Wines, wilderness and wildlife—iconic hallmarks throughout Australian and New Zealand scenic coastlines—are yours to explore during this 2-week cruise crossing the Tasman Sea. Browse specialty food shops and sample seasonal fruit and artisan cheeses at popular local eateries during a Tauranga foodie tour. Glide a sleek sea kayak amid seals and aquatic birds in the stunning natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds near Picton. Venture among The Lord of the Rings film settings during a tour outside Wellington. Savor bright, South Island Sauvignon Blanc white wines and the red fruit flavors of Waipara Pinot Noirs while taking in vineyard views during a wine tour outside Lyttelton. Sail across Halfmoon Bay to the remote Mutton Bird Islands for glimpses of terns, yellow-eyed penguins and curious seals near Oban. Nibble on local chocolates, cheeses and truffles while admiring local artisan artistry on a delicious Tasmanian tour of Hobart’s seaside shops. Depart from convenient Melbourne, but not before capturing a penguin parade on Phillip Island.

The capital and most populated city of the state of Victoria, Melbourne is located on the large natural bay of Port Philip. The abundance of parks and gardens here has resulted in Melbourne being referred to as Australia’s “Garden City.”  The Story of the Kelly Gang, the world's first feature film, was shot in Melbourne in 1906 and On the Beach was filmed here in 1959. The city’s delightful mix of architecture includes the UNESCO-listed Royal Exhibition building, the Venetian-gothic style Old Stock Exchange, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Flinders Street Station.

Encircling Emu Bay on Bass Strait, Burnie is known for delicious cheese and whisky and claims to have the best milk in the world for cheese making. Even with only 20,000 residents Burnie has a delightful number of restaurants and cafes to tempt you. The area around Burnie is rich with impressive gardens and parks and lovely beaches.

Freycinet National Park, which consists of pink granite mountains surrounded by secluded azure bays, like Coles Bay, and white-sand beaches, protects a delightful array of plants and animals including black swans. These pristine waters provide an excellent opportunity for activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and diving.
 

Be prepared for an island setting of stunning landscapes, old-growth forests, picturesque harbor and the rugged Mount Wellington in Hobart’s background.  Hobart offers excellent local produce, interesting Tasmanian wines and eclectic art in the galleries. The capital of Tasmania is not only an Antarctic gateway, but also the gateway to the UNESCO Tasmanian wilderness.

Be prepared for an island setting of stunning landscapes, old-growth forests, picturesque harbor and the rugged Mount Wellington in Hobart’s background.  Hobart offers excellent local produce, interesting Tasmanian wines and eclectic art in the galleries. The capital of Tasmania is not only an Antarctic gateway, but also the gateway to the UNESCO Tasmanian wilderness.

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.

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.

This small town is the country's closest port to Australia, making it an access point for immigrants: something that may account for the hint of a Scottish burr in the local dialect. World famous for Bluff Oysters, the city is also the gateway to Stewart Island with its rare kiwis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.