
Hobart’s atmospheric waterfront area buzzes with activity, from craft beer bars to historic pubs, cool coffee shops, and museums. New Zealand has high annual rainfall spread evenly throughout the year, and it's famous for weather that can change unexpectedly. Locals are not joking when they say you can experience four seasons in a single day. In Napier you can visit Pania of the Reef (one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country), take a guided city walk, explore Cape Kidnappers or enjoy the day wine tasting at local vineyards.
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If hiking is on the agenda, remember to pack quality hiking boots and layers, as some of the Great Walks have notoriously temperamental weather. A waterproof and windproof jacket will save you while cruising around New Zealand, particularly in the cooler months. Cruises to New Zealand with Cunard typically sail roundtrip from Melbourne or Sydney and include ports on both New Zealand’s north and south islands. You will have plenty of days at sea for scenic cruising as you enjoy the views of the landscape passing by in New Zealand and the other countries you pass.
Akaroa, New Zealand
If you are in port for an extended period of time, venture a few hours outside of Auckland to some of the epic Kiwi attractions. No matter which cruise line and itinerary you ultimately decide on, you will likely visit a mix of these fabulous New Zealand ports. No matter what cruising experience you are looking for, I guarantee you will find it in New Zealand.
New Zealand Cruise Ports

Princess Cruises proudly presents Across the Ditch, an immersive program designed to bring guests the very best of New Zealand / Aotearoa. Our program brings authentic Maori experiences, culture and local flavors onboard and ashore to showcase what makes New Zealand so unique. Although summer is the best time to visit New Zealand in terms of warm weather, it's also the busiest season for domestic and international visitors. The shoulder season of autumn is a better option, as you have the bonus of falling leaves, while spring is known for its unstable and windy conditions.
Auckland
Typically, these repositioning cruises are seen on Transpacific itineraries taking place at the beginning or end of Austrasia cruising season. Check out the larger cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian Cruise Line to explore these itineraries. If you are looking for relaxing longer cruise that visits New Zealand, I highly suggest booking a New Zealand repositioning cruise. This way, you will enjoy all the best ports of the cruises from Australia and its ports while spending more time at sea and potentially linking up other must-see destinations.
Check out Franz Josef and Foz Glaciers on the South Island, two of the world's most accessible glaciers. You could also take in New Zealand as part of a longer World Voyage, which could start in Sydney. Most World cruises stop in Auckland rather than fully sailing around New Zealand. A cruise in New Zealand can range greatly in price, depending on the duration of the voyage.
napier, new zealand
Cruises from Auckland, meanwhile, take you to Fiji and Samoa, with a day in the beautiful Bay of Islands on the way. Australia is known for many things, including swathes of tropical beaches, marine reserves, Aboriginal culture, cute koalas, rolling wine country, and lush rainforests. Discover an underwater world like no other, where corals in every color of the rainbow teem with life, from shoals of dazzling tropical fish to graceful sea turtles. Fly by light aircraft over perfectly formed Heart Reef, or gaze at the marbled swirls of white sand and aquamarine water of Whitehaven Beach.
A handful of cruise ships visit New Zealand between May and September, with no New Zealand cruises operating during July (New Zealand’s first month of winter). With a variety of dining venues, great kids' programs and adrenaline-pumping activities, Radiance of the Seas offers Royal Caribbean's best in a more modest size, compared to its bigger megaliners. This 2,112-passenger ship features the line's much-loved Italian restaurant, Giovanni's Table, as well as Izumi for Japanese cuisine, an outdoor movie screen, rock climbing wall and a nursery for babies and toddlers.
New Zealand cruise industry bounces back - Seatrade Cruise News
New Zealand cruise industry bounces back.
Posted: Fri, 18 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This means you will get to know the land and culture with deep connections to the local communities once you get off your New Zealand cruise. By far the most popular itinerary for New Zealand cruises are those leaving from Australia. Itineraries typically leave out of either Melbourne or Sydney, Australia on these New Zealand cruises.
