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Cheap South Island Cruises from Auckland

South Pacific
New Zealand

Cruises from Auckland to South Island

33 night cruise to asia.

You want the last word in lavish, over-the-top luxury cruises
You appreciate elaborate interiors with sophisticated charm
You are a discerning traveler who appreciates the very best
You are on a budget; among luxury lines, this ship is pricey
You prefer a smaller luxury cruise ship with fewer passengers

14 Night Cruise to the South Pacific

You want an inclusive luxury cruise on a thoroughly modern ship
You like having expedition-style amenities on select itineraries
You want lavish accomodations and amenities without overdoing it
You need a suite with the full services of a dedicated butler
You prefer luxury ships with more active and varied nightlife

34 Night Cruise to Around the World

You are a major foodie; Regatta's cuisine is absolutely sublime
You want luxurious amenities without a luxury price tag
You're looking for a romantic, adult-oriented ocean cruise
You're prone to seasickness and want the stability of a big ship
You want the kind of lavish interiors on Oceania's newer ships

12 Night Cruise to the South Pacific

You want a big ship experience with interesting itineraries
You want plenty of bars and restaurants but fewer people
You travel with friends and family and need diverse activities
You are after bowling alleys, rock-climbing walls and the like
You want a big ship with all the latest bells and whistles

13 Night Cruise to Australia & New Zealand

You want a classy, traditional cruise on a feature-rich ship
You love having plenty of choice, from dining to lounges
You have kids and want features designed just for them
You need larger-than-average cabin and suite accomodations
You like a large pool at the back of the ship for relaxing

33 Night Cruise to the South Pacific

14 night cruise to australia & new zealand.

You want a ship with a great mix of activities and features
You enjoy a more quiet, laid-back cruise with classic touches
You appreciate live music and plenty of enrichment options
You want a ship with the most elaborate children's facilities
You like nonstop activities and vibrant, unending nightlife
You dislike dress codes; formal nights are part of the cruise
You want an all-inclusive luxury cruise on a feature-filled ship
You enjoy longer itineraries that visit interesting ports
You appreciate lavish cuisine and sumptuously designed suites
You prefer the intimacy and space of Silversea's smaller ships
You are looking for cutting-edge design and amenities
You love intellectually stimulating, charming ocean cruises
You value onboard enrichment, from lectures to live music
You adore the spa; Viking Orion's thermal suite is top-notch
You need lots of zany, nonstop scheduled activities daily
You want to bring children and need dedicated facilities
You like to gamble on your cruises; there’s no casino onboard

11 Night Cruise to Australia & New Zealand

You want a small-ship, expedition experience with style
You appreciate the decidedly French vibe offered onboard
You want adventurous itineraries to the world's remote places
You need lavish services, amenities and full-fledged butlers
You are put off by cruises that don't cater to Americans
You seek an all-inclusive cruise experience on Silversea's next generation of luxury ships
You appreciate all-suite accommodations and attentive butler and crew service
You like a wide variety of fine dining venues, from world-class pizza to premium steaks
You seek a less expensive, non-luxury alternative cruise vacation
You prefer larger ships with lots of onboard activities
You want the most extensive entertainment offerings at sea

9 Night Cruise to Australia & New Zealand

30 night cruise to australia & new zealand, 62 night cruise to asia.

You value being on a small ship that offers big-ship amenities
You like spending more time in ports and less time at sea
You appreciate attentive, punctual service and great cuisine
You want a flashy ship with plenty of scheduled activities
You like big-name ports of call and not more obscure ones
You need to have child care facilities and activities onboard

16 Night Cruise to Australia & New Zealand

12 night cruise to australia & new zealand.

