You don’t have to travel far to feel worlds away. Cruise through New Zealand, Australia and beyond. Photo / Getty Images
A close-to-home cruise provides an easy, convenient and relaxed way to venture across the Tasman, explore Australia and make the most of NZ, writes Tiana Templeman.
Cruises departing Aotearoa offer plenty of variety and the chance to explore your own backyard, with highlights including Norfolk Island’s convict history, New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, or a one-way trip to Australia, where you can extend your holiday.
Auckland to Sydney | Princess Cruises
Experience home-grown highlights and an iconic Australian arrival on a seven-night one-way cruise from Auckland to Sydney on Royal Princess. Princess Cruises’ ship spends a day at the Art Deco city of Napier and Wellington where you can explore wineries, waterfront cafes, museums and stroll around the cities’ foreshores, before it makes its way across the Tasman to Sydney. While the ship is at sea, make the most of its Broadway-style entertainment, live music, multiple dining venues, sparkling pools and hot tubs, and the lively Piazza atrium. With spacious staterooms, plenty of onboard activities and sweeping ocean views, this trip is perfect for cruisers who prefer sailing outside the busy school holidays.
Priced from $1490 pp twin share | princess.com
Norfolk Island from New Zealand | Carnival Cruise Line
Only a handful of mainstream cruise lines visit Norfolk Island, which makes this affordable four-night round-trip sailing from Auckland to Norfolk Island extra special. It’s hard to believe this beautiful destination was once home to Australia’s most notorious penal colony. The main street is packed with country charm, with boutiques, gift shops, cafes and local markets to explore. Or you could tour the convict ruins and Georgian buildings and enjoy Norfolk Island’s pristine beaches and National Parks. Carnival Adventure offers an affordable cruise experience, with fun-filled evenings featuring live music and multiple entertainment options.
Priced from $720 pp twin share | carnival.com.au
Auckland to Melbourne | Silversea
Celebrate Christmas on Silver Moon with this classic close-to-home itinerary taking in Milford Sound’s scenic beauty and local ports like Dunedin, Bluff, Picton, and Tauranga. In Australia, an overnight stay in Hobart offers the chance for day trips that are further afield, like Bruny Island and Freycinet National Park. Silver Moon also spends the day in Eden where travellers who venture beyond the sleepy main street are rewarded with bush walks in Ben Boyd National Park. Your journey ends in Melbourne with another overnight stay.
Priced from $24,500 pp twin share | silversea.com
New Zealand & Australia Cruise | Azamara
Spend 10 unforgettable days exploring some of New Zealand’s most beloved cruise ports, like Wellington, Dunedin, Napier, Picton, Christchurch and the Bay of Islands, before you head across the ditch to Australia on this 16-night voyage. With just over 700 passengers on board, Azamara Pursuit delivers a boutique-style cruising experience where the pace is relaxed and the stays in port are wonderfully unhurried. Think later departures, overnight port visits, and more time to linger over dinner, sunsets and drinks onshore. It’s the perfect ship for mature travellers who enjoy laid-back luxury and socialising at sea.
Priced from $8525 pp twin share | azamara.com
Fiordland Southern Fiords | Fiordland Discovery
For more than a decade, Fiordland Discovery has been running intimate cruises through Fiordland National Park’s remote wilderness. Your six-night journey begins with a scenic helicopter transfer from Te Anau to Preservation Inlet to board Fiordland Jewel for a voyage through the Breaksea and Dusky Sounds, and Preservation and Chalky Inlets. There are guided bush, beach and island walks, kayaking excursions, visits to historic gold rush sites, and opportunities to spot rare birdlife and marine animals. Carrying just 18 guests, this cruise offers an intimate exploration of this spectacular corner of the South Island.
Priced from $5250 pp twin share (inc helicopter transfer) | fiordlanddiscovery.co.nz
Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific | Heritage Expeditions
If you don’t have the time, the money or the annual leave to spend two weeks exploring New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, this Heritage Expeditions cruise hits the spot. It’s big on wildlife spotting opportunities for travellers who are short on time. Heritage Adventurer explores the best of New Zealand’s uninhabited Unesco World Heritage listed Subantarctic Campbell, Auckland and Snares Islands in just seven days. Highlights include fields of mega-herbs swaying in the breeze, viewing albatross nesting colonies, seabird spotting, and watching baby sea lions scampering around their parents.
Price from $9715 pp twin share | heritage-expeditions.com
Expedition to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands | Ponant
Ring in the New Year on a 14-night expedition onboard Le Soléal as you discover the untamed beauty of New Zealand’s remote Subantarctic Islands. Dramatic fjords, windswept cliffs and extraordinary wildlife come together to create an exhilarating polar-style adventure on this round-trip cruise from Dunedin. The immersive voyage includes in-depth exploration of Unesco-listed Fiordland National Park, including Milford and Doubtful Sounds, and the isolated wildlife sanctuaries of Ulva Island and The Snares island group. Zodiac excursions with the ship’s naturalists are included, and offer the chance to spot royal albatross, crested penguins, fur seals, and sea lions throughout the voyage.
Priced from $29,430 pp twin share | ponant.com
