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New Zealand Cruises

Let a cruise of New Zealand introduce you to incredible scenery and rich traditions, from the fiords of the south to the beautiful beaches of the north and all the stunning headlands, bays and ports in between. Glide through turquoise waters and delve deep into Maori culture on the North Island and indulge all your senses with stunning landscapes, charming cities, and delightful culinary experiences on the South Island.

Quick Search Search 274 cruise Departures around New Zealand

Popular Cruises View all

15 Days Sydney to Sydney

Operator: Princess

From 2,547
Save 17

11 Days Sydney to Sydney

Operator: Royal Caribbean

From 2,419
Save 1,525

6 Days Sydney to Auckland

Operator: Princess

From 686
Save 3

11 Days Sydney to Sydney

Operator: Royal Caribbean

From 2,175
Save 1,059

Featured Cruise LinesFeatured Cruise Lines View all

Seabourn
Seabourn welcomes you to all-inclusive, luxury cruising refined to its purest form. Where hand-selected itineraries take you to places beyond the reach...more of larger ships. Cruising on a Seabourn ship is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious, yet relaxed - elegant, yet casual - sumptuous, yet understated. Our intimate ships visit the most desirable destinations worldwide, sailing to the heart of landmark cities, as well as to hidden gems where larger vessels cannot follow. Our ships attract interesting people, who seek to share experiences beyond the expected in places beyond the ordinary. Our acclaimed staff offers a unique style of heartfelt hospitality that is sincere, thoughtful and personal.
New Zealand Cruises12
Budget:Luxury
Known For:Inclusive Luxury
Fleet Size:6
Norwegian Cruise Line
No schedules. No stipulations. Just award-winning entertainment and diverse dining options from the only cruise line built for versatile vacationing. NCL's...more award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to beautiful destinations around the world. Add a wide range of superb dining options and spectacular entertainment and you'll experience your best holiday ever.
New Zealand Cruises30
Budget:Premium
Known For:Entertainment & Race Tracks
Fleet Size:19
Ponant
It's time to join Ponant's team of experienced naturalist guides and expedition experts to discover some of the world’s most distant and sought-after shores,...more venture into the heart of extreme lands and be immersed in nature on one of many Zodiac outings and shore excursions. Whether you dream of stepping foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, witnessing the incredible rise of Montgomery reef in the Kimberley or meeting and interacting with local communities in the Arctic, Ponant, the world leader in luxury expeditions can take you there.
New Zealand Cruises9
Budget:Luxury
Known For:Luxury Expeditions
Fleet Size:13

Discover Must do experiences and highlights on a New Zealand cruise

Picture Perfect Bay of Islands

Picture Perfect Bay of Islands

Explore this paradise by land, water, or sky. Coach to Cape Reinga, cruise to the Hole in the Rock, or take a scenic flight over this lovely archipelago.

The Cultural Hot Spot of Rotorua

The Cultural Hot Spot of Rotorua

Mt. Maunganui oversees your arrival into the Bay of Plenty, your gateway to visit the thermal wonderland and cultural stronghold of Rotorua.

Delightful Marlborough Sounds

Delightful Marlborough Sounds

Watch from the deck as you wind through the beautiful bays and inlets of Marlborough Sounds, before sampling the renowned wine of the region.

Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

Rolling green hills tumble into the sea and are crowned by the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ – Dunedin. Explore the city’s charming streets flanked by Victorian buildings, visit the botanic gardens, or simply soak in the view.

Scenic Fiordland Cruising

Scenic Fiordland Cruising

Sail atop glassy waters and glide below the towering cliffs framing the Fiordland National Park. Pass through Milford, Doubtful and Dusky sounds taking in the stunning scenery that dwarfs your ship, and all your expectations.