You like all-inclusive, yacht-style luxury cruising paired with expeditionary adventures
You want access to all the expedition cruise toys encompassing helicopters and submarines
You wish to visit harder-to-access destinations navigable by a small vessel
You look for lavish entertainment offerings at sea

13 Night Cruise to the South Pacific

You like your cabins and suites on the luxurious side
You appreciate excellent cuisine and personable service
You want interesting itineraries to exotic ports of call
You're looking for a truly all-inclusive luxury cruise product
You need a small-ship cruise that is suitable for children

Explore Auckland

New Zealand, Tasmania & Melbourne

12-night one-way sailing from Auckland to Melbourne

Where historic elegance meets curious creatures

Experience the best of New Zealand on a one-way voyage, transporting you to the Pacific’s top spots including the Art Deco capital, Napier. In South Island, weave through the fjords of the Southern Alps, admiring 360º of untapped nature, before crossing the sea to Australia, where a collective of stars ignites the sky and await your arrival during your incredible overnight in Hobart.

The Virgin Voyages Experience

From captivating coasts to laid-back island vibes, the exclusively adult cruise vacation of your dreams is here.

Hassle-free embarkation

Pre-upload your travel docs to the Virgin Voyages app, get Ready to Sail before leaving home, and make boarding a (sea)breeze in just a few minutes.

Late stays and overnights

No more rushing from A to Sea. Our itineraries feature late stays and overnights, so you can explore it all from morning to night (and morning again).

Keeping it local

We’ve teamed up with locals in each of our ports to reveal sides of places you’ve yet to explore — from the people who know the destinations best.

The places you'll go

Beaches, mountains, and a vibrant city center — Auckland is the perfect place to begin and end a journey of a lifetime.

From rafting to shopping in an Art Deco city center, it’s all sleek to chic in the stylish “Nice of the Pacific.”

Christchurch

This bustling city is just as exhilarating as its thrill-seeking opportunities, natural retreats, and local wildlife.

With “gingerbread” architecture, penguins, and a City of Literature status — Dunedin offers something to satisfy every mood.

With its unique culture and wildlife, Tasmania is a fascinating destination to visitors from afar, or just across the sea.

With funky cafes, Aussie Football, and world-class wineries, this is a city to indulge all your favorite interests.

Let’s make waves

An ocean of opportunities calling your name.

WANDERLUST SATISFIED

New Zealand, Tasmania & Melbourne

The island of Tasmania has developed into a self-sustaining refuge, with the capital of Hobart fusing outdoor, culinary, and artistic trends into a unique, urban playground. Seek out the divine natural splendor or the unparalleled dining — as both are often found in a single venture.

We’re making waves from the Caribbean to the Med, the Adriatic to the Red, and everywhere in between across 4 continents. Join us on an unparalleled journey of relaxation and indulgence, and discover the things — and the people — that make each destination so special. Because we didn’t build a cruise, we created a voyage. Get a delicious taste of the modern romance of sailing that only a Virgin brand could pull off.

Book Now. Pay Monthly.

A flexible, pay-over-time solution.

Book Now, Pay Later
Low Monthly Payments
Easy Application
Autopay on Autopilot

UP TO $375 IN VALUE

Add a splash for your bash.

Bottomless brunch event
Revelrous dinner party
Lock it in for $250 per cabin

Limited-time cruise deals

You deserve a vacation. And you deserve a deal. So we’re making both of those things happen. Wave goodbye to your routine and start planning an exclusively adult experience at sea.

Rest Your Head

These are the spots you might be calling home. Whether you prefer coffee (or cocktails) overlooking the waves, or waking up late in your own cocoon, we're holding space for you.

Always Included Luxury

Over $1000 in luxurious value included — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve. Everything below is included.

From refined dining to relaxed casual, all of our 20+ eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin star chefs are yours to enjoy.

Soft Drinks & Water

Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee.

Browse, post, and stay connected with wifi — whenever you want, and wherever you are on the ship.

We've taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so we cover the gratuities for your onboard experiences.

Group Fitness Classes

Yoga, meditation, cycling, HIIT classes, and more — all your group fitness classes are covered.

Shows & Entertainment

Developed by the world’s most-talked-about producers and artists, you have a ticket to all of our awe-inspiring shows.

0800 221 100

Cruise to New Zealand

MS Noordam cruising along the New Zealand coastline

New Zealand Cruises: Your guide to cruising the land of the long while cloud

Wave hello to our handpicked cruise deals and packages

There are so many reasons to love cruising. let's add irresistible savings and bonus value to the list, oh buoy, these deals are good, from stylish decor to unforgettable experiences - we have deals that are sure to make a splash, anchor down our most popular cruise deals.

