New Zealand – incomparable days of exploration await you in this place where the centuries have crafted true works of art from volcanoes and mountains, fjords and beaches. Right at the start of your cruise, one of the world’s most magnificent nature reserves awaits you at Fiordland National Park, fittingly described by British writer Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world”. The HANSEATIC inspiration starts with a visit to Milford Sound, where steep slopes covered with rainforest tower more than 1,100 m (3,609 ft) above the water and mist floats almost magically between the mountain peaks.

Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view on board from the many outdoor areas and marvel at the sights of Thompson Sound and Doubtful Sound with their thundering waterfalls and the evergreen slopes of Dusky Sound and Breaksea Sound.

The mountainous national park on Stewart Island is just as outstanding. A hike to Ackers Point* takes you through dense forest with giant trees and impressive views of Halfmoon Bay. If you’re lucky, you might spot sooty shearwaters and little penguins. Explore Stewart Island’s bay, which covers an area of around 100 km² (39 mi.²) and provides a virtually untouched home for various birds, penguins and seals with a boat trip through Paterson Inlet*.

From Port Chalmers, visit surprising Dunedin and experience its outdoor culture. Whether you follow the Writers Walk with its quotes on plaques or the Street Art Trail to see artworks on the walls of houses, this UNESCO City of Literature is easy to explore independently. Rich bird life awaits you on the tour to Otago Peninsula*, which is home to royal albatrosses and yellow-eyed penguins.

The historic town of Akaroa in the heart of a flooded volcano is full of French flair. Soak up the savoir vivre as you visit one of the small cafes and take a stroll with a view of sailing boats and green hills.

In Golden Bay, enjoy some relaxation at Tata Beach with its inviting soft sand and clear, calm water – or visit a sacred Maori spring.

New Plymouth with its lively art scene is a premiere destination for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The natural masterpiece of Mount Taranaki* rising above the rainforest and meadows is the ideal starting point for a hike. 

You can also get active as you discover nature near Kaiteriteri with a hike in Abel Tasman National Park*. Its picturesque profile is shaped by rainforests and craggy granite cliffs, divine bays and fine sandy beaches, which you can also explore with a kayak trip along the coast*.

Enjoy another unforgettable day in Queen Charlotte Sound in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. As you cruise through the vast labyrinth of waterways and peninsulas, the “inspiration walk” will become your front-row seat for the natural spectacle of broad mountain ranges and dense vegetation along the coasts.

Back on the North Island, New Zealand’s capital is waiting to welcome you. A culinary tour of Wellington* is an unusual way to explore and sample specialities such as pavlova. Gain insights into the native bird life of the kakas and takahe in the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve*.

With its art deco style, Napier is a feast for the eyes, and not just for fans of architecture. From here, you can explore the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay* in “New Zealand’s Tuscany” or go rafting on the Mohaka River* through secluded gorges and areas of forest.

Marvel at the drama of New Zealand’s only active volcanic island as the HANSEATIC inspiration cruises off White Island.

Similar primeval forces shape the view from Mount Maunganui of Rotorua, New Zealand’s thermal region* with bubbling pools, steaming fissures and colourful lakes. A scenic tour to The Shire* takes you to the home of the Hobbits.

If the authorities give the go-ahead, the premiere destination of Waiheke Island will provide a cinematic finale to your cruise. The green island with its idyllic beaches and vineyards once again highlights the varied facets of your route, which together create the wondrous work of art that is New Zealand. Look back on your amazing adventures as you take an evening stroll through Auckland. Which days will be the most memorable for you? We’re already willing to guess that the answer will be all of them.