down under splendour

Sydney is a definite stop on every cruise that travels Down Under and often serves as a starting or ending point for ships that also travel to New Zealand. Australia's largest city, Sydney is one of the world's most intriguing ports of call, with its appeal extending from a sophisticated and vibrant urban metropolis to stunning natural wonders. Although it is a modern city strongly influenced by British roots and current American popular culture, Sydney's real character is derived from its exotic location and brash beauty. Walking through the glass and concrete downtown, known as the Central Business District (CBD), you could be in any other Western-culture metropolis -- until a fluorescent red and green lorikeet parrot swoops overhead or an unexpected flash of the brilliant blue harbour appears between the skyscrapers. Any proper visit to Sydney must begin in the harbour, which is both the birthplace of the city and its current iconic centrepiece. The area is called Circular Quay (pronounced "key" by locals). It is hard to imagine a more picturesque setting for a city's heart than this, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge displayed against the inlet's bright water. Sydney spreads across a massive geographic area, but the majority of its most interesting areas can be found near the ocean coast in the area known as the Eastern suburbs, as well as in its delightful inner-city neighbourhoods, which each possess a distinct vibe. Oxford Street, the main thoroughfare running east from downtown to the ocean beaches, hosts Sydney's famous gay and lesbian Mardi Gras parade each February and is popular year-round because of its bars and cafes. Sydney is a well-balanced blend of a big city lifestyle and the laid-back Australian mentality. Although Aussies who hail from other towns often disparage Sydney for its flashiness and hectic pace, urban inconveniences seem minor here compared to places like New York and London (although the peak-hour traffic and public transport system are actually quite bad). Tourism is a huge industry around Sydney, and locals are accustomed to providing visitors with service, helpful directions and a rousing welcome to the stunning city that they call home.

It's no wonder Melbourne was ranked as the world's most liveable city for seven years in a row. Spend some time in the capital of the state of Victoria and you will soon discover it's welcoming, relaxed and has a tonne of flair. More cruise ships are now using Melbourne as a homeport as well as a destination stopover, providing the opportunity for passengers to discover the city's charm. Melbourne has a colourful history -- Victoria's 1850s' gold rush propelled Melbourne to become one of the world's great cities by the 1880s, when it was the chief conduit for people, goods and financial matters in and out of Australia. Melbourne was and still is the most English of Australian cities, and yet it also has a highly cosmopolitan population of more than 3 million. Waves of British, Italian and Greek immigrants began arriving after World War 2 and, when immigration restrictions changed to allow Asians to become residents, a huge influx arrived. They brought with them new tastes and flavours, with many establishing cafes and restaurants creating a cosmopolitan feel to Melbourne. The Yarra River slices through the city. North of the river, you will find the commercial heart and, to the south, most of the museums, theatres, concert halls and open spaces -- including the striking Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Nearby inland and coastal neighbourhoods such as Carlton, Fitzroy, Richmond, Toorak and St. Kilda are worth exploring on foot, with each area having its own distinctive flavour. Happily, pedestrians have lots of rights, and walking is free-flowing and safe. It's also easy to navigate the city via its tram system. The first electric models began running in 1889, and unlike so many other cities, Melbourne never abandoned them. Everyone talks about Melbourne's changeable weather and it is true you can get four seasons in one day. So be prepared. Due to its southern location, Melbourne gets cloudy, rainy and cold in the winter months and warms up to pleasantly and sometimes searingly hot during its summer. Given that Melburnians complain a lot about their winters, travellers are usually pleased to find out that most cruise ships call at Melbourne during the Australian summer. Cruise ships berth at Station Pier in Port Melbourne, the dock formerly used for overseas liners and the current facility for the Spirit of Tasmania, the overnight ferry that sails across the Bass Strait to Devonport on the island state of Tasmania. Melbourne's nearby skyline is well within view.

