Seabourn Quest - December 30, 2024

New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand / Aotearoa. It is also the cultural, administrative and political center of the country. Two aspects of the city that will immediately strike any visitor are the sprawling harbour and the dramatic, hilly terrain. Everywhere you go, the sounds and smell of the ocean hang in the air, and green hills and valleys wrap you in a bear-hug embrace.

Located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Kaikoura is doubly blessed with the ocean on one side and majestic, often snow-capped moutains on the other. Kaikoura enjoys a reputation for great whale watching, as this is one of the few places in the world that these graceful giants can be seen year-round.

Akaoura Harbor is located on the shore of French Bay. The harbor itself was formed when the sea breached the erosion-enlarged crater of an ancient volcano. Unique in its French heritage, this charming little resort and fishing village offers much to do. Take a harbor cruise and see the myriad types of marine life through crystal-clear water. Sample the many fine shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Timaru is an attractive, safe coastal city situated on rolling hill country at the southern end of the Canterbury Plains. It has excellent sporting, cultural and recreational facilities and lies within two hours of Christchurch city and international airport.

Stewart Island, the southern-most island of New Zealand, shows as a dot on the map (if it appears at all). Don't be fooled. Few people can claim to have seen anywhere near the whole of Stewart Island. However, there is much to see, even close to the only settlement of Oban. For a day-trip or stay longer, as there is a good range of accommodation. Some visitors from twenty years ago are still living there.

A vast remote wilderness, with snow capped mountains, glacial lakes and valleys, fiords, islands, waterfalls and dense forest. It contains some of New Zealand's best known tramping tracks, including the Milford, Kepler, Dusky, Routeburn and Hollyford. Fishing, hunting, guided walks, cruises on lakes and fiords, scenic flights, penguins, seals, dolphins and spectacular coastal features await you.

Milford Sound is the most famous and accessible of the grand glacier carved fiords scattered along New Zealand's south western coast. Mountain peaks with sculptural, hanging valleys, send waterfalls cascading over sheer granite cliffs to the sea below. Boat trips on the Sound are a must and provide close up views of awe inspiring scenery.

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stroll along the world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches. Tour the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, shop for Aboriginal art, or go on a photographic safari. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.