World-class wines, breathtaking scenery, and unique wildlife punctuate this cruise tracing the scenic coastlines of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Pedal your bike past Gisborne’s colorful waterfront boutiques and fragrant cafés, stopping for a tasty Kiwi lunch in a shady forest near the yawning entrance of Waitomo Cave’s majestic limestone formations and enigmatic Glow-worm Grotto. Sip bright Sauvignon Blanc, velvety Merlot, and savory Tempranillo amid friendly alpacas at wineries and working farms outside Napier. Dine on succulent local cheeses, delectable seasonal fruits, and decadent artisan chocolates during a culinary exploration of eclectic Wellington—the southernmost national capital on our planet. Glide past seals, dolphins, and curious penguins during a quiet kayak cruise on pristine Queen Charlotte Sound near Picton. Soar skyward in search of dolphins and the telltale clouds of spray from migrating sperm whales before a backdrop of the Kaikoura Peninsula’s snow-capped mountain ridgelines.

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.

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.

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.

Known for its abundant wildlife, Kaikoura is the place to go if you want to see sperm whales, New Zealand fur seals and dolphins who live year-round in the coastal waters here. The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway will take you from the town center to impressive lookout points at Point Kean. Make sure to try a plate of their well-known crayfish and check out the Fyffe House and Museum, built on a whale bone foundation.

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.