Detailed Itinerary
Embark Azamara Pursuit beginning at 1:00PM. All aboard by 4:30PM.
Welcome Cocktails & Briefing this evening. Meet your fellow participants and PerryGolf staff.
SIGHTSEEING: Auckland is the capital and most populous city in New Zealand. The only city in the world built on an active basaltic volcanic field; its warm, coastal climate allows for surfing at black-sand beaches, picnics in secluded coves, or horseback riding. Tour a sheep farm, take a guided tour of the coastal rainforest, or go on a harbor cruise. Immerse yourself in Auckland’s art, Māori culture, and history. View the beauty of the coastline from above when you go hang gliding, or take a trip around the winemaking regions of either Matakana or Waiheke Island.
Overnight: At Sea
GOLF: Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. It is a par 72 championship golf course that measures 7,119 yards with a selection of five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Tee selection is an important decision here, with gorges and fairways with some of the healthiest and thickest grass in the world making it easy to mount up a tally of lost balls. Fifteen holes view the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs which plunge to the sea. The beautiful inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland. Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked by Golf Digest as #39 among the top 100 in the world.
Short VIDEO - Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
SIGHTSEEING: Waitangi in the Bay of Islands is the home of the Māori culture. If one of us walks right up, leans in close, and touches noses with you, don’t be alarmed. We’re just saying a friendly “hongi” hello. You may have seen the haka dance, which has been made famous by the New Zealand Rugby team before the start of a match or watched the movie Whale Rider. However when it comes to really understanding and appreciating the Māori culture and people, the best way to do so is visit Waitangi. Māori chiefs signed their 1840 accord with the British Crown at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, making it New Zealand’s most historic site. Not only does Waitangi honour the birthplace of a nation and offer stunning views of the Bay of Islands, but it also features cultural and musical performances, including, yes, the haka. So if you’ve ever wanted to dive into an absolute treasure trove of all things Māori, come with us to Waitangi.
Enjoy Bay of Islands on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
All guests disembark Azamara Journey in Tauranga this morning for the off-ship excursion to the Kinloch Club, Taupo and Cape Kidnappers. Take the scenic drive to the Kinloch Club on Lake Taupo (2hrs 15 mins). Lunch on arrival. Arrangements for disembarking will be reconfirmed onboard.
GOLF: The Kinloch Club. A recent addition to New Zealand’s golf selection, opening in 2007 as Jack Nicklaus’s signature course. Although the course is situated far inland it pays homage to British Links. Situated on volcanic terrain it seamlessly blends the raw links style into age old kiwi sheep farming territory, surrounded by craggy hills and scenic views of the imposing Lake Taupo. It is now considered by many golf experts to be the #1 course in New Zealand and is sure to give even the most experienced golfer a rugged test.
SIGHTSEEING: Non-Golfers will enjoy a visit the Huka Falls, where the Waikato River, normally up to 100m wide, abruptly narrows to just 15m. This causes a huge volume of water to collide and funnel through the rocky gorge, forming the spectacularly powerful falls and rapids.
Continue to the Crater of the Moon, an active geothermal field and a formidable volcanic example of the inner earth’s fiery inferno bursting forth, The terrain is filled with exposed steam vents and is constantly shifting, collapsing and reforming, giving Craters of the Moon its iconic uninhabited, otherworldly appearance. Check in at the Hilton Lake Taupo by late afternoon.
This evening our group will enjoy dinner and drinks at a local restaurant in Taupo.
Overnight: Hilton Lake Taupo
Following breakfast guests will take the scenic drive from Taupo to Cape Kidnappers (3hrs 15 mins including stops). On arrival we will enjoy a light lunch prior to golf.
GOLF: Cape Kidnappers is consistently rated the #1 course in New Zealand and has received critical acclaim from around the golfing world. This Tom Doak design occupies a huge expanse of property, with the drive from the public road to the clubhouse taking you through a sheep and cattle station. The golf course is set on pristine land, wedged between the station and the huge cliffs of the Cape. The much photographed course has a number of holes separated by deep ravines which run down to the South Pacific Ocean. The course also offers commanding views over the wine region of Hawke's Bay and the nearby small port town of Napier.
