14 nights · New Zealand · Departs Auckland · Visiting Bay of Islands, Norfolk Island, New Plymouth, Nelson NZ, Picton, Akaroa, Dunedin, Kaikoura, Napier · Aboard Azamara Cruises on the Azamara Pursuit
Image courtesy of Azamara Cruises ©
| Cruise line | Azamara Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Azamara Pursuit |
| Duration | 14 nights |
| Port calls | 10 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $6,489 per person |
| Year built | 2001 |
| Guests | 774 |
| Cabins | 352 |
| Crew | 400 |
| Length | 181 m |
| Beam | 25 m |
| Cruising speed | 18.0 kn |
Few cities bring water so close to daily life as Auckland. Set between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, New Zealand’s largest city is shaped by the sea. From the waterfront, ferries reach Waiheke Island, with vineyards, beaches and coastal walks. Climb volcanic Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, for sweeping views across the city and its harbours. Back downtown, Viaduct Harbour offers galleries, restaurants and a vivid sense of Auckland’s maritime life.
Northland’s Bay of Islands rewards a day ashore with sheltered water, Māori history and access to New Zealand’s oldest settlements. Its 144 islands scatter across a blue gulf, where ferries link Paihia with historic Russell. At Waitangi, the Treaty Grounds mark the signing of New Zealand’s founding document in 1840. Take a boat for coastal views, or stay ashore for cafés, galleries and a waterfront walk.
Norfolk Island rewards travelers who value history, open landscapes and a slower pace. This Australian territory lies in the South Pacific, where Norfolk pines frame dramatic cliffs and quiet bays. At Kingston, the UNESCO-listed Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area preserves a vivid chapter of Britain’s penal past. Beyond its heritage buildings, walking trails lead to coastal lookouts. Local farms and cafés reveal an island life shaped by distance and sea.
New Plymouth puts Taranaki’s volcanic drama within easy reach. On clear days, Mount Taranaki rises above the city, its near-perfect cone framing black-sand beaches and green farmland. Follow the Coastal Walkway to the striking Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Then visit Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and its internationally renowned Len Lye Centre. Its compact centre makes both pleasures easy to combine.
Nelson pairs New Zealand’s sunniest-city reputation with a compact, creative centre and easy access to the coast. Browse the Saturday market, independent galleries and cafés, then climb the steps to Christ Church Cathedral for broad town views. Beyond the waterfront, the region opens into vineyards, orchards and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. Set aside time for a gallery, or use Nelson as a launch point for a coastal day.
Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, where forested hills descend into sheltered waterways. From the harbour, ferries cross Cook Strait, while boat tours reach coves inaccessible by road. Ashore, stroll the waterfront promenade or visit the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum. Its namesake vessel is one of the world’s oldest surviving merchant ships. Marlborough’s celebrated vineyards lie inland, offering an easy excursion for a tasting in New Zealand’s largest wine region.
Akaroa sits on Banks Peninsula, where an old volcanic crater opens into a deep, sheltered harbour. French settlers arrived in 1840, and their legacy remains in street names, architecture and a distinctly European air. Take a boat trip to seek Hector’s dolphins, among the smallest marine dolphins on earth. On shore, browse galleries and cafés, then climb to a viewpoint for broad harbour and peninsula views.
Your ship docks at Port Chalmers, a compact harbour town about 13 kilometres from Dunedin. Dunedin reflects Scottish roots and gold-rush prosperity. Granite and sandstone buildings frame the centre; its ornate railway station is a standout. The Otago Peninsula offers chances to see royal albatross, penguins and fur seals. Visit a wildlife centre, or follow the peninsula road to Larnach Castle and harbour viewpoints. It is a rewarding port for architecture, wildlife and coastal views.
Kaikōura lies between the Pacific and the Seaward Kaikōura Range, whose peaks rise close behind town. Its offshore canyon draws sperm whales within reach of boat and air tours throughout the year. Fur seals rest along the shore, while dusky dolphins move through nearby waters. Kaikōura’s Māori name refers to eating crayfish; try the local specialty by the water, then walk the coastal path.
Napier rewards a closer look: a compact coastal city with one of the world’s finest concentrations of Art Deco architecture. Rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake, its streets preserve the optimism and clean lines of the 1930s. Walk Marine Parade for sea views, gardens and the National Aquarium, then head inland to Hawke’s Bay’s celebrated vineyards. For a dramatic change of scene, Cape Kidnappers’ gannet colony lies beyond the city, reached by guided tour.
Few cities bring water so close to daily life as Auckland. Set between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, New Zealand’s largest city is shaped by the sea. From the waterfront, ferries reach Waiheke Island, with vineyards, beaches and coastal walks. Climb volcanic Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, for sweeping views across the city and its harbours. Back downtown, Viaduct Harbour offers galleries, restaurants and a vivid sense of Auckland’s maritime life.
Published August 22, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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