Highlights of Australia & New Zealand Cruise 2026

Take an overnight flight to Sydney.

Note: Depending on the departure time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day later.

This morning fly to Sydney to meet the rest of your fellow travelers and continue your great adventure in the Land Down Under. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. This evening meet your group and relax over a tasty meal. (D)

Enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney’s birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city’s past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure or join your fellow travelers for an optional tour of the Sydney Opera House (additional cost). This afternoon you’ll board the Norwegian Spirit. (B, D)

This picturesque fishing town is nestled on the Sapphire Coast in New South Wales. With its rich marine life, whaling history and pristine beaches, Eden is the perfect coastal paradise, especially if you want to learn more about killer whales! (B, L, D)

Once a thriving industrial port, Burnie today is an artisanal hub. A town of makers and creators, it is close to several beautiful waterfalls, lush gardens and intriguing caves. (B, L, D)

Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, is a robust and dynamic city. Considered the most European of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with remarkable art and architecture, excellent shopping, and world-class dining. (B, L, D)

Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park, a stunning expanse of wilderness on one of the most remote parts of the pristine South Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a dazzlingly dramatic landscape, with volcanos, sprawling rainforests, and snow-topped mountains, as well as crystal-clear waters teeming with wildlife. (B, L, D)

This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Larnach Castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its gardens. (B, L, D)

Spend a blissful day in Lyttelton, New Zealand’s only registered historic township. The seaside city built on the site of an extinct volcano is irresistibly charming. (B, L, D)

The gateway to South Island, Picton is perched at the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound. The picturesque town is also the perfect base to explore the Marlborough wine region, further inland. (B, L, D)

The coastal city of Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. Known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag patterned Daily Telegraph Building, the city feels like it is straight out of the 1930s in places. (B, L, D)

Discover Rotorua, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, a town that remains frozen in time after being devastated by a volcanic eruption in 1886. (B, L, D)

This morning you’ll disembark and start your introduction to Auckland with a guided coach tour. Travel along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, with gorgeous ocean and city views. Visit the colonial-style Mission Bay, the fragrant Parnell Rose Gardens, and the magnificent Auckland Domain Park.

Next, learn the story of New Zealand on a guided tour of the Auckland Museum. See natural history exhibits and Māori artifacts. Continue to Auckland’s 1,000-foot-tall Sky Tower, where you can see for up to 50 miles in every direction. Sit down at the revolving Orbit Restaurant for a lunch (included) with a side of the city’s best views. Enjoy some free time on your final night in New Zealand. (B)

Fly to Cairns, and en route, cross the International Date Line, separating East from West. You will “lose” a day traveling to Australia.

You will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure.

This morning head over to the Reef Fleet Terminal and board the Reef Magic Cruises catamaran to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon or enjoy the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass bottom boat or underwater observatory. (B, L)

This morning fly to Sydney to meet the rest of your fellow travelers and continue your great adventure in the Land Down Under. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. This evening meet your fellow travelers and relax over a tasty meal. (B, D)

Enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney’s birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city’s past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure or join your fellow travelers for an optional tour of the Sydney Opera House (additional cost). This afternoon you’ll board the Norwegian Spirit. (B, D)

This picturesque fishing town is nestled on the Sapphire Coast in New South Wales. With its rich marine life, whaling history and pristine beaches, Eden is the perfect coastal paradise, especially if you want to learn more about killer whales! (B, L, D)

Once a thriving industrial port, Burnie today is an artisanal hub. A town of makers and creators, it is close to several beautiful waterfalls, lush gardens and intriguing caves. (B, L, D)

Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, is a robust and dynamic city. Considered the most European of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with remarkable art and architecture, excellent shopping, and world-class dining. (B, L, D)

Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park, a stunning expanse of wilderness on one of the most remote parts of the pristine South Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a dazzlingly dramatic landscape, with volcanos, sprawling rainforests, and snow-topped mountains, as well as crystal-clear waters teeming with wildlife. (B, L, D)

This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Larnach Castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its gardens. (B, L, D)

Spend a blissful day in Lyttelton, New Zealand’s only registered historic township. The seaside city built on the site of an extinct volcano is irresistibly charming. (B, L, D)

The gateway to South Island, Picton is perched at the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound. The picturesque town is also the perfect base to explore the Marlborough wine region, further inland. (B, L, D)

The coastal city of Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. Known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag patterned Daily Telegraph Building, the city feels like it is straight out of the 1930s in places. (B, L, D)

Discover Rotorua, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, a town that remains frozen in time after being devastated by a volcanic eruption in 1886. (B, L, D)

This morning you’ll disembark and start your introduction to Auckland with a guided coach tour. Travel along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, with gorgeous ocean and city views. Visit the colonial-style Mission Bay, the fragrant Parnell Rose Gardens, and the magnificent Auckland Domain Park.

Next, learn the story of New Zealand on a guided tour of the Auckland Museum. See natural history exhibits and Māori artifacts. Continue to Auckland’s 1,000-foot-tall Sky Tower, where you can see for up to 50 miles in every direction. Sit down at the revolving Orbit Restaurant for a lunch (included) with a side of the city’s best views. Enjoy some free time on your final night in New Zealand. (B)