10 Best Cruises Around New Zealand for 2022-2023

Auckland to Queenstown
13 Days from $7,690

Discover New Zealand's diverse wildlife and fascinating Maori culture on a 13-day voyage onboard the Coral Geographer. The itinerary covers over 7,000 kilometers of the country's stunning coastline.

Cascading waterfall in the Milford Sound

Expedition to the Albatross Latitudes: The Subantarctic & Chatham Islands

Queenstown to Wellington
17 Days from $9,585

Journey into the wilds of New Zealand’s Southern Ocean from the deep and quiet fiords of Murihiku – Southland – to the mysterious and protected wildlife reserves of the subantarctic Campbell and Auckland Islands on this 15-day cruise aboard Coral Geographer.

Southern Odyssey

Auckland to Dunedin
20 Days from $29,370

Board the National Geographic Orion and sail the Southern Odyssey route from Auckland to Dunedin and experience the pristine coastlines and natural splendor of New Zealand.

The Best of New Zealand

Auckland to Port of Lyttelton
10 Days from $6,650

Discover New Zealand, a stunning destination full of contrasts with a multitude of natural treasures and a unique charm. Set sail aboard Le Lapérouse for a 10-day cruise from Lyttelton all the way to the cosmopolitan city of Auckland, cruising through New Zealand’s fjords listed by UNESCO.

New Zealand's East Coast

Auckland - Milford Sound
13 Days from $7,690

Explore more than 7,000 km of New Zealand's stunning coastline on this 13-day cruise aboard the Coral Adventurer. Learn about Maori culture and see wildlife in its natural habitat.

Sheep on a hillside overlooking Marlborough Sounds

New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast

Auckland to Queenstown
11 Days from $4,495

Visit the hidden gems of New Zealand on this unforgettable 11-day expedition cruise of coastal New Zealand. Visit the three main islands the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island and enjoy ample opportunity to discover this priceless ecosystem.

Coastal New Zealand: Auckland to Milford Sound

Auckland to Queenstown
14 Days from $20,290

Board the National Geographic Orion and set off on a 14-day expedition of New Zealand's beautiful coasts, sailing from Auckland to Milford Sound. Spot wildlife and marvel at the gorgeous landscapes of these South Pacific islands. Along the way, explore Gisborne, Napier, Kaikoura, Dunedin, Stewart Island, and more.

Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands

Invercargill to Invercargill
12 Days from $8,450

Take a 13-day wildlife trip on the Spirit of Enderby through New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands: the Snares, Auckland, Macquarie, and Campbell. These islands' high biodiversity provides enough opportunities to observe and photograph unique Subantarctic flora and wildlife. Expert naturalists aboard the ship provide a wealth of information.

Fiordland and the South Coast

Milford Sound - Wellington
9 Days from $5,195

Join Coral Adventurer for a 9-day voyage to New Zealand's east coast towns. Discover the South Island's stunning shoreline, teeming with marine life and birds. Explore four of Fiordland's most stunning sounds: Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, Thompson Sound, and Milford Sound.

Islands of the Hauraki Gulf: Expedition Cruising the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands

Auckland to Auckland
8 Days from $3,865

Explore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and the Bay of Islands' iconic islands and coasts while learning about the region's early New Zealand history. On this eight-day journey to Northland, visit island sanctuaries where native wildlife thrives and hear about the region's conservation success stories and current initiatives.

Get Inspired to Cruise Around New Zealand

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Top 10 Small Ships Cruising NZ in 2022-2023

Ship Name	Max Passengers	From	Summary
Le Commandant Charcot	245	$42910	The polar explorer ship Le Commandant Charcot travels to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This expedition ship is unique because of its … 0
National Geographic Endurance	126	$52990	National Geographic Endurance, a purpose-built cruise ship capable of year-round operations in the arctic regions, with the highest ice class rating … 0
Heritage Adventurer	140	$3495	Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' due … 0
Le Soleal	264	$7590	Cruise the polar regions in luxury aboard the Le Soleal. This small ship carries 224 passengers in luxurious accommodations with first class … 0
Heritage Explorer	18	$3190	A new era of exploration along the New Zealand coast has begun with the addition of the Heritage Explorer to Heritage Expedition's small ship fleet. … 0
Ortelius	106	$28450	The ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius is an excellent ship for Polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, providing us with possibilities … 0
National Geographic Orion	102	$15160	The creation of the National Geographic Orion in 2003 heralds a new breed of expedition ship: a state-of-the-art vessel which combines the latest … 0
Coral Geographer	120	$6355	Arriving in December 2020, the 120-passenger Coral Geographer will feature state-of-the-art specifications and expedition features as her sister … 0
Coral Adventurer	120	$5195	This brand new 120-passenger ship cruises the stunning Kimberly Coast and New Guinea with expansive teak decking, spacious dining rooms and lounges, … 0
Le Laperouse	184	$6650	Experience the luxurious settings that Le Laperouse offers while you enjoy the authenticity and passion for travel on each itinerary. Its … 0

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New Zealand Cruise Guide & Travel Tips

New Zealand Cruise & Travel Overview

New Zealand has something to offer any style of traveler. It is a land of snow-capped mountains, long sandy beaches and wild coastline, rolling grasslands and sapphire fjords. This awesome landscape provides endless opportunities for adventure and play, while sophisticated but laid-back cities accommodate the tastes of the more urban visitor.

