From subtropical Northland to the snowcapped fjords of the South Island, this exceptional ten-day cruise along New Zealand’s scenic island coasts contrasts contemagreedporary Kiwi culture with authentic Maori traditions. Stroll vineyard grounds and sample crisp Chardonnay and fruity Cabernet Franc in the cellars of a Hawke’s Bay Winery in New Zealand’s oldest and most acclaimed wine growing region. Search the waves for bobbing penguins against precipitous cliffs and snow-dusted ranges during a scenic cruise of picturesque Fjordland National Park. Indulge in famed hokey-pokey ice cream, a sweetly indulgent culinary Kiwi hallmark consisting of rich vanilla blended with honeycomb toffee chunks, and uncover the legends of Tangaroa, the Maori god of the sea, as you feed friendly stingray along the warm shorelines near Gisborne.
 

The first thing to notice when you see Auckland is the 1,076-foot-high Sky Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere offering amazing panoramic views.  The area was settled by the Maori around 1350 and was settled by Europeans in the early 1800s.  The land here is rich and fertile and the economy is good.  Take a ferry to Waiheke Island, known for its beaches, forests, vineyards and olive groves or stroll along Ponsonby Street known for arts, cafes, culture and historic villas.

Beautiful Tauranga with its sparkling harbor, warm climate and blue skies is New Zealand’s fifth largest city and is known for the relaxed lifestyle there.  Among the attractions is the Waitomo Glowworm Caves where a glowworm species exclusive to New Zealand can be found. This is also the home of The Hobbit on the movie set where many scenes from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed.

Known for its surf beaches, like Makorori or Midway, and wineries, the unofficial “Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand,” Gisborne has a delightful wine trail that leads to boutique wineries. Maori culture can be seen here at the Tairawhiti Museum, Titirangi Reserve and Te Pho-o-Rawiri. Gisborne is also known for some amazing food.

The small, charming and lively seaside resort of Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture like the zigzag-patterned Daily Telegraph Building and the nearby fruit and Hawke’s Bay wine-growing region. It is the largest wool-exporting port in New Zealand with a lovely tree-lined waterfront promenade, home of the Pania of the Reef statue of a Maori maiden, the symbol of the city.

The inviting compact capital of New Zealand has a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, an interesting working harbor and colorful wood houses in the surrounding hills. Strong winds frequently through the strait here have given it the nickname “Windy Wellington.” Work in a visit to Te Papa, an interactive and innovative national museum that showcases Maori culture, art heritage and the fascinating history of New Zealand.

The inviting compact capital of New Zealand has a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, an interesting working harbor and colorful wood houses in the surrounding hills. Strong winds frequently through the strait here have given it the nickname “Windy Wellington.” Work in a visit to Te Papa, an interactive and innovative national museum that showcases Maori culture, art heritage and the fascinating history of New Zealand.

Picton is the starting point for exploring the Marlborough region of New Zealand and their delicious sauvignon blanc wines.  Tiny and picturesque, Picton is ideal for the naturalist or the foodie. Hike or bike along the 43-mile Queen Charlotte Track, explore the nearby wildlife sanctuaries, indulge your taste buds with refreshing white wine and taste the famous green-lipped mussels indigenous to Marlborough Sounds.

The main settlement of Stewart Island is a haven for bird life like kaka, parakeets, tui and New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi.  Pleasantly located on a vista of picturesque bays and coves with lush vegetation, activities around Oban include hiking, sea kayaking, diving, or take one of New Zealand’s Great Walks to Maori Beach, the site of a 1913 lumber mill.

Dusky Sound is 25 miles (40 kilometers)in length and 5 miles (8 kilometers) wide at its widest point and over 300 islands in this Sound. Keep an eye out for the endangered Fiordland Penguin with its distinctive wild yellow-striped eyebrows.

Be out on deck to experience the beauty of Fiordland National Park, the largest of the 14 national parks in New Zealand. It is a major part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO site. Two rare bird species live here – the Takahe, thought to be extinct was found in the mountains here, and the Kakapo, the world’s only flightless parrot has refuge here as well.

Scottish Dunedin offers the best of both worlds. Take in grand Victorian and Edwardian building like the iconic Railway Station and New Zealand's only castle. Head to the Otago Peninsula to see rare yellow-eyed penguins. Or ride a historic train through spectacular Taieri Gorge.

If Dunedin is a bit of Scotland then Christchurch is a bit of England, right down to the Avon River flowing through the city and its plethora of parks and gardens. The Botanical Garden is well worth a trip, or set your sights on a different terrain. This city has been a gateway to the Antarctic since the early 1900s and you can gain insight into the frozen frontier at the International Antarcrtic Center.