SIGHTSEEING: Napier is located in Hawke’s Bay on the eastern coast of the North Island. It has a population of 60,000 and together with its sister city Hastings, is referred to as one of “The Bay Cities.” Its exceptional concentration of 1930s Art Deco architecture is symptomatic of the city having been razed by the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake. Make a pilgrimage to Pania of the Reef, a statue of a figure of Māori mythology, and one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country. Take a guided walk around the city, or visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
Enjoy Napier on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
SIGHTSEEING: Wellington is located at the southwestern tip of the North Island of New Zealand and is often referred to as “the coolest little capital in the world”. It has fantastic nightlife, including renowned entertainment district of Courtenay Place as well as an internationally recognized coffee culture which has made Wellington both a cosmopolitan and relaxed city. From 19th-century wooden cottages to streamlined art deco structures, the city is filled with sculptures, fountains, and art galleries; be sure to visit The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum and art gallery. Take a ride on the Wellington Cable Car, enjoy stunning panoramic views from the top of Mount Victoria, or tour the famous Oscar-winning Weta Cave—home to props, collectibles, and souvenirs of such movies as Lord of the Rings, Avatar, Man of Steel, and Narnia.
Enjoy Wellington on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
SIGHTSEEING: Nelson is nestled on the shores of Tasman Bay at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, and is named after explorers Abel Tasman and Lord Horatio Nelson. The region is steeped in Māori history, but it’s also a vibrant urban hub where you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, alfresco dining, and hundreds of retail outlets. Take your time exploring the quaint heart of the city and its tree-lined streets. Climb up to point zero and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the area—two massive bays surrounded by hills and mountains. An area of extraordinary beauty, the Nelson Tasman region is home to several film locations from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Enjoy Nelson on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
SIGHTSEEING: Picton is a seaside town situated in the Marlborough region, close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island and can act as a great starting point for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. The area offers a variety of adventures including fishing, swimming, and bird watching—not to mention enjoying delicious local seafood. The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum is also a popular attraction, showcasing the fascinating adventures of the Edwin Fox, one of the oldest ships in the world, as she sailed around the globe. Take a wine tour through one of the vineyards of Picton, and sample acclaimed wines such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Visit the playful fur seal pups at their colony near the waterfall at Ohau Point or conquer The Queen Charlotte Track on foot or by mountain bike.
Enjoy Picton on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
GOLF: Christchurch Golf Club has a proud history that dates back to 1873. The club is the second oldest in New Zealand and the fifth oldest outside the United Kingdom. Its Shirley Links course has held numerous New Zealand Open and Amateur Championships. In 1990 it hosted the World Amateur Team Championship. The course is renowned world-wide as a challenging championship course of the highest quality which offers a fair test of golf for both club and professional golfer. The Club Patron is former Club Champion Sir Bob Charles, New Zealand’s most successful professional golfer, best known for winning the 1963 British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, England.
SIGHTSEEING: “Otautahi”, “The Garden City”, “The Most English City outside England”. Christchurch may go by many names, but one thing is certain: there’s so much to see and do in this lovely, energetic city you’re going to have to plan strategically. You can go punting through the city center on the Avon River, or hop on a tram, double-decker bus, or bike to take advantage of the excellent cycleways and paths. Or why not head to the Christchurch Gondola for a spectacular 360° view of the City, Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, and Banks Peninsula? No matter where you end up be sure to get a taste of Christchurch’s food scene. Enjoy everything Māori Hāngī and an afternoon of high tea, to traditional meat pies, whitebait fritters, and fish and chips. Try a dessert of Anzac biscuits, pavlova, or hokey pokey ice cream and top it all off with a glass of world-renowned sauvignon blanc or a local craft beer.
Enjoy Christchurch on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
GOLF: Otago Golf Club was formed in 1871 and is one of the oldest golf clubs in the entire Southern Hemisphere. In 1893 the first New Zealand Amateur Championship was held here, and The Otago has gone on to host this tournament on ten further occasions. In 1971, the great Peter Thomson won the New Zealand Open at The Otago. Other golfing legends such as Gene Sarazen, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player have graced this historical golf course’s fairways.
SIGHTSEEING: Dunedin is located on the southwest coast of the South Island of New Zealand, bordered by the Tasman Sea. The gold rush in the early 1860s made it the richest province in the country, and brought people from far and wide in search of wealth. Settled by Scotland, a statue of the poet Robbie Burns looks over the Octagon in the city’s center. Take a guided tour around the city and view the Flemish architecture and the Otago Peninsula. Stroll along one of the many beautiful, white sandy beaches. View some of the wildlife unique to the area, like the Northern Royal Albatross, the Little Blue Penguin, and the Kiwi. Learn more about local culture at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, where you’ll discover the story of the people who settled here.
