Cruise from Australia to New Zealand
A wonderful, recommended, pampering, and surprisingly affordable way to travel in New Zealand is a cruise on one of the large cruise ships. Of course, on such a cruise you will not see the entire country from end to end, you will not be able to do long backcountry treks, nor see inland destinations such as Mount Cook or Arthur's Pass; however, you will be able to visit 6–10 different destinations across both the South and North Islands, sail through the breathtaking fjords (known as "sounds") in the southwest of the country, and taste the best it has to offer in a "hub-and-spoke" style journey—without exhausting drives, and without the constant packing, unpacking, and changing of hotels.
In this article, you will also find recommendations for tours in the various ports along the cruise.
This trip is especially suitable for those who prefer not to drive in New Zealand (where driving is on the left side of the road), for those with relatively limited time who do not want an intensive organized bus tour spending most of the day looking at the spectacular country through a bus window on lengthy drives.
This trip is also suitable for those who have visited New Zealand in the past and are looking for complementary visits and additional highlights.
A typical cruise length in New Zealand ranges between 11–16 nights.
There are no shorter cruises, but there are certainly longer ones that combine several ports in Australia.
The best time for a cruise to New Zealand is from mid-November to mid-March, when the weather is at its most pleasant and comfortable. Indeed, the widest selection of cruises to New Zealand takes place during these months, though there is also a limited number of cruises in the shoulder seasons during September–October and April–May.
The main departure point for cruises to New Zealand is
Sydney, Australia.
The very act of sailing out of its magnificent harbor, beneath the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and within arm's reach of the Opera House, is a perfect start to an enchanting vacation.
Most itineraries are round-trip routes starting and ending in Sydney. A much smaller number of sailings depart from and return to the port of Brisbane.
Another popular route is a one-way itinerary from Auckland to Sydney or vice versa, which includes sailing around both islands of New Zealand and usually also includes the state of Tasmania.
The cruise industry in Australia/New Zealand has gained tremendous momentum in recent years. While not too long ago the dominant company in the region was P&O—which deployed its smaller ships to Oceania—today, alongside the many cruises it offers to New Zealand, there is a wide selection of ships and itineraries from the major American cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America, with additional companies joining each year and deploying more ships to the region. Naturally, luxury cruise lines such as Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, or Seabourn also operate cruises to New Zealand, though at significantly higher rates.
Several companies, including Cunard (on ships such as
Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth), Holland America, and Princess, offer world cruise segments of over 40, 60, and even over 100 days that include Australia and New Zealand.
It is sometimes possible to join shorter segments of these cruises.
There are also one-way routes between the United States via the Pacific Islands to Australia or New Zealand, or from New Zealand to the Far East; however, these operate less frequently, are significantly longer, and include many days at sea.
A representative and highly recommended round-trip route from Sydney to New Zealand is:
13-Night Round-Trip Cruise from Sydney to New Zealand
The itinerary includes four days at sea: two on the way out from Sydney to New Zealand's South Island, and two on the return journey from New Zealand's North Island back to Sydney.
The first two days provide ample time to get acquainted with the ship and its amenities, and to enjoy the extensive onboard activities.
The final two days offer relaxation after intensive touring days across New Zealand's many ports of call, an opportunity to say goodbye to the dedicated crew who took great care of you throughout the voyage and to fellow travelers you befriended, and one last chance to enjoy shipboard life.
In between, there is a magical scenic cruising day with breathtaking vistas through three of the fjords in Fiordland National Park, followed by visits to seven diverse and fascinating ports. In most destinations, the ship docks from early morning until late afternoon or early evening, allowing you to experience the very best—thanks to the long daylight hours in New Zealand.
♦ Fiordland National Park
The first destination you reach is located in the southwest of the South Island: Fiordland National Park, where you cruise through three fjords for most of the day. The giant ship navigates through narrow fjords, flanked by towering cliffs and mountains, cascading waterfalls, and marine wildlife. The sailing is slow and scenic in calm, crystal-clear waters, with ever-changing scenery at every turn.
In the narrow fjord, the ship completes a full 360-degree rotation, offering panoramic views of the area from all angles. The first fjord you cruise through is also the most famous and visited of them all: Milford Sound, after which you continue to another fjord: Doubtful Sound, concluding the day in the third fjord: Dusky Sound.
The stunning scenery can be viewed from your stateroom balcony (if you have one), from all open and covered decks, while exercising in the fitness center or walking along the running track on deck, during meals in the dining rooms and buffets, and even while relaxing in the heated pool and whirlpool spas.
