Thursday, December 27, 2012

Experience the Wonders Down Under: Top Ports Cruising Australia and New Zealand




Going on a cruise is a great vacation option. Whether you're going with family, friends, a significant other, or on your own, there's no shortage of fun to be had at sea. You'll get to visit and explore a number of new exciting places on your trip and enjoy all kinds of entertainment and activities aboard your ship. If you're looking into taking a cruise, consider going to Australia and New Zealand. While these countries may not be the first ones that come to mind when you think about going on a cruise, you'd be surprised at how many interesting and exotic places you can explore in them. Here are some of the top ports you can cruise to down under.

 
Tauranga, New Zealand
Tauranga is New Zealand's sixth-largest urban area, and it serves as a gateway to Rotorua, one of New Zealand's most popular tourist attractions. After docking at the Port of Tauranga, you can explore the beautiful scenery of the area, including the vast beaches and lush reefs. Go dolphin watching on the Bay of Plenty, take a scenic hike through Tauranga Domain, or pick up souvenirs from one of the numerous shopping centers in Tauranga's suburbs.
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
A popular stop for cruises from Sydney and other Australian cities, Hobart is a city rich with Australian history. Originally founded as a penal colony in the 1800s, Hobart is now bustling with culture and beauty. The Wrest Point Hotel Casino is a big draw for tourists who want to play a game of luck, and music and art lovers can enjoy the sounds of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and the sights of the Museum of Old and New Art. A stroll through the beautifully planted Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens can wrap up your visit to Hobart in the loveliest way.
Darwin, Australia
For a real taste of the land down under, dock in Darwin and bask in the yearlong Australian sun. Though Darwin is one of Australia's most modern cities, you'll have no trouble finding adventure outdoors here. Go on a fishing trip and catch some of the Pacific's most sought-after fish. Or rent some jetskis and hit one of the city's numerous beaches. There are also a number of excellent golf courses and parks to spend your day at.
Queenstown, New Zealand
If you're a nature lover who books a cruise that stops in Queenstown, you're in for the experience of a lifetime. A short drive away is Fjordland National Park, one of New Zealand's most pristine areas of natural beauty. Hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the cliffs and can be seen while hiking through the incredible landscape. Visitors can also see seals and dolphins on the beaches, and depending on the season, whales may be sighted as well. Queenstown itself is often called the "Adventure Capital of the World", with activities like skiing, skydiving, rafting, and fishing being plentiful all year round.
With Australia and New Zealand increasing in popularity as cruise ship destinations, there has never been a better time to take a cruise to the region and experience its unique brand of adventure!




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