2025 Australia Christmas Cruise inc. New Zealand

Today, tour members fly to Sydney. On arrival, we transfer to our central city accommodation for a 2-night stay. We enjoy dinner together this evening.

A free day to relax, or head into town for some shopping.  There is plenty to do and see in Sydney, the choice is yours.

A leisurely start this morning, before we embark on our 15-night cruise on board the Seabourn Quest. Our ship departs Sydney at 4.00pm.

This picturesque town near the border of New South Wales and Victoria was the site of a thriving shore-based whaling industry that depended on the cooperation of orcas, which herded baleen whales into Twofold Bay. Learn about it at the small but informative Killer Whale Museum. The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre concentrates on smaller sea-life. Ben Boyd’s Tower looms over Disaster Bay in the scenic national park named after the eccentric 19th-century magnate. The town’s name is unrelated to the biblical garden. It was named for George Eden, first Earl of Auckland. Arrives: 9.00am, Departs: 6.00pm.

A full day at sea for you to enjoy the ship’s facilities.

Hailed as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne emanates a unique charm with its eclectic mix of art, fashion, and gastronomy. The city’s vibrant centre is always alive with events, top-tier dining, and exclusive shopping experiences. It’s a melting pot of cultures and a haven for gourmands, offering excellent food everywhere, from modern Australian cuisine to delightful Asian fusion fare and cozy cafes serving the finest coffee you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re lingering in the city’s labyrinth of laneways covered in awe-inspiring street art, or sampling gourmet local cuisine along the Yarra River, every moment in Melbourne is a moment of delight. Note, the ship overnights in Melbourne. Arrives: 8.00am.

Spend the morning further exploring this wonderful city, where there is so much to see and do.Departs: 2.00pm.

Merry Christmas!  Enjoy another day at sea with new friends.  There is lots to do on board, or simply relax and enjoy the festivities.

Fiordland National Park is the largest of New Zealand’s 14 national parks. Located on the southwest corner of the South Island, it was founded in 1904, to protect the natural environment for nature lovers and trekkers. It comprises a large portion of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site. The key features of the park are the mountain ranges of the Southern Alps as well as the spectacular U-shaped glaciated fjord valleys that cut into the mountains. There are three major fjords that are navigable Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. Your exact itinerary will be determined by your captain depending on the weather and other conditions on the day. But whatever course you sail, you will be treated to spectacular waterways curving between sheer cliffs towering thousands of feet above the mirrored surface of the fjord. Depending on recent rainfall, waterfalls tumble down the rock faces from above. Many of the peaks have nicknames based on their resemblance to animals or other objects of previous observers’ imaginations. You are also likely to see seals, birds including fiordland penguins, bottlenose dolphins and possibly such other fauna as red deer or whales.

Stewart Island overflows with opportunities to get up close to New Zealand’s untouched landscapes, rich Maori heritage, and unique birdlife. Lush forests, rare flora and fauna, golden beaches, and rugged coastlines, provide a diverse ecosystem oasis for nature enthusiasts. Oban serves as the gateway to Rakiura National Park, where visitors can embark on bird-watching expeditions and scenic walks. Oban also holds a significant place in New Zealand’s history, reflecting both Maori and international influences. Visitors can explore the local museums to delve into the island’s past, gaining insights into the Maori heritage and the settlers who once called Stewart Island home. Stewart Island is a must-visit for wildlife lovers and bird watchers, offering opportunities to witness a variety of bird species, including the iconic kiwi bird, in addition to other native and rare species in their natural habitat. The island’s coastal waters are also frequented by seals, sea lions, and dolphins, providing a chance for marine wildlife encounters. Arrives: 8.00am, Departs: 6.00pm

Port Chalmers is the main port for the city of Dunedin. Situated in a natural amphitheatre at the head of a long fjord-like inlet, Dunedin was the first permanent settlement in New Zealand, founded in 1848. Not long afterwards, gold was discovered in the region, and the province quickly became the richest and most influential in the colony. While Christchurch is New Zealand’s most English town, Dunedin is its most Scottish; the name Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Numerous distinctive and historic buildings remain from the time of its predominantly Scottish settlers, preserving its architectural heritage. Arrives: 7.00am, Departs: 5.00pm

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. Arrives: 8.00am, Departs: 5.00pm

Visually stunning, Wellington is nestled between a magnificent harbour and a natural amphitheatre of forest-clad hills. Its compact size, combined with cultural sophistication, makes it New Zealand’s most inspiring urban destination. Wellington’s cultural crowning jewel is Te Papa, a donation-only museum that celebrates Australasian natural history, science and culture. Exhibits include Maori artifacts, an extensive Pacific Cultures collection and interactive science exhibits. The city’s art scene is flourishing, with numerous galleries and craft markets displaying the work of the country’s top artists and craftspeople. Arrives: 8.00am, Departs: 6.00pm

The majority of kiwi fruit produced in New Zealand is shipped from Tauranga. For us, it is the gateway to the Rotorua Thermal Area, a picturesque region of towering geysers, bubbling mud pots, steam vents and other volcanic phenomena. Adjacent to the thermal area is a large Maori Cultural Centre where the traditional arts and cultural practices are taught and maintained. It is an excellent place to shop for a distinctive carved wooden or woven souvenir or piece of handcrafted jewellery in the native materials and style. Near Tauranga there are also the famous Waitomo Glow-worm caverns. Arrives: 8.00am, Departs: 4.15pm

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Our tour concludes as we arrive and disembark in Auckland this morning