New Zealand & Australia Explorer Cruise (Dec26)

Spend New Year's in Sydney Harbour!
  • history
    DURATION
    17 days, 16 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
    17 days
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    16 nights
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    DEPARTS
    19 December 2026
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    RETURNS
    4 January 2027
  • Celebrate the season & spend New Year's Eve in Sydney Harbour
  • Explore Wellington, Hobart, and Melbourne with Azamara’s destination-focused cruising.
  • Intimate ship, longer port visits, and refined onboard experiences aboard Azamara Pursuit.

Sail into summer on a beautiful New Zealand and Australia holiday cruise that blends cosmopolitan charm with dramatic coastlines. Departing Auckland in the festive lead-up to Christmas aboard Azamara Pursuit, this journey connects Wellington, Hobart, and Sydney with Azamara’s signature destination-focused style, longer stays, and intimate boutique atmosphere.

From Wellington’s vibrant waterfront to Hobart’s historic streets and wild Tasmanian scenery, each stop offers something special. You’ll finish in dazzling Sydney, home to world-famous beaches and the iconic harbour—making this a relaxed yet memorable way to celebrate the season at sea.

Destinations

Auckland, New Zealand ► Tauranga, New Zealand ► Napier, New Zealand ► Wellington, New Zealand ► Christchurch, New Zealand ► Dunedin, New Zealand ► Milford Sound, New Zealand ► Hobart, Tasmania ► Sydney ► Melbourne, Australia

Why Azamara

Azamara is a destination-led cruise line designed for travellers who want to experience more of the world in a relaxed and refined way. Sailing to smaller, hard-to-reach ports, Azamara offers longer stays and frequent overnight visits so you can truly immerse yourself in each destination. Aboard their elegant boutique ships, you’ll enjoy an intimate atmosphere, warm personalised service, and a more inclusive experience with drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi included. With unique cultural events such as AzAmazing Evenings, Azamara is ideal for discerning travellers who value authentic experiences over crowds.

Photos

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Itinerary Map

Inclusions/Exclusions

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  • Variety of Dining Venues & 24-hour Room Service
  • Beer, Wine, and Spirits All Day & Night
  • Signature AzAmazing Evenings
  • Unlimited Self-Service Laundry
  • Onboard Gratuities
Your fare excludes:
  • A​irfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • S​hore excursions

Itinerary

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Day 1: Auckland, New Zealand

The only city in the world built on an active basaltic volcanic field, Auckland’s warm, coastal climate allows for surfing at black-sand beaches, picnics in secluded coves, wine tasting, and horseback riding.

Day 2: Tauranga, New Zealand

A popular coastal town with a subtropical climate, Tauranga offers beautiful golden beaches, lush parks, and a laid-back atmosphere, along with an array of adventures, including dolphin watching, hiking, and fishing.

Day 3: Napier, New Zealand

In Napier, you can visit Pania of the Reef (one of the country's most photographed tourist attractions), take a guided city walk, explore Cape Kidnappers, or enjoy the day with wine tastings at local vineyards.

Day 4: Wellington, New Zealand

With its fantastic nightlife, the renowned entertainment district of Courtenay Place, and an internationally recognized coffee culture, Wellington is often referred to as “the coolest little capital in the world”.

Day 5: Christchurch, New Zealand

Ōtautahi. The Garden City. The Most English City Outside England. It may go by many names, but one thing’s for certain: There’s so much to explore in Christchurch, you’re going to have to plan strategically.

Day 6: Dunedin, New Zealand

Bordered by the Tasman Sea, the Scottish-influenced city of Dunedin features many beautiful, white sandy beaches, the Otago Peninsula, and wildlife unique to the area, like the Little Blue Penguin and the Kiwi.

Day 7: Milford Sound, New Zealand

An unspoiled place of staggering and dramatic natural beauty. Milford Sound captures your attention and your imagination with staggering waterfalls and towering jagged peaks.

Day 8 - 9: At Sea

Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Day 10 - 11: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

The capital and most populous city in Tasmania, Hobart, is wonderful for strolling the historic waterfront, famous for its Georgian buildings, climbing Mount Wellington, or taking a day trip to Bruny Island.

Day 12: At Sea

Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Day 13 - 15: Sydney, Australia

Arrive in Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve for a truly unforgettable experience. Watch the city come alive with spectacular fireworks over the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then enjoy a stay in port, giving you time to soak in the celebrations and explore Sydney at your own pace. It’s the perfect way to welcome 2027 in style, all from the comfort of your elegant boutique ship.

