We began our trip with a self guided week in Australia. We loved the Blue Mountains and surrounding areas. The weather was cool but clear...just lovely. We flew to Cairns and drove to Port Douglas which we adored. Visited the Daintree Rain forest and experience the Great barrier Reef. Ask about tide schedules because we had limited access to the reef because it was low tide. We wished for more time in Port Douglas with its laid back beach community. We also did a Flames in the Forest dinner with cultural talks and music from Aboriginal tribe members and a fabulous gourmet Australian dinner.

Our cruise began with 3 days at sea and first stop in Wellington for 2 days. We missed the entire south island because of gale force winds and 30 foot swells. We were very disappointed to miss Milford Sound and Christ Church. Wellington was a great walkable city with great museums, botanic gardens and local artisan market. Our visit to Picton and the WW! Air Museum excursion was fantastic. My husband a pilot was in heaven and then we went to a brew pub and chocolate shop. Later we went to a Maori village and enjoyed their hospitality and we really enjoyed all the history at Bay of Islands tour. A local crafts fair there was a great way to Christmas shop.

I would not suggest a Sept. cruise be cause of weather issues that seem to be quite common. We were among 300 Americans, 200 Asian, and 2000 Australians. Many time we were thee only Americans on an excursion. And many nights we ate exclusively with Australians which provided lively conversations. We learned a lot about Australia and they asked us a great deal about the USA. We are Southern so that added another level of questions. Lots of fun and laughter. Really enjoyed ourselves.