How do I get to New Zealand?

Check out New Zealand's advice and requirements for travel.

The United States - There are 1 stop flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York to the capital city of Auckland. Other than that there are many 2-3 stop options to many New Zealand cities. Check the United States government advice for international travel.

Australia - There are non-stop flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Auckland. Other than that there are many 2-3 stop options that are also more economic. Check Australia's government advice for international travel.

The United Kingdom - Currently there is only 1 stop flight available from London to Auckland, other than that there are many 2 stop flights from different cities to New Zealand. Check the United Kingdom's government advice for international travel.

Follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers like Shackleton as you journey through the Subantarctic Islands aboard a luxurious cruise ship. Along the way, you will encounter a veritable rainbow of wildlife, including entire "penguin cities," an aviary of native and endemic bird species, and the lounging elephant seals. Your New Zealand excursion will bring you to the most popular and even some of the more hidden islands in this part of the South Pacific.

Here's Adventure Life's top New Zealand Islands for a Wildlife Cruise

The Snares – You will see millions of sooty shearwaters and petrels and also the famous crested penguin along the steep cliffs of this small chain.
Auckland Islands – Land and sea birds abound in these islands, which were formed by two long-extinct volcanoes and broken apart by glaciers. This is also home to a stunning 19 endemic invertebrate species.
Macquarie Island – Here, you will see the exclusive breeding spot of the royal penguin, along with three other species of penguins.
Campbell Island – This ruggedly steep island forms an important part of the UNESCO protected area of the southern islands, and with such biodiversity, you will see why!
Antipodes Island – Despite being an isolated destination, the Antipodes host the endemic pitpit & snipe among other curious bird species.

Best New Zealand Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2022-2023

Ponant boasts of a butler service reserved for passengers traveling in one of the suites situated on Deck 6 aboard Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal, or Le Lyrial, as well as all the Owner suites, Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites, and the Prestige Suites situated on Deck 6 aboard the explorer ships. Attentive and discreet, your butler provides fully personalized service, ensuring a bespoke and carefree voyage. Join Le Laperouse on Oceania and Pacific islands cruises that provide exceptional snorkeling and admire some of the most beautiful seabed environments in the world.
Lindblad Expeditions is a 100% carbon neutral company committed to green business operations and preserving our planet for future generations. Explore dramatic peaks, scenic fjords, and white-sand beaches of New Zealand aboard the National Geographic Orion, experiencing a wide array of natural wonders, wildlife, and culture along the way
Heritage Expeditions. A cruise operator based in Christchurch, New Zealand, ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world's best-kept secrets. Perfect for small-ship expedition cruising, Spirit of Enderby and Heritage Explorer explores New Zealand's awe-inspiring fiords, gold-sand beaches, hidden coves, tranquil waterways, native forests, and marine reserves.
Coral Expeditions is Australia's pioneering expedition cruise company, sailing for nearly four decades. New Zealand's 15000 km of meandering coastline makes it uniquely suited to small ship expedition cruising. Coral Adventurer takes you deep into the intriguing history, vibrant culture, and rare wildlife of South Island.

New Zealand Travel FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to New Zealand?

Up to three months, you do not need a tourist visa, however, your passport must have validity beyond three months from your departure date.

Is tipping customary in New Zealand?

For servers: 10-15 percent.
At hotels: You can give porters $1 per bag, the concierge $10-20 for a favor, and housekeeping around $1.
Guides & Drivers: Tip $5-20 based on if it was a private tour or ride or if they did a particularly wonderful job.
Tipping is a relatively new (and spreading) trend in New Zealand, so be discreet when offering the tips and expect that some might refuse it.

What is internet access like in New Zealand?

You will be able to connect to the internet at most hotels and maybe restaurants, but when you are on open water on a cruise or at a lodge there probably won't be an accessible signal.

Can I use my cell phone while in New Zealand?

If you purchase a local SIM chip for your smartphone, then you might get a signal while you are in the more developed regions of New Zealand, but once you are in the more isolated areas, it's not likely that you will get a signal.

Do I need power adapters?

New Zealand has 220-240v power and AS-3112 outlets (three flat slanted prongs), which means that if you have a 110v device that is not compatible with this, you will need both a plug adapter and a step-down converter.

What are the toilets like in New Zealand?

New Zealand has modern flushing toilets. If you are in a more isolated area, then you may encounter a latrine.

Can I drink the water in New Zealand?

Yes, New Zealand has safe tap water. There will also be bottled water available to you as well.

Are credit cards accepted in New Zealand? Will I be able to find ATMs?

You will be able to find ATMs and businesses that accept credit cards while you are in the more developed parts of New Zealand. Not so much in the more rural areas, but fortunately, your trip is all-inclusive and there aren't that many things to purchase in these remote parts of the itinerary.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Yes, purchasing travel insurance is a responsible way to travel on any vacation. Our associates, TravelGuard, have some great deals on the Once You're Booked page.