Destinations that are making a splash

Frequently asked questions

There are around a dozen main cruise ports in New Zealand, spread across the North and South islands. Here are some of the most popular:

The largest city in New Zealand is packed with great restaurants, buzzy bars and designer shops, while untouched forest, volcanic peaks and beautiful beaches sit just on the fringes.

Wellington

New Zealand’s compact capital is home to Te Papa, the immersive national museum, and Wētā Workshop, famous for creating movie magic.

After it was flattened by an earthquake in 1931, Napier was rebuilt as the Art Deco Capital of the World.

Tauranga & Rotorua

Tauranga is the gateway to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua where you can soak in the relaxing thermal waters, watch huge geysers erupt and admire the bubbling mud pools.

Bay of Islands

A little slice of tropical island paradise at the far north of the North Island. Cruise ships stop at Paihia and the historic town of Russell, New Zealand’s first capital city.

Christchurch

Completely rebuilt and revitalised since the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch is packed with outdoor art, lush gardens and bustling markets.

Dunedin & Port Chalmers

Dunedin is New Zealand’s centre of architectural heritage, with grand Victorian and Edwardian edifices built on money from the gold rushes of the 1860s.

Marlborough Sounds

Visit the wineries of Blenheim that have made the name Marlborough synonymous around the world with top-notch sauvignon blanc.

Fiordland National Park

One of the most dramatic and beautiful places in New Zealand, Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage-listed wonder, home to Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound.

The main cruise season is during the warmer months between October and April, which is summer and early autumn in New Zealand. A few ships still visit New Zealand during the shorter winter season, though you’ll need to be prepared for some chilly temperatures.

Yes, many of the larger cruise ships have kids’ clubs, facilities like games rooms and waterslides, and activities tailored specially for kids and families. You’ll find that a lot of the shore excursions on offer in New Zealand are ideal for families too, from cycling to adventure sports and movie tours.

Cruises offer a mix of international dishes and New Zealand specialties, often including lamb, seafood, and Kiwi wines. Many cruise ships will restock as they sail around New Zealand, so you’ll get the chance to try local ingredients.

Yes, there are several lines offering adult’s only cruises to New Zealand, so you can enjoy a more serene and relaxed holiday. Try Viking, Virgin Voyages and Scenic.

Cruises can range from seven days to three weeks, depending on the itinerary. The standard length for a New Zealand cruise from Sydney or Brisbane is around 14 days, which will give you enough time to explore both the North and South islands.

You’ll find exciting excursions waiting for you in every port, from authentic Maori encounters to adventures in nature, food and wine tastings, or unique Kiwi cultural experiences. Art lovers will want to visit the excellent Auckland Gallery and history buffs will enjoy the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands, where New Zealand’s founding documents were signed. Connect with Maori culture at the ornate Tikitiki Church, during a traditional hangi feast and through dance performances. Sample New Zealand’s best drops on Waiheke Island off the coast of Auckland, around Hawke’s Bay near Napier or around Gisborne, known as the Chardonnay Capital of the World. Thrillseekers will relish the chance to bungee jump off Auckland Harbour Bridge, base jump from top of Sky Tower, kayak with dolphins in the Bay of Plenty or take a helicopter flight over White Island.

This depends on the nationality on your passport. Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit New Zealand. If you are a citizen of a different country boarding a cruise in Australia, be sure to check with your relevant government authority, and ensure you have the correct visas for both Australia and New Zealand.

Many cruises offer themed nights, live music, dance performances and informative lectures related to New Zealand and your upcoming ports. Maori culture is an integral part of everyday life in New Zealand, so expect to experience some traditional dance and music.

The weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable and even during the summer months you can expect some cool days. It’s a good idea to pack layered clothing, a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. If you’re cruising in winter, you’ll need to pack warm!