Hobart, capital of Tasmania, Australia's smallest state and second oldest city, has come a long way. Once a remote and quiet place, it's now a major tourist attraction for overseas visitors and Australians looking for a break in a temperate climate surrounded by natural beauty. Located at the mouth of the navigable Derwent River, the port city of Hobart is fringed by hills and the majestic presence of Mt Wellington, which rises to 1,273 metres (4,176 feet). Half of Tasmania's estimated 520,000 inhabitants live in the region, evidenced by the suburban sprawl that extends for miles, especially in the Derwent Valley and along the coast to the south. Halifax, Nova Scotia, would be an apt parallel, as both cities are largely built of solid stone construction in Georgian and Federation styles. And their waterfronts are a delight to visit on foot. The big difference is that, unlike Halifax and many North American cities of this size, Hobart has a thriving commercial centre a few blocks inland from the now mostly recreational port. The urban shops and services are designed for Hobartians and, while visitors may also find the city centre useful, they tend to gravitate to the waterfront and a block or two inland. You wouldn't know Hobart was established in part by English convicts who then subsequently built much of Tasmania's early infrastructure. Hobart's economy was then based on servicing the mining, forestry and agricultural industries, both financially and as an export port. Passengers wandering off the cruise ships do not have far to go to find intriguing places to shop, eat, drink and explore, with many of the city's most stylish, contemporary spaces housed in handsome former 19th-century port and manufacturing buildings. The waterfront's small basins and marinas are populated by historic sailing ships and excursion boats, steam yachts, modern-day pleasure craft and Hobart's fishing fleet. Their catch is quickly swept up by nearby restaurants and the fish and chip shops on the pontoon, which offer a fabulous no-frills eating experience. Arts and crafts shops, housed in former warehouses, abound in Salamanca Place and Salamanca Square, and the Battery Point residential district shows off the best of the city's 19th-century residential architecture. Hobart is also well situated for several out-of-town excursions by local transit bus or cruise line-organised shore excursions. They'll take you up into the surrounding mountains, along the lovely Derwent River Valley or out onto the Tasman Peninsula. Attractions include the **Tasmanian Transport Museum** (off Anfield St, Glenorchy; 0428 386 843), **MONA**, the world-class **Museum of Old and New Art** (655 Main Road Berriedale), and historic **Port Arthur** (Arthur Highway, Port Arthur), one of the country's most notorious penal colonies.

Found in the southwest corner of South Island in New Zealand, Fiordland National Park is a popular stop on many cruises to the region. This diverse area of the country comprises mountains, valleys, lakes, fiords and rainforest environments, all of which have helped to enable a fantastic range of species to thrive.

At the heart of the park is Milford Sound; a vast and beautiful fiord which is surrounded by mountains including Mitre Peak, which is more than a mile in height and described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, 

Milford Sound is the undisputed jewel of Fiordland National Park on the southwestern coast of New Zealand's South Island. Thousands of years ago, relentless glacial ice forged its rugged grandeur. Sheer faced granite walls soar 1200m skyward, white-plumed waterfalls tumble from lush hanging valleys into glassy waters and Mitre Peak rears over 5,000 feet into the mist.

Serving as the historic, artistic gateway to the vibrant city of Dunedin, Port Chalmers is a charming maritime township bursting with character, heritage architecture, and creative energy. The town’s hilly streets are lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century bluestone buildings that now house eclectic art galleries, vintage boutiques, and cozy, independent cafes popular with local artists and musicians. Visitors can take in panoramic views of the spectacular Otago Harbour from the regional viewpoints or embark on excursions to the nearby Otago Peninsula, famous for its rare wildlife colonies of Northern Royal Albatrosses and Yellow-eyed Penguins. With its rich Scottish heritage, deep maritime ties, and thriving arts community, it provides a warm and deeply authentic introduction to the southern coast of New Zealand.

Christchurch could qualify as a template for the perfect small city. With a population of around 350,000, it's the largest of New Zealand's South Island cities -- it's also the most English looking in appearance. Unsurprising, when you realise that Christchurch was envisioned as a planned community for the Church of England in the 1850s. Nearby, the stunning gold and green Canterbury Plains, back-dropped by mountains and with a web of indigo streams, are so familiar that many "The Lord of the Rings" fans now recognise them as Middle Earth. Visitors to Christchurch don't need to consciously avoid the subject of devastating earthquakes that hit the city between 2010 and 2012. Many reminders remain, but residents are stoically independent, and Kiwis (the people, not the bird) tend to be a positive lot. Rebuilding began almost immediately but progress was slow. Extensive plans for the next decade or more aim to create an accessible and liveable city. Shops, cafes and bars have returned in force, as have visitors. Remaining intact, of course, is the languidly winding Avon River, its banks flanked by parks and gardens. Punts still drift along it -- along with their punters in waistcoats and straw boater hats. As always, the seasons come and go, with spring and autumn each a delight in this leafy city, which is often accurately referred to as the Garden City. Much still remains from the past, and the many new additions to the city are fascinating and well worth seeing. Cruise ships dock at the nearby port of Lyttelton, where a new cruise berth was built for the 2019-2020 season following the 2011 earthquake.

Picton, on the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand, is a lovely town within easy reach of the famed Marlborough wine region. As you wander around the small settlement, it's easy to feel like a local. There's a laidback yet genuine welcome from the residents who see just enough cruise ships to not be fazed (or overrun) by them. Understandably, those stunning views across Queen Charlotte Sound (Totaranui), backdropped by steep mountains, encourage visitors to dial back their stress levels and simply relax in the waterfront park or on the beach. Picton also has plenty of cafes, galleries and gift shops to keep the wanderers happy. There's much more to do in the surrounding area, so be sure to check out the hiking trails, water activities and, of course, the wineries.

