Actually, Beth, I think you are on the perfect cruise as an introduction to that part of the world. Only thing I was able to do on the reverse was get off in Dunedin and go to Queenstown for an over night with Regent. Expensive, but worth it. And since mine was in reverse, at Ngaire's insistence, did a Regent pre-cruise to the Coramandel Peninsula in New Zealand, and there were only 8 or so in our group, it was wonderful! You start at the opposite end, and have a great pre-cruise as well. Looking forward to hearing all about it!