A bustling city in New Zealand, Dunedin is situated on the South Island. With a mixed heritage of Maori and Scottish ancestors, along with unique Edwardian and Victorian architecture, it’s a unique place to visit whilst on a cruise. Top highlights in the city include Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Botanical Gardens and the Otago Museum.
Things to do in Dunedin:
Larnach Castle
Located on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is one of the most popular attractions in the country and boasts beautiful award-winning grounds, luxury accommodation and historic features. A unique place to visit whilst in Dunedin, it was constructed in the late 19th century.
Botanic Gardens
The Dunedin Botanic Garden is situated on the South Island of New Zealand, at the northernmost point of downtown Dunedin. The garden is situated on a spur of Signal Hill, adjacent to the Northern Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the city, and the University of Otago. Filled with beautiful plant life, it’s a tranquil place to explore whilst stopping off in Dunedin.
Otago Museum
One of the top attractions in the city, the Otago Museum has one of New Zealand's greatest museum collections, including exhibitions on culture, science, and natural history and is a must-visit whilst in the city.
Wellington
DAY 1026 Feb 2025
Time at Port: from 12 PM to 9 PM
The bustling capital of New Zealand, Wellington boasts a beautiful waterfront promenade, vibrant harbour and picturesque surroundings. With lots of different sights to discover, from the Wellington Botanic Gardens to the Wellington Cable Car and Wellington Zoo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy whilst stopping off during your cruise.
Things to do in Wellington:
Botanic Gardens
Spanning 25 hectares, the Wellington Botanic Garden is situated within easy reach of the city centre. With a variety of flora, from native forest to seasonal displays, it’s a tranquil place to explore away from the hustle and bustle.
Cable Car
A popular funicular railway, the Wellington Cable Car will take you from Lambton Quay and Kelburn. Spanning 612 metres, you’ll soar to 120 metres in the air and enjoy breathtaking views out over the city.
Wellington Zoo
Spanning 32 acres, this popular zoo is home to over 500 animals and 80 different species. Opened in 1906, it’s the ultimate family day out when visiting Wellington.
Napier
DAY 1127 Feb 2025
Time at Port: from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
A picturesque coastal city on the North Island of New Zealand, Napier is renowned for its vineyards and natural attractions. Top attractions in Napier include the National Aquarium of New Zealand, the Bluff Hill Lookout and the MTG Hawke’s Bay art gallery.
Things to do in Napier:
National Aquarium
Opened in 1957, the National Aquarium of New Zealand is home to a variety of marine life. A popular attraction in the city, it’s situated in the vibrant Marine Parade within moments of the centre. Popular with families and couples alike, this aquarium is a wonderful place to discover the marine life in the area and escape the hustle and bustle.
Bluff Hill Lookout
Once home to an artillery battery, this picturesque and historic lookout is the perfect place to enjoy incredible views out over the city and ocean. A relaxing landmark to visit, it provides plenty of opportunities for unforgettable photographs.
MTG Hawke’s Bay
Not only is this a popular museum, but also a theatre and art gallery in the centre of the city. Comprising three buildings, this modern landmark is the perfect place to see artworks, a show or even discover more about the city itself.
Tauranga
DAY 1228 Feb 2025
Time at Port: from 10 AM to 8 PM
A vibrant harbourside city located in the picturesque Bay of Plenty in New Zealand, Tauranga is home to an array of historic and modern attractions, including the Tauranga Art Gallery, Waimarino Water & Adventure Park and the Fernland Spa. With so much to see and do, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what you experience during your time there!
Things to do in Tauranga:
Art Gallery
Situated in the Western Bay of Plenty, the Tauranga Art Gallery is home to an array of exhibits, from historical pieces to modern art. A cultural attraction that’s popular with tourists and locals alike, the variety of artworks on show are bound to impress.
Adventure Park
This fun park is full of watersports, from kayaks to inflatable climbing walls. There’s even spaces for picnics - the ultimate place to explore during your time in Tauranga and one that’s bound to be a hit with the little ones!
