How much does a New Zealand cruise cost?

A cruise in New Zealand can range greatly in price, depending on the duration of the voyage. There are also other factors which will impact the cost, such as which grade of accommodation and fare type you choose, and if you add in extra special experiences such as a land tour.

What ports do New Zealand cruises visit?

There are so many beautiful places to see on a cruise to New Zealand. Some popular ports include Fiordland National Park, Dunedin, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch, among others.

Which ports do New Zealand cruises depart from?

Many New Zealand voyages depart in Australia, at ports such as Melbourne and Sydney. You could also take in New Zealand as part of a longer Grand Voyage, which could start in Sydney. Most Grand cruises stop in Auckland rather than fully sailing around New Zealand.

How long are New Zealand cruises?

You can find cruises in New Zealand of different durations, often around two weeks long.

What are the best sights to see on a New Zealand cruise?

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.

Beautiful sunset over the bend of the river Clutha with Southern Alps peaks on the horizon, New Zealand

What to expect on a New Zealand cruise

In a region where the people are as inviting as the scenery, a cruise to New Zealand is a truly unforgettable experience. Expect stunning scenery, dramatic fiords, cosmopolitan cities, and lush green mountains.

Why choose a New Zealand cruise?

Fiord Milford Sound South Island New Zealand shutterstock 271692407

Internationally renowned lamb. World-class wines. Exploration. And rich Māori traditions. Whether it’s sipping a Sauvignon Blanc in a sun-drenched vineyard, navigating a glow-worm lit cave, or sailing within metres of whales, a cruise to New Zealand unlocks a swathe of sensory experiences.

Drink in the metropolitan and friendly atmosphere in the more populated north island, and the untamed natural wonders of the beautifully scenic south.

New Zealand is famed for its cities with a small-town feel and is known as a place to indulge your adventurous side. Embarking on a Cunard cruise here means you could be checking out the works of local indigenous artists in a hip gallery one day, and hiking to the summit of an extinct volcano the next.

Many ports offer dramatic viewpoints that reveal even more of the country’s breathtaking landscapes, and the vistas from your ship as you venture through the islands’ fiords are equally spectacular.

New Zealand cruise routes

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.

What cities are on a New Zealand cruise route?

Auckland, the country’s largest city, is a thriving hub. Stretched across a volcanic field on the north island, it offers picturesque scenery, welcoming locals, and fascinating Māori heritage - everything you would expect from an enchanting New Zealand city.

Christchurch, by contrast, has an elegantly Victorian flavour, backed by buildings bursting with traditional English heritage. Glide past leafy parklands as you take in the sights on the city tram or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the craggy Banks Peninsula with its walks and cycling tracks.

Where do New Zealand cruise routes go?

Cruises to New Zealand commonly include destinations such as Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch (tours from Akaroa or Lyttleton), and Dunedin.

Longer routes may stop at the Bay of Islands, as well as a scenic route near the majestic Fiordland National Park.

New Zealand cruise ports

Dunedin

Dunedin, the second largest city on New Zealand’s southern island, saw its population boom in the 1860s with the arrival of new settlers keen to make their fortune.

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Christchurch

On the eastern side of New Zealand’s South Island, charming Christchurch offers plenty of pretty gardens and parklands to explore. Notably English in character, the streets, markets, and lifestyle of the city is at once inviting and novel.

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Wellington

Perched in the hills surrounding a sparkling bay, Wellington’s beautiful setting is akin to that of San Fransisco. The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington is renowned for its creative and cultural heart.

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Auckland

Known as the ‘City of Sails, the blue waters of Auckland sparkle in the warm sunlight, while the region beyond boasts more than 48 extinct volcanoes and wild mountainous scenery.

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Summer Landscape with Blue Sky on the Pacific Sea Coast, Bay Of Islands, Northland, North Island, New Zealand; Shutterstock ID 313318763; Purchase Order: -

The Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands, north of Auckland, is a mesmerising, untamed paradise. Home to some of the world’s largest trees, some of which stand over 170 feet tall and are over 1,200 years old.

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New Zealand cruise highlights

A cruise to New Zealand is a veritable feast for all the senses. Dine out on an eclectic range of culture, natural wonders, fascinating historical highlights, and exquisite culinary experiences.

Beach with Blue Sky Landscape, Tauranga City, North Island, New Zealand; Shutterstock ID 183159701; Purchase Order: -

New Zealand cruise sights

Breath-taking beauty is what makes a cruise to New Zealand exceptional. From alpine peaks and stretches of multi-coloured corals, towering rocky peaks, pink granite mountains, sugar-white beaches and emerald eucalyptus forests, New Zealand is a natural wonderland.

The wildlife on a New Zealand cruise can be equally mesmerising. Kiwi birds, Takahē, duck-billed platypus, Tuatara, and Kereru roam the land, while beneath the azure waves lies the opportunity to dive among manta rays, sea turtles, and colourful corals.

Festivals and events

Kiwis are not ones to shy away from a celebration, and with over 300 festivals throughout the year, there’s always something happening on a cruise to New Zealand.

Take part in a traditional Māori Kai festival for an opportunity to truly experience the incredible Māori culture, meet local Māori tribes and sample incredible Māori cuisine. Māori Kai festivals happen at different times throughout the year.

New Zealand cruises throughout the year

Cunard cruises to New Zealand typically sail between December and March, which is peak summertime in New Zealand. You can expect temperatures to be around 12°C (53.6°F) to 16°C (60.8°F). For this reason, it's good to include a few lightweight layers in your luggage, together with some beachwear, should you wish to enjoy the New Zealand sunshine from your ship's open decks.

Summer - December, January and February

The peak time for cruise ships to visit New Zealand, summer weather means warm temperatures (between 20 – 30°C (68 - 86°F) – perfect for sun-seekers.

Spring - March, April and May

Spring in New Zealand means slightly cooler temperatures, but it's an excellent time for exploring, swimming, surfing and enjoying all of the exciting activities available on a New Zealand cruise.

Winter – June, July and August

Winter in New Zealand sees cooler weather and rain, with temperatures typically ranging around 12°C - 16°C (53.6°F - 60.8°F).

Autumn - September, October and November

Autumn in New Zealand can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot, with spring buds blooming and newborn lambs frolicking in the fields before dusk.

New Zealand cruise FAQs

A New Zealand cruise can bring with it varied weather. 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. Auckland in the north, on the other hand, reaches around 20°C (68°F) in January and lows of 11°C (58°F) in July. New Zealand sees a fair amount of rain and drizzle, so it’s wise to pack waterproof clothes.