During the cruise, a National Park Ranger who boarded the ship at the fjord entrance points out sights of interest along the way, highlights natural phenomena, spots passing wildlife, and shares fascinating stories about the region.
♦ Dunedin
The following morning, the ship arrives at the port of Dunedin, in the southeast of the South Island. Sailing into and out of the harbor is extremely scenic (be sure to pack plenty of memory cards for your camera for this cruise...). The ship berths at the city's port wharf, which also serves cargo vessels, just a short drive from the city center.
♦ Booking Guided Shore Excursions in Dunedin from Viator:
Includes port pick-up and drop-off:
It is highly recommended to take a wildlife tour to observe penguins, fur seals, sea lions, and a rich variety of seabirds along the coastlines near the city. In my opinion, the top tour operator is Elm Wildlife Tours. The company's guide will pick you up from and return you to the port. On the way to the nature reserves, you will pass several city landmarks (such as the world's steepest street, the impressive railway station building, etc.) and stop at several panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city and harbor. Without a doubt, the tour's highlight is the up-close encounter with wildlife in their natural habitat, paired with the guide's wonderful insights. This is easily one of the best guided tours you will ever take!
On Reshet's MOOD website, I uploaded a short video about the wildlife in this reserve.
♦ Akaroa Harbour
The next day, the ship anchors at Akaroa Harbour, a charming town nestled on a tranquil bay (formed by a volcanic caldera) south of Christchurch. At this port, the ship anchors in the middle of the harbor, and passengers tender ashore aboard the ship's lifeboats, which operate as shuttles throughout the day.
♦ Booking Cruise-Friendly Tours in Akaroa from Viator:
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Boat tours around the picturesque harbor to watch marine wildlife, especially dolphins, are very popular. However, if you've already had your fill of marine animals the previous day and want some variety, a visit to Shamarra Alpacas farm, located in the hills overlooking the harbor, comes highly recommended. Stop on the way for an impressive panoramic viewpoint. At the farm, you will enjoy a guided tour introducing you to the many alpacas raised on-site—pure joy for animal lovers against a breathtaking backdrop.
It is lovely to stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade, visit the historic lighthouse at the far left end of the promenade, and wander the town streets brimming with lush greenery and flowers. A true gem!
To welcome cruise passengers, traditional Maori performances are held at the ferry wharf.
You can read more about Akaroa in our article: Trip to the Picturesque Bay of Akaroa
♦ Wellington - Capital of New Zealand
The third port of call is Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, situated at the southern tip of the North Island.
The cruise terminal is located adjacent to the city stadium, about a 15-minute walk from downtown and its many attractions. You can easily walk, take a paid shuttle, or hail a taxi.
♦ Booking Cruise-Friendly Tours in Wellington from Viator:
In Wellington, there is no real need to book an organized tour. It is very easy and convenient to navigate on foot, and most major city attractions are free of charge.
Take the red Wellington Cable Car for fantastic panoramic views of the hilly city. The cable car (a one-way ticket is recommended) leads directly to the beautiful Wellington Botanic Garden, which is lovely to explore on foot as you make your way down the hill back to the city center. The scenery in every direction is delightful!
From the gardens, continue on foot to visit the uniquely shaped New Zealand Parliament building, where free guided tours are offered every hour on the hour.
Later in the day, a visit to the Museum of New Zealand is highly recommended.
"Te Papa Museum" - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This is one of the country's largest and most significant museums, featuring interactive exhibits on Maori culture, immigration to New Zealand, flora and fauna, geothermal phenomena, and more.
After visiting the museum, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade back toward the port among parks, restaurants, shops, attractive buildings, and sculptures.
If you prefer not to walk, you can join a guided minibus tour of the city's main sights, including a viewpoint from Mount Victoria, offered by two top operators: Hammonds Scenic Tours and Wellington Rover Tours.
The next day, you arrive at the port of Napier, a city built entirely in Art Deco style, located in Hawke's Bay in the central North Island.
A comprehensive guided tour of the city and surrounding areas is offered by Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours. Over the course of five hours, your guide will take you—either on a private tour or as part of a small group (depending on bookings from the ship)—to city and harbor viewpoints, along the extensive coastline dotted with parks and sculptures, and past numerous buildings constructed in the same era and architectural style following the devastating 1931 earthquake.
The tour ventures outside the city into pastoral rolling hills, along a river, and past farms, fruit orchards, and vineyards. You will also visit New Zealand's oldest winery and ascend a scenic peak offering 360-degree panoramic views of the fertile region.
