Discover the delights "down under" when you book a cruise duo of Australia and New Zealand. You'll double the adventure when you couple the diverse beauty of Australia's wide-open plains and urban enticements with New Zealand's picturesque peaks and pastoral villages. Even their most recognizable natural landmarks are at opposite ends of the geographic spectrum: rising from the depths of Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the heights of New Zealand's 12,000-foot Mount Cook.
AUSTRALIA's "rough and ready" reputation dates back to its founding as a British penal colony in 1788 followed by a "gold rush" in the 1850s that attracted miners and prospectors. Sheep ranchers formed a third wave of immigrants to settle Australia's wide-open ranges. Australia's earliest inhabitants, however, were the Aboriginals, considered the world's oldest civilization, and their impact has added to the country's fascinating culture and heritage.
The capital city of Sydney is a cosmopolitan metropolis, home to the picturesque Sydney Opera House — open daily for tours — and the sprawling Harbour Bridge. Active travelers can don a "bridge suit" and harness for the three-hour climb along the stairways and catwalks that cross Sydney Harbor (alcohol breath test required!). Step back in history with a self-guided tour through The Rocks, a neighborhood of fine old homes, shops and restaurants, or explore Darling Harbour's shopping and dining complex, Harbourside.
Cairns is considered the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Diving or snorkeling the massive reef — about half the size of Texas — is a must for many travelers to Australia. Charter companies offer trips to the reef, often complete with equipment, meal and entertainment. Back on land, visit Cairn's Botanic Garden, Regional Art Gallery or Esplanade shopping complex. Soak up sun at the wave-free Esplanade Lagoon, a lovely, manmade stretch of beach and park. Hungry? Sink your teeth into Australia's nouvelle cuisine — including kangaroo, emu and crocodile — at the Red Ochre Grill.
Melbourne is perhaps best known as Australia's stylish business center — an intriguing mix of age-old customs and architecture with new, hip urban lifestyles. Take a stroll along Block Arcade, an entertaining blend of quaint shops and cafes situated in historic buildings, or through St. Kilda, a charming neighborhood of beachside cafes, celebrated "cake shops" and beautiful botanical gardens.
If your itinerary allows, be sure to take in Tasmania — not nearly as "devilish" as its reputation. More than a third of the island, said to have the world's purest air, is preserved as national parks or wildlife refuges. Hobart is actually Australia's second oldest city and harkens back to the days of penal colonies and whaling. Burnie is a busy seaport town known for its beachside boardwalk, walking trails and gourmet delights like cheeses, wine and specialty produce.
First settled by Maori voyagers from Polynesia nearly 1,000 years ago, NEW ZEALAND is known for its unique history and culturally rich heritage. Sighted by a Dutch explorer in 1642, European colonization came much later with signing of the Treaty of Waitangi with Britain in 1840. English migration gave rise to a multicultural society marked by colonial architecture and customs melded with Maori traditions and language. These cultural attributes, along with New Zealand's undisputable natural beauty, have made the country a favorite with travelers.
Old and new blend beautifully in Dunedin, located on the nature-rich Otago Peninsula. You can revel in the Victorian and Edwardian architecture, tour the Speights Brewery or Cadbury Chocolate Factory, or shop designer boutiques in town. This historic city is surrounded by idyllic landscapes — gentle pastureland flanked by strikingly green hills — and is home to an amazing array of wildlife, from rare penguins and albatross to fur seals and sea lions. Shore excursions take you into Antarctica for wildlife adventures and fishing for brown trout and salmon.
The quaint city of Christchurch is reminiscent of the country's British roots and a showplace of historic structures, gardens, galleries and cafes. The gentle Avon River runs through the town, first settled by the British in 1850. Climb aboard the Christchurch gondola for unparalleled views or glide along the Avon by boat. Outside Christchurch lies some of the Canterbury region's most stunning scenery, including the snow-capped Southern Alps, the alpine trails of Arthur's Pass and the volcanic coastline of Akaroa Harbour.
Situated on North Island's southern tip is the cosmopolitan capital of Wellington, a picturesque burg bounded by harbor and forest. Stroll the waterfront quay, stopping at the national museum, Te Papa, the kid-friendly playground or a cozy cafe. Known for its nightlife and shopping, Wellington has an abundance of restaurants, bars, cafes and boutiques. For show-stopping views, take the restored cable car from downtown to the Botanic Garden or travel by foot or bus to the summit of Mount Victoria.
Maori culture abounds in multi-faceted Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and home to an array of natural wonders — caves, geysers, rainforests and the 50-plus outlying islands — as well as bustling urban activity and fascinating cultural offerings. Sky Tower provides unparalleled views and — for the fearless — the opportunity to drop 70 feet by bungee. History buffs will enjoy exploring Howick Historical Village, a recreation of early Auckland life, the Maori treasures at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the daily Maori cultural performances at the Auckland Museum.
The Bay of Plenty town of Tauranga, south of Auckland, is the place to play in the water: swim with dolphins, go fishing for marlin, sail or dive. Also popular are McLaren Falls, Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park and Puketoki Scenic Reserve. Back in town, visitors will find plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants along the Strand. For fresh-off-the-boat seafood, visit the Fresh Fish Market — famous for their fish and chips — on Dive Crescent.
