Scenic Oceania: 11 nights from with Scenic Eclipse II
Feb 21, 2026

Oban

Milford Sound

Akaroa

Located just 75 km from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement located in the heart of an ancient volcano.

Explore the village with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft shops and cafes, or take part in the many activities offered, you can take 4WD trips to the largest small penguin colony on the mainland.

Many dolphins, smaller and rarer in the world, can be found within Akaroa port, it's the perfect way to see these wonderful creatures, along with the fascinating life of birds and other mammals in their natural habitat, one of the great tourist attractions. Akaroa has superb examples of historic homes and there are about fifteen gardens within 20 minutes of Akaroa that are open to the public, the area is unique for its heritage roses and micro climates, the popular Akaroa Herb Farm, road landscapes and historic churches.

Kaikoura

Nelson

Nelson is a city in New Zealand located in the northern part of the South Island overlooking the Cook Strait. It is the administrative capital of one of the country's four unitary authorities, in fact it concentrates both the tasks of the region and those of the district. Nelson is an art center of some importance in New Zealand: it hosts the annual Wearable Arts Awards festival (whose winners have the privilege of seeing their works exhibited at the appropriate museum, the Wearable Arts Museum); equally important is the Nelson Arts Festival. Nelson takes its name from English Admiral Horatio Nelson, winner of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, in which he defeated the French and Spanish fleets. In the Nelson area there are clear signs of an ancient Māori settlement, dating back to around 900 AD. The first English settlers arrived around 1841 following the New Zealand Company. Nelson acquired the status of city in 1858, as the seat of an Anglican bishop; the role that the church played in the development of the city is remarkable: Nelson boasts the second oldest church in the country (1846), the parish of St. John. Andrew Sutter, bishop of Nelson from 1867 to 1891, can be considered the "artistic" father of the city, being himself a great connoisseur of art as well as a fine painter: the city's gallery that bears his name, the fulcrum of cultural activities in the area, owes its birth to the donation that the bishop made to the city of his valuable collection of watercolors, a testimony of the first colonial period. The economic life of Nelson is linked to summer tourism (attracted thanks to the beautiful endless beaches), and to cultivation. Agriculture produces most of the hops and all the tobacco in New Zealand; also noteworthy is the cultivation of various types of fruit.

Picton

Napier

Auckland

Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand, which is located on the North Island. It got its start in 1840 and was named after George Eden, he was the first Earl of Auckland. Before Europeans showed up, the area was home to the Māori, New Zealand’s indigenous people. Key historical spots like Mount Eden and Maungakiekie are still super important to the Māori. The Māori have a bunch of myths and legends about Auckland. One such myth tells of a giant lizard, Taniwha, who supposedly lives in the Hauraki Gulf waters.

These tales are passed down through the generations and are a vital part of the local culture. Back in the 19th century, Auckland was a major port and trading center, which helped it grow fast. In 1865, the capital of New Zealand was moved to Wellington, but Auckland kept booming thanks to its strategic location and industrial potential. It’s called the "City of Sails'' because there are so many yachts in the Hauraki Gulf. Auckland has a bunch of museums and art galleries, like the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery.

The city’s surrounded by gorgeous beaches, volcanic hills and dense forests. There are also several nature reserves and national parks nearby. Auckland’s cuisine is super diverse, reflecting its multicultural vibe. You’ll find restaurants serving Asian, European, Polynesian and Māori dishes. One of New Zealand’s national dishes is hangi, it’s a traditional Māori meal cooked in an earth oven. Meat and veggies are cooked in underground pits with hot stones, giving them a unique smoky flavor. Auckland is a major cruise hub for cruise tourism in the Pacific. The Port of Auckland sees a bunch of cruise ships heading out to the Pacific Islands, New Zealand’s coast and Australia. Popular cruise destinations include Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia.

Cruises from Auckland offer not only luxury and relaxation on board but also a chance to see awesome landscapes and get a taste of New Zealand’s culture. Auckland is a city with a rich history, cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty, attracting tourists from all over the world with its cuisine, attractions and cruise opportunities.