DECK
PLANS
Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam dazzles with museum quality art and lavish staterooms. Guests of this Vista Class ship will have their pick of onboard activities. Sing along to your favourite hits at Billboard Onboard. Enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Centre. Or savour the delights of one of our specialty restaurants. A voyage on the MS Noordam is a unique experience to be savoured and remembered!
VIEW ITINERARY DAY 1 Tuesday 24 February 2026
Arrive Christchurch
Group members fly to Christchurch, New Zealand, and upon arrival we
transfer to our city hotel. This evening we have a welcome dinner so
you can meet other passengers in the group.
DAY 2 Wednesday 25 February 2026 Christchurch
On our excursion today we travel on one of the most scenic train journeys
in New Zealand – the TranzAlpine Express Train. From Christchurch, we
cross the flat Canterbury Plains to the small community of Darfield. We
continue through beautiful alpine scenery as we enter the Arthur’s Pass
National Park. Marvel at the alpine scenery as we sit back and enjoy the
commentary.
DAY 3 Thursday 26 February 2026
Wellington
This morning we board The Coastal Pacific train to Picton. Travelling via
Kaikoura, the home of whale watching and then onto the gateway to
the beautiful Marlborough Sound with the famous wine growing region
of Blenheim. The journey takes us through some of New Zealand’s
finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains to the
rugged Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of our train, the Pacific
Ocean coastline on the other with views of marine wildlife such as seals
and penguins all from the comfort of our carriage. Arriving into Picton
we transfer to the ferry port for a short journey across Cook Strait to
Wellington.
DAY 4 Friday 27 February 2026
Auckland
This morning we board the Northern Explorer train for our journey
to Auckland. The train service is a scenic rail journey through the
five unique geographical regions of the North Island. We travel from
Wellington, through the central heartland of the Northern Island. Along
the way, we enjoy the farming landscapes and rocky sea scapes of the
lower North Island and ascend through stunning river gorges to the
volcanic plateau passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt
Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu, the home of the North Island ski fields.
Upon arrival in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, we are transferred
to our hotel.
DAY 5 Saturday 28 February 2026
Auckland
Today we travel to Waiuku to experience the golden era of “steam
age” train travel at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway operating through
picturesque rural countryside over 7.4 km of the former New Zealand
Railways (NZR). The Glenbrook Vintage Railway owns and operates a
number of historic and valuable heritage locomotives both steam and
diesel, from the smallest locomotive, a 3 ton diesel shunter, to the giant
110 ton JA 1250 “Diana” steam locomotive. We then enjoy a sightseeing
tour of gorgeous Auckland, the largest city and commercial centre of
New Zealand. Our tour takes in the main sights of the city, including the
Harbour Bridge, which spans the beautiful Waitemata Harbour.
DAY 6 Sunday 1 March 2026 Embarkation
The morning is free. At midday we board the MS Noordam for our cruise
around New Zealand. Be up on deck as we cruise out of Auckland
harbour.
DAY 7 Monday 2 March 2026
Tauranga
This morning we arrive in Tauranga, a harbourside city in the Bay of
Plenty region on New Zealand’s North Island. Today we will enjoy a
magical rail experience. We first travel inland to Mamaku, past Lake
Rotorua, and board our own self-drive Rail Cruiser to travel through the beautiful Dansey Road Scenic Reserve, on the steep 1:35 gradient
railway between Mamaku and Tarukenga. We then see the famous
geysers and volcanic activity of Rotorua
DAY 8 Tuesday 3 March 2026 Napier
Today we board the Hawke’s Bay Express, a modern road trolley train.
As the bell rings and the whistle blows, you’re transported back in
time for an Art Deco Napier experience. As you travel through town
and towards Ahuriri, you’ll hear about the catastrophic 1931 earthquake
and the city’s subsequent Art Deco-style rebuild, plus fascinating Māori
legends that highlight the Bay’s history.
