New Zealand Cruise & Indian Pacific Rail

Arrive in Auckland and transfer to Hotel Indigo Auckland for an overnight stay. Settle in and explore the vibrant Viaduct Harbour waterfront, just moments from your hotel.

Board Noordam at Auckland’s Princes Wharf and settle into your stateroom. As the ship sets sail, enjoy panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island from the open decks.

Step ashore in the Bay of Plenty, gateway to Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland. Watch geysers erupt at Te Puia, stroll through native bush in the Redwoods, or visit the glowworm caves at Waitomo.

Napier’s pastel-coloured Art Deco streetscape is one of the most photographed in the Southern Hemisphere. Stroll the Marine Parade, visit the Hawke’s Bay wineries, or take a gannet colony tour at Cape Kidnappers.

New Zealand’s compact capital packs a punch. Ride the iconic red cable car to the Botanic Gardens, explore the world-class Te Papa museum, or sample the craft coffee and dining scene on Cuba Street.

Cruise into the calm waters of Queen Charlotte Sound to reach Picton, gateway to the Marlborough wine region. Sample renowned Sauvignon Blancs at cellar doors just minutes from the wharf.

Dock at Lyttelton and head into Christchurch, a city reinventing itself with striking new architecture alongside heritage gardens and the meandering Avon River. The Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps provide a stunning backdrop.

Dunedin’s Scottish heritage shines through in its grand Victorian architecture and the beautifully restored railway station. Head out to the Otago Peninsula for encounters with royal albatross and rare yellow-eyed penguins.

A scenic highlight of the voyage. Noordam navigates the dramatic fiords of New Zealand’s south-west coast, where sheer rock walls rise from the water and waterfalls cascade from snow-fed peaks. Keep watch for dolphins and fur seals from the open decks.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as Noordam begins the crossing of the Tasman Sea. Settle into the ship’s rhythm with a cooking demonstration at the Culinary Arts Center, coffee and ocean views in the Explorations Cafe, or a treatment at the Greenhouse Spa.

A second day on the Tasman with nothing to do but enjoy Noordam. Book a table at the Pinnacle Grill for a long lunch, catch a BBC Earth documentary in the main show lounge, or find a quiet spot on the wraparound Promenade Deck.

Tasmania’s creative capital combines world-class art at MONA with a thriving waterfront dining scene. Wander the sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place or take the drive up kunanyi/Mount Wellington for sweeping views across the harbour.

A day at sea as Noordam sails along Australia’s south-east coast toward Melbourne. Settle into the rhythm of life on board with live music on the Music Walk, a film by the pool, or a quiet afternoon in the Crow’s Nest lounge.

Explore Melbourne’s famous laneways, street art and cafe culture. The Queen Victoria Market is a must for foodies, while the Royal Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful escape. For something different, take the ferry to Williamstown for waterfront dining with city skyline views.

A final day at sea before Sydney. Make the most of Noordam’s facilities or simply relax on deck as the ship makes its way up the NSW coast.

Arrive into Sydney Harbour, one of the world’s most spectacular port arrivals. Disembark and transfer to the Rydges World Square for a 3-night stay in the heart of the city.

A full day to explore at your own pace. Walk across the Harbour Bridge, take the ferry to Manly Beach, or discover the galleries and restaurants of The Rocks.

Another day to enjoy Sydney. Visit Bondi Beach, explore the Royal Botanic Garden, or take a coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi.

Transfer to Sydney’s Central Station and board the Indian Pacific for a legendary rail crossing. Settle into your Gold Service cabin and enjoy your first dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant as the train winds through the Blue Mountains and out into the western plains.

Wake to the vast outback landscape rolling past your window. The Indian Pacific stops at Adelaide, where an Off Train Experience lets you explore the city’s parks, markets and food scene. Back on board, enjoy fine wines and regional produce as the train pushes west into the night.

Cross the Nullarbor Plain on the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. Stop at the remote outpost of Cook, a near-ghost town deep in the outback. As evening falls, enjoy a final dinner on board as the Indian Pacific approaches the Western Australian coast.

Arrive at Perth’s East Perth Terminal, where your transcontinental journey comes to an end.