Cruising in New Zealand

However you choose to travel in New Zealand and no matter what you plan to see during your time there, joining a cruise will enhance your trip.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast then travel to Kaikoura where you may be lucky enough to spot the year-round populations of whale, dolphin and albatross on a cruise. If you’re feeling adventurous then you can even get in the water and swim with the dolphin. In case you’re wondering about the scenery here, you’ll have the towering Seaward Kaikoura mountains to gaze back at.

It doesn’t stop there though, at the French village of Akaroa on rugged the Banks Peninsula you can join a dolphin cruise, up north in the Bay of Islands you can head out from Paihia on a Hole in the Rock cruise to soak in the spectacular scenery and in Rotorua you can cruise out on Lake Rotorua to a wildlife sanctuary where you will spot rare native birds like kiwi and saddleback as well as discovering Maori culture and history.

For something a little different then travel to Whakatane and join the cruise out to White Island, an active volcano off the coast of the Bay of Plenty. Here you will discover a lunar landscape, bubbling hot mud, desolate mining ruins and three separate volcanic cones.

For an overnight cruise then either Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound are a must. Both in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is home to the iconic Mitre Peak, whilst Doubtful Sound is much larger in size and offers a quieter, more remote feel. Both cruises are fantastic, each offer the opportunity to kayak along the shoreline and a spectacular journey from Queenstown or Te Anau.

If sailing is more your thing then step aboard an America’s Cup yacht in Auckland and set sail around the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. Or for a gentler experience join a coffee cruise aboard the Pride of Auckland, with commentary on the sights and history of the area.

For the ultimate luxury cruise join Orion Expedition Cruises for a 5 star journey along New Zealand’s coastline or down to the sub-Antarctic islands. Or for a simple yet memorable A to B journey simply just cruise between Wellington on North Island and Picton on South Island aboard the Interislander Ferry as it passes through the spectacular Cook Straight.

Cox & Kings Travel offers a wide range of crusing options and luxury tailor-made holidays to New Zealand.