Day 2 Sunday 27 February 2011 Auckland, NZ
Auckland is the largest city and commercial centre of New Zealand. Our morning city tour takes in the main sights of Auckland, including the Harbour Bridge, which spans the beautiful Waitemata Harbour, Mount Eden, where we get a panoramic view of the city, the Auckland Museum and the quaint and stylish shopping area of Parnell. This afternoon we board the MS Volendam. The ship departs Auckland Harbour at midnight.

Day 3 Monday 28 February 2011 At sea
Our first day at sea. We start with a couple of morning clinics and in the afternoon join the 'Welcome Pairs'. This evening, we will have a welcome Cocktail Party for group members to get to know each other.

Day 4 Tuesday 1 March 2011 Tauranga (Rotorua) NZ
We arrive in Tauranga this morning. Tauranga has a thriving commercial and business centre and is a very busy port. Dominating the scene is the harbour and Mount Maunganui. We travel to Rotorua, a small city on the shores of Lake Rotorua, where we explore the geothermal activity of geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters. We will see a geyser display, where boiling water shoots many metres into the air and the blue and green lakes named for their reflective qualities. There is always an afternoon game available.

Day 5 Wednesday 2 March 2011 Gisborne, NZ
Gisborne is the most easterly city in New Zealand and the first in the world to see the sunrise. It is also the first place that Captain Cook set foot in New Zealand. Our sightseeing tour includes a visit to Cook's landing site. We will explore the picturesque East Cape including the town of Whangara, the setting for the film Whalerider. We return to the ship for an afternoon duplicate.

Day 6 Thursday 3 March 2011 Wellington, NZ
Today we will have a morning 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. We return to the ship for an afternoon duplicate.

Day 7 Friday 4 March 2011 Picton, NZ
Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds and the famous Marlborough wine region. It produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world. We will have a tour of the local area including a visit to a local winery. We return to the ship for afternoon duplicate.

Day 8 Saturday 5 March 2011 Christchurch (Lyttelton) NZ
Today we call into Lyttleton, the port for Christchurch. With its very English feel, Christchurch 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. This afternoon we travel to the beautiful Banks Peninsula and the village of Akaroa. Originally founded by the French, now a delightful town still retaining the ambience of France. We may be able to arrange a Bridge game this afternoon at the local club!

Day 9 Sunday 6 March 2011 Dunedin (Port Chalmers) NZ
We arrive in the city of Dunedin this morning. Originally founded by Scottish settlers and known as the "Edinburgh of the South", it consists of beautifully preserved buildings overlooking parklands. We return to the ship for an afternoon duplicate.

Day 10 Monday 7 March 2011 At sea
Bridge today consists of 2 sessions of teams (red points) – one in the morning and one in the evening. Alternatively, relax on board and enjoy the many activities provided by the MS Volendam.

Day 11 Tuesday 8 March 2011 At sea
Bridge today includes two morning clinics and an afternoon session of Duplicate. Alternatively, relax on board and enjoy the many activities provided by the MS Volendam.

Day 12 Wednesday 9 March 2011 At sea
Bridge today includes two morning clinics and an afternoon session of Red Point Pairs. Alternatively, relax on board and enjoy the many activities provided by the MS Volendam.

Day 13 Thursday 10 March 2011 Burnie, Australia
Today we arrive in the city of Burnie in northern Tasmania. We travel along the picturesque coastline to Devonport, which is the terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania. We will visit Home Hill, the home of former Prime Minister Joseph and Dame Enid Lyons. The house, built by them in 1916, remains just as Dame Enid Lyons left it. Joseph was Prime Minister before WWII and Enid was the first woman member of the House of Representatives.

Day 14 Friday 11 March 2011 Melbourne, Australia
We will arrive in Melbourne this morning. There will be free time to explore this interesting city or you may join an optional ship tour of the area.

Day 15 Saturday 12 March 2011 At sea Our final day!
Bridge today includes morning clinics and an afternoon session. Alternatively, relax on board and enjoy the many activities provided by the MS Volendam.

Day 16 Sunday 13 March 2011 Sydney, Australia
Tour members will disembark this morning and tour arrangements conclude