Enjoy Dunedin on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
SIGHTSEEING: An afternoon arrival into iconic Milford Sound, where we make a scenic cruise of this incredible fjord before continuing our coastal cruising from New Zealand to Australia.
Overnight: At Sea
Today it’s time to relax and reset. Make your reservations early for The Sanctum Spa, a world-class wellness facility offering a full range of health, beauty and restorative treatments. Complimentary fitness and nutrition classes are available along with a fully equipped gym on Deck 9 offering magnificent sea views. There’s room for everyone on the Pool Deck both in and out of the sun. Service to your lounge chair is available from The Pool Bar where the attentive staff is always ready to offer an inclusive cocktail, beer, bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel. The Patio restaurant serves casual fare during the day then completely transforms itself into a sit-down al fresco dining experience at night with table linens and candles. Elegant specialty dining is available for beef at Prime C and Italian at Aqualina. Windows Café serves casual buffet dining with every imaginable choice indoors and out at the sensational Sunset Bar.
What a way to spend a day!
Overnight: At Sea
Another relaxing sea day onboard Azamara Pursuit, cruising the Tasman Sea enroute for Tasmania.
Overnight: At Sea
GOLF: Tasmania Golf Club is surrounded by water on three sides and perched atop the picturesque Barilla Bluff. This scenic and enjoyable layout is routinely ranked among the top three in Tasmania. A frequent host of the Australian Amateur and Tasmanian Open, the club moved to its current location in 1971 with this course designed by noted architect Al Howard. The course measures 6,820 yards with a par of 72 for the men and 6,056 yards with a par of 74 for the women. Accurate driving is imperative throughout and the 165-yard par-3 18th delivers a delightful finale.
SIGHTSEEING: Hobart is the capital and most populous city in Tasmania, filled with old world charm. Stroll along the historic waterfront – famous for its Georgian architecture – and take in the sights. Make your way to Salamanca Place filled with rows of sandstone buildings. Head just outside of the city to Mount Wellington, which serves as a picture perfect backdrop to the city, and do a little hiking. Or, to explore further, take a day trip to discover the vast beauty of Bruny Island, drive along the Easy Coast Escape to Freycinet National Park, or learn more about Tasmania’s past as a penal colony at Port Arthur Historic Site.
Enjoy Hobart on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: In Port - Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
A second day to enjoy Hobart on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
Another relaxing day onboard Azamara Pursuit, enjoying its many amenities.
Overnight: At Sea
SIGHTSEEING: If you’re chasing paradise along the shores of the Sapphire Coast, you’ll find it in Eden. Set on the breath-taking Twofold Bay, Eden’s laid-back atmosphere, charming locals, and stunning natural surroundings make it a destination you’ll never want to leave. Start by making your way to the Eden Lookout, where the best views of Twofold Bay are found. In the distance, marvel at the vast hinterland, as well as Boyd’s tower – an elaborate structure crafted from sandstone that was once used as a lookout for whale spotting.
If adventure is calling your name, pay a visit to Ben Boyd National Park for an up-close look at Australia’s coastal wilderness. While you’re here, enjoy an unforgettable bush walk that makes its way through the forests and rugged headlands of the region before arriving on the sandy beach for some much-deserved relaxation. History buffs will want to spend time at the Eden Killer Whale Museum to learn the unbelievable story of the Killers of Eden – a pod of killer whales who worked alongside humans to help them hunt baleen whales.
Foodies will feel right at home in Eden, as the area is renowned for its award-winning cheese and dairy products, as well as for the fresh seafood served daily in the restaurants and cafes near Snug Cove. Before returning to your boutique hotel at sea, take time to sample the signature Sydney Rock Oyster – the only true Australian oyster – which is well known for its creamy sweet flavoring.
Enjoy Eden on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
Disembark Azamara Pursuit by 9:00AM.
SIGHTSEEING: Your first stop should be the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Sydney Opera House, a prominent feature of Sydney’s famous skyline. Get out and explore the streets to shop, dine, and view spectacular architecture and heritage buildings including Parliament House, Sydney Town Hall, and the Australian Museum. For a chance to feel like you’re away from the city without having to travel far, hop on the ferry and head to Manly Beach to enjoy miles and miles of white sand and turquoise water. In nearby Darling Harbor you can visit The Rocks, where much of Sydney’s past is hidden in plain sight alongside hip restaurants, cafés, and shops, not to mention spectacular views of Sydney’s other iconic landmark—the Harbor Bridge.
Fitness Center and
Spa
Cabaret Lounge
Indulgences
Guest Laundry Facility
