New Zealand Cruises

The Best Time to Cruise

The summer months of December to February are considered the best for visiting New Zealand:

• The days are long and sunny
• The temperatures are very comfortable, averaging between 16°C and 24°C
• Perfect weather for the beach

However, if you are looking to avoid the crowds, try to plan your New Zealand cruise for the autumn months of March to May. You will benefit from:

• The prices being lower
• Comfortable weather for spending most of your time outside

Top Cruise Lines

There is a great variety of cruise lines that offer cruises to New Zealand. Starting with the biggest and most popular ones and ending with smaller, luxury, expedition-oriented lines. Most of them will have itineraries departing from a port near you, but please note, that the smaller cruise lines may have more cruises setting sail from Sydney.

• Royal Caribbean cruises to New Zealand
• Princess Cruises cruises to New Zealand
• Silversea cruises to New Zealand

Top Ports

Bay of Islands

The scenic Bay of Islands is one of the most popular tourist destinations for fishing and sailing. The Bay Of Islands boasts a natural harbour and plentiful peninsulas and inlets.

There is so much to do in the area:

• Kayaking
• Parasailing
• Mountain biking
• Hiking
• Dining with stunning views

Tauranga

Anchor at Tauranga and visit our personal favourite, Mt Maunganui. The Mount – the beautiful sandy beach town with thermal hot pools and lively cafes.

It is famous for its volcanic cone that is Mauao (local name for Mt Maunganui) at its tip. The mountain has various routes to its summit, climbing it is well worth the effort to enjoy the majestic views.

Wellington

New Zealand’s capital is a city of wonders, renowned for its eclectic mix of:

• Culture
• Arts
• Heritage

Discover the inner-city beach of Oriental Bay, or delve into some of the many art galleries and museums. Pleasure seekers and adventure lovers can sample activities like:

• Sea-water diving
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking

Fiordland National Park

If you want to see some of the world’s most beautiful fiords, look no further than the world famous Fiordland National Park. Most cruise ships sailing around New Zealand will enter Milford Sound and anchor overnight.

Even the biggest cruise ship will feel small with the sharp Mitre Peak summit towering over it.

Highlights

One of the most remote regions of the world, New Zealand lies 1000 miles off the south eastern coast of Australia and is situated in the south western Pacific Ocean. The archipelago nation consists of two main islands:

• The largely geothermal North Island (Te Ika a Maui)
• The mountainous South Island (Pounamu)

Natural Beauty

New Zealand has an abundance of wildlife and a vast scenery of forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and fiords, all of which will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

The country’s untouched landscapes provide a lot of opportunities for various kinds of activities:

• Go hiking
• Enjoy some stunning views
• Take a ride along the extensive network of biking trails
• Spend a night at one of New Zealand’s iconic back country huts

The virtually undiscovered beaches and charming private hideouts offer the chance to relax and soak up the wonders of this diverse nation.

New Zealand’s biggest and most spectacular national park should be on everyone’s bucket list – the Fiordland National Park is one of the country’s most iconic destinations, so most New Zealand cruises will no doubt take you there.

Heritage & Culture

The Maori culture is central in New Zealand, their traditions, language and cuisine influence the country’s everyday life. Discover the beauty of it while on a cruise through New Zealand and be fascinated by their myths and legends.

• Explore the Waipoua Forest with a local Maori storyteller guide and meet the Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand’s tallest Kauri tree
• Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Learn all about how Maoris lived before the Europeans came on a visit to the Tamaki Maori Village

The Movie Set

The North Island’s Matamata is still home to the Shire, the movie set of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies. It is now a popular tourist attraction.

Even if you are not a great fan of the trilogies, you will love the pristine nature of the Shire – the rolling hills, the lush green and the feeling of being far-far away from the world with its imperfections.

There are a few experiences available:

• – A guided tour
• – An evening banquet tour
• – A second breakfast tour
• – A private tour