canaletto

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.

Dive-In

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs,  and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.

The Dining Room

At Explorations Café, relax in a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink.

Explorations Cafe

We have partnered with BBC Earth to bring you unforgettable new ways to experience the world's natural wonders. Through the innovative and breathtaking programming, guests will be taken closer to the ocean and the natural world through groundbreaking concerts and films.

BBC Earth in Concert

In an exclusive partnership with the world’s leading center for the performing arts, we proudly present Lincoln Center Stage, showcasing outstanding musicians performing multiple programs of chamber music most evenings, as well as afternoon recitals during leisurely days at sea.

Lincoln Center Stage

2 pianos - 60 Years of Chart Toppers - 100s Of Songs.  Sing along, test your music trivia skills or just sit back and enjoy as the hits fill the room each night.

Billboard on Board

Experience world-class entertainment at World Stage, featuring captivating lectures by local experts and thrilling performances from top acts like Step One Dance Company and Cantaré. On select ships, a two-story LED screen enhances the immersive experience.

World Stage

Highlights for kids ages 3 to 6 include “Painting Picassos,” and “Sing-Along Storytime,” as well as theme parties, such as “Dino-Mite Night” and “Ships Ahoy Pirate Treasure Hunt Adventure.”

Kids Programs (Ages 3-6)

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.

Club Hal

From ice-cream eating contests to gaming tournaments and theme parties, tweens will have plenty to enjoy.

Tweens Programs (Ages 7-12)

Teen cruisers enjoy mocktail parties, karaoke and trivia contests, jewelry making, video games, staff vs. teens volleyball tournaments, themed events and more.

Teens Programs (Ages 13-17)

Club HAL activities are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on port days. Lunch is available for participants between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children must be registered and signed into and out of programming by a parent or guardian.

Port Day Activities

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Fitness

During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam features museum-quality art — from 19th-century oils to contemporary photographs of music greats Dizzy Gillespie and B.B. King. Guests onboard can enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Explore the world’s wonders through BBC Earth Experiences. Take yoga or Pilates in our Fitness Center. Savor the sounds of Music Walk™ and the delights of our specialty restaurants.

B.B. King's Blues Club

Watch music shows and other entertainment like you never have before at World Stage. Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam bring the World Stage experience to the next level with a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen. A perfect panorama of sight and sound.

Club HAL

Refresh, Relax and Rejuvenate. During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

Holland America Line

Noordam

In the past, sailing an America's Cup boat was only available to the racing crews themselves, but today you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing on an America's Cup yacht on the waters of Auckland -- the legendary City of Sails. This adventure offers a truly memorable opportunity to sail on NZL 68 and NZL 41 -- a must-do for all sailors and wannabes.

This delightful excursion visits two of Auckland’s most popular attractions. Drive along the picturesque waterfront road to Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. In this amazing facility you’ll view a life-size recreation of Captain Robert Scott’s 1911 Antarctic hut on the shores of McMurdo Sound.

Meet your skipper and listen to a safety briefing before boarding the boat. The trip will take around 35 to 40 minutes, promising a uniquely Auckland hair-raising experience.

On the cliff tops overlooking the beach, you'll take a short walk through the native plants to the lookout point to see the gannet colony here. This is one of only two mainland gannet colonies in the world. Depending upon the season, you may be able to view the birds' nesting and feeding routines, and their spectacular diving technique as they hunt for fish.

Located on beautiful Waiheke Island, Eco Zip offers nature-lovers, young and old, a state-of-the-art, dual zip-line and New Zealand native forest encounter; making it one of Auckland's newest, most accessible and exciting eco-tourism experiences.

Cross the Harbour Bridge -- 3,200 feet of steel linking North Shore to downtown -- on a round trip that will take you past Westhaven Marina. You'll view the thousands of pleasure boats that give Auckland its City of Sails nickname.