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Lowest Airfare Guarantee is no longer valid at Flight Centre stores in New Zealand as of Thursday 14 July 2022. Click here for more information . A Travel Expert Service Fee will be applied to bookings made in store, over the phone or via email, and is charged in addition to the advertised price. Click here for more information. *Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Review any specific conditions stated and our general terms at Terms and Conditions . Prices & taxes are in NZD and are correct as at the date of publication & are subject to availability and change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until the dates specified unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person.

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Cheap South Island Cruises - Cruises to South Island

South Pacific
New Zealand

South Island Cruises

14 night cruise to australia & new zealand.

You want to do it all, from bumper cars to skydiving and surfing
You travel with family and want a ship that will amaze all
You want to sail in Asia with an international passenger base
You don't enjoy having to make bookings for most activities
You want full freedom over when and how you choose to dine
You want a ship with a great mix of activities and features
You enjoy a more quiet, laid-back cruise with classic touches
You appreciate live music and plenty of enrichment options
You want a ship with the most elaborate children's facilities
You like nonstop activities and vibrant, unending nightlife
You dislike dress codes; formal nights are part of the cruise
You want a classy, traditional cruise on a feature-rich ship
You love having plenty of choice, from dining to lounges
You have kids and want features designed just for them
You need larger-than-average cabin and suite accomodations
You like a large pool at the back of the ship for relaxing
You want big ship features on a smaller, manageable scale
You appreciate having plenty of choice when it comes to food
You want accomodations with private balconies for lounging
You want a cruise ship with a real party atmosphere by night
You are bringing kids, and want amenities like waterslides

15 Night Cruise to the South Pacific

You want a high-energy cruise experience with lots of options
You like having all-inclusive alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
You don't need to be on the biggest, flashiest ship out there
You think bigger is better; this classy ship is decidedly midsize
You want the latest technological amenities and features

14 Night Cruise to the South Pacific

You appreciate Princess Cruises' design and venue consistency across the fleet
You like the line's high-tech Ocean Medallion digital assistant and connectivity
You seek a wide variety of activity, dining and entertainment options
You prefer a smaller ship with fewer fellow passengers and larger cabin showers
You wish to avoid a cookie-cutter ship with little aesthetic innovation
You appreciate a greater destination focus with an observation lounge

30 Night Cruise to Australia & New Zealand

You love intellectually stimulating, charming ocean cruises
You value onboard enrichment, from lectures to live music
You adore the spa; Viking Orion's thermal suite is top-notch
You need lots of zany, nonstop scheduled activities daily
You want to bring children and need dedicated facilities
You like to gamble on your cruises; there’s no casino onboard

61 Night Cruise to Around the World

You want the last word in lavish, over-the-top luxury cruises
You appreciate elaborate interiors with sophisticated charm
You are a discerning traveller who appreciates the very best
You are on a budget; among luxury lines, this ship is pricey
You prefer a smaller luxury cruise ship with fewer passengers

16 Night Cruise to Australia & New Zealand

You are a major foodie; Regatta's cuisine is absolutely sublime
You want luxurious amenities without a luxury price tag
You're looking for a romantic, adult-oriented ocean cruise
You're prone to seasickness and want the stability of a big ship
You want the kind of lavish interiors on Oceania's newer ships

30 Night Cruise to Asia

You seek a unique value between upscale and luxury cruises with lots of inclusions
You want a casual and comfortable setting focussed on the destination among likeminded fellow travellers
You like spacious accommodations, fine dining and excellent service without any pretense
You prefer bigger ships with lots of onboard activities
You look for lavish entertainment offerings at sea
You want everything included extending to cocktails and gratuities

33 Night Cruise to the South Pacific

You want an inclusive luxury cruise on a thoroughly modern ship
You like having expedition-style amenities on select itineraries
You want lavish accomodations and amenities without overdoing it
You need a suite with the full services of a dedicated butler
You prefer luxury ships with more active and varied nightlife
You think Regent's other luxury ships carry too many people
You enjoy ships with a more nautical, clubby atmosphere
You appreciate consummate service and excellent cuisine
You prefer the all-out-grandeur of the line's newer luxury ships
You want a ship with the latest and greatest ultra-luxe features

33 Night Cruise to Asia

15 night cruise to australia & new zealand.