DAY 9 Wednesday 4 March 2026 Wellington
This morning we will have a sightseeing tour of the main sights of
Wellington, including the Houses of Parliament known as “the Beehive”.
We visit Mount Victoria, where we have 360 degree views of the city,
then travel by cable car to the Botanical Gardens. This afternoon will be
free to explore Wellington or perhaps visit the award winning Te Papa
Museum.
DAY 10 Thursday 5 March 2026 Picton
This morning we arrive in Picton, located in one of the sunniest parts of
New Zealand, the top of the South Island, it is a quaint port town nestled
deep in the Marlborough Sounds. Our train journey today is on board
the Marlborough Flyer, a WWI Memorial heritage steam train built in
1915. The hour-long Steam Train journey takes you up the challenging
and steep elevation out of Picton (1-in-37 slope), through the Para
Wetlands, across the Wairau River into the Wairau Valley and through a
sea of vineyards into Blenheim.
DAY 11 Friday 6 March 2026 Christchurch
We begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Christchurch with its very
English feel. It is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand.
The city boasts modern architecture and historic buildings set against
beautiful parks, gardens, rivers and beaches. We then drive to the
nearby village of Akaroa. Originally founded by the French, it is now a
delightful town, retaining the ambience of France.
DAY 12 Saturday 7 March 2026 Dunedin
Our Dunedin train journey today is the Taieri Gorge Railway. Departing
from Dunedin’s beautiful railway station, our train begins its scenic
journey into some of New Zealand’s ever-changing, most spectacular
and iconic scenery on its journey to Pukerangi, a peaceful outcrop out
the other side of the Taieri Gorge. The train travels through the Southern
parts of Dunedin city until it arrives at Wingatui junction, where it turns
off onto the Taieri branch. From here the train sneaks across the Taieri Plains and climbs into the Taieri Gorge, a narrow and deep gorge
carved out over aeons by the ancient Taieri River. The train will stop or
slow down at various scenic points along the way for photos where we
can disembark and stretch our legs and enjoy the best of beauty, peace
and quiet that nature has to offer.
DAY 13 Sunday 8 March 2026 Fiordland National Park
Today we cruise through some of the most spectacular scenery in New
Zealand as we visit Milford Sound followed by Doubtful and Dusky
Sounds. The fiords will be a highlight of the cruise, with spectacular
scenery and fascinating wildlife. Nothing can prepare you for the
majesty of Milford Sound, star of Fiordland National Park. New vistas
mesmerise at each turn – towering Mitre Peak, rising 1692 metres
above the Sound, plunging waterfalls, bottlenose and dusky dolphins,
fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins are amongst this wonderland
of outstanding natural beauty.
DAY 14 Monday 9 March 2026 Day at sea
A day at sea to enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship.
DAY 15 Tuesday 10 March 2026 Day at sea
A day at sea to enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship.
DAY 16 Wednesday 11 March 2026 Hobart
This morning we arrive in Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania. We are
transferred to the airport for our flight to Strahan, on the west coast of
Tasmania and board the West Coast Wilderness Railway. We journey
deep into the heritage of the Tasmanian wilderness to discover the
history and stories of the people and railway that turned the west coast
of Tasmania into one of the wealthiest mining regions in the world.
DAY 17 Thursday 12 March 2026 Day at sea
A day at sea to enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship.
DAY 18 Friday 13 March 2026 Melbourne
This morning we arrive in the port of Melbourne, where we travel by
coach to the Dandenong Ranges to take a journey on Puffing Billy.
This century old steam train travels from Belgrave Station through to
Gembrook, with a post-preservation history spanning over 50 years,
the line is one of the most popular steam heritage railways in the world.
The line was originally opened in 1900 to serve the local farming and
timber community and originally ran from Upper Ferntree Gully station.
In 1955 the Puffing Billy Preservation Society was formed to keep the
train running indefinitely.
DAY 19 Saturday 14 March 2026 Day at sea
A day at sea to enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship.