A three-hour motorcoach ride to the Waitomo Caves showcases the scenery south of Auckland. After driving through the thriving downtown area, you'll pass through the Bombay Hills and find yourself following the Waikato River into the rural countryside. The hallmark of the Waikato Region is lush green fields populated by grazing sheep. The town of Ngaruawahia is home of the Maori King, and the city of Hamilton is New Zealand's largest inland city. Your drive continues into Taupiri, known for a mountain sacred to the Maori people.

Erewhon sheep station is one of New Zealand's most historic and iconic farms, located in the heart of the South Island high country. Its sheer isolation and magnificent alpine setting is unsurpassed in New Zealand. On this full-day excursion, you'll literally journey to the end of the road, where few New Zealanders have ever ventured.

This off-the-beaten-track active adventure explores one of New Zealand's least-visited areas -- the rugged hill country of the Southern Alps. It's a stunning region that stands in dramatic contrast to the flat Canterbury Plains that surround Christchurch.

Discover how the US and New Zealand have explored Antarctica together since the 1950s with a visit to one of New Zealand's most popular award-winning tourist attractions. The International Antarctic Centre offers a fun, exciting and interactive experience of Antarctica. It is uniquely located in a working Antarctic campus, home to the New Zealand, United States and Italian Antarctic programs.

Begin with a scenic journey over the farmland of the Canterbury Plains. Your local tour guide will provide entertaining and informative commentary on all aspects of Christchurch, Canterbury and the Lord of the Rings filming location, but you don't have to be a Rings fan to enjoy this amazing day out.

This two-hour discovery cruise aboard a tour catamaran offers full commentary by a knowledgeable local skipper. You will get up close to the water and go in search of one of the world's rarest and smallest dolphins -- the Hector's or New Zealand dolphin.

This easy, full-day adventure begins with a motorcoach journey across the scenic Canterbury Plains -- a patchwork quilt of pastoral countryside that lies serenely between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Depart the pier in Lyttelton for the drive around Lyttelton Harbor. The harbor is tucked into the blown-out crater of an extinct volcano. You will pass through idyllic Governors Bay and cross Gebbies Pass to Manderley Farm, located near Little River.

Transfer by minivan to nearby Ngakuta Bay to spend a half-day out on one of the most scenic and unspoiled waterways in New Zealand -- Queen Charlotte Sound. This area was visited frequently by Captain James Cook in the late 18th century.

Docking at Mistletoe Bay, you'll enjoy an hour's guided trek along the Peninsula Loop -- a branch of the renowned Queen Charlotte Track. The loop is about 1.5 miles along an undulating bush trail and passing through regenerating native forest.

Travel through the rich farmlands of the Koromiko Valley to Allan Scott Family Winemakers. Few can lay claim to having worked every grape harvest in Marlborough, but owner Allan Scott can. This pretty winery is surrounded by 197 acres of premium vineyard. Scott produces a full range of wines especially suited to Marlborough's gravelly soil and sunny climate, including Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, méthode traditionelle and Pinot Noir.

Travel from Picton to Upton Oaks -- the English-inspired garden of Dave and Sue Monahan developed around a restored 1911 South Pacific villa house. The manicured grounds feature brick walls, ponds, perennial borders and a 17th-century-style Elizabethan 'knot garden', divided into sections by color.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is home to a stunning collection of World War I aircraft -- a blend of faithful replicas and authentic aircraft. Many of the aircraft are on loan to the museum from Hollywood film director, Peter Jackson. The facility presents lifelike displays comprised of a spectacular collection of static and airworthy aircraft.

Your first stop is at Olveston House -- a 35-room Edwardian mansion built by a prominent Dunedin businessman between 1904 and 1906. The home is resplendent with massive fireplaces, colorful stained-glass windows and an impressive art collection. Its original owners were passionate patrons of the Arts and, during their extensive travels, they collected 240 paintings as well as numerous artifacts from China and Japan. These still grace the 21 rooms that your guide will highlight during your comprehensive tour.

Soak up the grandeur of its architecture, from the classical ANZ Bank to the buildings surrounding the Octagon, an eight-sided plaza that forms the core of Dunedin's lively business district.

