11 Nights New Zealand

A university town of Scottish heritage, New Zealand's oldest city is set around a sheltered harbour amidst a magical landscape. It possesses a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture and world-famous wildlife reserves.

A jumping-off point for ferries to the Hebridean Islands, the port town of Oban offers a picturesque bayside setting. It's worth catching a later boat to take in the town's stately Victorian architecture, bounty of seafood restaurants, and good pubs

New Zealand's Milford Sound is one of the world's most beautiful fjords, and popular because of the towering Mitre Peak, surrounded by waterfalls and rainforests. Here, you'll find a unique flora and fauna, with fur seal colonies, penguins, and dolphins just around each corner. Visit the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to discover rare black corals and even more aquatic life.

Also known as Tamatea, the largest of New Zealand's fjords is inundated with sparkling waters, verdant landscapes and tumbling waterfalls. Seals, bottlenose dolphins, wood pigeons and penguins make this remote southern area of New Zealand a slideshow of captivating wildlife.

The small town of Akaora is the most French-inspired spot in all New Zealand. This was the first and only French settlement on the island ? on the Akaroa Village Walks, you can discover the quaint shops, cafes and restaurants with architecture reminiscent of a French countryside town, as well as historic cottages adorned with roses. Then, get to know Akaroas other side: ocean adventure. Cruise to New Zealand and head to Akaroa Harbour, where you can kayak or swim in the placid waters alongside Hectors dolphins, the rare species of small dolphins that inhabit the waters of the Banks Peninsula. Or trek out to Hinewai Reserve and hike up volcanic Stony Bay Peak, where youll get great views of the peninsula and the village below.

For some whale and dolphin watching, Kaikoura is your best bet, as the natural wonders of both land and sea open up to you. The abundant wildlife is complemented by the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, and the rock platforms will offer plenty of exciting opportunities to catch some fur seals in action.

Known as Whakat? by the local M?ori people, Nelson is known for its thriving local arts, culture, and crafts scene, with several events each year, all culminated by the Nelson Arts Festival. The city is also host to the renowned World of Wearable art (WOW) gallery.

Picton, on the northeast corner of New Zealands South Island, provides access to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and to New Zealands most famous wine region, Marlborough, home to the worlds best Sauvignon Blanc

The seaport tourist city of Napier located on Hawke Bay allows cruisers to marvel at the beautiful Pania of the Reef, an important figure of M?ori mythology. Thousands go here every February to attend the Tremains Art Deco Weekend event to celebrate the city's Art Deco inspired heritage.

Auckland is a lively fusion of international style, local creativity and Polynesian charm. Its urban personality is bold, fast and fashionable, while its seaside ambiance ranges from rugged and untamed to smooth and tranquil.