Cruising in New Zealand Waters
Both the number of ports in New Zealand and the scenic cruising opportunities present cruise lines with a wide range of options. Nearly all Ports are within overnight steaming of each other.
Overland sectors are easily organised, as are pre- and post-cruise itineraries.
There are 12 key ports of call in New Zealand, all with unique offerings and dramatically different landscapes. Most cruise ships begin their visit in the sunny North, working their way south to the historic cities of Christchurch and Dunedin and the dramatic fiords of Fiordland.
At Port
Visit the websites listed for each port to find detailed information on anchorage
and berthing services, provedores, stevedores, repair facilities and
much more.
The birthplace of a nation, the Bay of Islands offers beautiful beaches endlessly bathed in sunshine and the early settlement site of the Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous culture. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840, which is now seen as a national foundation stone.
Cruising through the spectacular Hauraki Gulf past many enchanting islands you will reach the Ports of Auckland terminal at Princess Wharf, the heart of a vibrant waterfront district. A modern city offering beaches, stylish shopping and a perse multicultural flavour, you will see why Auckland offers one of the top standards of living in the world.
Port of Auckland
www.poal.co.nz/cruises/cruises Ports of Auckland has Waitemata Harbour berthing facilities for
several cruise ships on the same day, as well as anchorages at the
islands in the gulf.
The entry port to the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga offers a full range of cruise support services. The resort town of Mount Maunganui is a short stroll from the wharf, offering a combination of port and seaside resort available in few places around the world. Tauranga is also the gateway to the thermal and geyser attractions of Rotorua.
Port of Tauranga
www.portofnapier.co.nz
Is 140 miles south of Auckland on the east coast. The gateway port
for the thermal area of Rotorua. A full range of cruise support
services are available.
Rocked by an earthquake in 1931, the rebuilding of Napier has made it renowned for its art deco buildings and heritage. Other offerings of the Hawkes Bay region include internationally award-winning wines and fruit of almost every variety.
Port of Napier
www.portofnapier.co.nz
Situated on the East coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
Cruise ships have recently started visiting the wild and untamed coast of Gisborne. This is a fantastic place to experience a slice of modern Maori life and sample the Chardonnay wines of the Eastland region.
Port of Gisborne
www.eastland.co.nz/Port/schedules.asp
Situated at Gisborne on the North Eastern corner of Poverty Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island.
The stunning Wellington Harbour is set dramatically against a natural amphitheatre of hills and mountains, and welcomes cruisers to a metropolitan yet compact city. New Zealand’s capital city has a feast of museums, art galleries and historic buildings to explore.
Port of Wellington
www.centreport.co.nz/shipping/cruise
New Zealand's capital city. Situated in Cook's Strait, lower North Island.
Nelson is home to a highly developed arts and crafts scene, and the picturesque Abel Tasman National Park. The climate here creates the perfect environment for wine production, fruit orchards and forestry.
Port of Nelson
www.portnelson.co.nz
Situated in Tasman Bay, at the top of the South Island.
Ships approach Picton through one of the world’s most scenic routes, the fiord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Nestled between the dark green hills and blue-green waters Picton is the perfect spot for holiday makers.
Ports of Malborough and Picton
www.portmarlborough.co.nz/Home
Port Marlborough has evolved as a popular cruise port because of its
scenic waterways and central position. Cruise vessels are
enthusiastically supported, with a welcoming band playing at ship
berths, flowers given to passengers on disembarkation and a local
information centre open on the wharf.
Valued for its culture and heritage the garden city offers year-round activities. A rural wonderland with majestic mountains, Christchurch is the South Island’s largest city and the hub of the Canterbury region.
Port of Lyttelton
www.lpc.co.nz
Lyttelton port is the access way to Christchurch city.
Timaru is a pleasant stopover with the picturesque Caroline Bay, Edwardian buildings made from local volcanic bluestone and a collection of restaurants and cafes near the beach.
A bustling university city located at the head of the long and narrow Otago Harbour. The Peninsula is a haven for wildlife while the city has a distinct Scottish ambience.
Ports of Dunedin and Port Chalmers
www.portotago.co.nz/11/3.html
Port Otago comprises two separate berthing areas; Port Chalmers
which is halfway down the harbour has deepwater facilities. Port
Dunedin which is right alongside the city centre at the head of Otago
Harbour, is for smaller cruise ships.
Experience a day of scenic cruising through Fiordland’s glacier carved fiords and ancient rainforest. You will encounter a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat in this designated World Heritage Park.
'Cruise New Zealand' Organisation
www.cruisenewzealand.org.nz
Cruise New Zealand (CNZ) initially commenced as a marketing organization to promote New Zealand to international cruise lines. As a result of the growth in cruising around New Zealand, CNZ has also become involved in nationwide issues at a Government level to facilitate further growth in the industry. CNZ participates in international roadshows and offshore visitations, and exhibits annually at the Seatrade Miami Convention, an important showpiece for both NZ and the industry.
CNZ has found it invaluable to be involved in the itinerary planning process with the cruise lines. This includes positioning the vessel in and out of NZ through the Pacific, enabling the lines to maximise both port and scenic cruising opportunities.
CNZ also has links with the Pacific Islands and the Australian cruise association (Cruise Down Under), to promote the regions. All parties are cognisant of the need to facilitate a regional product to aid the cruise lines and, in turn, their customers.
|
| Cruise Director Speech Notes |
Speech Notes
Speaking to cruise passengers about New Zealand? Find out about the discovery of New Zealand, how the dramatic landscapes were formed, and what the fun loving Kiwi's like to do in their spare time. It's all here in downloadable, ready for use notes
File Size: 453 KB - approx 1.2 mins on 56K modem
|
| Cruise Ship Schedule |
Download to view the cruise liners visiting New Zealand in the 2007/2008 cruise season, including the ports visited and date of call. Use the auto filters to search by cruise ship or port.
File Size: 77KB - approx 0.2 mins on 56K modem
|
 | New Zealand Facts | |
|
 |
|
| KEY FACTS |
For information on immigration, language, climate or currency, and anything else you could possibly want to know before you visit ... it's all here at the tip of your fingers.
|
|
|
 |
Read more ›
|
| Images of New Zealand | |
|
|
|
| IMAGES |
Looking for New Zealand images for your brochure or website? Visit Tourism New Zealand's image library, www.images.newzealand.
com where you can view and download hundreds of print-ready images.
|
|
|
|
Read more ›
|
| Itinerary Planning | |
|
|
|
| ITINERARY PLANNING |
See the regional information, visit the key facts page and view on-shore excursion ideas on Tourism New Zealand's website www.newzealand.com
|
|
|
|
Read more ›
|
|
| 
| 