Cruising New Zealand

Many different cruise lines operate scheduled cruises to New Zealand:  Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, Lindblad, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Viking Ocean and Windstar. With these cruise lines, some  sail as part of their World Cruise itineraries such as Regent Seven Seas and other position ships there during our winter months for continual cruising opportunities, like Princess Cruises. And there are different styles of ships cruising around New Zealand, so there is a diverse choice of experiences to consider. Expedition, small, luxury ships, midsize premium ships and large contemporary ships. Something for everyone and everyone’s budget.

Off the northern tip of the North Island, ships anchor in the bay allowing passengers to visit the towns of Waitangi, Paihia and Russell. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds which is the site of the 1840 signing of New Zealand’s founding document – the Treaty of Waitangi. Or head to Russell the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand. Charter fishing boats and fish for marling, snapper and terakihi. Travel to the Waipoua forest to see ancient kauri trees, with Tane Mahuta – the Lord of the Forest estimated to be 2000 years old. Swim or dive in crystal clear waters. See glowworms on a guided tour of Kawiti Glowworm Caves. Or experience the breath-taking views along the coastline from a sea kayak.

Dock in the heart of downtown Auckland for some world class shopping and amazing scenery. Dine in the Viaduct Harbour area that has hosted the America’s Cup. Go sailing, climb a bridge, try bungy jumping or experience a jet boat. Outside of town sits Mount Eden a dormant volcano that last erupted about 15,000 years ago. Take a ferry to visit the golden beaches and vineyards on nearby Waiheke Island. Or stay in town and go to the top of the Sky Tower, a 328 meter fixture that offers stunning 260 degrees views of Auckland and has a casino.

Highlights here include Māori culture, geothermal activity, surfing and diving. Some of the best Kiwi and Avocados in the world are grown here. Meet the local Rotorua Māori people and see a traditional Māori Haka, war dance. Take a surfing or diving lesson on one of the golden sand beaches in Tauranga or nearby Mount Maunganui. Raft the rivers or horse trek in the area. Luge down a Rotorua hillside in a three-wheeled toboggan. Check out the natural hot springs, boiling mud pools, geothermal vents and geysers in and around Rotorua. Or visit the real Middle-Earth Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit films.

Following the 1931 earthquake, much of Napier was rebuild in a unique Art Deco style. Highlights include wine and food, Art Deco architecture, golf, beaches and a gannet colony. Hawke’s Bay has over 133 kilometers of dedicated off-road cycle ways through stunning scenery, such as orchards, coastline and vineyards. Cape Kidnappers is home to more than 20,000 amazing sea birds in the gannet colony. Try your luck golfing at Cape Kidnappers Golf Course ranked among the best in the world by Golf Magazine. The National Aquarium in Napier has a large display of aquatic life including sharks, stingrays, coral, as well ask Kiki birds and Tuatara lizard. World class Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah wines are what this region is famous for.

This is the world’s southern-most capital city, and it boasts great cuisine, shopping, wine tours and museums. Being a capital city, the Parliament Buildings incorporate the early Parliament House, Library and modern Beehive. At the Zealandia sanctuary, visitors can see some of the country’s rarest birds, reptiles and insects living wild in their natural environments. Wellington Coffee is world class, along with their many chic cafes. Take the iconic red cable car to the top of Mount Victoria for stunning views of the harbour and city. And of course, do not forget about the Wairarapa Wine Region where you can take an organized tour or rent a cycle and experience the vineyards at your own pace.

At the north end of the South Island, this stop has lots of wildlife, wine and outdoor activities. Home of the Marlborough Sounds, you can visit mussel, oyster or salmon farms and in particular the native, Green-lipped mussels. Sauvignon Blanc is the wine produced here and there are many wine tours you can take. Swim with dolphins or visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center in Blenheim. For the more active guests, hire a kayak to explore the Sounds. You can also bike or walk the Queen Charlotte Track, one of the many hiking areas around New Zealand. Or combine a scenic and informative eco-cruise about the wildlife in the region with a visit to either Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary or Historic Ship Cove.

Cruise ships anchor at Akaroa to visit Christchurch. This area has the Antarctic Center, TransAlpine train, a wildlife preserve, punting, rafting and jet boating. Christchurch is know as ‘The Garden City’ thanks to its large number of residential and Botanic gardens. Relax on a small, wooden punting boat as you float down the Avon River. The TransAlpine train takes you from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass in the stunning Southern Alps. At the Antarctic Center you can view penguins, learn about the icy continents, experience 4D theater and ride an all-terrain Hagglund Antarctic vehicle. Akaroa mixes French colonial architecture with art galleries and modern cafes. It is home to the world’s smallest and rarest species of dolphin – the Hector’s dolphin.  For the more adventurous, take a jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River or go white water rafting on the Rangitata River.

Founded by Scottish settlers in 1848, this is home to historical architecture, gardens, the world’s steepest street, wildlife and the Taieri Gorge Railway. In Dunedin visit the architectural gems when you tour Larnach Castle or the Olveston House. Take a tour as well to the Speights Brewery or Cadbury World Chocolate Factory with tasting sessions included. Baldwin Street is touted as the world’s steepest street. Board the Taieri Gorge Railway and travel over viaducts and through 100 year old, hand-carved tunnels as you journey through scenic Taieri Gorge. The Otago Peninsula is home to the yellow-eyed penguins, the royal albatross and other wildlife such as fur seals and Hooker’s sea lions.

This is some of the best scenery in the world! The highest peak in Fiordland is Mount Tutoko that rises 2750 meters above sea level. Most cruises don’t offer onshore excursions here, instead they travel through the fiords of Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound or Dusky Sound. This allows passengers to enjoy the varied scenery of what is the largest National Park and a World Heritage Site. Jagged peaks rise up from the water’s edge and waterfalls can be seen in the forests. Wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins along with the scenic beauty of the area have made Fiordland one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations. Many cruise lines offer an overland option from Milford Sound with an overnight stay in Queenstown. After experiencing the exciting scenery and nightlife that Queenstown has to offer, you will rejoin your ship in Dunedin.

As you can see, you get to explore a lot of New Zealand on a cruise ship. Combine that with a pre- or post- stay in Auckland, Mt. Cook or Fiordland and you will have more opportunities to take in more of this amazing country. This is a bucket list destination for me and I hope to be able to experience this wonderful destination soon!