Suitable for outdoorsy types, this excursion features a hike on Mount Cargill--the most prominent peak in Dunedin. For a limited few, this hiking adventure offers a look at the natural wonders of southern New Zealand, for it is home to the amazing Organ Pipes. These are basalt columns that are quite a famous landmark.

Departing Port Chalmers, you will pass along the shores of Otago Harbour and Sawyers Bay to Dunedin. From there you will continue out to Otago Peninsula and along the pretty coastline to Taiaroa Head. Taiaroa Head is unique for the diversity of wildlife that abounds on this small headland. Historically, it was used by the Maori people as a defensive retreat long before being fortified by European settlers in the 1880s.

Transfer from the ship to the pier and board a 55-foot wooden launch with a walk-around deck. It's an hour and half scenic cruise to Taiaroa Head and you'll spend time viewing the great albatross -- one of the world's largest birds with a wingspan of up to ten feet. Watch for fur seals and other species including the little shag, spotted shag and the pied oystercatcher.

Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, was founded by Scottish settlers in 1848. Today, explore the Scottish influence in this city, where the locals have a different southern accent that hints at a Scottish burr.

Board the train alongside the ship at Port Chalmers and travel through Dunedin, across the fertile Taieri Plains and through the breathtaking Taieri Gorge. The train itself is made up of vintage or contemporary carriages, which bring to life Dunedin's unique heritage, as well as offering you some truly spectacular sightseeing.

You will begin by crossing the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, or 'the coat-hanger' as it is affectionately known. Take in the stunning beaches that line the coast. You will pass through the exclusive suburbs of Kirrabilli and Milson's Point, as well as the beautiful suburbs of Cremorne and Mosman.

Travel west of Sydney by motorcoach towards the Blue Mountains. Despite its name, this UNESCO World Heritage site isn't mountainous at all. In fact, it's an area of scenic, rugged, low-elevation tablelands covering more than 2.5 million acres. Some wonderful cultural and landscape surprises await you.

You are in for the thrill of a lifetime today as you enjoy the experience and romance of a floatplane flight. The aircraft takes off from beautiful Rose Bay and follows the coastline along Sydney's northern beaches, flying directly from Sydney Harbour to the tranquil waters of the Hawkesbury River and Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.

Bring your spirit of adventure to relish this unique opportunity to experience Sydney from above and below. You’ll begin your day with a short transfer by private vehicle to the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, also known as the coat hanger, for a climb to its pinnacle. After the safety briefing you’ll be outfitted with a climbing suit. Your qualified guide will lead you up the eastern arch, to the summit and down the western arch of the bridge. Traveling in a small group, you are escorted all the way. On reaching the top of the bridge, pause to celebrate your moment of glory and take in the unrivaled panorama of the harbor and your ship 400 feet below. Back on solid ground and invigorated by your climb, you will receive a souvenir photograph. Rejoin your vehicle for a short transfer back to the ship or leave the tour at the Bridge Climb and make your own way back.

Sydney welcomes you this morning and tempts you with her outstanding charms as you orient yourself to the city's highlights. The Victorian era brought prosperity to Sydney, and endowed the city with scores of handsome buildings. Many of these remain today, nestling among dazzling, modern architecture.

Enjoy a captivating, guided sunset walking tour with an experienced zoo guide at Taronga -- one of the world's finest zoological gardens. Don't miss a journey through the zoo's wonderful Australian animal displays -- the Australian Walkabout Tour includes a visit to the kangaroos, koalas, wombats, echidnas and Australian birds. Also experience the themed Platypus Pools exhibit, which recreates the wonder of a Blue Mountains sandstone gorge where you can see many species of Australian animals and the recently-discovered dinosaur tree -- the Wollemi pine.

You will visit a Maori marae (meeting place) to be welcomed and hosted by a Maori family. They are descendants of the migrants who arrived on the first oceangoing canoes from central Polynesia, more than 650 years ago. Hear their stories and enjoy their songs and dances as they trace their family history through the generations.

