14 Days - Tasman Sea Treasures: New Zealand Fjords & South Australia [Melbourne to Aucklan
Starting from
$3,599*
Melbourne to Auckland
Ship: Star Breeze
Departure Date :
Optional tours are available from most ports for an additional charge.
Itinerary
Day Melbourne, AustraliaDepart 04:00 PM
"Melbourne is consistently voted one of the world's most livable citiesâand for good reason. This is Australia's cosmopolitan heart with cutting-edge art and architecture, historic galleries, attractions and museums, plus a dizzying range of restaurants, bistros, markets and bars. It's renowned for its sporting culture, home to the esteemed Melbourne Cricket Ground and Australian rules football teams. The famous laneways of Melbourne bustle with hidden bars and eateries, while myriad beaches and parks allow for the ultimate outdoor lifestyle and active things to do. It's a melting pot of cultures and a city of gourmands who demand excellent food and find it everywhereâfrom modern Australian cuisine and delicious Asian fusion fare to low-key cafés serving the best coffee you've ever tasted."
"Melbourne is consistently voted one of the world's most livable citiesâand for good reason. This is Australia's cosmopolitan heart with cutting-edge art and architecture, historic galleries, attractions and museums, plus a dizzying range of restaurants, bistros, markets and bars. It's renowned for its sporting culture, home to the esteemed Melbourne Cricket Ground and Australian rules football teams. The famous laneways of Melbourne bustle with hidden bars and eateries, while myriad beaches and parks allow for the ultimate outdoor lifestyle and active things to do. It's a melting pot of cultures and a city of gourmands who demand excellent food and find it everywhereâfrom modern Australian cuisine and delicious Asian fusion fare to low-key cafés serving the best coffee you've ever tasted."
Day Burnie, Tasmania, AustraliaArrive 10:00 AM Depart 06:00 PM
Burnie's long-running logging industry is just one hint at the amazing forests that surround the town, from the UNESCO World Heritage area that contains Tasmania's most famous cragâCradle Mountainâto the lesser-known rain forests of the Tarkine wilderness. Woodworkers, papermakers and print artists thrive in this misty land of trees, as does rare wildlife, ranging from wedge-tailed eagles to echidnas and the fabled Tasmanian devils. There's pristine beachfront, too, where little penguins march and well-to-do locals dine on seafood platters as they gaze off into Bass Strait. Tasmania's separation from mainland Australia has created a resourceful, self-reliant and sometimes rebellious community that cooks and farms as well as it crafts and explores. Burnie's bounty includes award-winning single-malt whiskeys, hard apple cider, trout and salmon, hormone-free milk and cheeses and beef from Cape Grim in the far northwest. Known for having the world's cleanest air, Burnie is an exciting base for a taste tour as well as a rugged or refined adventure.
Burnie's long-running logging industry is just one hint at the amazing forests that surround the town, from the UNESCO World Heritage area that contains Tasmania's most famous cragâCradle Mountainâto the lesser-known rain forests of the Tarkine wilderness. Woodworkers, papermakers and print artists thrive in this misty land of trees, as does rare wildlife, ranging from wedge-tailed eagles to echidnas and the fabled Tasmanian devils. There's pristine beachfront, too, where little penguins march and well-to-do locals dine on seafood platters as they gaze off into Bass Strait. Tasmania's separation from mainland Australia has created a resourceful, self-reliant and sometimes rebellious community that cooks and farms as well as it crafts and explores. Burnie's bounty includes award-winning single-malt whiskeys, hard apple cider, trout and salmon, hormone-free milk and cheeses and beef from Cape Grim in the far northwest. Known for having the world's cleanest air, Burnie is an exciting base for a taste tour as well as a rugged or refined adventure.
Day Wineglass BayArrive 01:00 AM Depart 08:00 PM
Wineglass Bay is part of the Freycinet Peninsula, an outcrop of wild, pristine coast land on Tasmania's east coast. Encompassed within the Freycinet National Park, it is considered one of the top ten beaches in the world. Nestled in the iconic Hazards range and bordered with pink granite peaks, Wineglass Bay is the most photographed view in the entirety of our island state.
Wineglass Bay is part of the Freycinet Peninsula, an outcrop of wild, pristine coast land on Tasmania's east coast. Encompassed within the Freycinet National Park, it is considered one of the top ten beaches in the world. Nestled in the iconic Hazards range and bordered with pink granite peaks, Wineglass Bay is the most photographed view in the entirety of our island state.
