Fiji & New Zealand from Auckland

Your official welcome to New Zealand comes by way of a bustling harbor. Step ashore and into a surprisingly cosmopolitan environment. And once you venture inland, even more surprises await, including a total of 48 dormant volcanoes, a lush, leafy urban cityscape filled with beautiful parks, and a number of renowned art galleries.

Those who love beaches consider these some of the world’s finest, with their perfect white sand and crystal-clear water. And as tempted as you’ll be to pull up a lounge chair and soak in the surroundings, many consider this the ideal place to partake in more active pursuits, such as kayaking, mountain-biking, parasailing, swimming with dolphins and scuba-diving.

Suva is the capital of Fiji built on a peninsula jutting out into the sea. Its architecture is a mixture of modern and traditional colonial buildings. You’ll discover it’s natural beauty in as many as 78 parks, including the new Takashi Suzuki Garden, and Thurston Gardens, which was opened in 1913 and displays flora from throughout the South Pacific. Stroll through the narrow roads of the shopping areas, most notably Cumming street, where you can step back in history for a vibrant and colorful shopping experience among original colonial buildings.

Sugarcane is the official crop of Lautoka but there is so much more to this paradise. Fiji’s second largest city welcomes you with white sand beaches, turquoise water and friendly smiles from the locals. Relax on the beach, shop in the markets for beautiful pottery, or experience the exotic culture. Your visit here will leave you relaxed and refreshed.

Once you experience the tropical paradise of Samoa while on a cruise to Australia and New Zealand, you’ll be quickly enamored by the South Pacific. Most people come here for the beaches, but Apia is a hidden gem where some of Samoa’s best beaches are just a short car ride away. If you’ve ever heard of the American reality TV show “Survivor,” you’ve likely seen some of the Samoan landscape featured in this long-running series, which has been shot on the island.

Apia cruises offer travelers a unique glimpse into daily life in the South Pacific. Beachy and ideal for nature lovers, in Apia you can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe while surrounded by lush rainforest. Get in touch with your inner kid when you slide down the Papaseea Sliding Rocks, natural water slides formed by rock formations. Or spend an afternoon learning about the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson at the museum dedicated to him in Apia. No matter how you choose to enjoy your cruise to Samoa, there’s plenty of fine dining, nature excursions, and quaint local markets to keep you occupied.

This imaginary line runs roughly parallel to the 180° longitudinal line. As you travel east youll subtract 24 hours from your current time, and add 24 hours as you travel west across it.

Known as the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbors in New Zealand. You can take a ride on a bush jet boat, go white-water rafting on the Rangitaiki River, or dine on the freshest fish and chips you’ll ever taste, served al fresco. If you’re looking for a more exotic counter, travel to the Mount Mauganui Hot Salt Water Pools.

Your official welcome to New Zealand comes by way of a bustling harbor. Step ashore and into a surprisingly cosmopolitan environment. And once you venture inland, even more surprises await, including a total of 48 dormant volcanoes, a lush, leafy urban cityscape filled with beautiful parks, and a number of renowned art galleries.