New Zealand Cruise: New Zealand is on the travel bucket lists of many people around the world, including people from Australia, which is right next door. New Zealand cruises make it easier, more fun, and more convenient to visit the country and the places nearby, like Australia. Australia and New Zealand cruises, on the other hand, are not as simple as other routes.
For starters, cruises to New Zealand and Australia include several sea days that are more about admiring natural wonders from the ship than relaxing. Port days are filled with cultural or outdoor activities rather than shopping and strolls in seaside resorts or big towns.
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a cruise to New Zealand. Here are our seven must-know tips for those planning a New Zealand cruise
7 Must-Know New Zealand Cruise Tips
1. Choose your cruise line and ship carefully for a New Zealand cruise.
It is important to know the differences between cruise lines, whether you are planning a short trip or a trip that lasts for several weeks in New Zealand. There are more and more cruise lines that offer trips to New Zealand these days. Each one caters to a different type of cruiser, such as families, single travelers, and couples.
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Before making your reservation, find out who your likely fellow travellers will be for the best experience. Royal Caribbean, for instance, mostly serves families, Vikings, adults, and Azamara—those looking for a more relaxed cruise experience as opposed to a busy one.
When organizing a trip to New Zealand, consider your preference for a large or small ship as well. Mainstream cruise lines like Princess and Norwegian accommodate a couple thousand (or more) guests; Silversea and Azamara offer intimate experiences shared with just a few hundred other passengers.
Keep in mind that smaller ships will be able to reach ports that larger ones cannot, if you’re looking for a unique experience.
2. Expect Unsteady Seas on Your Australia-New Zealand Cruise
A voyage across Australia and New Zealand will take you through some of the roughest waters possible. Known for its choppy waves, the Tasman Sea rocks even the largest cruise ships. The good news is that you should expect some swells over the two-day journey; it’s not always horrible and won’t be uncomfortable throughout.
The most stable places on a ship are midship and lower deck cabins, so if you are prone to seasickness, make sure you book one of those. It will also be helpful to bring some over-the-counter seasickness medications.
3. Bring Several Layers for Your New Zealand Cruise
Packing for a cruise to New Zealand may seem simple. After all, summertime is the only season most cruise lines visit. Nonetheless, there are significant regional variations in New Zealand’s weather; on a given journey, one may encounter 75°F in the north and a low of 50°F in the south.
Carry several layers, a windbreaker, and a few waterproof ones. They will be very useful as you travel over the South Island. However, since there are places in the southern regions where there can be significant wind gusts, you can leave the umbrella at home.
4. A New Zealand Cruise Itinerary with Milford, Dusky, and Doubt Sounds
Some of the most beautiful natural features in the nation are the Doubtful, Dusky, and Milford Sounds. The renowned Fiordland National Park, a 1.2 million-hectare natural area in the southwest of South Island with thundering waterfalls, towering mountains, and deep fjords, is home to all three of these locations.
Though guests do not disembark, most New Zealand cruises will include them; nevertheless, make sure your ship spends enough time there and is scheduled to enter the most beautiful of all, Milford Sound. During your cruise, the landscape in these three sounds is perhaps the best that you will witness.
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This is the windiest and wettest part of New Zealand, and gusts of up to 60 knots (approximately 70 mph) have been known to occasionally force visitors to cancel their plans to the three sounds. If your plans change, be adaptable and take advantage of the various available locations. These may be Port Chalmers or any other location on South Island’s eastern coast.
5. Check New Zealand Cruise Passenger Visa Requirements
Even though Americans do not require a visa to enter New Zealand, most tourists must register (and pay) online to take advantage of the NZeTA, the nation’s visa waiver program. Processing of this travel permit, which is valid for multiple entries over two years, may take up to 72 hours. Those with Australian passports can enter New Zealand without a visa or NZeTA.
Passengers on any New Zealand cruise, in addition to the e-visa (for those who require it), must have a passport that expires no sooner than three months after the intended date of departure from the nation.
6. Maximize Your Australia and New Zealand Cruise with a Balcony Cabin
Those who take a trip to Australia and New Zealand can witness some of the most breathtaking natural treasures on the planet. As you sail, you’ll pass waterfalls, glaciers, beaches, and woods, in addition to fjords. You will also get to sail by the famous Opera House and beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge if your trip leaves from Sydney.
If you can, it’s worth it to treat yourself to a balcony cabin. The best part of any cruise to New Zealand is the scenery, which you will have to see if you are staying inside a stateroom. Instead, enjoy the public spaces of the ship. Nothing compares to waking up to the breathtaking views of the western side of the North Island or the sheer cliffs and waterfalls of Milford Sound.
When booking a cruise to New Zealand, make sure you reserve a balcony accommodation well in advance. If you’re not able to get one, choose a stateroom with an ocean view.
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7. Consider a Pre- or Post-Cruise Stay in New Zealand
A sail around New Zealand is an excellent opportunity to see everything that this interesting nation has to offer. Nevertheless, there’s so much to see that a limited amount of time can’t cover it all.
For example, you’ll have to decide between taking a Lord of the Rings trip or touring Wellington’s well-known museums after disembarking at Fiordland National Park, as only guests with an overland tour reserved in advance can do so.
Consider adding extra time to your stay to explore the more isolated islands or spending a day or two in Sydney or Brisbane before departure day (many New Zealand cruises leave from Australia). Consider doing this if you want to spend more time in the locations you want to see more thoroughly before or after your trip. For package offers, inquire with your cruise line.
