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New Zealand Cruises

Discover the breathtaking beauty and diversity of New Zealand, just a hop, skip and a jump away from home.

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New Zealand Cruises
New Zealand is an unspoiled, green and peaceful paradise that presents rolling hills, magnificent mountains, lakes, fjords and forests. It's an idyllic land for avid outdoor explorers or cultural enthusiasts. The hiking opportunities are endless and like no other. There are many opportunities to walk along the brimming beaches, paddle a canoe or mountain bike to your heart's content through the wilderness. The landscapes and cultures of both the North and South Island are as diverse and endearing as the people! The mouth-watering cuisine in New Zealand is inspired largely by the South Pacific with the abundant use of seafood and influences from neighboring Pacific islands. Much of the New Zealand which exists today owes its origins to the Māori people, who were the area's original settlers, with many of their customs and traditions still evident in modern-day New Zealand. For example, the All Black's world-renowned Haka originated as a Māori war dance. For lovers of the outdoors, culture, wildlife and more, cruises to New Zealand are guaranteed to impress.
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Experts Tips for cruising in New Zealand

Harvey1300 887 590

Discover geothermal wonders, ancient glaciers and epic landscapes across The Ditch! Cruises in New Zealand open up a world of wonders and natural beauties. Make sure to make extra time for shore excursions, as there is so much to explore! It's easy to cruise to New Zealand from Australia, and there are many cruise lines which make it easy to discover your neighbour. For a budget cruise line try P&O Australia, or for a more luxury experience book a cruise with Crystal or Celebrity Cruises.

Harbours for New Zealand

Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Russell, formerly known as Kororāreka, was the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand. It is situated in the Bay of Islands, in the far north of the North Island.
from$13,299
Russell, Bay of Islands Cruises
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Waiheke is an island situated abouth 18km off the coast of Auckland. It is the second largest island in the Hauraki Guld.
from$8,680
Waiheke Island Cruises
Breaksea Sound, New Zealand
Breaksea Sound, New Zealand
The Breaksea Sound, with its various deep fjords, makes for a spectacular landscape and hosts many small green islands.
On Request
Breaksea Sound Cruises
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is built around an inlet called Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu. Lake Wakatipu is a long thin lake formed by glacial processes and it has spectacular views of the nearby mountains.
On Request
Queenstown Cruises
Golden Bay, New Zealand
Golden Bay, New Zealand
Golden Bay, located on the South Island of New Zealand, is a shallow bay famous for its good weather and relaxed atmosphere. Abel Tasman National Park, along the southern coast of the bay, is home to the Separation Point - the natural boundary between Golden and Tasman Bays.
On Request
Golden Bay Cruises
Nancy Sound, New Zealand
Nancy Sound, New Zealand
Nancy Sound is an inlet in the Fiordland National Park. It's a leg shaped inlet which contains numerous coves and points such as Heel Cove, Toe Cove, Leg Head and Bend Point.
On Request
Nancy Sound Cruises
Ulva Island, Stewart Island, New Zealand
Ulva Island, Stewart Island, New Zealand
Ulva Island is a small island lying within Paterson Inlet, which is part of Stewart Island/Rakiura in New Zealand. Its relative isolation, but easy access from Stewart Island has allowed it to become an important natural resource area.
On Request
Ulva Island, Stewart Island Cruises
Balleny Islands, New Zealand
Balleny Islands, New Zealand
The Balleny Islands are spread over an area of 160 kilometers in the Southern Ocean. The archipelago is uninhabited and is officially part of New Zealand. The islands are made up of volcanic glaciers, projecting from their slopes into the ocean. The group consists of 3 main islands: Young, Buckle and Sturge. Highlights of Balleny Islands: • Spot Adelie penguins on Buckle Island • Admire the unclimbed Brown Peak on the Sturge Island • See the beautiful sea stacks off the coast of Young Island
On Request
Balleny Islands Cruises
Matakana, New Zealand
Matakana, New Zealand
Matakana is a small town in the Rodney District of New Zealand. The Matakana River flows through the town and into Kawau Bay to the south-east. The surrounding area contains several vineyards. It is also known for its farmers' market, cinema, cafes, restaurants and boutique food shops.
On Request
Matakana Cruises
Charles Sound, New Zealand
Charles Sound, New Zealand
Charles Sound is an inlet in the Fiordland National Park. It's best known for being a beautiful wildlife sanctuary. Apparently Charles Sound derives it's name from a sealer called Charles McLaren.
On Request
Charles Sound Cruises
Bounty Islands, New Zealand
Bounty Islands, New Zealand
The Bounty islands are an archipelago in the South Pacific located near to the Antipodes Islands, where one can find erect-crested penguins. This area is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On Request
Bounty Islands Cruises
Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Paihia is a town in the Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island, New Zealand. It is located close to the historic towns of Russell and Kerikeri. Paihia is a great place for exploring the whole of the Bay of Islands.
On Request
Paihia, Bay of Islands Cruises
Whakatane, New Zealand
Whakatane, New Zealand
Whakatane is a town in the mouth of the Whakatane River on the North Island of New Zealand. It is considered to be one of the country's sunniest spots and is full of beautiful beaches and fantastic places to surf, especially for starters. Whakatane is part of a productive agricultural district but tourism is also growing in the area. Fishing cruises, hunting, learning about the Maori culture and bush walking are just some of the things that attract thousands of people to the region.
On Request
Whakatane Cruises
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
On the north coast of New Zealand's South Island is the Abel Tasman National Park. Here you will find beautiful coves with turquoise waters and granite rocks for which the coast is especially popular. The icing on the cake is that this area is explorable by kayak.
On Request
Abel Tasman National Park Cruises
Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
Hauraki Gulf, is a large bay which is part of the Pacific Ocean. It is located between Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki Plainsin in the North-East of New Zealand.
On Request
Hauraki Gulf Cruises

Travel Tips for New Zealand

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.

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