The Ultimate Travel Guide to New Zealand Cruises

Discover the land where legends live and landscapes leave you breathless.

Aotearoa — the Land of the Long White Cloud — is where snow-dusted alps tumble into rainforest-carved fjords, and modern cities hum with ancient spirit. While there are many ways to uncover New Zealand’s magic, cruising affords one of the most effortless and awe-inspiring, and with Cruise Club UK, your journey is as seamless as it is spectacular.

Whether you crave slow sips of Marlborough sauvignon, the hush of Milford Sound’s still waters or the energy of Auckland’s sparkling skyline, our curated New Zealand cruise packages are your passport to it all — with every detail designed, booked and bundled by our Cruise Experts.

Why cruise to New Zealand?

New Zealand isn’t just a destination — it’s an unfolding panorama. It’s where wild meets wonder, and each port welcomes you with a different personality.

Cruising lets you uncover the breadth of this cinematic country without the hassle of unpacking twice. Glide from the golden beaches of the Bay of Islands to the storybook fjords of the South Island. Swap early-morning airport queues for sunrise on the open sea. Watch dolphins dance alongside the bow and toast each day with views money can’t buy.

With itineraries ranging in nights and bonus inclusions built into every package, we make it easy to tailor your trip to your travel style — whether you’re a thrill-seeker, soul-soother or culture lover.

A cruise ship sails through pristine blue waters against a backdrop of majestic snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky, conveying tranquility.

Destinations that dazzle

Auckland

The ‘City of Sails’ sets the tone with volcanic peaks, shimmering harbours and a skyline where sailboats and skyscrapers collide. Wander waterfront precincts, indulge in national cuisine or venture out to nearby Waiheke Island — praised for boutique wineries and artistic flair.

A vibrant coastal cityscape with skyscrapers and a prominent tower under a partly cloudy sky. A busy harbor with ships conveys urban energy.

Bay of Islands

A subtropical sanctuary peppered with 140 isles, this region is steeped in Maori heritage and marine life magic. Kayak turquoise coves, swim with dolphins or simply sun yourself on a secluded beach.

Aerial view of a serene coastal landscape with turquoise waters and a sandy beach, bordered by lush greenery. A rainbow arches over distant hills.

Doubtful, Dusky and Milford Sound

These legendary fjords in Fiordland National Park are nothing short of soul-stirring. Picture sheer cliffs, echoing waterfalls and mist that clings to mountaintops like a secret. Cruising here is like floating through a painting.

Snow-capped mountains reflect in a calm lake at sunrise. Soft pink and blue hues fill the sky, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Dunedin (Port Chalmers)

Rich in Scottish roots and whimsical wildlife, Dunedin charms with gothic architecture, rolling hills and rare species like yellow-eyed penguins and the only mainland royal albatross colony in the world.

Three sea lions sit on a grassy shore by a calm lake with rolling hills in the background, bathed in warm sunset light, creating a serene scene.

Wellington, Napier, Tauranga and beyond

From Wellington’s boho vibes and Napier’s Art Deco flair to Tauranga’s bubbling geothermal pools, every stop unlocks something new — whether it’s fine wine, Maori legends or street art and sunshine.

Aerial view of a coastal town with a sandy beach and turquoise water. A lush, green hill dominates the right side. Boats are visible on a sunny day.

How long do you need?

Our cruise packages typically range from 10 to 19 nights, depending on your chosen route and inclusions. For a quick escape, 10-night round-trips from Sydney offer a taste of New Zealand’s icons. Want to dive deeper? Opt for adventures over 15 nights or packages with inland tours, allowing you to explore more ashore — from Queenstown’s alpine playground to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and beyond.

What you’ll need

A New Zealand cruise might be easy to book, but a little prep goes a long way. Here’s what you’ll need to enter this beloved island country.

Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return.

NZeTA

Most travellers need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority. It’s affordable, easy to apply for and valid for two years. For more detailed information, stay up to date on Sherpa.

Travel insurance

Highly recommended — not just for peace of mind, but for medical, baggage and cancellation protection.

A woman stands in a colorful field of flowers near a calm body of water, with mountains visible in the background under a clear sky.

When to cruise

New Zealand’s cruise season runs from October to April, with each month bringing something different. December to February is peak summer — perfect for swimming, sightseeing and sunshine-filled sea days. While October to November and March to April offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and vivid landscapes, especially ideal for hikers and photographers.

Planning a festive escape? Our seasonal sailings take the stress out of the holidays — no cooking, no cleaning, just Champagne sunsets and full-on magic.

Dive deeper on tour

Why limit your New Zealand experience to the coastline? Delve further into the heart of the island nation with our curated tour journeys, offering an intimate exploration of the country’s majestic landscapes and cultural treasures.

Our fly-and-tour packages present a tapestry of turquoise lakes, alpine peaks and charming towns. From Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’, through Lake Tekapo’s celestial blue waters, Dunedin’s Scottish heritage streets and Queenstown’s adventure-filled avenues. Each day unfolds a new chapter of natural wonder and cultural richness. Our tours are designed with return flights, deluxe coach travel, expert guides and thoughtfully selected accommodations. Every detail is handled.

A group of friends clinks wine glasses outdoors at sunset, smiling and celebrating. The warm, golden light creates a joyful and relaxed atmosphere.

Why book with Cruise Club UK?

At Cruise Club UK, we don’t just sell packages, we craft once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Our New Zealand cruises include handpicked luxury hotels, exclusive Bonus Value inclusions (like shore excursions and onboard credit), flights, transfers and curated extras to surprise and delight you along the way.

Every detail is fine-tuned by our Cruise Experts — people who love cruising as much as you do. We know the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one. That’s why over a million travellers have trusted us to deliver dream holidays wrapped in ease.

So whether you’re sipping wine in Marlborough, watching waterfalls pour through morning mist in Fiordland or tracing Maori stories in the steam of Rotorua, one thing’s certain — New Zealand will stay with you long after you sail home.

Cruise ship in a majestic fjord with steep cliffs and a waterfall.

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