New Zealand Intensive Cruise: Bay Of Islands, Nelson & Wellington

The New Zealand Intensive Cruise: Bay Of Islands, Nelson & Wellington is a 10-night New Zealand cruise aboard Azamara Pursuit, operated by Azamara. Departing Auckland on February 4, 2028, the voyage visits 8 ports. Fares start from $3,479 per person.

Length: 10 nights
Departs: Feb 4, 2028
Returns: Feb 14, 2028
Ports of call: 8
Days at sea: 2

from $3,479

$347 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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from $3,479 pp

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Itinerary

Day 1 Feb 4, 2028 Auckland Departs 18:00 Adorned with a harbor and a spectacular bridge, the largest and most populous city in New Zealand is also one of the most beautiful. Auckland will be the next stop on your MSC World Cruise, for an extraordinary vacation in the "City of Sails", named as such for its beautiful bays and its passion for water sports and yachting. Its superb location, on a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is made even more attractive by the lush subtropical forests that surround the nearby hills and the volcanic landscapes of the surrounding islands. Another stop on your trip with MSC Cruises that can not be missed is the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. At 328 meters in height, this tower offers breathtaking sights: out of its glass windows, the view stretches for 80 kilometers in every direction. To find out all about the Maori culture and the origins of life in the ocean, you can visit the Auckland Museum, with a section dedicated to the Second World War. Here you can not only enjoy the collections on the local traditions, but also watch live vocal performances and dances by the local people. The National Maritime Museum instead will reveal the secrets of sailing in New Zealand, and at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World aquarium, you can see fish of all kinds, alternating with the recreation of fantastic arctic excursions. The city has a lot to offer in terms of art galleries, festivals and events of all kinds, related to music, cooking, wine and adventure, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and diving or shellfish. Thanks to your MSC cruise ship, you will experience unique moments in one of the most amazing cities in the world. Auckland port guide Search cruises visiting Auckland

Auckland photo — Day 1 Feb 4, 2028 Auckland Departs 18:00 Adorned with a harbor and a spectacular bridge, the largest and most populous city in New Zealand is also one of the most beautiful. Auckland will be the next stop on your MSC World Cruise, for an extraordinary vacation in the "City of Sails", named as such for its beautiful bays and its passion for water sports and yachting. Its superb location, on a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is made even more attractive by the lush subtropical forests that surround the nearby hills and the volcanic landscapes of the surrounding islands. Another stop on your trip with MSC Cruises that can not be missed is the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. At 328 meters in height, this tower offers breathtaking sights: out of its glass windows, the view stretches for 80 kilometers in every direction. To find out all about the Maori culture and the origins of life in the ocean, you can visit the Auckland Museum, with a section dedicated to the Second World War. Here you can not only enjoy the collections on the local traditions, but also watch live vocal performances and dances by the local people. The National Maritime Museum instead will reveal the secrets of sailing in New Zealand, and at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World aquarium, you can see fish of all kinds, alternating with the recreation of fantastic arctic excursions. The city has a lot to offer in terms of art galleries, festivals and events of all kinds, related to music, cooking, wine and adventure, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and diving or shellfish. Thanks to your MSC cruise ship, you will experience unique moments in one of the most amazing cities in the world. Auckland port guide Search cruises visiting Auckland

Day 2 Feb 5, 2028 Bay Of Islands, New Zealand 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore The Tasman Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east meet at the top of North Island at Cape Reinga. No matter what route you take, you'll pass farms and forests, marvellous beaches, and great open spaces. The East Coast, up to the Bay of Islands, is Northland's most densely populated, often with refugees from bigger cities—looking for a more relaxed life—clustered around breathtaking beaches. The first decision on the drive north comes at the foot of the Brynderwyn Hills. Turning left will take you up the West Coast through areas once covered with forests and now used for either agricultural or horticulture. Driving over "the Brynderwyns," as they are known, takes you to Whangarei, the only city in Northland. If you're in the mood for a diversion, you can slip to the beautiful coastline and take in Waipu Cove, an area settled by Scots, and Laings Beach, where million-dollar homes sit next to small Kiwi beach houses. An hour's drive farther north is the Bay of Islands, known all over the world for its beauty. There you will find lush forests, splendid beaches, and shimmering harbors. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 between Māoriand the British Crown, establishing the basis for the modern New Zealand state. Every year on February 6, the extremely beautiful Waitangi Treaty Ground (the name means weeping waters) is the sight of a celebration of the treaty and protests by Māori unhappy with it. Continuing north on the East Coast, the agricultural backbone of the region is even more evident and a series of winding loop roads off the main highway will take you to beaches that are both beautiful and isolated where you can swim, dive, picnic, or just laze. . The West Coast is even less populated, and the coastline is rugged and windswept. In the Waipoua Forest, you will find some of New Zealand's oldest and largest kauri trees; the winding road will also take you past mangrove swamps. Crowning the region is the spiritually significant Cape Reinga, the headland at the top of the vast stretch of 90 Mile Beach, where it's believed Māori souls depart after death. Today Māori make up roughly a quarter of the area's population (compared with the national average of about 15%). The legendary Māori navigator Kupe was said to have landed on the shores of Hokianga Harbour, where the first arrivals made their home. Many different wi (tribes) lived throughout Northland, including Ngapuhi (the largest), Te Roroa, Ngati Wai, Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngaitakoto, Ngati Kahu, and Te Rarawa. Many Māorihere can trace their ancestry to the earliest inhabitants

