Sydney to Auckland

Board Royal Princess in Sydney, one of the world’s most spectacular departure ports. If you’re arriving early, make time for a walk around Circular Quay and the Rocks precinct before heading to the cruise terminal. Once onboard, find a spot on the top deck as the ship sails past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge — it’s one of cruising’s great send-offs.

Your first sea day is the perfect time to settle into life onboard Royal Princess. Explore the ship’s dining options, find your favourite lounge spot, and get your bearings before the Tasmanian ports ahead. The Piazza atrium is a great place to start — grab a coffee and watch the world go by.

One of Australia’s most significant and moving heritage sites, Port Arthur tells the story of the country’s convict past through beautifully preserved ruins set in stunning coastal surrounds. Take a guided tour of the former penal settlement, walk the Isle of the Dead, or explore the dramatic coastline of the Tasman Peninsula with its towering sea cliffs and blowholes. The Tessellated Pavement and Tasman Arch are both worth the detour.

Tasmania’s capital is compact, walkable, and packed with character — from the historic Salamanca waterfront to the world-famous MONA gallery carved into a cliff face. The Saturday Salamanca Market is one of Australia’s best, and the surrounding area is a food lover’s dream with local oysters, cheese, and cool-climate wines all within easy reach. For panoramic views, drive or shuttle up to the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

A restful day crossing the Tasman Sea toward New Zealand. Make the most of the ship’s Princess Plus or Premier inclusions if you’ve upgraded — the specialty dining and beverage packages are perfect for sea days.

Your second sea day as you approach the South Island of New Zealand. The anticipation builds — Fiordland is just around the corner and the scenery from here on is extraordinary.

One of the most breathtaking days you’ll ever have on a cruise ship — sailing through the towering fiords of Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds from the deck of Royal Princess. Sheer cliff faces rise hundreds of metres from the water, waterfalls cascade from the rainforest above, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot dolphins and seals below. Have your camera ready from early morning — this is a day you won’t forget.

A day to decompress after Fiordland and prepare for the New Zealand port stops ahead. This is a great evening to book a specialty dinner — Crown Grill or Sabatini’s are both worth trying.

New Zealand’s compact capital punches well above its weight — world-class museums, a thriving craft beer and coffee scene, and dramatic harbour views from every angle. Ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car for views over the city and harbour, spend time at Te Papa Tongarewa (the national museum), and wander the laneways of Cuba Street for cafes, boutiques, and street art. Wellington is often compared to San Francisco for its hills, its character, and its food.

Nestled at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is your gateway to the famous Marlborough wine region and some of New Zealand’s most stunning coastal scenery. Take a wine tour through the Marlborough vineyards — this is the home of New Zealand sauvignon blanc and the cellar door experiences are excellent. If you prefer being on the water, a boat trip through the Queen Charlotte Sounds offers sheltered bays, native bush, and brilliant blue water.

Napier is one of the most visually distinctive small cities in the world — rebuilt almost entirely in Art Deco style after a devastating earthquake in 1931, its pastel-coloured buildings and geometric facades make for a stunning walk through town. Beyond the architecture, the Hawke’s Bay region surrounding Napier is New Zealand’s premier food and wine destination, with cellar doors, olive groves, and artisan producers everywhere you look. Don’t miss the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers if excursions are available.

Gateway to the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga offers golden beaches, lush green landscapes, and easy access to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua just 90 minutes away. Climb the Mount — Mount Maunganui is a short walk from the port and rewards with panoramic views over the coastline and harbour. If you head inland to Rotorua, the Maori cultural experiences and geothermal parks with bubbling mud pools and geysers are unlike anything else in New Zealand.

Your last full sea day before the Bay of Islands. A good time to start planning how you’d like to spend your two days in Auckland after disembarkation.

Arguably the most beautiful spot on the entire itinerary — 144 islands scattered across a turquoise bay, with pristine beaches, native bush, and warm subtropical waters. Take a boat cruise through the islands, swim with dolphins, or kayak along the coastline. The historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds are also here — the birthplace of modern New Zealand and an essential cultural visit. Note: this is a tender port, so you’ll transfer to shore by the ship’s boats.

Arrive into Auckland, the City of Sails, and check into your 4-star hotel for two nights. Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, volcanic peaks, and diverse food scene make it an ideal city to explore on foot. Head to the Viaduct Harbour for harbourside dining, take the ferry to Devonport for stunning views back across the city, or ride up the Sky Tower for a panoramic lookout over the Hauraki Gulf.

Your second day in Auckland is perfect for venturing further afield. Waiheke Island is a 40-minute ferry ride and home to some of New Zealand’s best boutique wineries and olive groves, with beautiful beaches between the vineyards. Back in the city, the Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland Museum are both excellent, and Ponsonby Road is the go-to strip for cafes, brunch, and boutique shopping.

Your holiday comes to an end with a private transfer from your hotel to Auckland Airport. If your flight isn’t until the afternoon, there’s still time for a morning coffee at one of Auckland’s waterfront cafes before you head home. Interested in extending you stay? Ask us about our amazing range of packages available or speak with a Cruise Travel Advisor who will be able to customise your holiday with you.