Day Hobart, Tasmania, AustraliaArrive 01:00 AM Depart 08:00 PM
"Tasmania, once the butt of many jokes, is finally cool. The little Australian island is home to stunning landscapes, old-growth forests and exceptional local produce. Lording over all this goodness is Hobart, the island's creative capital. Although its remoteness might once have made it feel provincial, the city has truly come into its own in recent years. It's got one of the world's best museums of contemporary art, vibrant markets, a cosmopolitan dining scene and eclectic music festivals. It's also achingly beautiful, with a natural harbor setting and rugged Mount Wellington looming in the background. The city is compact enough to easily explore on foot. Start at the sandstone area of Salamanca Place with its hip galleries, artist studios and bustling cafés and bars, and then roam the quaint streets of Battery Point, one of Hobart's oldest neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in nature at the gorgeous Botanical Gardens or head out of town to learn more about Tasmania's darkâbut fascinatingâpast. Fuel up on the freshest seafood straight from the Southern Ocean down at the waterfront, or feast on gourmet Tassie produce at one of the many excellent restaurants in town. Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won't be bored. "
"Tasmania, once the butt of many jokes, is finally cool. The little Australian island is home to stunning landscapes, old-growth forests and exceptional local produce. Lording over all this goodness is Hobart, the island's creative capital. Although its remoteness might once have made it feel provincial, the city has truly come into its own in recent years. It's got one of the world's best museums of contemporary art, vibrant markets, a cosmopolitan dining scene and eclectic music festivals. It's also achingly beautiful, with a natural harbor setting and rugged Mount Wellington looming in the background. The city is compact enough to easily explore on foot. Start at the sandstone area of Salamanca Place with its hip galleries, artist studios and bustling cafés and bars, and then roam the quaint streets of Battery Point, one of Hobart's oldest neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in nature at the gorgeous Botanical Gardens or head out of town to learn more about Tasmania's darkâbut fascinatingâpast. Fuel up on the freshest seafood straight from the Southern Ocean down at the waterfront, or feast on gourmet Tassie produce at one of the many excellent restaurants in town. Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won't be bored. "
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day Cruising Doubtful Sound / Cruising Dusky SoundArrive 09:00 AM / Depart 05:00 PM
Doubtful Sound is a fjord in Fiordland, in the far south west of New Zealand. It is located in the same region as the smaller but more famous and accessible Milford Sound. It took second place after Milford Sound as New Zealand's most famous tourism destination.
Doubtful Sound is a fjord in Fiordland, in the far south west of New Zealand. It is located in the same region as the smaller but more famous and accessible Milford Sound. It took second place after Milford Sound as New Zealand's most famous tourism destination.
Day Bluff, New ZealandArrive 08:00 AM Depart 05:00 PM
Bluff is the oldest European settlement in New Zealand and the gateway to Stewart Island, the home of Bluff oysters, said to be the best in the world. Get a picture of the Bluff international sign at Stirling Point. Tour the Bluff Maritime Museum. Hike Bluff Hill and visit Stewart Island.
Bluff is the oldest European settlement in New Zealand and the gateway to Stewart Island, the home of Bluff oysters, said to be the best in the world. Get a picture of the Bluff international sign at Stirling Point. Tour the Bluff Maritime Museum. Hike Bluff Hill and visit Stewart Island.
Day Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New ZealandArrive 07:30 AM Depart 04:30 PM
"Much of New Zealand feels like England, by way of Polynesia. There are a few exceptions, though, such as the town of Akaroa, a former French settlement, and the distinctly Scottish city of Dunedin, named after the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. After Dunedin was founded in 1848, city surveyor Charles Kettle attempted to impose Edinburgh's New Town grid plan on the growing city. But the Otago Peninsula's hilly landscape proved challengingâfor evidence, note that Dunedin has one of the world's steepest streets (Baldwin Street). The volcanic remnants around the harbor make for a dramatic backdrop. Dunedin's prominence during the gold rush in the late 19th century resulted in many grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Thanks to the beautiful University of Otago (the country's oldest), there's a large student population to keep the city vibrant and modern. But Dunedin's heritage is always proudly on display: The magnificent Dunedin Railway Station and Larnach Castle have been restored to their full glory, and the fascinating Toitu Otago Settlers Museum provides a glimpse into the lives of early residents. Outside the city, the Otago Peninsula is lined with scenic beaches and home to rare birdlife like the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguin. "
"Much of New Zealand feels like England, by way of Polynesia. There are a few exceptions, though, such as the town of Akaroa, a former French settlement, and the distinctly Scottish city of Dunedin, named after the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. After Dunedin was founded in 1848, city surveyor Charles Kettle attempted to impose Edinburgh's New Town grid plan on the growing city. But the Otago Peninsula's hilly landscape proved challengingâfor evidence, note that Dunedin has one of the world's steepest streets (Baldwin Street). The volcanic remnants around the harbor make for a dramatic backdrop. Dunedin's prominence during the gold rush in the late 19th century resulted in many grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Thanks to the beautiful University of Otago (the country's oldest), there's a large student population to keep the city vibrant and modern. But Dunedin's heritage is always proudly on display: The magnificent Dunedin Railway Station and Larnach Castle have been restored to their full glory, and the fascinating Toitu Otago Settlers Museum provides a glimpse into the lives of early residents. Outside the city, the Otago Peninsula is lined with scenic beaches and home to rare birdlife like the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguin. "
Day Lyttelton (Christchurch), New ZealandArrive 08:30 AM Depart 07:00 PM
Known as the "Garden City" because of its beautiful parks and world-renowned gardens, Christchurch is also a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. Named after the college at the University of Oxford in London, Christchurch is often described as the most English of New Zealand's cities. Located in the city center is Christchurch Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture. Other grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks give the city its elegant, English atmosphere.
