From Auckland to Sydney featuring overnight stays in Melbourne and Sydney calling on Tauranga, New Zealand; Napier, New Zealand; Wellington; Akaroa, New Zealand; Dunedin, New Zealand and Hobart (tasmania), Australia with 5 days at sea from $13,499

NOTE: You may choose this exclusive shore event, credit toward a customized Virtuoso on-shore event, credit toward a Virtuoso Discovery pre/post hotel stay or shipboard credit. Ask us for complete option details.

Wellington, New Zealand's capital city is characterized by the surrounding steep hills and its beautiful harbour. A cosmopolitan city, it is home to many fine museums, libraries, art galleries, theaters and parks within the central city area.

We will begin our day through New Zealand's capital to Mt. Victoria from where we will have magnificent views of the city skyline and its surroundings. Many of these buildings will be easily recognized such as Te Papa Tongarewa, an unusual modern museum that houses interactive exhibitions about the history of New Zealand. Also, Michael Fowler Events Centre & Westpac Stadium that is also known as the "cake tin" because of its shape. We will also view Wellington's iconic cable car that connects Lambton Quay, the main shopping area, with the Botanical Gardens. Continuing, we will pass New Zealand's Parliament buildings which include the aptly named "Beehive" and then Old St. Paul's Cathedral, one of the oldest wooden churches in New Zealand before we head out of Wellington City to the picturesque Akatarawa Valley where we will visit the enchanting "Efil Doog" Gardens.

"Efil Doog" Garden, which spelled backwards spells Good Life, is of international renown and has been assessed as a "Garden of Regional Significance" by the New Zealand Garden trust which aims to foster and promote the best New Zealand Gardens and Horticulture. Stretching over 11 acres, it was created by Ernest and Shirley Cosgrove who are members of the New Zealand Garden Trust, the New Zealand Horticultural Institute and Bonsai Association. Here we can view rare and unusual trees, shrubs and perennials. Wander along the paths or sit and enjoy the peace and tranquility while contemplating intriguing sculptures placed in settings of rare beauty.

After this beautiful setting we will re-board our coach for the ride back to Wellington City where an exclusive lunch awaits us at one of New Zealand's leading restaurants, Martin Bosley.

Located on spectacular Wellington Harbor this restaurant offers a fantastic waterfront location with panoramic views of the harbor and excellent service with stunning cuisine to match. Martin Bosley is the 206 winner of the edible Art Award and prides himself in his unique approach to presenting his meals in a myriad of ways. Discover new delights as Martin's passion for the plate is not only pleasing on the palate but a delight for the eyes.

After lunch, we will return to the ship.