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New Zealand Cruises

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New Zealand
Lupines on the shore of Lake Tekapo
Milford Sound
Lake and mountains in Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
Auckland
Visit Auckland
Dunedin
A quiet morning near Dunedin
Invercargill
Cruising Milford Sound, New Zealand
The Snares
Clear Water and Tropical Island
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Cruise on a small ship through New Zealand's most remote islands brimming with wildlife and spectacular scenery. Explore the ports of Auckland, Wellington, and stunning Milford Sound as you cruise around NZ. As the temperatures drop, the adventure rises! The Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand will not disappoint. Your cruise may take you to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Southern Islands, like Auckland Islands, the Snares, Campbell Island, and the Antipodes Islands. Each of these destinations hosts fascinating bird species, such as the Royal penguin, endemic parakeet species, and a menagerie of other birds, plus native mammals like elephants, fur seals, and sea lions. NZ also serves as a doorway to the frigid Antarctic. Contact our New Zealand experts to assist in planning your adventure in the Southern Ocean!
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10 Best Cruises Around New Zealand for 2024-2025

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Beautiful view of Akaroa

New Zealand's East Coast

Auckland to Queenstown
13 Days from $7,300
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.
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Cascading waterfall in the Milford Sound

Expedition to the Albatross Latitudes: The Subantarctic & Chatham Islands

Queenstown to Wellington
17 Days from $9,100
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.
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Coastal beauty of Dunedin

Coastal New Zealand: Dunedin to Auckland

Northbound
14 Days from $18,022
Board the National Geographic Orion and set off on a 14-day expedition of New Zealand's beautiful coasts, sailing from Dunedin to Auckland. 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.
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Beautiful view of Akaroa

The Best of New Zealand: An Intimate Exploration Cruise of New Zealand's Islands

Queenstown to Auckland
15 Days from $6,995
On this spectacular 15-day New Zealand voyage, discover the best of Aotearoa/New Zealand by exploring its three main islands (the North Island, the South Island, and Stewart Island). Between Queenstown to Auckland, stop in fascinating ports such as Fiordland, Stewart Island, Dunedin, Lyttelton, Marlborough Sounds, and Nelson.
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Cascading waterfall in the Milford Sound

Natural treasures of New Zealand

Lyttelton - Auckland
10 Days from $6,700
Embark on Le Lapérouse for this 10-day cruise from Lyttelton to Auckland and explore the breathtaking diversity of New Zealand's landscapes, from fiords and volcanoes to geysers, vineyards, gorges, and lakes. Discover enchanting ports of call like Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, Picton, Wellington, Tauranga, and more.
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Cascading waterfall in the Milford Sound

Expedition to the heart of New Zealand

Auckland - Dunedin
12 Days from $8,700
Set sail on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard Le Soleal from Auckland to Dunedin. Uncover the diverse landscapes of New Zealand while experiencing the mosaic of cultures that shape this remarkable country.
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Maori Art

New Zealand's North Island & Chatham Islands

Auckland - Wellington
8 Days from $5,460
This cruise offers you the unique opportunity to explore the northern New Zealand cities and Chatham Islands and discover their strong Māori traditions and preserved nature. Set sail aboard Le Lapérouse for an 8-day tour from Auckland, a dynamic city with a surprisingly rich history, to Wellington
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Auckland, the City of Sails

The best of New Zealand

Auckland - Lyttelton
10 Days from $6,960
Embark on a 10-day cruise along New Zealand's coastline aboard Le Jacques Cartier. Explore the untamed natural beauty, cultural sites, and ancient civilization.
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Unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard

Queenstown to Invercargill
6 Days from $3,750
Explore New Zealand's southernmost regions on a six-day journey aboard the Heritage Adventurer. Indulge in a rare opportunity to visit both the wildlife-rich Stewart and Ulva Islands and the glacier-cut summits only accessible by expedition ship on one voyage. This is an experience you won't want to miss out on.
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Explore the stunning Milford Sound

Coastal New Zealand: Auckland to Milford Sound

Auckland to Queenstown
14 Days from $23,330
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.
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Get Inspired to Cruise Around New Zealand

Kayaking the beautiful waters

NZ Cruises With Sea Kayaks

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Explore the stunning Milford Sound

NZ Luxury Cruises

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Lupines on the shore of Lake Tekapo

New Zealand Wildlife Safari Cruises

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Top 10 Small Ships Cruising NZ in 2024-2025

Ship NameMax PassengersFromSummary
Le Commandant Charcot245$45950The polar explorer ship Le Commandant Charcot travels to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This expedition ship is unique because of its …
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National Geographic Endurance126$55640National Geographic Endurance, a purpose-built cruise ship capable of year-round operations in the arctic regions, with the highest ice class rating …
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Le Jacques Cartier188$6960Indulge in an intimate cruise with the opportunity to visit an ever-expanding choice of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. …
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Heritage Adventurer140$3750Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' due …
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Le Soleal264$8700Cruise the polar regions in luxury aboard the Le Soleal. This small ship carries 224 passengers in luxurious accommodations with first class …
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Heritage Explorer18$3150A 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. …
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National Geographic Orion102$15610The 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 …
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Le Laperouse184$5460Experience the luxurious settings that Le Laperouse offers while you enjoy the authenticity and passion for travel on each itinerary. Its …
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Coral Geographer120$7300Arriving in December 2020, the 120-passenger Coral Geographer will feature state-of-the-art specifications and expedition features as her sister …
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Spirit of Enderby50$4995Fully ice-strengthened for expedition travel, the Spirit of Enderby carries just 50 guests in comfortable accommodations. Knowledgeable guides …
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New Zealand Cruise Guide & Travel Tips

Sheep and landscape

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.
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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 2024-2025

  • ​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.
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