Day 16: At Sea

Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Day 17: Melbourne, Australia

A UNESCO City of Literature and often considered the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is the hub of the film and television industry and is filled with vibrant street art, boutiques, restaurants, and bars.

Please note: While we do our best to adhere to our published itineraries, they may be changed at the discretion of the captain due to weather advisories, port traffic, and any other unforeseeable circumstances.

Dates and Prices

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Departs Auckland on 19 Dec 2026 for 16 nights aboard Azamara Pursuit. Arrives Melbourne on 4 Jan 2027.

  • Interior Stateroom from $10,919 pp twin share / $20,719 pp sole use *
  • Oceanview Stateroom from $12,269 pp twin share / $23,409 pp sole use *
  • Continent Suite from $19,939 pp twin share / $41,869 pp sole use *
  • Spa Suite from $29,969 pp twin share / $58,829 pp sole use *
  • World Owner's Suite from $37,319 pp twin share / $73,559 pp sole use *

*Please note: Advertised fares are available until allocation is exhausted, and prices may fluctuate without notice.

Accommodation

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Azamara Pursuit - Interior Cabin

Azamara Pursuit

This elegant boutique ship carrys around 700 guests, combining stylish staterooms, multiple dining venues, a spa, and a pool deck with sun-soaked outdoor spaces. With attentive, personalised service and a welcoming atmosphere, it feels more like a luxury private yacht than a traditional cruise ship — the perfect way to explore the world’s most captivating destinations.

Staterooms & Suites

Interior Stateroom: a quiet, comfortable retreat designed for restful nights and relaxing moments between adventures. With refined décor, plush amenities, and personalised service, it’s boutique-hotel comfort at sea. Stateroom 158 sq.ft / 14.7 sqm.

Oceanview Stateroom: wake up to natural light and picturesque ocean views from your window. Featuring contemporary design and well-appointed comforts, these staterooms offer a serene and stylish place to unwind at sea. Stateroom 143 sq.ft / 13.3 sqm.

Verandah Stateroom: step outside to your private veranda and take in fresh sea breezes and ever-changing views. Thoughtful design, polished finishes, and attentive service create a relaxing retreat between immersive days ashore. Stateroom: 175 sq.ft. / 16.3 sqm | Veranda: 40 sq.ft. / 3.7 sqm.

Verandah Plus Stateroom: enjoy open-air living with sweeping ocean and destination views, plus added perks designed to elevate your onboard experience. It’s everything you love about a Veranda Stateroom, with a little extra—at exceptional value. Stateroom: 175 sq ft / 16.3 sqm | Veranda: 46–64 sq.ft / 4.3-6 sqm,

Continent Suite - offers a comfortable and well-appointed space with a private veranda, a welcoming seating area, and a generous bathroom. An inviting option for guests seeking suite-style accommodations with essential comforts. Stateroom: 266 sq.ft. / 24.7 sqm | Veranda: 60 sq.ft / 5.6 sqm.

Spa Suite - Designed for relaxation and renewal, the Spa Suite features a spacious layout with spa-inspired touches, including a glass-enclosed soaking tub and convenient access to the spa. A calming retreat ideal for wellness-focused travelers. Stateroom: 414 sq.ft / 38.5 sqm | Veranda: 40 sq.ft. / 3.7 sqm.

Ocean Suite - offers generous space to relax, with a separate living area, a dedicated bedroom, a private veranda, marble bathroom, dressing room. An inviting retreat that balances comfort, functionality, and classic suite-style living. Stateroom: 440–501 sq.ft. / 40.9-46.5 sqm | Veranda: 233 sq ft. / 21.7 sqm.

World Owner's Suite - A signature expression of Azamara Cruises’ refined luxury, featuring a spacious layout, a separate bedroom, large private veranda, marble master bathroom, dressing room. Thoughtfully designed for guests who value privacy, comfort, and elevated living. Stateroom: 560 sq.ft. / 52 sq.m | Veranda: 233 sq.ft. /21.7 sqm.

Stateroom Features

Flat-screen television | Refrigerator with mini-bar | Thermostat-controlled air conditioner | Direct-dial telephone with voicemail | Writing desk | In-room safe | Hand-held hairdryer | USB ports under bedside reading lamps

Included Stateroom Amenities

Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages) | Gratuities | Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet | Terry bathrobes and slippers | Select standard spirits, international beers and wine | 24-hour room service | Self-service laundry | Tote bag | Shuttle service to and from port communities | Use of umbrella | Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations | Shoe shine-service | Turndown treats | Daily news bulletin

T&Cs

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Prices per person from

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Prices per person from

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A$20,719