Day 4 Feb 7, 2028 Norfolk Island, Australia 08:00 – 14:00 6.0 hrs ashore 750 kilometers northwest of New Zealand and 1400 kilometers east of Gold Coast, NSW, Norfolk Island, an External Territory of Australia consisting of Norfolk Island and uninhabited Phillip Island and Nepean Island, was self-governed until 2015 when it came under the laws of New South Wales. Discovered by Captain Cook in 1774, the island has had different settlements, starting with Polynesians that had already disappeared before Cook’s visit, followed by convicts and soldiers in 1788. This penal colony was abandoned in 1814 yet used again from 1825 to 1855. View less The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, with its elegantly restored Georgian houses at Quality Row, is among the 11 historic Australian Convict Sites, UNESCO World Heritage. Most of today’s population can be traced back to the 194 descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives who had left Pitcairn for Norfolk in 1856. In 1867 the Church of England’s Melanesian Mission moved its headquarter to Norfolk. A few years later St Barnabas Chapel was built of stone from the ruins of the New Gaol. The wooden seats have beautiful mother-of-pearl inlay work in Solomon Island style. 14% of the island is national park and the Botanical Gardens feature plants that are endemic to Norfolk Island. Golden Whistlers, Sacred Kingfisher and Norfolk’s symbolic Green Parrot can often be seen and heard. Norfolk and close by Phillip and Nepean Islands are important breeding sites for seabirds such as Red-tailed Tropicbirds, Sooty Terns, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, and Masked Boobies. Norfolk Island, Australia port guide Search cruises visiting Norfolk Island, Australia

Norfolk Island, Australia photo — Day 4 Feb 7, 2028 Norfolk Island, Australia 08:00 – 14:00 6.0 hrs ashore 750 kilometers northwest of New Zealand and 1400 kilometers east of Gold Coast, NSW, Norfolk Island, an External Territory of Australia consisting of Norfolk Island and uninhabited Phillip Island and Nepean Island, was self-governed until 2015 when it came under the laws of New South Wales. Discovered by Captain Cook in 1774, the island has had different settlements, starting with Polynesians that had already disappeared before Cook’s visit, followed by convicts and soldiers in 1788. This penal colony was abandoned in 1814 yet used again from 1825 to 1855. View less The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, with its elegantly restored Georgian houses at Quality Row, is among the 11 historic Australian Convict Sites, UNESCO World Heritage. Most of today’s population can be traced back to the 194 descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives who had left Pitcairn for Norfolk in 1856. In 1867 the Church of England’s Melanesian Mission moved its headquarter to Norfolk. A few years later St Barnabas Chapel was built of stone from the ruins of the New Gaol. The wooden seats have beautiful mother-of-pearl inlay work in Solomon Island style. 14% of the island is national park and the Botanical Gardens feature plants that are endemic to Norfolk Island. Golden Whistlers, Sacred Kingfisher and Norfolk’s symbolic Green Parrot can often be seen and heard. Norfolk and close by Phillip and Nepean Islands are important breeding sites for seabirds such as Red-tailed Tropicbirds, Sooty Terns, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, and Masked Boobies. Norfolk Island, Australia port guide Search cruises visiting Norfolk Island, Australia

Day 6 Feb 9, 2028 New Plymouth, New Zealand 10:30 – 18:00 7.5 hrs ashore Under snow-capped Mount Taranaki unfolds the vibrant city of New Plymouth. Midway between Auckland and Wellington, this active center of the Taranaki region offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventure from its crowning peaks to its coastal plains. Explore this award-winning city like the locals do: on foot or by bike. Known for its extensive promenade, the Coastal Walkway offers eight miles of sea-edge, multi-use paths that run the entire length of the city from Bell Block mouth to Port Taranaki. Take in views of the Tasman Sea and iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge while exploring the downtown area, City Shopping Centre, Fitzroy beach, and fantastic selection of Indian restaurants.