Fernland Spa
Alternatively, you could head to the sumptuous Fernland Spa. Within easy reach of the heart of the city, it boasts mineral springs, hot pools, a large pool that’s surrounded by native foliage, 8 spacious private pools and more!
Auckland
DAY 1301 Mar 2025
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
The beautiful and vibrant city of Auckland is popular with those visiting New Zealand due to its array of attractions, including the Auckland Domain park, bustling harbour and seaside promenade. An oasis of music, art and food, this captivating city has something for everyone.
Things to do in Auckland:
Sky Tower
Situated in the heart of the city, the Sky Tower is the tallest building in New Zealand. In the Central Business District, this popular attraction stands an impressive 328m tall. An icon of the skyline, you can take in breathtaking views from the top of it.
Auckland Zoo
Spanning over 16 hectares, the Auckland Zoo is also located in the centre of the city. Over 100 years old, it’s home to 2,800 animals and over 130 different species. With so many different exhibits to see, this captivating attraction is a wonderful place to visit regardless of who you’re travelling with.
Botanic Gardens
Auckland Botanic Gardens spans an impressive 156 acres, including 10 hectares of forest. Opened in 1982, it attracts over 1 million visitors each year due to its vast plant life. A beautiful attraction, this historic botanic garden is located in Manurewa.
Bay of Islands
DAY 1402 Mar 2025
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 3 PM
Three hours from Auckland, the beautiful Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands. Situated between the Purerua Peninsula and Cape Brett, there are a wide selection of attractions on the islands that make up the bay, including the Parrot Place, Rainbow Falls and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Things to do in Bay of Islands:
The Parrot Place
This beautiful attraction boasts subtropical islands and an impressive variety of exotic parrots. In the attraction you can get up close and personal with the birds, take pictures and explore their habitats.
Rainbow Falls
This breathtaking attraction is a single waterfall that’s located on the Kerikeri River. Surrounded by a variety of flora and fauna, including basalt and mudstone, it makes for a tranquil adventure whilst in the Bay of Islands.
Waitangi Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds showcases New Zealand’s history and is considered to be a national treasure. Offering an interactive experience, two museums, cultural performances and guided tours, this fun attraction is perfect for all the family.
Brisbane
DAY 1705 Mar 2025
Time at Port: from 10 AM to 9 PM
The capital of Queensalnd, Brisbane is a laid back city with an abundance of attractions, including the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, botanical gardens and the Gallery of Modern Art. Beloved for its warm climate, it’s also full of al fresco restaurants, wildlife and modern skyscrapers.
Things to do in Brisbane:
Koala Sanctuary
Spanning 18 hectares, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was founded in 1927. The largest and oldest of its kind, there are over 80 different species that call it their home. A tranquil attraction within easy reach of the city centre, it makes for a fun day out.
Botanic Gardens
Situated at the heart of the city, the Brisbane Botanical Gardens are surrounded by skyscrapers and provide a welcome break from the hustle and bustle. Top highlights within the gardens include the ornamental ponds and bamboo grove.
Gallery of Modern Art
Located in the Queensland Cultural Centre on Kurilpa Point next to the popular Queensland Art Gallery, the modern art gallery is the largest of its kind in Australia. Within it, amongst an array of exhibits and collections, there is a cinematheque.
Flight departs
DAY 17-18
Hotel stay included
Bangkok Hotel Stay - 3 Nights
We don't know the hotel yet but it will be centrally located, a minimum of 4 stars, selected from our list of preferred hotels & based on a 'room only' board basis. Local government city taxes & local resort fees may be payable.