Napier is also renowned for its impressive collection of vintage cars still in daily use. A fun surprise awaits cruise passengers at the dock: several vintage automobiles parked along the pier, with locals dressed in period attire who are delighted to take photos with you.
♦ Port of Tauranga
The next port of call the following day is Tauranga, located in the Bay of Plenty. This port serves as a gateway for excursions to Rotorua—regarded as the geothermal capital of the world—featuring seven geothermal parks with hot springs, boiling mud pools, geysers, and more. You can take a fascinating tour to one of these sites (located about an hour's drive from the port).
♦ Booking Cruise-Friendly Tours from the Port of Tauranga via Viator:
Alternatively, if you prefer independent exploring, you can easily walk (or take a short taxi ride) to Mt. Maunganui, a vibrant coastal resort town featuring an impressive volcanic cone by the beach. The town boasts excellent beaches for swimming and surfing. A walk along the trail circling the base or ascending to the summit of the mountain is highly recommended.
The hike takes approximately one hour each way, with the final stretch being quite steep. Along the mountain, you will encounter trees adorned with bright red and white blooms (known as the New Zealand Christmas tree / Pohutukawa), lush ferns, birds, wild goats, and sheep. The panoramic summit vistas in every direction are spectacular—stretching across beaches, coves, outlying islands, and the bustling town and port below.
♦ Auckland
After touring smaller towns and nature reserves, it's time to visit New Zealand's largest city: Auckland, which you reach the following morning. The cruise terminal is nestled right in the heart of the vibrant downtown, allowing you to easily explore key attractions on a comfortable walking tour.
If you prefer a guided city excursion—including visits to the volcanic hills surrounding downtown or exploring the striking nature reserves near Auckland—you can book the following tours that include cruise port pick-up and drop-off:
♦ Booking Cruise-Friendly Tours in Auckland from Viator:
A great way to kick off your visit to Auckland is by going up the tallest freestanding structure in New Zealand, the Sky Tower, for incredible views of the city from a height of 328 meters.
Afterward, stroll down Auckland's main shopping thoroughfare, Queen Street, a lively avenue packed with shopping centers, boutiques, restaurants, and a bustling atmosphere. From mid-November through mid-January, the storefronts and buildings are decorated for Christmas, adding festive charm and vibrancy.
It is also wonderful to walk along Auckland's waterfront along Tamaki Drive, exploring the marinas and fishing wharves adjacent to the cruise terminal. Be sure to check out Viaduct Harbour on Hobson Street, packed with restaurants, cafes, and pubs with harbor and marina views. Don't miss a visit to Auckland's maritime museum, the New Zealand Maritime Museum ("Voyager"), located right on this wharf.
♦ Bay of Islands
The final port of call in New Zealand before returning to Australia is the Bay of Islands, situated in Northland at the northern end of the North Island. The ship anchors in the island-studded bay near the region's main tourist hub: Paihia.
♦ Booking Tours in the Region from Viator:
In this port, booking a ship-sponsored shore excursion is recommended, as participants receive priority tender boarding to the town. Furthermore, this is your last port of call—anyone who misses the ship will have to fly to Sydney at their own expense and miss the final two sea days of the cruise...
The top excursion is the boat tour to the famous "Hole in the Rock". Tour boats head out to a large rocky island featuring an enormous natural archway that boats cruise directly through (weather and sea conditions permitting). This thrilling experience offers spectacular coastal views of the rock formations (one side resembles a woman's profile), pristine islands, scenic beaches, and an isolated lighthouse. Along the way, marine wildlife such as dolphins can frequently be spotted.
History and culture enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This is where the historic treaty was signed between the Maori chiefs and British Crown representatives. Visitors can tour the Treaty House, explore traditional Maori meeting houses (whare rūnanga), view a large ceremonial war canoe (waka taua), and discover numerous cultural and historical artifacts.
A few essential final tips:
- Shore Excursions: Australians and New Zealanders are not accustomed to massive tour groups in most cruise destinations, meaning spot availability on local tours is very limited. Many tours sell out well ahead of the cruise date. Book your excursions well in advance! Also keep in mind that ship-organized excursions are typically pricier than booking independently via Viator, and a small-group or private excursion is far more enjoyable than sharing a bus with 40 other passengers.
- Dining Times: Australians (who make up the vast majority of guests on these cruises) typically dine around 6:00 PM; consequently, early dining seatings fill up much faster than late seatings. If you prefer early dining, make sure to request it immediately when making your cruise reservation.
- Don't forget to arrange your Australian visa well ahead of time! It can be a lengthy process (taking around a month). Without a valid visa, you will not be permitted to enter the country—neither by sea nor by air...