Hollywood found inspiration in the country's green hills - this is where Tolkien's Middle Earth is brought to life. The Abel Tasman National Park, with rainforests stretching right down to the shore, also looks like something out of a film set. The beauty of the fjords is intoxicating - you will feel like you are dreaming when the EUROPA glides through the deep blue waters between steep cliffs. As a grand finale, Sydney is captivating with its magnificent sights to make it a truly great start to the year.
The cruise is fully booked.
For further assistance please contact us at 040 30703050.
At anchor - If the ship anchors in open water the ferrying ashore will be done with tenders or Zodiacs.
Scheduled flight Frankfurt– Singapore
Singapore
Connecting flight to Auckland
Auckland
Transfer to embarkation on the EUROPA
Auckland/New Zealand, 21.00 hrs departure
Mount Maunganui (Tauranga), 8.00 – 24.00 hrs
Mount Maunganui (Tauranga)/New Zealand
The natural landscape around the port in the Bay of Plenty is amazing. Bubbling sources and geysers fling water up into the air and are the main attractions in the Rotorua thermal centre*. Mount Maunganui* is now officially known by its Maori name Mauoa. On a walk* through the Waimangu Valley, you can enjoy the greenery and the fantastic views over the bay. Or explore The Shire from Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" - part of the trilogy was filmed in Matamata.
Cruising around White Island
Napier, 7.00 - 18.00 hrs
Napier/New Zealand
Following the 1931 earthquake, one of the most beautiful Art Deco cities in the world* emerged from the ruins. Hawke's Bay is also the oldest wine-growing region in the country and you can visit some vineyards* here to taste some first-class wines. A tour by all-terrain bus will take you to Cape Kidnappers*. This is home to an enormous gannet colony, which you can observe from the cape.
Wellington, 8.00 - 14.00 hrs
Wellington/New Zealand
From Mount Victoria you will have a wonderful view of New Zealand's capital city. And you can get to know Wellington* much better at the Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum. The Zealandia nature reserve* provides a sanctuary for native species of bird and small animals threatened with extinction. Here you can get an insight into 1,000 years of New Zealand's natural history.
Port Golden Bay (Tarakohe), 8.00 - 19.00 hrs
Kaiteriteri, 22.30 hrs arrival
Port Golden Bay (Tarakohe)/New Zealand
Go ashore in the place where James Cook dropped anchor and walk along the beautiful beaches of Golden Bay. Perhaps you would also like to take a swim in the ocean.
Kaiteriteri/New Zealand
This charming resort is situated at the edge of a tropical paradise. The Abel Tasman National Park* is captivating with its picturesque beaches and green rainforest - it is perfect for discovering on foot*, by kayak* or by helicopter*.
Kaiteriteri, 10.00 hrs departure
Nelson, 12.30 - 20.00 hrs
Picton, 7.00 - 17.30 hrs
Lyttelton (Christchurch), 8.00 - 18.00 hrs
Lyttelton (Christchurch)/New Zealand
This little port on the South Island is the perfect starting point to explore the green countryside - the TranzAlpine train* will take you up to Arthur’s Pass. Or you can set out on an off-road adventure* on tussock buggies over the hills and through the Waimakariri Gorge. A jet boat will take you along the Waimakariri River back to the Canterbury Plains.
Timaru, 8.00 - 18.00 hrs
Timaru/New Zealand
From the port in South Canterbury, the route takes you up to Mount Cook – New Zealand's highest mountain*. On the way, you will be able to admire Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Find out about sheep shearing on a typical sheep farm*. Following refreshments of tea and cakes, you can walk through the historic centre of Omaru*.
Port Chalmers, 8.00 - 18.00 hrs
Port Chalmers/New Zealand
This little port is the gateway to the wild Taieri Gorge - for this is the destination on a wonderful train ride on the Taieri Gorge Railway* past farmland and forests and over cast-iron viaducts. A boat will take you to the Otago Peninsula*. This is home to the enormous royal albatross and rare yellow-eyed penguins.
Stewart Island, 7.00 - 14.00 hrs
Stewart Island/New Zealand
Many miles of footpaths cross the countryside of this sparsely populated island, which is home to New Zealand's national symbol, the Kiwi. The island is a lush green paradise, which you can discover at your own pace.
Cruising in the Doubtful & Thompson Sound
Cruising in the Milford Sound
Relaxation at sea
Sydney/Australia, 7.00 hrs arrival
Overnight stay on board
Sydney/Australia
Explore the oldest and largest city in Australia on a tour* including a visit to the famous Opera House – or take off for a helicopter flight* over the coast, beaches and Harbour Bridge. Following an overnight stay on board, it will be time to begin your journey home. Unless you want to get to know Sydney – city of dreams on the water better on our post-cruise programme*.
Sydney
Boat trip through the harbour,
Transfer to scheduled flight to Frankfurt
Arrival in Frankfurt
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject to changes.
= at anchor