Enjoy free time in the cosmopolitan Auckland to explore its handsome French-Renaissance building and art galleries before embarking around 5pm to your ship.

Anchored by the volcanic peak of Mount Maunganui, follow a winding coastal footpaths or hike to a viewpoint of the vast beaches. Receiving New Zealand’s highest sunshine, you can also visit some of JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth filming spots. Alternatively, enjoying Lake Rotoiti kayaking or visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, bubbling with mud pools and steams of teal and orange hues.

A major centre of Maori’s cultural life, Gisborne brims with graceful colonial charm, surfer’s beaches and spectacular cliffs. There are many enjoyable walks, including an easy stroll to Titirangi Reserve with 180Ëš vistas from Poverty Bay to Gisborne City.

Set on the rugged Hawke’s Bay, get acquainted with Cape Kidnappers’ rich birdlife, sip legendary wines as you stroll along Napier’s Art Deco buildings and breezy cafés, Marine Parade’s tree-lined seafront, or gently hike to Bluff Hill for scenic view of Napier Port and Cape Kidnappers.

Spend the morning on Queen Charlotte Sound’s western shore dotted with bays, coves, capes and islands. Dock at the Ship Cove, New Zealand’s first historic reserved which once served as Captain Cook’s headquarter. The site was visited by Captain Cook a total of five times, including three of his Pacific Voyages. Recently, the site has received Maori interpretation panels.

In the afternoon, cruise through undulating green peaks into the quaint harbour town of Picton. Savour the scenic views at waterfront eateries, sample Sauvignon Blanc from the Blenheim wine region, kayak at the gentle waters, or take a sailboat to look for penguins, dolphins and seals. There is also no shortage of scenic walks, whether the flowers-fringed Picton Memorial Park or scenic tracks of mighty inlets and glorious bays.

Exchange stories with fellow travellers as your journey continues southwards. New Zealand is famed for its panoramic coastline and at times frequented by whales, so keep your eyes peeled in case you get lucky!

Seated at Fiordland National Park (UNESCO), Milford Sound stretches 16km long with dense rainforest and fjord waterfalls. Scenic spots include Stirling Falls, U-shaped Sinbad Gully, 1,692m Mitre Peak, Lady Bowen Falls and Piopitahi Marine Reserve’s bottlenose dolphins and New Zealand fur seals.

Discover Fiordland’s untouched Dusky Sound, dubbed “titanic mason” by the Maoris for its vertical cliffs, a wealth of birdlife and penguin breeding site.

Venture far south into The Snares, one of New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands (UNESCO). Due to its remoteness, it is one of the world’s few places with unmodified vegetation. Embark on zodiac cruise (landings not permitted) to discover the thriving seabird lives. Keep your eyes peeled for endemic Snares Island Fernbird, Snares Island Tomtit and Snares Island Snipe. Millions of Sooty Sheerwaters and over 60,000 Snares Crested Penguin also call this place home.

Dock at Bluff, New Zealand’s southernmost town. Enjoy 1-hour ferry to the unspoiled Stewart Island or stay mainland to dig into Southern Scenic Route’s fascinating history at Bluff Maritime Museum, embark on ornithologist walking tracks and taste Bluff oysters, reputed to be the world’s best.

Disembark in South Island’s second biggest city Dunedin, crammed with beautifully preserved Victorian and Edwardian architectures, as well as Lord of the Rings-worthy landscapes.