13 Night Australia New Zealand Cruise Tour on Celebrity Solstice
13-Night Land & Cruise Tour of NZ & Australia with a Focus on Wine.
 Our Rate Includes Roundtrip Airfare from Los Angeles, Taxes, the Tours Noted, the 12-Night Cruise, & Cruise Gratuities. This cruise is a Cruise Holidays Luxury Cruise Counselors Exclusive! It will be escorted by renowned Virginia vintner, Claude DelFosse of DelFosse Vineyard & Winery located in Faber, Virginia. Originally from Paris, France, Claude today owns and operates one of Virginia's finest and fastest growing wineries set in the picturesque rolling hills near Charlottesville, Virginia. This will be Claude's 3rd wine-themed escorted tour. After leading highly successful wine-themed cruises of the Mediterranean and through Burgundy & Provence in his native France, Claude has selected perhaps his most spectacular destination yet for his 3rd escorted cruise. This cruise and land tour will travel through some of New Zealand's and Australia's richest wine regions. For many, a trip Downunder is a must in their lifetime. Here is your opportunity. Travel with the piece of mind offered by a fully escorted tour at a highly attractive price that includes all of the following:
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Day-to-Day Itinerary: |
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| Date | Details |
| January 1, 2013 | Depart Los Angeles for Auckland, New Zealand (cross the International Date Line). |
| January 3, 2013 Auckland, New Zealand |
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand. After collecting your luggage and clearing immigration, you will be transferred to your hotel, the Rydges Auckland. The Rydges Auckland is one of Auckland's newest hotels, set in close proximity to all the must-see sights of Auckland. Just 2 blocks from Auckland's landmark Sky Tower, the Rydges is also just a short stroll to Viaduct Harbour, Auckland's scenic waterfront. |
| January 4, 2013 Auckland, New Zealand |
Included Tour! After a breakfast on your own, you'll be greated by our tour guide for a full-day of touring. Today's tour will start with a relaxing 10 kilometer tour of the Auckland harbor front through Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and Heliers Bay. Along the way, take in the panoramic views of Rangitoto and Waiheke Island from Point England lookout. From here, our guide will take us to the MV Sea Cat at Half Moon Bay for our journey to Waiheke Island. The journey to Waiheke Island aboard this modern and comfortable vessel takes 45 before. Upon arrival at Kennedy Point, we'll visit Palm Bay and Onetangi Beach. Then we'll visit the iconic Stonyridge Vineyard, established in 1982 by Stephen White. We'll enjoy a tasting of the winery's estate varieties and its Fallen Angel regional wines before enjoying an open menu one course lunch in its cafe. Next, we'll drop in Rangihoua Estate Olive Growers to sample their award winning range of oils, pestos and dips. From here, we'll travel on to enjoy a reserve tasting at beautiful Mudbrick Vineyard. Finally, we'll end with a sampling of a flight of wines at the stunning Cable Bay Vineyard, before boarding the 4:30 p.m. return ferry to Auckland to transfer to our ship, the stunning Celebrity Solstice. |
| January 5, 2013 Tauranga, New Zealand |
Optional Tour! |
| January 6, 2013 |
Leisurely Day at Sea Aboard Celebrity Solstice |
| January 7, 2013 Wellington, New Zealand |
Included Tour! We'll be greeted shortly after our arrival into Wellington by our awaiting guide and motor coach. Our first stop will be Mt. Victoria Summit offering 360 degree city and harbour views. We'll then travel one way on the Wellington Cable Car for scenic views over this incredible landscape. Next stopp will be Wellington Botanic Gardens. We'll make a mid-morning stop at the tea/coffee cafe in the gardens before visiting the Parliament Grounds. Next, we'll take a scenic drive via Rimutaka Ranges to Martinborough. Here, we'll have a lunch and wine tasting at Tirohana Estate. The lunch will feature 2 courses and 1 glass of wine, plus tea or coffee. We'll then travel to Martinborough Vineyard for a wine tasting, following by a third tasting at another premier Martinborough winery (if time allows). We'll return to the ship by 5 p.m. |
| January 8, 2013 |
Christchurch, New Zealand (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) |
| January 9, 2013 |
Dunedin, New Zealand (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) |
| January 10, 2013 |
Scenic Cruising through Dusty Sound, Doubtful Sound & Milford Sound, New Zealand. |
| January 11, 2013 |
Leisurely Day at Sea aboard Celebrity Solstice |
| January 12, 2013 |
Leisurely Day at Sea aboard Celebrity Solstice |
| January 13, 2013 Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
