Highlights of Australia & New Zealand Cruise

Highlights of Australia & New Zealand - Northbound

Tours Starts: Auckland, New Zealand

Tours Ends: Sydney, Australia

Days 1 & 2

Depart for Auckland, New Zealand

Take an overnight flight to Auckland.

Note: Depending on the departure time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day later.

Day 3

Arrive in Auckland,New Zealand

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Enjoy the evening on your own.

Grand Mercure Auckland or similar

Day 4

Auckland, New Zealand

Start the morning with a guided coach tour of Auckland. Travel along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, which provides gorgeous ocean and city views. Visit the colonial-style Mission Bay, the fragrant and fabulous Parnell Rose Gardens, and the magnificent Auckland Domain Park.

Next, learn the story of New Zealand on a guided tour of the Auckland Museum. See natural history exhibits and Maori artifacts. Continue to Auckland's 1,000-foot-tall Sky Tower, where you can see for up to 50 miles in every direction.Sit down at the revolving Orbit Restaurant for a included lunch and the city’s best views. (B, L)

Grand Mercure Auckland or similar

Day 5

Embarkation in Queen's Port (Departs 6:00 PM)

Enjoy “The City of Sails” on your own before traveling to Queens Port to board the Norwegian Spirit. (B)

Day 6

Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Discover Rotorua, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit Te Wairoa's Buried Village, a Pompeii-like town that was frozen in time after being smothered by a volcanic eruption in 1886.

Day 7

Napier, New Zealand (9:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

The coastal city of Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke's Bay. The city is known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag patterned Daily Telegraph Building. It feels like an exotic re-imagining of the 30s in parts of Napier.

Day 8

Wellington, New Zealand (8:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Welcome to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Take the Wellington Cable Car from the central Lambton Quay to the hills of Kelburn, where you can enjoy the sprawling Botanical Gardens, the petite Wellington Cable Car Museum, and dazzling city views.

Day 9

Lyttleton, New Zealand (8:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Spend a blissful day in Lyttleton, New Zealand’s only registered historic township. The seaside city built on the site of an extinct volcano is irresistibly charming.

Day 10

Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Larnach Castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its gardens.

Day 11

Cruise Doubtful Sound, Cruise Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, New Zealand

Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park, a stunning expanse of wilderness on one of the most remote parts of the pristine South Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dazzlingly dramatic landscape, with volcanos, sprawling rainforests, snow-topped mountains, and crystal-clear waters teeming with wildlife.

Days 12-13

At Sea

Day 14

Melbourne, Australia (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, is a robust and dynamic city. Considered the most European of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with remarkable art and architecture, excellent shopping, and world-class dining.

Day 15

Burnie (Tasmania), (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

A collection of artisans on the northwest coast of the island of Tasmania, Burnie has long been a community of makers. Enjoy locally crafted European-style cheeses and single-malt whiskey, or go shopping for handmade papers, ceramics, and other one-of-a-kind art pieces.

Day 16

Eden, Australia (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

The town’s name reflects what you will find inside this natural wonderland. Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas, and enticing beaches. It is also one of the best places in Australia for whale watching.

Day 17

Disembarkation and Sydney Tour (Arrives at 6:00 AM)

After disembarking, enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney's birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city's past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.

Travelodge Wynyard Sydney or similar

Day 18

Sydney Leisure Day

Enjoy one final day on your own in Sydney. Admire the skyline, cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, lounge on the world-famous Bondi Beach, or visit the Blue Mountains. (B)

Travelodge Wynyard Sydney or similar

Day 19

Depart for Home (B)

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Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

Highlights of Australia & New Zealand - Northbound with Cairns Post Tour

Tours Starts: Auckland, New Zealand

Tours Ends: Cairns, Australia

Days 1 & 2

Depart for Auckland, New Zealand

Take an overnight flight to Auckland.

Note: Depending on the departure time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day later.

Day 3

Arrive in Auckland,New Zealand

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Enjoy the evening on your own.

Grand Mercure Auckland or similar

Day 4

Auckland, New Zealand

Start the morning with a guided coach tour of Auckland. Travel along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, which provides gorgeous ocean and city views. Visit the colonial-style Mission Bay, the fragrant and fabulous Parnell Rose Gardens, and the magnificent Auckland Domain Park.

Next, learn the story of New Zealand on a guided tour of the Auckland Museum. See natural history exhibits and Maori artifacts. Continue to Auckland's 1,000-foot-tall Sky Tower, where you can see for up to 50 miles in every direction.Sit down at the revolving Orbit Restaurant for a included lunch and the city’s best views. (B, L)

Grand Mercure Auckland or similar

Day 5

Embarkation in Queen's Port (Departs 6:00 PM)

Enjoy “The City of Sails” on your own before traveling to Queens Port to board the Norwegian Spirit. (B)

Day 6

Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Discover Rotorua, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit Te Wairoa's Buried Village, a Pompeii-like town that was frozen in time after being smothered by a volcanic eruption in 1886.

