After two relaxing days on the Tasman Sea, the ship will reach “Aotearoa”, or the “Land of the Long White Cloud”, as New Zealand is called by its indigenous people. DUNEDIN used to be New Zealand’s richest city and is also home to the country’s only castle – like many of the city’s other buildings, it is a legacy of the wealthy Scottish settlers. Further north-east is charming TIMARU, with its pleasant parks and a surrounding area that’s even more delightful: an idyllic beach on one side and the breathtaking panorama of Mount Cook on the other.

New Zealand’s capital city, WELLINGTON, welcomes you to the North Island. Countless artists and the influence of film producer Peter Jackson have added to the city’s considerable cultural offering, which includes various museums, theatres and concert halls. The wine centre of NAPIER awaits you, with its numerous well-preserved art deco buildings – which are worth the trip alone – and exquisite beverages. As you pass through the Bay of Plenty, you will cruise off WHITE ISLAND, whose surface of volcanic rock and steaming sulphur deposits looks like something from another planet. A whole landscape of colourful sulphur pools awaits you in Rotorua* near Tauranga. You’ll also find numerous Maori villages here – so it’s a great opportunity to watch a performance of the traditional haka dance before you continue to Auckland, the port of arrival on this cruise, and set off on your journey home.

* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.