DAY 20 Sunday 15 March 2026 Disembark Sydney
This morning we dock in Sydney and the cruise concludes.
| Standard Fare | Early Booking Discount** | |||||
| Stateroom | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MM | Inside | 8 | $9,390 | $11,790 | $8,690 | $11,090 |
| L | Inside | 4,5,6 | $9,750 | $12,390 | $8,850 | $11,190 |
| K | Inside | 1,4,5,6,10 | $9,790 | $12,450 | $8,890 | $11,190 |
| J | Inside | 1 | $9,850 | $12,490 | $8,950 | $11,190 |
| H | Oceanview* | 4 | $9,690 | $12,490 | $8,990 | $11,590 |
| G | Oceanview* | 4 | $9,990 | $12,890 | $8,990 | $11,590 |
| F | Oceanview | 1,6 | $10,090 | $12,990 | $9,090 | $11,890 |
| E | Oceanview | 1 | $10,150 | $13,090 | $9,150 | $11,990 |
| DD | Oceanview | 1 | $10,190 | $13,190 | $9,190 | $12,090 |
| D | Oceanview | 1,4 | $10,250 | $13,290 | $9,250 | $12,190 |
| VF | Balcony | 4,8 | $10,790 | $14,890 | $9,790 | $13,290 |
| VE | Balcony | 4,7,8 | $10,890 | $14,990 | $9,890 | $13,390 |
| VD | Balcony | 4,6,7 | $11,190 | $15,790 | $9,890 | $13,790 |
| VC | Balcony | 4,5,6,8 | $11,290 | $15,890 | $9,990 | $13,890 |
| VB | Balcony | 4,5,6,7,10 | $11,390 | $15,990 | $10,090 | $13,990 |
| VA | Balcony | 4,5,6,8 | $11,490 | $16,090 | $10,190 | $14,090 |
| SY | Suite | 5,8 | $12,590 | $18,290 | $10,890 | $15,790 |
| SS | Suite | 6 | $12,790 | $18,490 | $11,190 | $15,990 |
| SC | Suite | 6,7 | $15,190 | $23,390 | $12,590 | $18,390 |
| SB | Suite | 4,5,6,7 | $15,590 | $24,190 | $12,990 | $19,190 |
| Included port & handling charges | $1,289 | $1,681 | $1,289 | $1,681 | ||
| Included ship gratuities | $340 | $340 | $340 | $340 | ||
| Included air taxes as at 1/10/2024 | $160 | $160 | $160 | $160 | ||
You can stay longer in New Zealand for minimal extra cost. Please contact 1800 630 343 for more information.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair-climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd, ATAS number A10538 (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on general transport, accomm odation costs and foreign exchange rate at 10/10/24. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person for is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 90 days before departure for the tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be charged on payment by credit card.
Cancellation Charges: Cancellation over 90 days before tour departs will result in loss of deposit. Cancellation 90 days and under before tour departs will result in a loss of all monies paid.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions: The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 90 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost. Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances and/or substitute the tour host, if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Tour Organisation: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for
any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other
services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents: All passengers will require a valid passport. Visas for countries visited are not required for Australian passport holders. If you hold another passport, please check with Travelrite.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ATAS No A10538) is the tour organiser. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite Inter
national to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that
Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making
contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation,
transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite
International may without reference to you provide or make available
to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make
available to you, any good or service which Travelrite International
reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour
itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or
sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your
attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any
cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International in respect of
any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite International advises you to
obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that
any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of intending tour members with a non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person for the tour. Please send to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
For further information or a booking form telephone Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing through-out Australia for over 40 years. It has a fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) office at Balwyn. As such it directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of ATIA – Australian Travel Industry Association
“Being part of an organised tour was a new and enjoyable experience for us. We could relax because the Tour Manager had everything organised.”
“The Tairei Gorge out of Dunedin was our favourite – it had great scenery, bridges and tunnels!”
