Land of the Long White Cloud: Exploring New Zealand by cruise

Place that alongside the history and unique culture, mythology and performing arts of the indigenous Māori people, and you are set for one of the most fascinating and enjoyable travel experiences of your life.

To make that 24-hour journey worthwhile, don't stint on your plans. Stop off in the Far East en route (or take the western option via Los Angeles); visit your family and friends; and then take time to explore this glorious country, with 11,000 miles of coastline.

Cruises may start or end in Auckland, New Zealand's most populous city, with its sparkling contemporary buildings and yacht-filled marinas. It is worth extending by a day or two to visit one of the surrounding islands, enjoy a stroll up Mount Eden for views over the Hauraki Gulf, or take in one of the many museums. You will also likely visit the compact capital city, Wellington, with its strollable waterfront and café culture, or Dunedin, home to Scottish heritage and striking Victorian architecture.

In Christchurch, walk along the banks of the River Avon, discover the city's evolution on a heritage tram, or venture into the wider Canterbury region. Art Deco buildings and classic cars await in charming Napier, and from here you can also visit the surrounding Hawke's Bay region, home to numerous vineyards. Indeed, New Zealand is perfect for dedicated oenophiles, with a variety of climates and growing conditions ensuring a wide range of wines.

Nature's wonders abound, from the hidden coves and idyllic beaches of the Bay of Islands far to the north to the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound, in the heart of the UNESCO Fiordland National Park, where you can immerse yourself in landscapes that truly feel like another world. Even a short woodland stroll will likely afford a glimpse of the local birdlife, with many species endemic to New Zealand, and there are several sanctuaries housing the iconic kiwi. You will also find whale-watching opportunities in many regions, particularly Kaikōura with its deep underwater canyon which is a haven for marine life.

The history, language and traditions of the indigenous Māori population are central to New Zealand's identity, so don't miss the opportunity to learn more. From the Bay of Islands you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn the history between Māori and the British Crown or venture inland to Rotorua to visit one of the cultural centres, not to mention numerous museums across the country housing Māori and Pacific treasures.

For the active among us, immerse yourself in beautiful landscapes during a hike or bicycle ride along one of the many tracks and trails, get your adrenaline fix with some white-water rafting in Rotorua or on an exhilarating jet-boat ride, or kayak in the scenic Queen Charlotte Sound. And if you're a film buff, much of the stunning scenery in the blockbuster Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed here, and you can even visit the reconstruction of Hobbiton.

New Zealand is also the jumping off point to visit the country's sub-Antarctic islands, such as the Snares, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands and Campbell Islands, with Ponant and AE Expeditions offering voyages to these remote outposts; or indeed for a more intrepid journey to the Ross Sea and Antarctica itself during an expedition cruise, with Scenic undertaking some exciting adventures from Dunedin or Bluff.

For a classic cruise, several operators position a ship in this region during our winter months, with Silversea, Regent, Seabourn and Oceania boasting some interesting itineraries, many combined with calls in Australia. You could also visit as part of a longer repositioning cruise across the Pacific from the Americas to Australia, or as a combined South Pacific islands cruise. With lots of luxury and expedition options to choose from, Mundy Cruising will assist in finding the perfect cruise for you.