You like your cabins and suites on the luxurious side
You appreciate excellent cuisine and personable service
You want interesting itineraries to exotic ports of call
You're looking for a truly all-inclusive luxury cruise product
You need a small-ship cruise that is suitable for children

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PACIFIC ISLANDS CRUISES ON SALE

Our best Pacific Islands cruise deals right now, created by our travel experts to offer you incredible holidays at serious value.

Contact your local House of Travel cruise consultant to find a cruise that suits you

Oceania Cruises

Tahiti Temptations

12 nights Fly, Stay & Cruise from $8,259 per person Interior Room share twin Depart 25 Feb 2025

P&O Cruises

2025 Short Break - 90's and 00's

3 night from Sydney, departs 21 Feb 2025, from $547 per person twin share Sydney, At Sea, Sydney Based on Value Fares as at 19Apr24, Click below for live pricing & actual availability

Coral Expeditions

Explore Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea

12 nights All Inclusive Cruise from $13,055 per person share twin Flights Additional Departs 18 Dec 25

2025 Fiji Encounter - June

9 night Fiji Encounter from Auckland, departs 27 June 2025, from $1,292 per person twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, Click below for live pricing and actual availability

2025 Short Break - 80's

3 nights cruise from Auckland, departs 16 May 2025, from $461 per person twin share Auckland, At Sea, Auckland Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, Click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 Picton Shortbreak

4 night Picton Shortbreak from Auckland, departs 29 Aug 2024, from $958 per person in a Interior stateroom twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 Country Music Cruise

3 night Country Music Cruise, Round trip from Auckland, departs 16 Aug 2024, from $801 per person in a Interior stateroom twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 Comedy Cruise

4 night Comedy Cruise, Sydney to Auckland, departs 04 Jul 2024, from $471 per person in a Interior stateroom twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 Pacific Island Hopper

9 night Pacific Island Hopper from Auckland, departs 08 Jul 2024, from $1,890 per person twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 Fiji Encounter

8 night Fiji Encounter from Auckland, departs 17 Jul 2024, from $1,703 per person twin share in a Interior Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 Bounty Discovery

10 night Bounty Discovery from Auckland, departs 10 Sep 2024, from $1,747 per person in a Interior stateroom twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 Bounty Adventure

13 night Bounty Adventure from Auckland, departs 03 Aug 2024, from $2,121 per person in a Interior twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 Tongan Discovery

10 night Tongan Discovery from Auckland, departs 19 Aug 2024, from $1,615 per person twin share in a Interior Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 80's Party Themed Cruise

3 night 80's Party Theme cruise, Round trip from Auckland, departs 20 Sep 2024, from $1,010 per person in a Oceanview twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 Fiji Encounter - September

8 night Fiji Encounter from Auckland, departs 23 Sep 2024, from $1,473 per person twin share in a Interior Based on Value Fares as at 20April24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2024 Pacific Island Hopper - October

9 night Pacific Island Hopper from Auckland, departs 01 Oct 2024, from $1,835 per person twin share in a Interior Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, click below for live pricing & actual availability

2025 Pacific Island Hopper - April

8 nights cruise from Auckland, departs 11 April 2025, from $1,318 per person twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, Click below for live pricing and actual availability

2025 Pacific Island Hopper - May

8 night Pacific Island Hopper from Auckland, departs 23 May 2025, from $1,043 per person twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, Click below for live pricing and actual availability

2025 Fiji Encounter- April

9 nights cruise from Auckland, departs 19 April 2025, from $1,292 per person twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, Click below for live pricing and actual availability

2025 Pacific Island Hopper

8 nights cruise from Auckland, departs 28 April 2025, from $1,143 per person twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, Click below for live pricing and actual availability

2025 Bounty Discovery - June

10 night Bounty Discovery from Auckland, departs 3 June 2025, from $1,342 per person twin share Based on Value Fares as at 20May24, Click below for live pricing and actual availability

2025 Pacific Island Hopper - July

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The Ferry Between the North Island and South Island: Full Guide [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, taking the cook strait ferry between wellington and picton (i.e. the ferry to the south island).