Day 7 Feb 10, 2028 Nelson 06:00 – 18:30 12.5 hrs ashore Located on the northwest end of the South Island, Nelson enjoys the sunniest weather in New Zealand, giving it the dual nicknames “Sunny Nelson” and “Top of the South.” The city is the oldest on South Island, and the second-oldest in New Zealand, having been founded in 1841 as a speculative endeavor by a development company, which purchased land from the Maori inhabitants. The scheme did not thrive, because the arable land was too limited by mountain ranges on three sides and the Tasman Bay on the fourth. Today, however, Nelson is the biggest fishing port in the Australasian region. The town is also a renowned center for creative types including artists and artisans. It holds an annual Festival of Wearable Art and a permanent museum is dedicated to the entries and to collectible cars. The abundant sunlight helps ripen the sauvignon blanc grapes that have made the nearby Marlborough region a global wine mecca. To the west, the Abel Tasman National Park offers outdoor action, while to the east a bit, Havelock is the self-proclaimed “Greenlip Mussel Capital of the World!” The surrounding mountains are honeycombed with caverns, including some of the world’s most extensive explored caverns. Nelson port guide Search cruises visiting Nelson

Nelson photo — Day 7 Feb 10, 2028 Nelson 06:00 – 18:30 12.5 hrs ashore Located on the northwest end of the South Island, Nelson enjoys the sunniest weather in New Zealand, giving it the dual nicknames “Sunny Nelson” and “Top of the South.” The city is the oldest on South Island, and the second-oldest in New Zealand, having been founded in 1841 as a speculative endeavor by a development company, which purchased land from the Maori inhabitants. The scheme did not thrive, because the arable land was too limited by mountain ranges on three sides and the Tasman Bay on the fourth. Today, however, Nelson is the biggest fishing port in the Australasian region. The town is also a renowned center for creative types including artists and artisans. It holds an annual Festival of Wearable Art and a permanent museum is dedicated to the entries and to collectible cars. The abundant sunlight helps ripen the sauvignon blanc grapes that have made the nearby Marlborough region a global wine mecca. To the west, the Abel Tasman National Park offers outdoor action, while to the east a bit, Havelock is the self-proclaimed “Greenlip Mussel Capital of the World!” The surrounding mountains are honeycombed with caverns, including some of the world’s most extensive explored caverns. Nelson port guide Search cruises visiting Nelson

Day 8 Feb 11, 2028 Wellington 08:00 – 17:00 9.0 hrs ashore Sprawling around a hook-shaped peninsula, Wellington is a vibrant and energetic seaside capital. A compact, well-stocked city of buzzing bars and chatting cafes, New Zealand's capital is a bright and breezy place with an infectious, easy-going atmosphere. Known as the creative hub of the South Pacific, there are shows to see, art installations to enjoy, and rich flavours to savour here. The sounds of rare and beautiful birdlife fill the hills around the city, and the bush of the green belt provides easy-to-access sanctuary, strolls and cycle rides. View less The Botanical Gardens break up the buildings, even more, while an iconic, cherry-red cable car rumbles up Wellington's slope to the city's best viewpoint, looking out over the city's scenic harbour from above. Zealandia has provided an urban home for rare and endangered birdlife, bringing many species back from the brink. Varied museums cover everything from Maori traditions to earthquake simulations and even the real-life Kraken - a displayed colossal squid. Wellington is only New Zealand's third-biggest city, but spend some time here and you'll realise that's a blessing. Eminently strollable, you can stop in at countless cool cafes to top up your caffeine levels whenever your energy is flagging - the smell of a fresh artisan espresso is never far away. The wines grown nearby are revered, and the city's craft beers are also making waves. Wander the breezy waterfront, and admire the surfers riding the wind-whipped rollers of the self-proclaimed 'coolest little capital in the world'. Wellington port guide Search cruises visiting Wellington

