Discover rugged coastlines, alpine scenery, vibrant cities and rich local culture on a voyage to New Zealand packed with iconic sights and relaxing days at sea.
๐ณ๏ธ Holland America Line โ 14 nights on Noordam โ Gratuities included
๐ Sydney โ Auckland ๐ 28 Feb 2027 โ $100 onboard credit
Tasmania’s capital blends colonial history with a thriving food and arts scene. Wander Salamanca Place, sample fresh local seafood, browse weekend markets or head to the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington for panoramic views across the city and surrounding waterways.
Milford Sound
One of the world’s great natural wonders, Milford Sound is famous for towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and rainforest-covered mountains. Cruising through the fiord offers front-row views of dramatic scenery, with dolphins, seals and even penguins occasionally making an appearance.
Lyttelton (Christchurch)
This colourful port town is the gateway to Christchurch, where heritage architecture, beautiful gardens and innovative urban spaces create a unique atmosphere. Explore the Botanic Gardens, ride the historic tram or discover the city’s vibrant cafรฉs and street art.
Wellington
New Zealand’s compact capital combines a stunning waterfront with a lively cultural scene. Visit the award-winning Te Papa museum, stroll Cuba Street’s cafรฉs and boutiques, or ride the iconic cable car for sweeping views over the harbour.
Tauranga (Rotorua)
Your gateway to Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s most fascinating geothermal regions. Discover bubbling mud pools, colourful hot springs and Mฤori cultural experiences, or explore lush forests and scenic lakes that showcase the country’s remarkable natural beauty.
MS Noordam – Ship Overview
Noordam sits in a comfortable middle ground that suits this itinerary well. At just under 1,972 passengers, she’s a midsize ship with a genuinely intimate feel, which matters when you’re spending 14 nights crossing the Tasman and working down the South Island. The 2024 refresh tidied up cabins and public spaces, and the overall tone is relaxed and considered rather than loud and busy.
Dining
The main dining room runs two sittings or an open seating option, and the food is a genuine step above what you’d expect at this price point. For something more considered, the Pinnacle Grill is worth booking for at least one night, and Canaletto does a solid Italian set menu. The Lido Market handles casual meals without feeling like a cafeteria.
Entertainment
Noordam doesn’t lean on spectacle. The Vista Lounge hosts evening shows and BBC Earth screenings, the Explorer’s Lounge runs classical concerts, and the Queen’s Lounge doubles as a cooking demonstration venue in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen. It’s a programme built around things to actually do rather than noise to fill the atrium.
Wellness
The Greenhouse Spa covers the essentials well: massage, facials, a thermal suite, and a hydrotherapy pool. The fitness centre is a decent size for a ship this age, with a separate aerobics studio alongside the main gym floor. If you’re happy to book treatments early in the voyage, availability is rarely a problem on a 14-night crossing.
MS Noordam Cabins
On a 14-night crossing like this one, your cabin matters more than it does on a short hop. Noordam’s staterooms are well-proportioned for a ship of this era, and the Mariner’s Dream bedding is genuinely comfortable rather than just a marketing name. The range runs from tidy interior rooms through to the two-bedroom Pinnacle Suite, so there’s a sensible option at most budgets.
Inside Cabin
Ocean View
Verandah
Signature Suite
Neptune Suite
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