Seeking recommendations/comments on two itineraries: Eden vs Picton

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

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.

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.

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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.

I am following this thread as well. Looking to do this cruise.

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Both small towns. I’d probably pick Eden, but either will be new for you and probably similar experiences in a lot of ways.

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.

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 :)