Optional Tour! Experience the tranquility of pristine rainforest, tall tree ferns and majestic Russell Falls at Mt Field National Park. Travel north west skirting Mt Wellington and follow the Derwent River. Look for native birds along the shores of the Derwent River. View the beautiful Derwent Valley tiny towns, agriculture and New Norfolk. Experience the stillness of rainforest fern glades at Mt Field National Park. Majestic tall tree ferns provide a canopy of a delightful walk alongside a forest stream. Witness the spectacle of Russell Falls and enjoy lunch of fresh local Tasmanian Salmon complimented by a glass of wine. Enjoy feeding trout and salmon at the oldest trout hatchery in the southern hemisphere and visit the museum of trout fishing. Return alongside the Derwent river crossing the Bowen bridge before returning to Hobart. Rate: $150 per person. |
| January 14, 2013 |
Leisurely Day at Sea aboard Celebrity Solstice |
| January 15, 2013 Sydney, Australia (arrive 9 a.m./ overnight on ship) |
Included Tour! This tour is the ideal introduction to Sydney because it includes major highlights and a guided tour of Australia's most iconic building , the Sydney Opera House. Our tour highlights all the city's major landmarks - Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney's birthplace, Parliament House, Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral, Art Gallery of NSW and the Domain. We will visit the famous Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for superb views of the harbour and city skyline before heading out of the city through Sydney's red light district Kings Cross. We will travel through the exclusive Eastern suburbs of Double Bay and Vaucluse to The Gap for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Heads before arriving at the famous Bondi Beach, one of Australia's favourite beaches. Finally we will return to the city via the historic and trendy suburb of Paddington to the Opera House where we will join a comprehensive guided tour of this famous building. |
| January 16, 2013 Sydney, Australia |
Our cruise aboard Celebrity Solstice ends today. You have two options. Take the included transfers from the ship to the airport to fly home, or opt for the optional Sydney Extension. |
Optional Sydney Extension! Extend your stay an extra night. You'll be met at the ship by a guide and coach for a full day tour to the Hunter Valley Travel North of Sydney and pass magnificent views of the Hawkesbury River. See the remains of a convict built road winding into the Hunter Valley and stroll around historic Wollombi Village. Enjoy a private wine tasting experience at world renowned Lindemans, then visit Hunter Resort and enjoy a presentation on how the winery operates. A delicious luncheon is accompanied by wine tasting complimented with specially chosen wines. Have the opportunity to visit Bluetongue Brewery and perhaps try a tasting paddle of the available varieties (own expense). Further tasting include a visit to Oakvale Winery. Last stop will be the Hunter Valley Gardens Village, a quaint little township within the Hunter Valley. Have free time to explore the many hidden delights in the garden village. The optional entry to the Hunter Valley Gardens offers visitors a magical experience through the 60 acres of colour and fragrance. Overnight at the Metro Hotel on Pitt. Extension Rate, including one night hotel, Hunter Valley Tour, & transfers from hotel to airport on January 17, 2013: $400 per person. Rates begin at $4,299 per person. Rates vary according to cruise stateroom category you select. |
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Details
- Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Cruise Ship
- Celebrity Solstice
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Auckland | 8:00 PM | |
| Day 2 | Tauranga | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Day 3 | At Sea | ||
| Day 4 | Wellington | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Day 5 | Christchurch | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Day 6 | Dunedin | 7:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Continued | Dusky Sound | 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM |
| Continued | Doubtful Sound | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Day 7 | Milford Sound | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Day 8 | At Sea | ||
| Day 9 | At Sea | ||
| Day 10 | Hobart | 7:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Day 11 | At Sea | ||
| Day 12 | Sydney | 9:00 AM | |
| Day 13 | Sydney |
- Dates/Pricing
- Cultural/Educational
- Photography
- Classes/Instruction
- Wine Tasting
- Disclaimer
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. Taxes are included.