Known as the "Garden City" because of its beautiful parks and world-renowned gardens, Christchurch is also a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. Named after the college at the University of Oxford in London, Christchurch is often described as the most English of New Zealand's cities. Located in the city center is Christchurch Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture. Other grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks give the city its elegant, English atmosphere.
Day Wellington, New ZealandArrive 07:30 AM Depart 07:00 PM
"New Zealand's cool little capital is located at the southern tip of the North Island, meaning it's blessed with a beautiful waterfront, fresh seafood and unpredictable weather. So famously tempestuous is Windy Welly that visitors quickly learn not to go outside without an umbrella and will spend more time than usual talking about the weather. Politics is a hot topic too, with government workers buzzing about the Beehive, as the distinctive Parliament building is colloquially known. Wellington is also known for culture and cuisine. Learn about Maori history and Kiwiana at Te Papa, the national museum; go behind the scenes of the Lord of the Rings movies made in Wellywood; and wash down a plate of chilled bluff oysters with a crisp sauvignon blanc at a Cuba Street restaurant. Gourmands are spoiled for choice with the city's many coffee microroasteries, craft breweries, innovative chefs and artisanal markets. Fortunately for your waistline, it's also a terrific city for walking, hiking and cycling, with a compact historic core hugged by green hills and dotted with impossibly perched houses. They say you can't beat Wellington on a good dayâbut visitors will soon discover that even if it's wet and windy, it's always a good day to be in Wellington. "
"New Zealand's cool little capital is located at the southern tip of the North Island, meaning it's blessed with a beautiful waterfront, fresh seafood and unpredictable weather. So famously tempestuous is Windy Welly that visitors quickly learn not to go outside without an umbrella and will spend more time than usual talking about the weather. Politics is a hot topic too, with government workers buzzing about the Beehive, as the distinctive Parliament building is colloquially known. Wellington is also known for culture and cuisine. Learn about Maori history and Kiwiana at Te Papa, the national museum; go behind the scenes of the Lord of the Rings movies made in Wellywood; and wash down a plate of chilled bluff oysters with a crisp sauvignon blanc at a Cuba Street restaurant. Gourmands are spoiled for choice with the city's many coffee microroasteries, craft breweries, innovative chefs and artisanal markets. Fortunately for your waistline, it's also a terrific city for walking, hiking and cycling, with a compact historic core hugged by green hills and dotted with impossibly perched houses. They say you can't beat Wellington on a good dayâbut visitors will soon discover that even if it's wet and windy, it's always a good day to be in Wellington. "
Day Picton, New ZealandArrive 07:00 AM Depart 05:00 PM
Tucked into the northeastern end of the South Islandâjust 29 kilometers (18 miles) north of Bleinheim and 109 kilometers (68 miles) east of Nelsonâthe petite and picturesque port town of Picton is your starting point for exploring the region of Marlborough. This seaside gateway with ferry service to the North Island connects the majestic maritime beauty known as Queen Charlotte Sound to the luscious wine country of Marlborough, heaven for sauvignon blanc lovers. From the gluttonous to the active, there's something for everyone, be it traversing a portion of the 70-kilometer (43-mile) stretch of the extraordinary Queen Charlotte TrackâNew Zealand's greatest coastal cyclewayâon foot or by bike, going on a cycle winery tour or tasting the famous green-lipped mussels that are indigenous to Marlborough Sounds. Naturalists should dust off their binoculars and explore the nearby wildlife sanctuaries, or if inclined to luxury, get up close and personal to a falcon while sipping on a glass of wine at the Brancott Estate.