Paddle your way to explore the lake's coastline, where the pohutukawa tree (New Zealand's native Christmas tree) and other native species dominate the vegetation. your way to explore the lake's coastline, where the pohutukawa tree (New Zealand's native Christmas tree) and other native species dominate the vegetation.

Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Kaituna River in Rotorua -- home of the highest commercially-rafted waterfall in the world. Join your guides for the ultimate water-based fast and furious adrenalin rush. You will raft 14 rapids and three waterfalls.

Make yourself comfortable as your driver takes you directly to Te Puia in the Whakarewarewa Valley. This natural wonder is considered a sacred place by the Maori people. Follow your Maori guide on a fascinating tour of the valley that is home to stunning geysers, mud pools and mineral springs. According to tribal history, it was here that the fire goddesses Te Pupu and Te Hoata emerged from the earth's core. A story-telling part of the tour includes a traditional Maori cultural performance, with demonstrations of fighting skills, the famous haka war challenge, and song and dance activities still practiced by New Zealand's indigenous people.

Join your driver/guide for a 75-minute narrated coach ride through Tauranga and the North Island's breathtaking countryside, to Skyline Rotorua's skyride cableway. Board an eight-passenger gondola and climb the slopes of Mount Ngongotaha for sweeping views of Lake Rotorua.

This guided bicycle tour explores the geothermal wonderland and Maori cultural heart of New Zealand. Visit some natural and cultural sites in Rotorua and learn about the significance of the area to the Maori people. Your informative guide will help to make this a fun and interesting way to visit a very special area of environmental and cultural significance.

Waihi has been famous for its gold since 1878 and it has a fascinating story to tell. Find out about some of the intriguing characters and events that have shaped the social and industrial landscape of this resilient little town over the past 140 years.  Travel an hour from Tauranga Port to Waihi. You will be welcomed by a friendly local host over morning tea at the charming Sterling Hotel, where some of the early characters and stories will be introduced.

This tour is the only opportunity you will have to see authentic Maori rock drawings, and will appeal to guests with an interest in history, anthropology and archeology. South Canterbury is home to New Zealand's best collections of ancient Maori petroglyphs. Drawn on the smooth limestone are figures representing the Maori hunters and gatherers who, while sheltering in the caves, recreated the world they saw around them. They drew their dogs, moas (huge birds that are now extinct), New Zealand's massive eagle (also extinct) and creatures straight from Maori mythology. There are at least 300 rock art sites in South Canterbury with more being discovered. Today you will visit two of the best Maori caves, where early Maori lived and hunted before the arrival of Europeans. From Timaru travel southwest to Craigmore, where one of the most extensive areas of Maori rock art is found. The largest area, the 210-acre Valley of the Moa, O Wahi Moa, contains the Moa and Dog Caves. These have been protected by New Zealand Historic Places Trust since 1960. These prehistoric charcoal drawings are unique. Then, continue inland and visit the Rock Farm where a huge limestone rock above the farm conceals some of the best-preserved rock drawings in the region. Step back in time and admire the artwork of these early Maori food gatherers. At the small settlement of Cave there will be light refreshments before returning to Timaru.

Depart Timaru port and make your way to Oamaru where you will explore the historic buildings. Oamaru has a rich history and proud heritage, enriched by the passionate and perhaps quirky locals. You will find shops, galleries and traditional crafts within some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most complete Victorian streetscapes and 19th century architecture.

Leave the wharf and walk directly on to Caroline Bay. Follow the memorial walkway, view display panels in honour of our war battles and heroes.

Begin your tour with an orientation drive through Timaru. First take in the Botanic Gardens, which may surprise you with the excellent collections as diverse as Australian plants, conifers and rose species. A border containing the native plants of the Canterbury region is of special note. Endangered plants from around the world can be seen in part of the conservatory complex.

