Despite the long flight, a 14-day cruise from Sydney to Auckland checks all the sight-seeing, cultural and culinary boxes.

In Centennial Park, just outside Rotorua, rolling hills and lush meadows give way to a vibrant tapestry of autumn leaves.

Should you visit, Leahy says you’ll get to witness these “celestial wonders unfolded beneath a cloak of velvety darkness,” all free of charge. “Howth is a lovely fisherman’s village ...