Customer reviews for Norwegian Sun
3.8
Based on 4 reviews
Cabin
3.8
Service
3.8
Excursions
3.8
Dining
3.8
Activities
3.8
Value for money
3.8
Entertainment
3.8
We were on a cruise to South America starting on the 9th. March, 17, visiting Chile, Falkland Islands and Argentina. Before the cruise, we stayed 3 nights in Santiago, in Santa Lucia District. Its in a Local residential area, full of hotels, bars and restaurants. Its very near the main shopping malls and the place where we stayed in, was quiet at night. We had booked TUR BUS on line before departure from UK and on the day of sailing we took a taxi from Santiago to Valparaiso for the bus to the port. The bus stops well away from the ship port and you have to take a taxi to the port. It costs us$12 in total and worth it.While waiting to check in at the port for ship embarkation, there was no announcement that the ship could not come to the port because the berth was taken up by a cargo ship. After waiting for over three hours, we finally boarded the ship. We have been sailing with NCL over a number of years and have visited almost all the ports of call in USA, Canada and Europe. We have been on this ship before but the facilities have been run down to cut cost. The quality of food did not vary from day to day, the entertainment on the ship was worst than before, there was no parties on the pool deck when on sea or Barbecues as before. Although the staff in general were quite helpful and courteous but watch out for the security check when disemarking at ports. Securitykept on telling the customers to put their DINEROS(loose change) in the small tray she was handing out. When customers put their money in the tray, she said its all right, don't worry about it and she had problems with customers who found it hard to understand why is she saying one thing and then saying don't worry about it. I wanted to go out to the port and handed in my card. She swiped the card and as I was about to go she said wait and after couple of minutes, said you can go. When I asked her for my card, she said that the tender is coming and I have to wait. You can see the problem she has caused and its the customer who is blamed for everything and not the staff. Otherwise the cruise was fantastic and the weather was excellent going round the Cape Horn and very sunny and virtually no wind in Port Stanley. The NCL Sun is more likely to be replaced by NEW ship BLISS but its time for NCL to look at the behavior of their staff towards their customers.We definitely would not sail on NCL Sun again because of poor management, lack of entertainment, which is the worst I have seen on any of the NCL line, the cruise director laughs at his own jokes and does not think outside the box. Its time for NCL to either train their staff to be customer friendly or fire them, get another cruise director and entertainment staff and variety of performers and not the same old performers on the ship coming two or three times doing the same things.
Verified customer
1 cruise
18 Apr 2017
BA flight to Tampa 4/10 Tampa Hotel 7/10 This was our first 'normal' cruise previously done Star Clipper x 2. The advice and suggestion from Saam was spot on, the ship was the right size for us, we saw the Epic in port and that really is too big! The experience was very enjoyable and I have no major complaints. The ship is 14 years old and showing a bit of 'wear and tear'. The main buffet area is OK but like a motor service area, however the food was good and lots of choice, the 'free style' dining definitely worked for us. The speciality restuarants were very good, we tried French, Brazilian and Tepanyaki. The two main restuarants Seven Seas and Four Seasons were generally good, service was great, food was average. Our cabin was great and service A1. The onboard facilities were good, we always got a sun bed and pleanty of room on the decks. The spa was pricey and not good value, sales pitch is quite heavy and it is easy to be 'confused' with the costs. The shows ,jersey Boys & We will Rock You' were amazing, as good as West End shows. The bar service was hit and miss, often slow and not as customer service focused as other services, maybe because they are not on the tip rota? The wifi was very expensive.
Verified customer
1 cruise
20 Jan 2015
Dear all This was our first cruise - we had no expectations and we were not really disappointed. Seasoned cruisers will tell you that the ship was not the best, in fact not good at all compared to other lines and ships. The price we paid, the value was very good. Please be aware that the ship deals in dollars, if the rate for sterling is low everything is v expensive! If you get a good deal - go on the trip - if you are looking for a cruise with all the trimmings - don't bother.
Verified customer
1 cruise
3 Jul 2010
The ship was very clean and the staff overall very good. Some would even help you with opening the heavy doors. Our cabin staff were excellent. Clean towels twice a day and nothing was too much trouble. There were two resident groups singing during our 3 week cruise through the Panama Canal, needless to say they repeated songs on a daily basis and never upped the beat. The food was great, only one comment and that was in the Pacific Heights Restaurant the menu stayed the same for 3 weeks. Not sure why.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.