The country of New Zealand is split into two main islands, the North Island and the South Island . Apart from air travel, the most popular way of getting between the islands is via the Cook Strait ferry – the Cook Strait is the body of water between the North and the South Island. The Cook Strait ferries go between the North Island city of Wellington and the South Island town of Picton . (And no, there is no bridge between New Zealand’s islands)…

Because a ferry ride between Wellington and Picton is the best way to get between the North and South Islands when travelling New Zealand by road, we put this quick guide together about taking the ferry. There are lots to see on the 3h30min journey along Wellington Harbour, Cook Strait, Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton, and vice versa. You can’t even take a ferry trip in New Zealand without wanting to take some photos! We’ll go through some of the highlights and things to know about the trip below.

At the end of this guide, we have a list of 15 Things to Know About the Ferry to the South Island of New Zealand . Make sure to check it out!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cook Strait Ferry

What are the most asked questions about the ferry to the South Island and North Island? We answer them right here!

What Ferry Routes are in New Zealand?

The Cook Strait is the route between Wellington and Picton where the main New Zealand ferry operates. There are two routes you can choose from: A ferry from Wellington to Picton and a ferry from Picton to Wellington. Other ferry routes to smaller islands such as Waiheke Island in Auckland and Stewart Island on the South Islands are also available, but in this article, we’ll cover only the main one: the Cook Strait.

Which Company Takes You Across Cook Strait?

There are two main ferry companies: Interislander (more info on Direct Ferries , Viator , Tripadvisor and Klook ) and Bluebridge (on Direct Ferries and Klook ) .

How Long is the Ferry from Wellington to South Island (How Long is the Ferry Ride Between the North and South Island)?

Generally, it takes 3 hours to 3h30mins for the ferry ride from Wellington to the South Island and vice versa but this is subject to change depending on the weather.

How Many Ferries Travel a Day?

Up to five ferries travel between the North Island and the South Island, usually operating from 2.30am to 8.00pm.

What Departure Time Should I Choose for the New Zealand Ferry?

You can save money by taking the ferry by night but the journey is well worth the extra dollars so make sure that one of your crossings is done by day for a breathtaking cruise.

What is it Really Like to Take the Ferry in New Zealand?

I’m glad you asked! We have a short video below where we take you on the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton . Check out the boarding process, the journey, the operation bridge (where the captain operates the boat), as well as the disembarking process.

Interislander or Bluebridge? Which Ferry Company is Best in New Zealand

There are two ferry companies that operate on the Cook Strait: Interislander (more info on Direct Ferries , Viator , Tripadvisor and Klook ) and Bluebridge (on Direct Ferries and Klook ) . Both are very similar companies with a few minor differences. They both have food available to purchase on board, spacious lounges, upgrade options and seriously smooth boarding processes, even for tourists not used to manoeuvring their massive campervans . When it comes to choosing, you are more likely to pick the sailing with the best price and most convenient time for your itinerary.

Otherwise here are a couple of points of difference between the Interislander and Bluebridge ferry companies:

Interislander has bigger ferries, which tend to be beneficial for the feeling of being less crowded, for more to walk around and explore, and so sailings are less likely to be cancelled due to bad weather. Saying that, Bluebridge often transfer tickets at no cost to Interislander if their sailings are cancelled.

Bluebridge offers free movies and they have upgrades for private cabins with beds.

Booking Your Tickets for the Cook Strait Ferry

Book in advance.

When it comes to booking a ferry from Wellington to Picton or a ferry from Picton to Wellington , you’ve got to plan. Both Interislander (on Direct Ferries , Viator , Tripadvisor and Klook ) and Bluebridge (on Direct Ferries and Klook ) regularly sell out of tickets, especially in summer , so the sooner you book the better. Booking your tickets in advance is also the best way to find the cheapest deals. Otherwise, if you are renting a car or campervan , check if your rental company offers ferry discounts.

