Cruising to New Zealand

New Zealand has many kilometres of coastline where you can find both cruise liners and pleasure crafts anchored in the harbours.

A number of international cruise liners call into the ports of New Zealand’s main cities and wilderness areas.

	CRUISE PORTS IN NEW ZEALAND

Nothing beats cruising into Fiordland. Protected as a World Heritage area, Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds feature near-vertical rock sides that tower above today's cruise ships. And from the rain-forested mountains, thundering waterfalls plummet into the sea.

As you enter and depart the harbour of Port Charlmers, Dunedin, your vessel will sail nearby to Taiaroa Heads on the Otago Peninsula. This is the only mainland breeding colony for Albatrosses found in the southern hemisphere and is also home to other birds and seals on the cliff face below. The area is now a protected nature reserve for these beautiful birds. Keep your binoculars on hand and camera ready on this wildlife scenic cruise opportunity. Once on shore, there are a number of eco-encounters with these seabirds and marine mammals.

Christchurch is our garden city, and home to well established parks and gardens. It is also the home to the TranzAlpine train journey, an inspired way to appreciate Arthur's Pass and rated in the worlds top 6 great scenic railway journeys.

Around Marlborough at the top of the South Island, cruise ships dock in Picton or Nelson. Your ship will probably be welcomed by playful dolphins; Dusky Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins and the rare Hectors Dolphins frequent this area and sightings are common. Be sure not to miss this cruising experience as your vessel meanders through idyllic sounds (drowned river valleys) flanked by forest-covered ranges.

Nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, Wellington offers a chic city experience in a stunning natural setting. A magnet for creative thinkers, Wellington is widely regarded as New Zealand's arts and culture capital and is home to the nations' stories of heritage and history. Visiting espresso lovers will be delighted with the skill of local roasters and baristas."

Great food and fine wine

Over the last few decades, New Zealand wines have been increasingly recognized at international competitions. A vineyard tour, with lunch amidst the vines, is a relaxing way to explore the local vintages. The Hawkes Bay Wine Country is New Zealand’s leading food and wine region and its capital city of Napier, is home to a world class concentration of Art Deco architecture. No where else can you see such a variety and concentration of buildings in Art Deco style.

Port of Tauranga is the gateway to Mount Maunganui, Tauranga city and the inland destination of Rotorua. Spectacular beaches, coastal walkways and boutique shopping greet you on arrival. Rotorua, just a short distance away boasts a unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture and natural hot springs to sooth the soul. (Mount Maunganui photo).

In the far north you'll glide past the picturesque islands of a maritime park. The Bay of Islands has over 144 islands and bays and here, you’ll find out why this majestic area is considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand. You'll notice that most islands exhibit the terracing that denotes an ancient Maori 'pa' (fort) site. In Waitangi amid a quiet reserve you'll find the Treaty House and a fully-carved Whare Runanga, or Maori Meeting House. Waitangi is the historic site where Maori chiefs and European representatives signed the charters that formed our governing agreement, the Treaty of Waitangi, in 1840.

A haven for your soul

While you're busy enjoying New Zealand’s inspiring experiences, you'll also discover there’s an indulgent side to the Kiwi way of life. Chances are you will begin or end your cruise in Auckland. Luxury lodges, boutique retreats and five-star hotels can help you to discover a higher level of relaxation either before or after your cruise. Auckland’s unique blend of harbors, islands, Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Rejuvenating spas with heavenly massage therapies have been a feature of the New Zealand experience since the early days of 'taking the waters' at our natural geothermal springs.

Great food and fine wine

Fresh and vibrant, New Zealand's wine and food is amongst the best in the world. Taste is paramount. Talented and innovative chefs combine ingredients freshly harvested from garden, land and sea. Pacific influences, organics and indigenous foods make it unique. New Zealand's cuisine is often described as Pacific Rim, and draws inspiration from Europe, Asia and Polynesia. But its distinctiveness is also in the way New Zealanders eat - generally preferring an environment that is as relaxed and unaffected as possible, in keeping with the laidback Kiwi psyche.

Fascinating culture

Using celestial navigation and their knowledge of the sea, Maori, the indigenous peoples of New Zealand, were the first to settle these islands. Maori were quick to adapt to the natural environment of New Zealand and their knowledge of the land, culture, and traditions have been passed from one generation to the next. Visitors have many opportunities to experience Maori culture - from guided tours in urban, rural, river, ocean, or forest settings through to authentic crafts and cultural performances.

Pioneers from European countries were later settlers, looking for a new life in a land of opportunity. An abundance of natural resources and significant gold discoveries in the 1860s attracted fortune-seekers, including people from China. Each of these communities has contributed to New Zealand's unique culture and their presence can be felt in sport, art, theatre, music, food and wine throughout the country. Fascinating stories and cultural experiences can be enjoyed in large modern interactive museums or through small local collections.

Just follow your heart

With the cares of the world a fading memory, chances are you'll end up feeling a little more spontaneous than usual. And that’s when New Zealand Tourism's Qualmark® system lends a hand.

All accommodation, transport, activities and attractions that display a Qualmark® have been independently assessed as professional and trustworthy. So you can cut loose with complete confidence, whenever and wherever you choose.