On Ports of Call Down Under

With a growing number of cruises to choose from, there are more ports than ever to visit down under. These tips will help you choose and enjoy ports of call and scenic cruising in New Zealand and Australia's East Coast.

• Auckland - Ships dock at Princess Wharf, right downtown about 40 minutes from the airport. The Hilton Hotel is at the wharf, the Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City is across the street and the Mercure Auckland is a couple of blocks away, all conveniently situated for pre and post cruise stays.
• New Zealand's Scenic Cruising - Delightful carefree days sailing by some of the world's most scenic destinations is a highlight of New Zealand cruising. Watch for these outstanding destinations on the itinerary.
  • The Bay of Islands
  • The active marine volcano of White Island
  • The islands of Mercury Bay
  • Queen Charlotte Sound at Picton, home to historic Ship Cove and the Queen Charlotte Track
  • Fjordland National Park comprising Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, which are actually fjords
• Tauranga, Christchurch and Dunedin, New Zealand - These towns are a long way from the port so shuttle busses are organized to take you into town. They drop you at the local Visitors Centre where you can pick up maps, information and book tours. The friendly staff are happy to answer your questions. Fares vary from free to a few dollars each way.
• Rotorua - World famous Rotorua is accessible from the port of Tauranga. You'll need a full day to see what this geo-thermal capital, Maori cultural centre and farming area has to offer.
• Sydney - Sailing in or out is an exciting experience as your ships sails close by the iconic harbour bridge and opera house. The International Cruise Terminal at Sydney Cove is beside the bridge and across from the opera house. One of the most spectacular settings in the world. Note that ships only sail under the famous bridge if docking at Darling Harbour.
• Melbourne - The 109 tram stops right at the entrance to Station Pier, making it easy to get around the city and back to the ship. (Melbourne is known for its extensive and efficient streetcar system.)
• Tasmania - Australia's Natural State is the perfect place to get outdoors. Enjoy a hike at one of the many parks like Cradle Mountain / Lake St Clair, a UNESCO World Heritage area.
• Willis Island - This tiny atoll in the Coral Sea has been a weather station since 1921. You'll hear the on board naturalist talk with the resident meteorologists and naturalists. Watch as they set off a weather balloon as you cruise by.
• The Great Barrier Reef - Take an excursion from the Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Airlie Beach or Port Douglas in Queensland to see this wonder of the world. You'll spend a day at a reef platform with lots of activities to let you see and experience the reef and its sea life. (Cruise line excursions are recommended due to time restraints and limited daily departures.)
• Queensland's other highlights - These include visiting the tropical rainforest, taking a river cruise to look for crocodiles and riding the Kuranda railway (Cairns and Port Douglas); relaxing on a white sand beach (Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands); touring the capital city of Brisbane and exploring historic Cooktown, the farthest north European settlement in the State.