Consider the Different Fare Options

The Cook Strait ferry companies both offer different fare types, the cheaper option being non-refundable and the rest giving a full or partial refund. For a general idea of pricing, see the “ New Zealand Ferry Price Guide ” below.

Where to Buy Your Ferry Ticket

Tickets can be booked online through the company websites. If you are travelling with a bus company, like the hop-on hop-off buses or the national coach buses , then the Cook Strait ferry is likely to be included in your pass. Check with your bus operator. Your ferry ticket is also likely to be included if you are travelling New Zealand as part of a tour .

A Guide to Taking the Ferry as a Walk-on Passenger (No Vehicle)

Being a walk-on passenger is the cheapest way to cross Cook Strait, due to not having the extra charge for a vehicle. Nice!

Checking in at the Ferry Terminal

As a walk-on passenger, make sure to check into the passenger terminal of your chosen ferry company at Picton or Wellington at least 30 minutes before your departure time. This is a different terminal from where the vehicles check-in. Two luggage items weighing up to 30kg (66lbs) each can be checked in. Any excess baggage such as sporting equipment is a small fee. At the other end, you will depart the ferry into the passenger terminal where you will need to pick up any checked-in luggage.

Finding the Passenger Terminals

In Wellington , the passenger terminal for Interislander is at Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington . For Bluebridge , the passenger terminal is at 50 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea, Wellington – it is just across the road from Wellington Railway Station.

In Picton , the passenger terminal for Interislander is at 1 Auckland Street, Picton. For Bluebridge , the passenger terminal is at 1 Lagoon Rd, Picton . Bluebridge offers free shuttle services to the terminal from the Interislander Terminal Bus Shelter, Picton i-SITE and Oxleys Tavern (Corner of Wellington Street and London Quay).

A Guide to Taking the New Zealand Ferry By Car or Campervan

Taking a vehicle means you need to check-in at the vehicle check-in at least one hour before departure time. It also means you have to pay extra, so see the price summaries in the “ New Zealand Ferry Price Guide ” below.

Finding the Vehicle Terminals

As you approach the vehicle check-in area for your desired ferry company, markings on the road direct you to the right waiting area. Hand your ticket in at the ticket booth where the staff will then tell you where to park. You will then need to wait in a queue of vehicles and onto the ferry when instructed.

In Wellington , the vehicle terminal for Interislander is at Wellington Vehicle Check-In, Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington . For Bluebridge , the vehicle terminal (same as the passenger terminal) is at 50 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea, Wellington.

In Picton , the vehicle terminal for Interislander is at Interislander Picton Vehicle Check-In, 3 Auckland Street, Picton. For Bluebridge , the vehicle terminal is at 1 Lagoon Rd, Picton.

The New Zealand Ferry Price Guide

To give you a quick idea of New Zealand ferry prices, we have put this list together. Note that these prices vary depending on the season, how far in advance you book from your sailing date, and whether you purchase a basic or refundable ticket. Note that prices are approximate.

Wellington to Picton (to the South Island) Ferry:

Passenger – NZ$50-$70
Passenger + motorcycle – NZ$110-$150
Passenger + car – NZ$175-$255
Passenger + small campervan – NZ$205-$285
Passenger + large campervan – NZ$310-$405

Picton to Wellington (to the North Island) Ferry:

Passenger + motorcycle – NZ$110-$160
Passenger + car – NZ$200-$255

6 Ways to Save Money on the New Zealand Ferry

Travel Light: The smaller your vehicle (or no vehicle at all) the cheaper your ticket will be.
Travel Early: Early morning ferry crossing tends to be cheaper than at other times of the day. Plus sailing at sunrise is quite spectacular.
Travel in the Off-Season: We are big fans of travelling in the off-season in New Zealand . Prices tend to be significantly lower during this time. Avoid travelling in the busy season ( October to March ) and you’ll get great deals on more than just your ferry ticket.
Book Early: Both ferry companies tend to reward early birds with discounts, so as soon as you know your travel dates, book your ticket, and don’t wait until the last minute!
Pick the Best Ticket Option : Bluebridge and Interislander have a range of ticket options from the budget non-refundable ones to the premium tickets. Check the inclusions in all options and pick the best for you. The price difference between the ticket tiers is massive!
Travel with the Tribe: The actual best deals on ferry tickets when looking at it on a “per head” basis is with family passes.

