New Years Eve

Make sure there’s room in your suitcase and get the cards and cash ready because Melbourne is the place for all the latest fashions, accessories, and fine produce. Around every corner are trendy, hidden bars, cafes and restaurants purveying fine food and beverages inspired by a diversity of cultures. Take time out with a stroll through the lovely Fitzroy Gardens or a scenic cruise up the Yarra River. In Melbourne, you might actually shop until you drop.

Take in the breathtaking natural beauty as you cruise past soaring snow-capped mountains, glass like lakes, ice-carved fiords and lush rainforests. The park is one of New Zealand’s most cherished wonders and a major part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. Sit back and admire some of the world’s most spectacular vistas and make sure you have your camera or photographic memory ready.

Christchurch (Lyttleton) Christchurch is the South Island’s largest city. Sprawling out across the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch was incorporated as a city in 1862. It was named after the Oxford College attended by John Robert Godley, leader of the settlers arriving in the first four ships to Christchurch. Visitors find Christchurch a charming city, modelled in the English style. The River Avon meanders through the city and its banks provide a popular lunchtime retreat. Cathedral Square is a place to relax and take in the proportions of the stone-built Cathedral, or listen to the eccentric Wizard entertain the lunchtime crowd. Christchurch is said to be the most English city outside England, and it certainly clings to the trappings of its heritage, the cricket club (established 1851), the rowing club (1864) and lawn tennis (1881). The streets are named after 14 dioceses of the Anglican Communion. It is, of course, a university city, which has a backdrop of the Southern Alps and long ocean beaches are only a short drive away. The Port Hills are well worth a visit, for the dramatic views they give of the surrounding areas. The Port of Lyttelton and Akaroa, the only French settlements in the country are also close by. Christchurch is a charming garden city with many parks within its bounds. Most notable is Hagley Park (200ha). Pride of the city is the impressive Town Hall, a modern structure and the Queen Elizabeth II Park Stadium built for the 1974 Commonwealth Games. General Information: Climate: Mean daily max. temperature: January/February 24C, 78F.

The capital, at the southern tip of the North Island, is a cosmopolitan centre of government and commerce. It is known for its winds, its winding streets, and its homes clinging to the hillsides. But above all Œ its harbour. Wellington has one of the most beautiful harbours in the world and rejoices in the motto, ioSuprema a situlr, supreme by site. The original site was the flat delta shaped land at Petone. The town was then called Britannia, making New Zealand’s major cities start with the letters A, B, C, and D (Auckland, Britannia, Christchurch, and Dunedin). Wellington became the capital in 1865 when the seat of government was transferred from Auckland. Until the earthquake of 1855 most of the land now lying between Lambton Quay and the waterfront did not exist. The Hutt motorway and the railway now runs along an uplifted part of the seabed. The Port of Wellington serves other New Zealand ports and provides links with other parts of the world. It is the North Island terminal for the Cook Strait ferry service. There are many places of interest and many buildings to visit including Parliament with its dynamic-shaped annexe. Others include the Beehive, the Victoria University and National Museum, the National Art Gallery and one of the world’s largest ooden buildings, the old Government Buildings. Good views of the city are obtained from Mount Victoria and also by taking the cable car to Kelburn. Oriental Bay is an attractive inner city beach just a few minutes walk from the central business district. General Information: Climate: Mean temperature January/February Œ 21C, 72F.

Located on the southwest shores of Hawkes Bay New Zealand, Napier enjoys a sunny Mediterranean-like climate and settled weather, allowing for fruit growing, vineyards, and tourism to all make a major contribution to Napier’s economy. Napier is famous for being the finest example of authentic Art Deco in the world. There are world class attractions include Cape Kidnappers – the only mainland gannet colony, the Marine Parade which includes Marineland of New Zealand, the National Aquarium of new Zealand, vineyards with award winning wines, and special events such as the Mission Concert, Harvest Hawkes Bay weekend, and the annual Napier Art Deco weekend. For the active there is every other outdoor adventure you can imagine from jet boating between wineries, hot air ballooning, surfing, caving, paragliding, sailing, windsurfing or fishing for trout the size most people only dream about.

Tauranga, meaning “shelter” (named by Capt. Cook the Bay of Plenty ), with its population of 103,000, is a modern thriving city supported by the export of lumber and farming. The popular seaside suburb of Mount Maunganui is where your cruise ship will berth at Port of Tauranga , and here you will find beautiful white sandy beaches, hot pools, boutique shopping, waterfront cafes and the mighty Mauao. Mauao (more commonly referred to as ‘the Mount’) features popular walking tracks which will give you spectacular views of the region, the Pacific Ocean and outlying islands. Across the harbour bridge is the heart of Tauranga city, where you can visit the Tauranga Art Gallery , enjoy coffee or lunch in one of the many cafes or restaurants located along the waterfront or visit a number of art or clothing shops. The Tauranga i-SITE visitor centre can provide you with plenty of maps and information about what to see and do. Rotorua (80km inland from the port of Tauranga ) is a geothermal wonderland. Spectacular erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, hot springs and clouds of billowing steam are visible at every turn. Rotorua is also the heart of Maori culture in , with an historic living village, carving and weaving displays, and Maori music, singing and dancing performances. The region is an adventure hot spot, with plenty of activities – some of them world firsts – to challenge the adrenalin junkie. Its 16 lakes make Rotorua an aquatic paradise ideal for swimming, fishing and other water options, and its range of spas and spa therapies are the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing. General Information Ship berths alongside at Berth #1, Rata St. Points of Interest: Kiwi360, The Elms Mission House, Mauao (Mount Maunganui), Longridge Fun Park, Tauranga Art Gallery, Polynesian Spa, Whakarewarewa – The Living Thermal Village, Agroventures, Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Auckland lies between two enormous harbours and is dominated by the peak of the volcanic Rangitoto Island. Enjoy island wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.

Make sure there’s room in your suitcase and get the cards and cash ready because Melbourne is the place for all the latest fashions, accessories, and fine produce. Around every corner are trendy, hidden bars, cafes and restaurants purveying fine food and beverages inspired by a diversity of cultures. Take time out with a stroll through the lovely Fitzroy Gardens or a scenic cruise up the Yarra River. In Melbourne, you might actually shop until you drop.