For anyone who loves pristine landscapes and seeing rare creatures in their natural habitat, few places can match New Zealand. And, with destinations including the Bay of Islands, Kaikoura, the South Island’s winelands, Fiordland National Park and the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin located on the coast, it makes sense to holiday here on a ship.
Cruises take in both the Pacific Ocean, which lies to the east of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, and the Tasman Sea, which stretches between the west coast and Australia, and there’s a wide choice of ships and on-board experiences on offer.
With the seasons reversed in the southern hemisphere, the best time to go is during the UK winter, when New Zealand is enjoying mild temperatures and long days. Most cruises also include Australia. Here are six of the best to book now.
Find by cruise type:
Best for adults only
Australia and New Zealand
Viking
Key stops: Melbourne and Hobart for Tasmania (Australia), Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga for Rotorua and Auckland (New Zealand)
Departure port: Sydney (Australia)
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Viking Venus
Sailing into the spectacular, 12-mile-long Otago Harbour, which boasts the only mainland colony of albatross in the world, is quite the welcome for the week that this two-country cruise spends in New Zealand.
Visits to Dunedin, Christchurch and Napier, known for its Art Deco architecture, follow, and you’ll spend time in the country’s capital, Wellington, home to the neoclassical Parliament House and pretty weatherboard cottages. Most memorable of all, though, is the visit to the bubbling mud pools and thermal fields of Rotorua and its spouting Pohutu Geyser. There’s an unforgettable finale as the city sails into the boat-strewn natural harbour of Auckland, often called the “city of sails”.
The 930-passenger Viking Venus has an impressive art collection on board and offers a plethora of excursions in every port. As it’s an adult-only operation, a calm atmosphere prevails.
Insider tip
Book early for the spa’s facials and massages on sea days as appointments fill up fast. Also, be sure to attend the destination lectures, so you’re fully briefed ahead of each port.
How to do it
A 14-night Australia and New Zealand voyage departing January 17, 2026, costs from £8,990pp for a veranda cabin. Includes return flight, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, gratuities, an excursion in each port and access to the Nordic Spa.
Best for adventure
New Zealand Explorer
Seabourn
Key stops: Tauranga for Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin, Stewart Island and Fiordland National Park (New Zealand), Sydney (Australia)
Departure port: Auckland (New Zealand)
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Seabourn Quest
This voyage by Seabourn almost circumnavigates the country, capturing all the major cities and scenic wonders of both the North and South Islands. The luxury line is one of the few cruise operators to make a port call at Kaikoura in the South Island, where passengers can go kayaking to see fur seals and head out on small boats to spot dusky dolphins; there might even be the opportunity to swim with them too.
After visiting Christchurch and Dunedin for culture and shopping, Seabourn Quest continues to Stewart Island and Fiordland National Park, where Milford Sound awed all on board our cruise. Three days crossing the Tasman Sea to Australia allows time to enjoy the glamorous ship, including the spa, gym and whirlpool on the bow, where you can take in the ocean views. A sunrise sailing into Sydney, drifting past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge at dawn, completes the sailing.
Insider tip
For ocean views, sunsets and warm service, visit the alfresco Patio restaurant. I loved its simple and delicious menu, including grilled sea bream and steak cooked to order.
How to do it
A 14-night New Zealand Explorer cruise, departing on February 22, 2027, costs from £7,938pp for a veranda suite. Includes drinks, a personalised in-suite bar and gratuities. Excludes flights.
Best for value
New Zealand
Princess Cruises
Key stops: Bay of Islands, Tauranga for Rotorua, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin and Fiordland National Park (New Zealand), Hobart for Tasmania, Port Arthur and Sydney (Australia)
Departure port: Auckland (New Zealand)
Duration: 13 nights
Ship: Royal Princess
Princess Cruises’ comprehensive itinerary reads like the greatest hits of the North and South Islands. Departing Auckland, the ship heads north to the Bay of Islands and takes in the volcanic wonders of Rotorua before making its way to the South Island’s wine capital, Picton. (If you’re going sans kids, don’t miss the excursion to the leading wine estates).
There are stops for culture in Christchurch and Dunedin before Royal Princess heads for Fiordland. This may be a large ship, with capacity for 3,560 guests, but these deep fjords allow it free passage so passengers can soak in the breathtaking scenery of the national park from the decks.
On sea days, expect entertainment for all ages. There are youth and teen clubs for children aged three to 17 years, movies under the stars for families, an adults-only sanctuary in the spa, a casino and shows, plus swimming pools and various sports courts. Alfredo’s Pizzeria makes a great family dining option, but my favourite for a grown-up night out is the glamorous Chef’s Table Lumiere fine-dining restaurant.
