A 14-night Queen Elizabeth New Zealand cruise from Melbourne starts from $1999 per person including flights & hotel stay

Visiting the Land of the Long White Cloud has always been a favourite destination for Australian cruisers.

Now you can pamper yourself in the elegant surrounds of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth as you cross the Tasman Sea to explore the amazing natural beauty of Fiordland National Park, Dunedin, Wellington, Tauranga, Auckland and the Bay of Islands before cruising back to Melbourne.

Imagine Holidays has put together an amazing, 14-night voyage departing Melbourne on 2 December 2023 with prices starting from $1999 per person including flights plus one-night four star hotel stay with breakfast.

Book your book by clicking here or call Imagine Holidays at (02) 7254 2124.

You will kick off your holiday with an overnight stay in Melbourne exploring the city’s renowned attractions of eating, drinking, sports and culture. Start with the city’s markets selling anything from vintage clothing to fresh, local produce to arts and craft. If time permits, explore the nearby Yarra Valley where you will taste world-class wines and walk away the kilos in the lush forests.

The next day you will embark the luxurious Queen Elizabeth to enjoy its unrivalled heritage, play some activity such as lawn balls and quoits. On sea days, enjoy afternoon tea with cucumber sandwiches and warm scones served by white gloved waiters. In the evenings, take your pick of some of the fine dining options where you can savour gastronomic delights then watch a polished West End musical production at the Royal Court Theatre before stopping for a night cap at one of the several lounges and bars.

Get your cameras ready the next day when Queen Elizabeth glides through the spectacular Fiords in New Zealand’s South Island. Gaze at the National Park’s majestic mountain peaks reflected in the mirror-smooth waters. Here you can watch amazing wildlife from the Little Blue Penguin to resident fur seals and playful dolphins as waterfalls come crashing down the sheer cliffs into the still, deep waters.

At Dunedin, be prepared for a warm welcome from local residents who are so proud of their Scottish heritage that they even have their own tartan. There’s plenty to explore from the themed gardens at Larnach Castle, to hiking tours to watch sea lions, albatross and rare penguins.

In Wellington, you will be spoilt for choice at the city’s many art galleries and museums. Make sure you go on the historical Wellington Cable Car to capture the fantastic views of the sprawling city and ocean.

On board, you will have plenty of time to make new friends at pubs and bars where the bartender will shake up your favourite cocktail or the tried-and-tested G&T. If live jazz is your thing, then head to the Yacht Club for some evening live performance.

At Tauranga, you will dine on delicious cuisine and art/cultural boutiques before taking an excursion to Rotorua to experience Maori culture. Nature lovers can escape to saltwater pools on Mount Maunganui.

At cosmopolitan Auckland which is home to the largest Polynesian population in the world, you will spot plenty of Maori culture from street names to statues. Here you will find a mix of modern skyscrapers, amazing black-sand beaches and hiking trails to Mount Eden. You may consider taking a ferry ride which will take you to some of the 50 island gems in Hauraki Gulf.

One of NZ’s most popular destinations is the stunningly beautiful Bay of Islands. With pristine, turquoise waters, peppered with remote islands and unspoilt beaches, this is the perfect place for kayaking, diving and sailing. If you have more time take a boat to the largest island of Urupukapuka, a popular bird haven.

After a day at day, Queen Elizabeth will cruise back to Melbourne, marking the end of your amazing voyage and holiday.