You can't beat Wellington on a good day, so the saying goes. But New Zealand's cosmopolitan capital city, located at the southern tip of the North Island, rolls out the 'fun carpet' even when that legendary wind is blowing. Located in the centre of New Zealand, all roads lead to Wellington -- as do all ferries cruising over from the South Island just three hours sailing away across Cook Strait. According to Maori legend, the two main islands of New Zealand are actually the great canoe of Maui (the South Island) and the giant fish he caught (the North Island). Wellington Harbour is the mouth of that huge fish. So where did the city's name come from? From Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington and British Prime Minster from 1828 to 1830. Though a geographic hub, Wellington is surprisingly compact -- it's nestled between the harbour and steep, forest-clad hills -- and wonderfully walkable. The revamped waterfront area leads from the cruise dock at the eastern edge of town to the must-see Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in the west. A stroll along the quay is filled with surprises. There's a grassy playground for kids, large-scale sculptures and fun wooden walkways. Cross the street, and you'll have your choice of cafes and shops. Foodies will love Wellington for its wide range of dining options. There are close to 800 restaurants and counting -- per capita that's more than New York City. Another thing Wellingtonians are obsessed about is coffee. Kiwis, as New Zealanders are known, along with their Australian neighbours, have their own lingo for styles of coffee -- flat white (coffee with milk), short black (espresso) -- though cappuccinos remain constant and servings won't be supersized.

The New Zealand port city of Napier in the vast Hawke's Bay region on the eastern seaboard of the North Island is like nowhere else on the planet. A big call perhaps, but when you consider the entire city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and completely rebuilt in the dominant architectural style of the time, Art Deco, Napier is a time capsule of sorts. You'll find striking examples of this distinctive building style all over the town, and a shiny classic 1930s' vintage car on every street corner. Beyond the city limits is the world-renowned Hawke's Bay wine region where visitors can discover superb Bordeaux-style red wine, making this city quite the tourism gem. Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's second-largest wine-producing region, behind Marlborough. Take a tour of nearby wineries, or get an education in wine appreciation in Napier's own New Zealand Wine Centre. Otherwise, choose to stroll along the Marine Parade promenade, perhaps with a stop at a seafood restaurant, an ice cream cone and a visit to the National Aquarium of New Zealand or the Museum Theatre Gallery (MTG).

A cruise ship visit to Tauranga (pronounced "Tao-ronger") is like getting three port calls for the price of one: Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Rotorua. Situated in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga deserves a half-day or more of exploration. The busy city has several historical highlights (like the Elms Mission Station, said to be the oldest building in the Bay of Plenty), interesting architecture (check out the Brain Watkins House, built with local kauri wood) and tasty seafood-focused dining at the restaurants and pubs along the revitalized waterfront.

Cruise ships actually dock in the nearby town of Mount Maunganui, which is also worth visiting. There, visitors can embrace nature and the outdoors at the surfing hotspot of Mount Beach, with easy to strenuous hiking at Mount Maunganui, and in soothingly hot or warm saltwater pools at the mountain's base. Urbanites can also find lots of shopping and restaurants on busy Maunganui Road.

Finally, there's a third option that's also quite popular as a shore excursion: the town and region of Rotorua, about 75 minutes from the port. The area is a center for geothermal activity (including historic thermal baths) and Maori culture. Shore excursions to Rotorua will typically visit a geothermal park like Te Whakarewarea, Hells Gate or Waiotapu, which features the Lady Knox geyser, a natural phenomenon that erupts every day at 10:15 a.m. Other highlights may include bubbling mud pools, steaming springs, more geysers, spas, waterfalls, visits to one of the region's dozen pretty lakes, and the city of Rotorua proper. The trip is not for the nasally sensitive, as the hot springs and geysers are often accompanied by an ever-present sulphurous "rotten egg" smell.

Sadly, cruise travelers usually do not have enough time to visit all three destinations in one port call. Most choose to either stay in the neighboring Tauranga and Mount Maunganui or take the long shore excursion to the Rotorua area. Whichever way you go, you will not be disappointed.

Auckland greets cruise guests with that irresistible blend of urban buzz and natural beauty that New Zealand does so well. Step ashore and you’re moments from the sparkling Viaduct Harbour, where waterside bars and restaurants set the tone for a relaxed day in the City of Sails. Venture up the Sky Tower for sweeping views across the twin harbours, or take a short ferry ride to Waiheke Island for boutique vineyards and golden beaches. Culture lovers can dive into Māori heritage at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, while adventurers might head to the rugged black‑sand shores of the west coast. Whether you’re after world‑class dining, island‑hopping, or a taste of Kiwi outdoor life, Auckland serves it all with easy-going charm.