Insider tip
Live music and dance performances are part of the Princess experience. The traditional Maori welcome to New Zealand is not to be missed.
How to do it
A 13-night New Zealand cruise departing February 7, 2027, costs from £1,249pp for an inside cabin. Includes MedallionClass dining and entertainment, plus $75 on-board credit. Excludes speciality dining, drinks, excursions and flights.
Best for multi-generational groups
Best of New Zealand
Celebrity Cruises
Key stops: Tauranga for Rotorua, Napier, Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Fiordland National Park (New Zealand), Sydney (Australia)
Departure port: Auckland (New Zealand)
Duration: 13 nights
Ship: Celebrity Solstice
This holiday takes in all of New Zealand’s big-hitters – Auckland, Rotorua and Napier in the North Island; Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Fiordland in the South – with extensive excursion options to cater for all tastes. Think everything from relaxing beach days to Maori cultural experiences, wine tastings and kayaking adventures.
Celebrity is a great pick for groups with different needs and preferences, and the 2,852-capacity Celebrity Solstice will emerge from an extensive refurbishment in early 2026. Camp at Sea offers kids’ clubs for youngsters aged from three to 17, while the 10 dining options range from sushi, steak and burgers to the immersive theatre and dining experience, Le Petit Chef.
The Lawn Club – a half-acre of real grass – is a popular hangout on sunny days for games, picnics and listening to live music. Come evening, the casino and theatre productions will keep passengers entertained.
Insider tip
Book early for the highly recommended Hawkes Bay Cycle Trail excursion from Napier. Passing beautiful seascapes, vineyards, orchards and the Tukituki River, the half-day tour culminates in a wine tasting.
How to do it
A 13-night Best of New Zealand cruise departing October 18, 2026, costs from £2,085pp for an inside cabin. Excludes flights.
Best for on-board amenities
New Zealand cruise
Royal Caribbean
Key stops: Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin and Fiordland National Park (New Zealand)
Departure port: Sydney (Australia)
Duration: Nine nights
Ship: Anthem of the Seas
If you’re of the opinion that the journey is just as important as the destination, then this is the itinerary for you. Two days at sea in each direction on this return trip between Sydney and New Zealand, bookending three port stops in the South Island at Picton, Christchurch and Dunedin, before Anthem sails into Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound in Fiordland.
With multiple children’s clubs and high-octane activities, including a skydiving simulator, an observation pod that rises 300ft above sea level and an indoor sports and entertainment complex featuring everything from bumper cars to roller skating, there is plenty for thrill-seekers to do on board this Royal Caribbean cruise.
Indoor and outdoor pools and a pleasing choice of restaurants, ranging from Jamie’s Italian to Izumi Sushi, mean that even when the ship is near its 5,000-passenger capacity, it never feels too busy.
Insider tip
The on-board production of We Will Rock You is West End-worthy and not to be missed.
How to do it
A nine-night New Zealand cruise departing December 28, 2026, costs from £1,959pp for an ocean view cabin. Excludes flights.
Best for luxury
Auckland to Sydney
Silversea
Key stops: Tauranga for Rotorua, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Dunedin, Stewart Island and Fiordland (New Zealand), Hobart for Tasmania, Eden and Sydney (Australia)
Departure port: Auckland (New Zealand)
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Silver Moon
Starting in Auckland, this Silversea voyage takes in both North and South Islands, combining the cities of Napier and Wellington in the North and Dunedin in the South, with more remote beauty spots. Few ships visit tiny and unspoiled Stewart Island (population 500) at the southernmost tip of the South Island, but Silver Moon’s small size (the ship carries 596 passengers) ensures access.
From here, scenic sailings into Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound complete the New Zealand section of the itinerary before the ship heads across the Tasman Sea. Silver Moon then makes a stop in Hobart, Tasmania, and Eden on the New South Wales coast before sailing into Sydney.
It’s not hard to indulge on board. Each room has a personal butler, and champagne and cocktails are complimentary. Offering menus inspired by local cuisine, SALT Kitchen (Sea and Land Taste) is my pick of the eight dining options. Book ahead for a complimentary cooking class with the chefs.
Insider tip
For quiet contemplation with sensational views, head to the Observation Lounge on the top deck.
How to do it
A 14-night Auckland to Sydney cruise departing Auckland on January 31, 2027, costs from £14,940pp for a Vista suite. Includes drinks. Excludes flights.
About our expert
Gaby Huddart
Gaby was a determined land-based traveller for decades – and spent time living in Australia and Tbilisi (Georgia) – until she joined an expedition ship to Antarctica and realised ships can get to places unreachable by other means. She has since joined multiple cruises to five of the seven continents.