Auckland, New Zealand

Uncovering authentic local finds and having experiences that make you feel like you’ve really connected with a place are important elements in ensuring an extraordinary vacation. We’re taking advantage of our partnership with Travel + Leisure to get their editors’ recommendations and insider tips on the places you will want to visit. Here are their picks for just one of the 150 destinations they covered.

Must-Sees from the Editors of
Travel + Leisure

Parnell Rose Gardens
Some 5,000 rosebushes of every conceivable color and variety bloom November through March in this formally landscaped park, a quick bus ride from the center of town. Paths winding through the fragrant blooms lead to a lookout over Judge’s Bay.

Sky Tower
At 1,076 feet, the “tallest man-made structure in New Zealand” didn’t claim any world records, but it does have two high-adrenaline attractions. On SkyJump, you can leap off a ledge while attached to a wire and come to a smooth landing 630 feet below; on SkyWalk, you’re harnessed and tethered to an overhead rail as you stroll the tower’s walkway—no guardrail in sight.

Waiheke Island
Forty minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, this bucolic little isle makes a peaceful daytrip. You can laze on its white-sand beaches; tour local artists’ studios; or learn about New Zealand’s prolific wine production at one of Waiheke’s dozen-plus vineyards.

Be sure to visit our Shore Excursions page or speak with our onboard Destination Concierge for arrangements to any of these must-sees.

To learn more about this exciting port, please refer to our Port Explorer guide.