Day 7

Napier, New Zealand (9:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

The coastal city of Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke's Bay. The city is known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag patterned Daily Telegraph Building. It feels like an exotic re-imagining of the 30s in parts of Napier.

Day 8

Wellington, New Zealand (8:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Welcome to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Take the Wellington Cable Car from the central Lambton Quay to the hills of Kelburn, where you can enjoy the sprawling Botanical Gardens, the petite Wellington Cable Car Museum, and dazzling city views.

Day 9

Lyttleton, New Zealand (8:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Spend a blissful day in Lyttleton, New Zealand’s only registered historic township. The seaside city built on the site of an extinct volcano is irresistibly charming.

Day 10

Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Larnach Castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its gardens.

Day 11

Cruise Doubtful Sound, Cruise Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, New Zealand

Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park, a stunning expanse of wilderness on one of the most remote parts of the pristine South Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dazzlingly dramatic landscape, with volcanos, sprawling rainforests, snow-topped mountains, and crystal-clear waters teeming with wildlife.

Days 12-13

At Sea

Day 14

Melbourne, Australia (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, is a robust and dynamic city. Considered the most European of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with remarkable art and architecture, excellent shopping, and world-class dining.

Day 15

Burnie (Tasmania), (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

A collection of artisans on the northwest coast of the island of Tasmania, Burnie has long been a community of makers. Enjoy locally crafted European-style cheeses and single-malt whiskey, or go shopping for handmade papers, ceramics, and other one-of-a-kind art pieces.

Day 16

Eden, Australia (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

The town’s name reflects what you will find inside this natural wonderland. Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas, and enticing beaches. It is also one of the best places in Australia for whale watching.

Day 17

Disembarkation and Sydney Tour (Arrives at 6:00 AM)

After disembarking, enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney's birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city's past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.

Travelodge Wynyard Sydney or similar

Day 18

Sydney Leisure Day

Enjoy one final day on your own in Sydney. Admire the skyline, cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, lounge on the world-famous Bondi Beach, or visit the Blue Mountains. (B)

Travelodge Wynyard Sydney or similar

Day 19

Fly to Cairns

Take a flight from Sydney to Cairns and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before your amazing adventure to the Great Barrier Reef tomorrow. (B)

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort or similar

Day 20

Included Day Trip to Great Barrier Reef

Magic Cruises catamaran to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Your day at the all-weather Marine World platform will be full of activities that cater to all levels. As part of your package, you can enjoy the magnificent reef from a semi-submersible reef viewer, a glass bottom boat, or the underwater observatory. For additional cost, you may even choose to snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon or go scuba diving (no experience necessary). (B, L)

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort or similar

Day 21

Depart for Home

It is time to bid farewell! Your flight home will give you time to reflect on all the fabulous places you visited and the memories and friends you made. (B)

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Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

Highlights of Australia & New Zealand - Southbound

Tours Starts: Sydney, Australia

Tours Ends: Auckland, New Zealand

Days 1 & 2

Depart for Sydney, Australia

Take an overnight flight to Sydney.

Note: Depending on the departure time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day later.

Day 3

Arrive in Sydney, Australia

Welcome to Sydney, Austrlia. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Enjoy the evening on your own.

Travelodge Hotel Sydney Wynyard or similar

Day 4

Sydney, Australia

Enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney's birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city's past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)

Travelodge Hotel Sydney Wynyard or similar

Day 5

Embarkation in Sydney, Australia (Departs 6:00 PM)

Enjoy Sydney on your own before boarding the Norwegian Spirit. (B)

Day 6

Eden, Australia (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

The town’s name reflects what you will find inside this natural wonderland. Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas, and enticing beaches. It is also one of the best places in Australia for whale watching.

Day 7

Burnie (Tasmania), (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

A collection of artisans on the northwest coast of the island of Tasmania, Burnie has long been a community of makers. Enjoy locally crafted European-style cheeses and single-malt whiskey, or go shopping for handmade papers, ceramics, and other one-of-a-kind art pieces.

Day 8

Melbourne, Australia (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, is a robust and dynamic city. Considered the most European of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with remarkable art and architecture, excellent shopping, and world-class dining.

Days 9 & 10

At Sea

Day 11

Cruise Doubtful Sound, Cruise Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, New Zealand

Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park, a stunning expanse of wilderness on one of the most remote parts of the pristine South Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dazzlingly dramatic landscape, with volcanos, sprawling rainforests, snow-topped mountains, and crystalclear waters teeming with wildlife.

Day 12

Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Larnach Castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its gardens.

Day 13

Lyttleton, New Zealand (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Spend a blissful day in Lyttleton, New Zealand’s only registered historic township. The seaside city built on the site of an extinct volcano is irresistibly charming.

Day 14

Wellington, New Zealand (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Welcome to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Take the Wellington Cable Car from the central Lambton Quay to the hills of Kelburn, where you can enjoy the sprawling Botanical Gardens, the petite Wellington Cable Car Museum, and dazzling city views.

