Aussie cruisers on the rise around NZ
13 May 2010
Record numbers of Australians are cruising to New Zealand, and cruise companies are rising to the challenge.
Australia’s largest cruise operator - Carnival Australia, will more than double its fleet for 2012 to meet increasing demand. The company runs trips to New Zealand through P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, which have ships based in Australia all year.
Carnival chief executive Ann Sherry said the company would increase the number of cruises from 17 to 38 by 2012, increasing the number of passengers going across the Tasman from 35,000 to 80,000. Carnival Australia would offer 31 cruises to New Zealand next year.
"New Zealand is becoming to Australia what Alaska is to Americans - a very desirable holiday destination that’s ideal to visit by sea," Sherry said.
Cross-Tasman visitors
Australia has always been one of New Zealand’s biggest tourism markets, and Sherry says the relationship is set to become even better.
The number of Australians taking Kiwi holidays has more than doubled over the past decade, and now exceeds one million people per year.
Carnival Australia’s investment in future New Zealand travel had only been possible with the expansion in the number of ships deployed in Australia, Sherry said.
"It’s tangible evidence of the growth of the local cruise industry, particularly when you consider that only a year ago, Carnival Australia had just five ships based here over summer."
Trans-Tasman visitors enjoy cruising the coasts of the North and South Islands, visiting New Zealand’s main cities, regional ports and remote wilderness areas such as Milford Sound.
Cruising New Zealand
The New Zealand cruise ship season runs from September to April.
Auckland is the most-visited destination, but other regional ports such as Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, Napier in Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington are also popular.
Visitors wanting an in-depth look at the country can choose from a variety of voyages up and down the country. Fiordland cruises offer breathtaking views of the rugged, mountainous South Island coastline, while trips through the sunny Bay of Islands showcase northern beaches and rich marine-life.
Tourism operators are committed to expanding the ever-growing market by offering more unique and diverse cruising experiences.
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