Recent Reviews What our clients are saying about their cruises around New Zealand

Marvellous cruise set up, friendly efficient Global Journeys     , Northland , New Zealand, Oct 2024
My first cruise with Princess was such a wonderful experience on the impressive Royal Princess. An immaculate ship with amazing decor & facilities, activities, food & crew to match. A special mention to my Travel Advisor, Maisie, a credit to Global Journeys with her efficiency & enthusiasm. I wouldn't hesitate to use Global Journeys & Princess Cruises ...read more on future adventures!
Onboard and Relax   , New Zealand, Oct 2024
Thank you Sam for booking us on the cruise Auckland to Sydney, and quickly helping us with our queries. Embarking and disembarking is straightforward and pleasant! Beats any experience passengers are subjected to by airport staff and procedures. It was a thoroughly enjoyable 6 night cruise on the Royal Princess liner. Fantastic food and entertainment ...read more and a lovely gym. Could not fault the staff- friendly and helpful, professional and genuine. NB: The cabins had American power points. For people with NZ & AU electrical devices please consider packing an adaptor plug with usb ports. The cabin attendants will provide the loan of an adaptor plug but it won't have a usb port.
First Cruise   , New Zealand, Oct 2024
We both loved the cruise. Highlights included, meeting nice people, the food and more food. My partner couldn't get away from his job 😂 logs at every port. The entertainment was great and movie under the stars 🤩 Room was cleaned twice a day. Staff super helpful.
Circumnavigating New Zealand   , QLD, Australia, Oct 2024
Global Journeys were very helpful. Most ports were enjoyable visiting with Dunedin being a very pleasant surprise. Very disappointed missing the Milford Sound because of a threatened storm in the Tasman Sea.

Explore More Your guide to cruising New Zealand

Uncover New Zealand’s Best-Kept Secrets and Antarctic Wonders Aboard Ponant

10 December, 2024

Uncover New Zealand’s Best-Kept Secrets and Antarctic Wonders Aboard Ponant

If you’ve been dreaming of a journey that blends luxurious comfort with the thrill of true exploration, Ponant’s latest New Zealand season could be your perfect match. This year, not one but two of their elegant expedition vessels - Le Soleal and the newly arrived Le Jacques Cartier - are...

The Vikings are Coming!

06 April, 2022

The Vikings are Coming!

Cruising is returning to Australia and New Zealand we are so excited! After what seems like a very long time, the Australian Government has announced that the ban on cruise vessels entering Australia will not be extended when it ends on April 17. This means only one thing… Cruising is coming...

Common Questions Common questions about cruising New Zealand

What is the best time to cruise New Zealand?
Cruise season in New Zealand generally begins in October and ends in late April with the peak season falling during the summer months of December to March. Peak season is also when the widest choice of cruises are available. October, November and April are just outside of peak season and prices may be more competitive...read more during those months. As the weather should still be mild it offers a good time to cruise on a tighter budget.
What side of the ship is best on a New Zealand cruise?
This depends on your preference and route. If you are hoping to see the shore then pick the side facing land. For example, when sailing from the north to south along the east coast of New Zealand, the shore is on the right or starboard side of the ship. As you can't always see the shore, you may prefer to base...read more your decision on whether you prefer a view of the sunrise or sunset from your balcony. When visiting the Fjords, stunning scenery will be on all sides so you're unlikely to miss out. Viewing decks are popular at these locations to take in the full beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Can you cruise from Australia to New Zealand?
Yes, you can cruise from Australia to New Zealand. There are a myriad of itineraries on offer of various lengths and complexity. Some are round trips starting  and ending in Australia and cruising to and around New Zealand in between. Others start in Australia visiting various locations on the east coast...read more before heading to explore New Zealand. Similarly, you can start in New Zealand and end in Australia. It is a wonderful way to explore the diverse and stunning scenery of both countries in one holiday.
Which cruise lines go to Australia and New Zealand?
It might be easier to list ones that don't visit Australia and New Zealand as most major cruise lines operate extensively throughout the region during the main cruise season of October to April with some operating year round in Australia. We offer cruise itineraries from 18 of the most well known cruise operators...read more offering experiences from sailing yachts, small ships and expedition ships to well known mega cruise ships. Explore our New Zealand cruise and Australian cruise departures for more information.
Are the seas rough between Australia and New Zealand?
The Tasman Sea can be a bit choppy at times. However, the cruise season falls over the same summer months that are also considered to the best time to make the crossing. Weather patterns are more settled and as a consequence sailing conditions are fairer. As with any cruising, you can never be 100% certain of...read more calm seas so if you are prone to sea sickness, be sure to pack your travel sickness medication.