Day 15

Napier, New Zealand (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

The coastal city of Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke's Bay. The city is known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag patterned Daily Telegraph Building. It feels like an exotic re-imagining of the 30s in parts of Napier.

Day 16

Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Rotorua, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit Te Wairoa's Buried Village, a Pompeii-like town that was frozen in time after being smothered by a volcanic eruption in 1886.

Day 17

Disembarkation and Auckland, New Zealand (Arrives at 8:00 AM)

After disembarking, enjoy a guided coach tour of Auckland. Travel along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, which provides gorgeous ocean and city views. Visit the colonial-style Mission Bay, the fragrant and fabulous Parnell Rose Gardens, and the magnificent Auckland Domain Park.

Next, learn the story of New Zealand on a guided tour of the Auckland Museum. See natural history exhibits and Maori artifacts. Continue to Auckland's 1,000-foot-tall Sky Tower, where you can see for up to 50 miles in every direction. Sit down at the revolving Orbit Restaurant for a included lunch and the city’s best views. (L)

Grand Mercure Auckland or similar

Day 18

Depart for Home (B)

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Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

Highlights of Australia & New Zealand - Southbound with Cairns Pre-tour

Tours Starts: Cairns, Australia

Tours Ends: Auckland, New Zealand

Days 1 & 2

Depart for Cairns

En route, cross the International Date Line, separating East from West. You will “lose” a day traveling to Australia.

Note: Depending on the departure time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day later.

Day 3

Included Day Trip to Great Barrier Reef

You will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure.

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort or similar

Day 4

Included Day Trip to Great Barrier Reef

This morning head over to the Reef Fleet Terminal and board the Reef Magic Cruises catamaran to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon or enjoy the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass bottom boat or underwater observatory. (B, L)

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort or similar

Day 5

Fly to Sydney

This morning fly to Sydney to meet the rest of your fellow travelers and continue your great adventure in the Land Down Under. Some activities are optional and can be booked at an additional cost. (B).

Travelodge Hotel Sydney Wynyard or similar

Day 6

Sydney, Australia

Enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney's birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city's past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)

Travelodge Hotel Sydney Wynyard or similar

Day 7

Embarkation in Sydney, Australia (Departs 6:00 PM)

Enjoy Sydney on your own before boarding the Norwegian Spirit. (B)

Day 8

Eden, Australia (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

The town’s name reflects what you will find inside this natural wonderland. Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas, and enticing beaches. It is also one of the best places in Australia for whale watching.

Day 9

Burnie (Tasmania), (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

A collection of artisans on the northwest coast of the island of Tasmania, Burnie has long been a community of makers. Enjoy locally crafted European-style cheeses and single-malt whiskey, or go shopping for handmade papers, ceramics, and other one-of-a-kind art pieces.

Day 10

Melbourne, Australia (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, is a robust and dynamic city. Considered the most European of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with remarkable art and architecture, excellent shopping, and world-class dining.

Days 11 & 12

At Sea

Day 13

Cruise Doubtful Sound, Cruise Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, New Zealand

Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park, a stunning expanse of wilderness on one of the most remote parts of the pristine South Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dazzlingly dramatic landscape, with volcanos, sprawling rainforests, snow-topped mountains, and crystalclear waters teeming with wildlife.

Day 14

Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Larnach Castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its gardens.

Day 15

Lyttleton, New Zealand (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Spend a blissful day in Lyttleton, New Zealand’s only registered historic township. The seaside city built on the site of an extinct volcano is irresistibly charming.

Day 16

Wellington, New Zealand (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Welcome to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Take the Wellington Cable Car from the central Lambton Quay to the hills of Kelburn, where you can enjoy the sprawling Botanical Gardens, the petite Wellington Cable Car Museum, and dazzling city views.

Day 17

Napier, New Zealand (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

The coastal city of Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke's Bay. The city is known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag patterned Daily Telegraph Building. It feels like an exotic re-imagining of the 30s in parts of Napier.

Day 18

Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Rotorua, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit Te Wairoa's Buried Village, a Pompeii-like town that was frozen in time after being smothered by a volcanic eruption in 1886.

Day 19

Disembarkation and Auckland, New Zealand (Arrives at 8:00 AM)

After disembarking, enjoy a guided coach tour of Auckland. Travel along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, which provides gorgeous ocean and city views. Visit the colonial-style Mission Bay, the fragrant and fabulous Parnell Rose Gardens, and the magnificent Auckland Domain Park.

Next, learn the story of New Zealand on a guided tour of the Auckland Museum. See natural history exhibits and Maori artifacts. Continue to Auckland's 1,000-foot-tall Sky Tower, where you can see for up to 50 miles in every direction. Sit down at the revolving Orbit Restaurant for a included lunch and the city’s best views. (L)

Grand Mercure Auckland or similar

Day 20

Depart for Home (B)

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Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.