Tucked into the northeastern end of the South Islandâjust 29 kilometers (18 miles) north of Bleinheim and 109 kilometers (68 miles) east of Nelsonâthe petite and picturesque port town of Picton is your starting point for exploring the region of Marlborough. This seaside gateway with ferry service to the North Island connects the majestic maritime beauty known as Queen Charlotte Sound to the luscious wine country of Marlborough, heaven for sauvignon blanc lovers. From the gluttonous to the active, there's something for everyone, be it traversing a portion of the 70-kilometer (43-mile) stretch of the extraordinary Queen Charlotte TrackâNew Zealand's greatest coastal cyclewayâon foot or by bike, going on a cycle winery tour or tasting the famous green-lipped mussels that are indigenous to Marlborough Sounds. Naturalists should dust off their binoculars and explore the nearby wildlife sanctuaries, or if inclined to luxury, get up close and personal to a falcon while sipping on a glass of wine at the Brancott Estate.
Day At Sea
Day Tauranga (Rotorua), New ZealandArrive 10:00 AM Depart 06:00 PM
"The curved shoreline of the Bay of Plentyâknown in Maori as Te Moana-a-Toiâis home to incredible surfing, white-sand beaches and New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Tauranga, with 130,000 residents, is the largest city on the Bay of Plenty and fifth largest in New Zealand. The city offers visitors a number of water-focused activities, like sailing and kayaking, as well as drier alternatives such as shopping and people-watching at a café in the Historic Village. Tauranga is also a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby beaches and Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world, as well as a wealth of Maori cultural sites. The world-famous geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, nicknamed Sulfur City, has been a major Polynesian spa resort town since visitors first arrived in the late 1800s. In Maori, roto means lake and rua means two, but Rotorua actually comprises 18 lakesâplus an incredible redwood forest."
"The curved shoreline of the Bay of Plentyâknown in Maori as Te Moana-a-Toiâis home to incredible surfing, white-sand beaches and New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Tauranga, with 130,000 residents, is the largest city on the Bay of Plenty and fifth largest in New Zealand. The city offers visitors a number of water-focused activities, like sailing and kayaking, as well as drier alternatives such as shopping and people-watching at a café in the Historic Village. Tauranga is also a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby beaches and Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world, as well as a wealth of Maori cultural sites. The world-famous geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, nicknamed Sulfur City, has been a major Polynesian spa resort town since visitors first arrived in the late 1800s. In Maori, roto means lake and rua means two, but Rotorua actually comprises 18 lakesâplus an incredible redwood forest."
Day Auckland, New ZealandArrive 08:00 AM
"New Zealand's biggest city deserves more than a layover. Auckland is multicultural and cosmopolitan, with sizeable Polynesian, Asian and Maori populations enriching its history and broadening the palate. Internationally known chefs and fashion designers have made neighborhoods like Ponsonby, Newmarket and Parnell world-class destinations for shopping and dining.
You're never far from water attractions in New Zealandâand this is especially true in Auckland where it's not unheard of for downtown workers to go kayaking on their lunch break. The once-gritty port has been transformed into inviting public spaces and buzzing nightclubs, with sailboat charters and regular ferry connections waiting to whisk visitors around the harbor for sightseeing.
Start your day sipping a flat white while you plan your explorations: art gallery crawl, winery tour or volcano hike? It's possible to do all three without losing sight of the Sky Tower, one of Auckland's top tourist attractions, from which you can get a bird's-eye view of the gateway to Aotearoa. "
"New Zealand's biggest city deserves more than a layover. Auckland is multicultural and cosmopolitan, with sizeable Polynesian, Asian and Maori populations enriching its history and broadening the palate. Internationally known chefs and fashion designers have made neighborhoods like Ponsonby, Newmarket and Parnell world-class destinations for shopping and dining.
You're never far from water attractions in New Zealandâand this is especially true in Auckland where it's not unheard of for downtown workers to go kayaking on their lunch break. The once-gritty port has been transformed into inviting public spaces and buzzing nightclubs, with sailboat charters and regular ferry connections waiting to whisk visitors around the harbor for sightseeing.
Start your day sipping a flat white while you plan your explorations: art gallery crawl, winery tour or volcano hike? It's possible to do all three without losing sight of the Sky Tower, one of Auckland's top tourist attractions, from which you can get a bird's-eye view of the gateway to Aotearoa. "