Round the world cruises are often sold in sections, for those passengers who don’t want to take the entire trip. The south island is generally cooler, with the southern port of Dunedin seeing average highs of 15°C (59°F) in the hottest month – January – and lows of around 8°C (46°F) in the winter (June, July, and August). Auckland in the north, on the other hand, reaches around 20°C (68°F) in January and lows of 11°C (52°F) in July. New Zealand sees a fair amount of rain and drizzle, so it’s wise to pack waterproof clothes. Whether you’re after scenic beauty, viewing endangered wildlife, learning about Māori culture, or indulging in gourmet goodness, cruising around New Zealand offers varied experiences and life-changing moments.
Rolling green hills tumble into the sea and are crowned by the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ – Dunedin. Explore the city’s charming streets flanked by Victorian buildings, visit the botanic gardens, or simply soak in the view. Read about exotic isles, legendary destinations, and prepare to explore a region unlike any other on your Australia and New Zealand cruise. From North to South, see city sights in Auckland, check out the art deco delights of Napier, and cruise through Milford Sound's majestic fjords. A cruise to New Zealand brings seemingly endless opportunities to see raw and untamed beauty. Fiordland National Park and the otherworldly volcanic landscape of Auckland are just two of the natural highlights that await.
Located next to the tranquil Sanctum Spa, our newest suites are the ultimate in contemporary design, comfort and pampering. With easy access to the Spa, open decks, swimming pool and our great restaurants, the Club Spa Suites surround you with organic, elegant décor, and the finest, most soothing amenities. Suites feature comfortable sitting area, daily delivery of healthy snacks, Frette plush robes and slippers, and in-room spa music. For the ultimate in serene surroundings, the spacious glass-enclosed spa soaking tub and separate rain shower bring the outside in, with views to the endless seas beyond. With a large living room and a separate bedroom—plus your own private veranda—your suite offers a restful retreat after your immersive experiences on land.
If you are planning to extend your travels beyond either country, check with your physician if anything else is required. Most visitors to Australia and New Zealand need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), an electronic, label-free visa obtainable for a small fee. Smart Casual attire is required for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the Celebrity Theatre. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants, or jeans with a stylish top or button-down.
Expedition cruises mix visits to large ports with scenic visits to less-frequented locations that many large cruise liners do not visit. Some expedition cruises visit New Zealand’s South Island on the way to sub-Antarctic islands, while others visit smaller New Zealand locations, such as Stewart Island or Kaikoura. On a cruise to and from Auckland, delight at the sight of glittering glowworms inside Auckland’s / Tāmaki Makaurau Waitomo Grotto, and enjoy an exclusive kiij at Māori and Polynesian exhibits in Auckland. Travel along Akaroa’s Southern Alps, and see white-flippered blue penguins and New Zealand / Aotearoa fur seals on a cruise through Akaroa Harbour. On itineraries with More Ashore Late Night calls, we stay until at least 9 p.m. You will enjoy one of Wellington’s top attractions Mount Victoria— offering incredible panoramic views located on an inner-city public parkland.
Free dining options abound but specialty restaurant Salt Grill by Luke Mangan is worth the splurge. Pacific Dawn is a hit with cruisers of all ages who appreciate this ship's smaller size and low-key, casual vibe combined with modern Australian style. The Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand is known for Maori culture, lush-valley-and-gentle-hill-filled landscapes made famous by the Lord of the Rings films and dramatic glacial mountain peaks. Cruise to New Zealand and head to the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, home to the mighty fjords of Milford Sound.
With so many must-see spots in New Zealand, the most popular months for New Zealand cruises are December, January, and February. This is when the temperatures are the most comfortable and enjoyable with sunnier days. This island nation located off the eastern coast of Australia offers expansive bays, dramatic fiords, and a scenic coastline– perfect for exploration by hundreds of New Zealand cruises every year. This chart features a representative from the major lines, including Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Crystal, Silversea, P&O and Seabourn. Families on a budget might find the most 'bang for their buck' onboard Carnival Legend, while couples looking to splurge can pamper themselves with Crystal Symphony's lavish suites and all-inclusive fine dining.
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