Festive Voyage: Christmas in New Zealand & New Year in Sydney
🚢 17-Night Cruise & Stay | Azamara Pursuit
Departs 18 December 2026
☀ Christmas in Fiordland National Park and Sydney’s spectacular fireworks are just the start of this sensational festive voyage on board Azamara Pursuit.
Celebrate the festive season in unparalleled style on this New Zealand and Sydney holiday, where a relaxing hotel stay in Auckland sets the stage for an extraordinary adventure. Embark Azamara Pursuit to explore New Zealand’s glorious coastline, from Tauranga’s golden beaches and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders to Napier’s Art Deco charm, Wellington’s creative energy, and the dramatic beauty of Milford Sound – the setting for an unforgettable Christmas Day.
Continue south to Hobart, where historic harbours and rugged landscapes create a perfect prelude to Sydney’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations. Toast midnight against the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge as fireworks light up the sky, then enjoy New Year’s Day exploring the city’s beautiful beaches, eclectic eateries and serene coastal walks.
Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including house spirits, wine and international beers
Prices (Per Person, Twin Share, Departing from Melbourne)
From $8,979pp – Inside
From $10,479pp – Ocean View
From $13,479pp – Verandah
Additional Costs for Departures from Other Cities
Adelaide, Brisbane & Sydney: + A$300 pp
Perth: + A$900 pp
Solo traveller? Ask us for pricing.
Experience New Year Celebrations in Sydney
Celebrate Christmas Day Scenic Cruising in Milford Sound
O​ur team can also assist with booking your return International flight and accommodation as part of your overall travel plans as well as Travel Insurance.
Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Itinerary
| Arrive | Details | Depart | Day 1 | Auckland: Hotel Stay - Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is a vibrant metropolis brimming with stunning harbours, cultural attractions, and a thriving culinary and bar scene. Explore its diverse neighbourhoods, iconic landmarks, and natural beauty for an unforgettable experience. Overnight: SO/ Auckland. | 12:00 | Day 2 | Auckland: Embark Ship - Embark the sleek Azamara Pursuit for your all-inclusive cruise. Once settled into your generous accommodation, get to know your fellow passengers on deck before exploring this stunning vessel’s restaurants and lounges. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 3 | Tauranga - Tauranga blends golden beaches with a vibrant harbour. Relax on the beach at Mount Maunganui, stroll the waterf ront, or wander McLaren Falls Park. As the gateway to the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga also opens the door to Rotorua’s steaming geysers and bubbling geothermal landscapes. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 4 | Napier - Napier, in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, dazzles with its striking Art Deco architecture, rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake. Sun-soaked beaches, vibrant vineyards, and a lively waterf ront complement the city’s glorious galleries and charming cafés. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 5 | Wellington - Wind-swept yet welcoming, New Zealand’s capital brims with creativity and coastal charm. Nestled between rolling hills and a sparkling harbour, the city is alive with culture – world-leading film studios craft movie magic here, while museums and galleries showcase cultural treasures. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 6 | Christchurch - Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island blends resilience with creativity. Reborn after the 2010–11 earthquakes, its revitalised centre brims with modern architecture, lively markets, and bold street art. Stroll the tranquil Botanic Gardens or glide along the Avon River. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 7 | Dunedin - Arrive in Dunedin on Christmas Eve and delve into the town’s Scottish heritage, grand architecture, and cultural charm. A short journey away, the Otago Peninsula teems with wildlife, creating a truly remarkable destination to explore and treasure. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 8 | Milford Sound: Scenic Cruising & Christmas Day - Experience a Christmas Day like no other as you sail through the still waters of Fiordland National Park. On board your ship, dine on a sumptuous festive feast as you drift by towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil inlets. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 9-10 | Relax At Sea | Day 11-12 | Hobart: Overnight in Port - Hobart welcomes you with its deep-water harbour and historic charm. Wander Salamanca Place, where sandstone warehouses now hum with galleries, craft shops, and cafés. As the sun sets, the waterf ront comes alive with f resh seafood, fine wines, and laid-back charm. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 13 | Relax At Sea | Day 14 | Sydney: Overnight in Port & New Year's Eve - Sail into Sydney Harbour for New Year’s Eve and experience the celebration of a lifetime. Against the backdrop of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, you’ll toast midnight as fireworks ignite the sky and the water shimmers with colour and energy. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 15 | Sydney: Overnight in Port & New Year’s Day - Enjoy New Year’s Day against Sydney’s iconic backdrop, f rom the Opera House sails to Bondi’s golden sands. Harbour walks, bustling neighbourhoods, and vibrant dining scenes promise an unforgettable start to 2027. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 16 | Sydney - On your final day in Sydney, discover eclectic neighbourhoods, bustling markets, and cutting-edge galleries. From contemporary architecture to leafy parks and vibrant festivals, the city invites exploration and f resh perspectives. Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis. Overnight: Azamara Pursuit. | Day 17 | Relax At Sea | Day 18 | Melbourne: Disembark Ship & Make Your Own Way - Home Your holiday complete, today you’ll disembark your ship before making your own way home. Meals Included: Breakfast. | 06:00 |
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Highlights
- Sail aboard the elegant Azamara Pursuit, enjoying boutique luxury and exceptional service.
- Explore New Zealand’s scenic gems, including Tauranga, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, and Hobart.
- Savour New Year’s Day in Sydney, discovering its beaches, vibrant dining scene, and stunning coastal walks.
- Celebrate Christmas amid the breathtaking beauty of Fiordland National Park, cruising through Milford Sound on Christmas Day.
- Ring in the New Year in Sydney, watching the world-famous fireworks over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
- Begin your journey with a relaxing hotel stay in Auckland, setting the tone for your festive adventure.
Inclusions
- All-Inclusive Cruise:
- 16 night all-inclusive cruise on board Azamara Pursuit
- Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including house spirits, wine and international beers
- Pre-paid gratuities and complimentary AzAmazing Evenings event
- Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
- Overnights in port in Hobart and Sydney
- Hotel Stay:
- 1 night five-star stay in Auckland at the SO/ Auckland with breakfast
- All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Exclusions
- Travel Insurance
- Visa
Fine Print
- Prices are subject to availability
- Fare includes all taxes and port charges
- Travel insurance not included; customers are advised to purchase appropriate cover after booking
- Itinerary is subject to change without notice
- Visas/ESTA’s are not included
All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return and some countries require a machine-readable passport.
Extras
TRAVEL ADVICE: We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or visit their website at www.smartraveller.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit. You can also register your travel plans with DFAT, so that you may be more easily contacted in an emergency.
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