drjdm319 Posted October 24, 2017 #1 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Hello! We are trying to decide between two itineraries for a 14-N Australia and New Zealand cruise on HAL ms Noordam in 2019 (we like to plan early):) 28 January 2019: Sydney, Eden, Melbourne, Hobart, Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park, Port Chalmers (Dunedin), Akaroa (Christchurch), Wellington, Napier, Tauranga (Rotorua), Auckland 24 February 2019 Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park, Port Chalmers (Dunedin), Akaroa (Christchurch), Picton, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga (Rotorua), Auckland As on can see from above, the 28 January itinerary visits Eden but not Picton, while the 24 February itinerary visits Picton but not Eden. In terms of sights and attractions offered, which is the better option? In terms of dates, which has a better chance of having a calmer Tasman sea crossing? Any other information would be most welcome. Thanks to all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhb1757 Posted October 24, 2017 #2 Share Posted October 24, 2017 We have just booked the 1/28 cruise on the Noordam so I will be following this thread with interest. We wondered the same questions you posed but ended up booking the January date because of my work schedule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swissie Posted October 25, 2017 #3 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Depends whether you want to see more of Australia or focus on New Zealand instead. Eden is a small town along the spectacular Sapphire Coast with many nearby National Parks. You definitely can't go wrong visiting Eden if you want see Australia. Sent from my ASUS_Z017DA using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrYellowDuck Posted October 25, 2017 #4 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Picton will give you access to some very special scenic options at the top of the South Island; the town itself is not a destination. The choice as others have suggested will come down to whether you prefer to see NZ scenery or AU scenery; both are delightful but very different options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nan99 Posted February 25, 2018 #5 Share Posted February 25, 2018 I am following this thread as well. Looking to do this cruise. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted February 25, 2018 #6 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Both small towns. I’d probably pick Eden, but either will be new for you and probably similar experiences in a lot of ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MMDown Under Posted February 25, 2018 #7 Share Posted February 25, 2018 You can't go wrong with either, as both are scenic. I would pick Picton. However, I loved Eden where I saw a whale and its baby close to shore. In addition, I prefer end of February rather than January. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetp12 Posted February 25, 2018 #8 Share Posted February 25, 2018 As a kiwi I am rather biased and would say Picton, but I would also pick the trip in Feb because our weather is more settled in Feb then January. Not that you should go on this years forecast! Jan was the hottest in 150 years and Feb had a cyclone - but these are just aberrations. Feb is normally the better month weather wise. Picton is a gateway for some amazing destinations - not far from vineyards if you like wine, or beautiful routes if you like to do a day tramp. Not that it would be of particular relevance but most schools don't restart till early Feb. Whatever you choose will be amazing :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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