Day 9 Feb 12, 2028 Napier, New Zealand 08:00 – 15:00 7.0 hrs ashore Where Vineyards meet the Ocean As soon as you set foot in New Zealand on your MSC World Cruise, you will see just how charming and relaxing Napier is, the most populous city in Hawke's Bay. New Zealanders love it for its climate, very similar to that in the Mediterranean, the low cost of living and its well preserved Art Deco buildings, built after the earthquake of 1931. Enjoy walking around the city centre, where the streets are named after great English writers like Shakespeare or Dickens. Napier's main street is Emerson Street, which connects Marine Parade and the city’s beach (not suitable for bathing) to Clive Square. About 5 km from the centre, on the north side of Bluff Hill, there is the original Maori village of Ahuriri, where there are now clothes shops, cafes and trendy restaurants. From Napier, an MSC day trip will take you to visit the surrounding area, which is famous for its vineyards; there is also the New Zealand Wine Centre in the city if you want to find out more about the history of wine in this country. You can independently visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand, where the ocean marine fauna includes species from Africa, Asia and Australia. If you are passionate about architecture, a visit to the Art Deco district is a must. Inspired more by Californian than European architecture, the architects who rebuilt Napier after 1931 imitated their colleagues in Santa Barbara by using Mayan, Egyptian and Maori motifs to adorn the facades of buildings. Established forty years ago, the Art Deco Trust protects the buildings by restoring the original decorative elements (don't miss the ASB Bank, the former Hotel Central, the Daily Telegraph building, the Masonic Hotel or the Municipal Theatre). For lovers of adventure and outdoor activities, there is an MSC day trip which offers you the possibility to raft down the Mohaka River rapids, just 90 km from Napier. Napier, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Napier, New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand photo — Day 9 Feb 12, 2028 Napier, New Zealand 08:00 – 15:00 7.0 hrs ashore Where Vineyards meet the Ocean As soon as you set foot in New Zealand on your MSC World Cruise, you will see just how charming and relaxing Napier is, the most populous city in Hawke's Bay. New Zealanders love it for its climate, very similar to that in the Mediterranean, the low cost of living and its well preserved Art Deco buildings, built after the earthquake of 1931. Enjoy walking around the city centre, where the streets are named after great English writers like Shakespeare or Dickens. Napier's main street is Emerson Street, which connects Marine Parade and the city’s beach (not suitable for bathing) to Clive Square. About 5 km from the centre, on the north side of Bluff Hill, there is the original Maori village of Ahuriri, where there are now clothes shops, cafes and trendy restaurants. From Napier, an MSC day trip will take you to visit the surrounding area, which is famous for its vineyards; there is also the New Zealand Wine Centre in the city if you want to find out more about the history of wine in this country. You can independently visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand, where the ocean marine fauna includes species from Africa, Asia and Australia. If you are passionate about architecture, a visit to the Art Deco district is a must. Inspired more by Californian than European architecture, the architects who rebuilt Napier after 1931 imitated their colleagues in Santa Barbara by using Mayan, Egyptian and Maori motifs to adorn the facades of buildings. Established forty years ago, the Art Deco Trust protects the buildings by restoring the original decorative elements (don't miss the ASB Bank, the former Hotel Central, the Daily Telegraph building, the Masonic Hotel or the Municipal Theatre). For lovers of adventure and outdoor activities, there is an MSC day trip which offers you the possibility to raft down the Mohaka River rapids, just 90 km from Napier. Napier, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Napier, New Zealand

Day 10 Feb 13, 2028 Tauranga, New Zealand 10:45 – 18:30 7.8 hrs ashore These “sheltered waters”, the meaning of the name Tauranga in Maori, will also shelter you while on an MSC World Cruise in New Zealand. The city extends along a narrow peninsula dotted with parks and gardens lying behind a vibrant promenade, The Strand. Tauranga is a delightful city in which you can spend half a day wandering around between shops, restaurants and art galleries. If you miss the ocean, you can take a taxi to Mount Maunganui, the name of both the mountain that protects the port of Tauranga and the district overlooking the Pacific, with its long sandy beach and surfers. One of the city's main attractions is the Tauranga Art Gallery, which opened in 2007. The gallery is housed in a former bank that was transformed inside by creating large exhibition spaces; the exterior is completely sheathed with metal panels, similar to those of medieval armour. On The Strand, there is an ad hoc structure that houses the Te Awanui, a 14-metre long carved Maori war canoe used during ritual ceremonies; it is a truly remarkable example of New Zealand’s indigenous art. If you want to relax, seek out the roses and Begonias in Robbins Park, or if you prefer to dive into the past of Tauranga, there’s nothing better than a visit to the immaculate Elms Mission House, one of New Zealand's oldest standing houses, built between 1835 and 1847 for the first missionaries. A visit to this house, which still has its original furniture, is part of an MSC tour that ensures that you don’t miss out on anything in Tauranga. If you want to go further afield, about 70 km inland you can visit Tudor-style spa bath houses and the Government Gardens near the town of Rotorua, which are well worth a visit, as are the Glow-Worm Waitomo Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set, where Peter Jackson reconstructed J.R.R Tolkien’s County for his The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Tauranga, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Tauranga, New Zealand