Walk among the dead if you dare! Hobart has more than its fair share of ghosts and the associated spooky stories. Allow yourself to suspend disbelief and follow in the spectral footsteps of convicts and bushrangers, whalers and sailors, barmaids and prostitutes, cannibals and criminals -- all part of Hobart's legendary past. Your expert guide brings these questionable characters to life on this fun, and perhaps a little frightening, alternative view of Tasmania's largest city.

Your adventure begins at the pier in Hobart where you'll board a motorcoach for the drive to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. At this popular animal sanctuary, you'll observe some of Australia's most famous natives, such as koalas, Tasmanian devils and wombats, along with kangaroos and wallabies. Some of the animals are allowed to roam free in their natural habitat. Park keepers are on hand to answer questions. You'll get a chance to interact with many of the animals. Bring your camera to capture the moment!

Step back in time and visit Australia's most delightful Georgian village. Established in 1825, five years before Port Arthur, Richmond is a genuine village of slate and cobblestones, handmade brick and mellow stone cottages and manors. Stroll along streets lined with sandstone buildings that showcase the best of Tasmania's fine art and crafts culture.

Transfer to the Southgate Pier and board a 50-minute cruise on the beautiful Yarra River. Although Melbourne is situated on the shores of one of the largest bays on the Australian coast, the Yarra River is the city's main waterway. In early times, the river was a major food source and meeting place for indigenous Australians. Early European settlers used it primarily for agricultural transportation.

Visit the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary -- one of Australia's premiere wildlife reserves -- and interact with Australia's most famous wildlife. A panoramic drive through the stunning Yarra Valley foothills brings you to the natural bushland setting of the sanctuary, where you will explore at your leisure.

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour allows you to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights from the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests. See the famous sights or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters. Recommended for single/solo travelers, couples, family, friends, and special-interest groups. It can also be an excellent choice for guests with mobility limitations.

Enjoy unobstructed 360-degree city views from the Melbourne Eureka Skydeck -- created to reach for the sky. Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe-inspiring view of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere's highest viewing platform. It is quite literally an experience above all others.

Board a motor coach for an enjoyable, one-hour panoramic drive past some of Napier's most famous Art Deco architecture. A specialist guide from the Art Deco Trust will provide knowledgeable commentary. Watch for the National Tobacco building -- one of the most photographed of Napier's art deco buildings.

Begin your excursion with a drive down Napier's beautiful Marine Parade with its stand of tall Norfolk pines.

Depart the pier for a scenic drive along the picturesque coastline of Hawke’s Bay, bound for Clearview Estate Winery. Founded by Tim Turvey and Helena van den Berg in the early 1980s, this winery is renowned for its friendly staff and quality wines. The rustic, art-filled cafe and tasting room are set in a sunny, sheltered location with views of the sea and Te Mata Peak.

Join this excellent introduction to the Hawke's Bay area including the sights of Napier and Hastings. The prosperity of this region has steadily increased during 150 years of sheep farming, market gardening and more recently, wine production.

One of the highlights of a visit to this area is Mission Estate Winery -- New Zealand's oldest winery. Established in 1851 by the French Marist religious order, this former mission has been producing wine ever since. From the Port of Napier, you'll drive to Mission Estate, located on a small hill overlooking the Heretaunga Plains, with sweeping views of Napier. Mission Estate is perhaps the most visited and most beautiful winery in the country. Tour the restored seminary building and the adjoining chapel, with its high, vaulted ceilings, arched windows and French doors. Visit the cellar to try Mission Estate's extensive range of wines. One of the cellar door team will lead you through a tasting of up to seven different vintages. You’ll hear details of the ancient winemaking process and find out what is new in the 21st century.

Your excursion begins at the pier when you board a motor coach for the drive approximately 25 miles north to the Mohaka River. Your route will follow the old trails of the indigenous Maori and early settlers inland, to Hawke's Bay along the Napier-Taupo Highway.

Discover the rich traditions and history of the Maori people on this genuine cultural and heritage tour held on ancestral lands that have been set aside as a conservation reserve. Your tour guide is a knowledgeable local Maori who will share his/her rich and colorful heritage and welcome your questions.

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14 Night Australia Cruise