CME Cruise Conference

Auckland, New Zealand - Shop along the picturesque waterfront of this ever-expanding city, home to one-third of the country's population. From museums housing Maori artifacts to extinct volcanic peaks, this pedestrian-friendly city is the perfect combination of nature and commerce.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand - With its warm azure waters, golden beaches and some of the bluest skies on the planet, Bay of Islands is a magnet for the vacationally deprived. Some 150 isles, many still secluded, and a handful of coastal towns make up New Zealand's favorite holiday haven. Waitangi is your historic hotbed imbued in Maori myth and legends. Then there's Russell, the tranquil fishing town, Kerikeri with its wineries and orchards, and pretty Paihia, with its semi-central location - the perfect jumping-off point to everything the beautiful Bay of Islands has to offer.

Tauranga, New Zealand - The "Bay of Plenty" was named by Captain Cook after the prosperous Maori villages of the region generously replenished his supplies. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center and a popular seaside resort. Tauranga is the gateway to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture and New Zealand's primary tourist attraction.

Tauranga, meaning "sheltered waters" in Maori, is rich with native culture and tradition. Waterskiing, windsurfing and deep-sea fishing abound in Tauranga Harbour. Rotorua with its healing, natural mineral springs is an ideal place to unwind in a therapeutic bath.

Napier, New Zealand - Napier, a port city in the Hawke Bay region of New Zealand, is the art deco capital of the world. After a 7.9 magnitude earthquake, and subsequent fires, destroyed most of its commercial center in 1931, the city was rebuilt in the flamboyant art deco style prevalent at the time. The clean geometric lines, neon clocks and brightly lit fountains lend Napier a movie-set feel. Napier also boasts the highest number of sunshine hours of any town in the country, a feature that has made this region one of New Zealand's most important wine-producing areas.

Picton, New Zealand - Imagine a scene of regal sailboats floating atop blue waters, hugged by a picturesque landscape of rolling green mountains and cloud sprinkled skies. This is Picton, New Zealand, a charming seaside town at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound. Settled by early 19th century whalers, Picton is now a bustling seaport surrounded by award winning restaurants, delightful local art galleries, water sports' activities plus beautiful yet challenging nature trails.

Wellington, New Zealand - The fact that Wellington has become New Zealand's fastest-growing weekend destination tells you something about the city. Once merely its political capital, the city's calendar is packed with celebrations, festivals and some of the country's best theater and dance. Sandwiched between steep hills on one side and the ocean on the other, New Zealand's second-largest city is a walker's paradise. Because so much of the city is within walking distance, you'll never feel the need to hire a cab. And considering the number of cafes, bars and nightclubs that line the streets, you'll probably never feel the need to go to bed, either.

Christchurch, New Zealand - Discover the second-largest New Zealand city and urban hub of the vast Canterbury region, celebrated for its alpine landscapes, marine wildlife, and protected dark skies. Visitors stopping here on a New Zealand cruise will find vibrant street art splashed across prominent city sites, a booming arts and hospitality scene embracing new laneways and dining precincts, and diverse city attractions.

World-class architecture and design meet skilfully restored heritage treasures set between vast areas of green parks and gardens alongside the banks of the ambling Avon River. The central city is flat, easy for walking and cycling, or you can take the scenic route on a heritage tramway. Beyond the city, explore the diverse natural playground of the Port Hills and craggy Banks Peninsula with its walks, cycling tracks, and New Zealand’s longest chairlift, where the views stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps.

Dunedin, New Zealand - Dunedin is the second-largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, after Christchurch to the north. It is located in the Otago region on the southeast coast of New Zealand and serves as the region’s principal city. Dunedin cruise passengers will find a stunning, energetic city center situated at the end of a long inlet. As your ship pulls into port, admire the extinct volcano, Mount Cargill, or simply stare into the shimmering sea.

Dusky Sound - Steep cliffs that have been carved over centuries by dozens of waterfalls surround the largest and most complex of the many fjords along the New Zealand coast, Dusky Sound. It's also a wildlife paradise, with seals and dolphins patrolling the water, and birds like broad billed prions, mottled petrels and sooty shearwaters floating on the overhead thermals.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Sydney, Australia - The whole world's in love with Sydney. It's stylish, it's sophisticated, it's home to some of the friendliest people on the planet. And yes, a few koalas, if you know where to look. What's not to love? This gateway to the Outback has it all: endless outdoor adventure around the harbor or in spots like the Blue Mountains. Golden sandy beaches named Bondi, Bilgola and Coogee (which are not only beautiful, but also fun to say). A bustling art and entertainment scene. Countless museums, galleries and world-class restaurants where the dishes go way beyond the local Vegemite.