Tauranga, New Zealand photo — Day 10 Feb 13, 2028 Tauranga, New Zealand 10:45 – 18:30 7.8 hrs ashore These “sheltered waters”, the meaning of the name Tauranga in Maori, will also shelter you while on an MSC World Cruise in New Zealand. The city extends along a narrow peninsula dotted with parks and gardens lying behind a vibrant promenade, The Strand. Tauranga is a delightful city in which you can spend half a day wandering around between shops, restaurants and art galleries. If you miss the ocean, you can take a taxi to Mount Maunganui, the name of both the mountain that protects the port of Tauranga and the district overlooking the Pacific, with its long sandy beach and surfers. One of the city's main attractions is the Tauranga Art Gallery, which opened in 2007. The gallery is housed in a former bank that was transformed inside by creating large exhibition spaces; the exterior is completely sheathed with metal panels, similar to those of medieval armour. On The Strand, there is an ad hoc structure that houses the Te Awanui, a 14-metre long carved Maori war canoe used during ritual ceremonies; it is a truly remarkable example of New Zealand’s indigenous art. If you want to relax, seek out the roses and Begonias in Robbins Park, or if you prefer to dive into the past of Tauranga, there’s nothing better than a visit to the immaculate Elms Mission House, one of New Zealand's oldest standing houses, built between 1835 and 1847 for the first missionaries. A visit to this house, which still has its original furniture, is part of an MSC tour that ensures that you don’t miss out on anything in Tauranga. If you want to go further afield, about 70 km inland you can visit Tudor-style spa bath houses and the Government Gardens near the town of Rotorua, which are well worth a visit, as are the Glow-Worm Waitomo Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set, where Peter Jackson reconstructed J.R.R Tolkien’s County for his The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Tauranga, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Tauranga, New Zealand

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 90-day span: $3,479 · range $3,479–$3,479

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $3,479

$347 / night

Fare rows

Club Interior Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,479

$347 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Interior Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,569

$356 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Interior Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,639

$363 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Interior Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,709

$370 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

from $4,129

$412 / night

Fare rows

Club Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,129

$412 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,269

$426 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,409

$440 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,549

$454 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $4,969

$496 / night

Fare rows

Club Veranda Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,969

$496 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Veranda Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,109

$510 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Veranda Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,249

$524 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Veranda Plus Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,459

$545 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Veranda Plus Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,599

$559 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Veranda Plus Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,739

$573 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $6,929

$692 / night

Fare rows

Club Continent Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,929

$692 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Continent Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,139

$713 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Spa Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,449

$944 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club Ocean Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $10,499

$1,049 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Club World Owner Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $11,689

$1,168 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 23, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Azamara and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 24 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Club Veranda Plus Stateroom	P1	Balcony
Club Veranda Plus Stateroom	P2	Balcony
Club Veranda Plus Stateroom	P3	Balcony
Club Veranda Stateroom	V1	Balcony
Club Veranda Stateroom	V2	Balcony
Club Veranda Stateroom	V3	Balcony
Guarantee - Veranda	X	Balcony
Club Veranda Plus Stateroom - Guaranteed	XP	Balcony
Club Interior Stateroom	09	Inside
Club Interior Stateroom	10	Inside
Club Interior Stateroom	11	Inside
Club Interior Stateroom	12	Inside
Guarantee - Inside	Z	Inside
Club Oceanview Stateroom	04	Oceanview
Club Oceanview Stateroom	05	Oceanview
Club Oceanview Stateroom	06	Oceanview
Club Oceanview Stateroom	08	Oceanview
Guarantee - Oceanview	Y	Oceanview
Club Ocean Suite	CO	Suite
Club World Owner Suite	CW	Suite
Club Continent Suite	N1	Suite
Club Continent Suite	N2	Suite
Club Spa Suite	SP	Suite
Guarantee - Suite	W	Suite