Day 1:
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand. Haere Mai—welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2:
Auckland (Embarkation). This morning, take a city tour of the “City of Sails.” This afternoon, transfer to the harbor and embark your Princess cruise ship. (B,D)

Day 3:
Tauranga. Spend the day in the port town of Tauranga on the Bay of Plenty. Choose from a list of optional shore excursions, like a day trip to geothermal Rotorua and a visit to the “Hobbiton” movie set from The Lord of the Rings followed by a cruise through the spectacular Waitomo Glowworm Caves. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Cruising: At Sea. Take advantage of the onboard activities and facilities. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Picton. Explore New Zealand’s rich Marlborough region, which accounts for 40% of the country’s wine production. Here you may choose to take a wine tasting tour or a wildlife cruise for a chance to spot seal, dolphin, and penguin. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Wellington. Enjoy a day in the capital city of New Zealand. Choose from several shore excursions, including a visit to Te Papa (the national museum of New Zealand) and a tour of some of the filming locations used in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Christchurch. Enjoy a day in the “Garden City” with its old stone buildings and the charming Avon River. Take an optional tour of the city or visit the International Antarctic Centre, which depicts life on the frozen continent. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Dunedin. Take in the Scottish influences and heritage in Dunedin. Choose from a list of optional shore excursions, including a sightseeing tour, a wildlife cruise to see penguins, and a ride on the scenic Taieri Gorge Railway. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Scenic Cruising: Milford Sound. Today, cruise on stunning Milford Sound in FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world as you are surrounded by sheer rock walls and majestic waterfalls. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Cruising: At Sea. Take advantage of the onboard activities and facilities. (B,L,D)

Day 11:
Cruising: At Sea. Take advantage of the onboard activities and facilities. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Hobart, Tasmania. Enjoy the day in “Tassie.” Perhaps take an optional shore excursion to Port Arthur, where the first convicts arrived in the 1830s, or to a local wildlife park to see famed Tasmanian Devils. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Cruising: At Sea. Take advantage of the onboard activities and facilities. (B,L,D)

Day 14:
Melbourne, Australia. Explore the Victorian city of Melbourne. A selection of optional shore excursions is available, including a city tour and a wildlife park where you will see koalas and kangaroos, followed by wine tasting in the Yarra Valley. (B,L,D)

Day 15:
Cruising: At Sea. Take advantage of the onboard activities and facilities. (B,L,D)

Day 16:
Sydney (Disembarkation). Your cruise ends this morning. After disembarking your ship, explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS for a great photo opportunity of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Then, take a guided tour of the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a visit to one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. You will also take a CRUISE on Sydney Harbour that highlights this bustling waterway and will tour the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! Along the way you will also see some of the city’s original suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. (B,D)

Day 17:
Sydney. A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. (B)

Day 18:
Sydney-Ayers Rock. Today, fly to Ayers Rock, the “Center of Australia.” In the afternoon, travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time to take photos before returning for a TOUR around the base of Uluru, learning of its significance in Aboriginal “Dreamtime” mythology. Later, stop at the “Sunset Strip” for a drink, canapés, and to witness the changing colors of the rock. (B)

Day 19:
Ayers Rock-Alice Springs. Today we fly to the Outback. Here, visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE and the SCHOOL OF THE AIR to appreciate how medical and education services are provided to those living in remote regions. Then, on to Anzac Hill, a tribute to war heroes from Australia and New Zealand. You will also visit the historic OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover the history of how early settlers developed communications. This evening, enjoy a truly unique Aussie experience—an OUTBACK BARBECUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D)

Day 20:
Alice Springs-Cairns. This morning, experience an ABORIGINAL “DREAMTIME” TOUR and learn more about this important native culture from your Local Guide. Later, leave the Outback and fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. (B)

Day 21:
Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Excursion. Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to SNORKEL, take a GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. You might consider upgrading to a full-day excursion to the Outer Barrier Reef. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 22:
Cairns. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)