What to Look Forward to on the Ferry Between the North and South Island

Trust us, the Cook Strait ferry in New Zealand isn’t just a means of getting from A to B, but it’s a pretty awesome experience in itself. Here are a few things to look forward to:

On a clear day, you must go to the observation deck for some amazing introductory scenery for the North Island/South Island
Sailing the seas and stretching your legs will feel like heaven after a long road trip
The ferries offer local craft beers and wines making it a true Kiwi experience!
Sailing at sunrise and sunset are the best times for sailing to enjoy the scenery
There are lots to do around the ferries between watching movies, making use of the bars and cafes, and sitting back and enjoying the scenery.

15 Things to Know About the Ferry to the South Island of New Zealand (Summary)

Finally, the list below will summerise the information above as well as give you extra tips for your ferry crossing in New Zealand:

There are two ferry companies in New Zealand: Interislander (more info on Direct Ferries , Viator , Tripadvisor and Klook ) and Bluebridge (on Direct Ferries and Klook )
The ferries run both ways : North to South and South to North. However “return tickets” offer a little discount
Combining both companies, there are usually five crossings in a given day so you have plenty of choices to fit your itinerary
You can take the ferry even if you do not have a car. Walk-on tickets are available too
If you are travelling without a car, the luggage limit is 2 bags of 30kg (66lbs) max
The crossing takes about 3 hours to 3h30mins but you should allow an extra hour and a half for boarding and disembarking
You can not stay in your car or campervan during the crossing. So take what you need with you after your park your vehicle on the ferry
The ferry can get quite cold during night crossing so make sure to dress accordingly . The outside areas can get very windy as well
It is unlikely that you’ll get seasick on the ferry to the South Island . The boats are huge and rocking is limited. However, if you are very sensitive to this, get prepared by taking seasickness tablets
While we are on the medical side of things, if it is a sunny day, slap that sunscreen on , on open water the New Zealand sun is unforgiving
Despite having been built overseas, all power outlets in the ferries are Australia/New Zealand 3-pin plugs
The cruise will probably feature some kind of wildlife to keep the kids busy such as dolphins and albatross . The Marlborough Sounds entrance is also spectacular
No need to stress about parking your car or campervan on the ferry. During the whole process, you will be guided by the staff that will make it very easy for you
Booking in advance and travelling out of the busy season are the two best ways to get a good deal on a ferry ticket
Both companies have cafe/food facilities on board where you can get food, drinks and snacks (at “ferry prices”, of course) but you are allowed to bring food and snacks of your own.

More About Travelling Between the North Island and the South Island

Another cool way to travel from the North Island to the South Island is by flying. Check out The Guide to Domestic Flights in New Zealand . Otherwise, you might like these guides to help get around New Zealand:

Bus Networks in New Zealand
Buying a Car in New Zealand Step by Step
Guide to Renting a Car/Campervan in New Zealand

Finally, get more essential tips for your adventure in the 31 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand and The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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Destinations

Pacific Islands

South pacific, cruises to the south pacific.

If you're after a quick retreat to paradise, a P&O Islands cruise is right for you. Nothing says ‘tropical holiday’ like island hopping from one idyllic destination to the next, and when it comes to the Pacific Islands, we do it best!

There’s the Frenchy-chic vibe of Noumea, the ancient culture of Lifou and the Caribbean atmosphere in Vila. Oh, and the beaches...we’d never forget the beaches!

P&O Cruises has been cruising to the South Pacific for over 86 years - and we know it so well, we’re practically locals.

Why you’ll love a P&O cruise in the South Pacific

There’s an amazing choice in P&O departures to the Pacific Islands from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland - and a cruise to match every taste and budget. From Brisbane take the Pacific Island Hopper cruise and visit 3 tropical paradises in just 7 days and an added bonus is that these cruises leave on a Saturday so you’re only using 5 days annual leave! From Sydney or Melbourne you can Discover Vanuatu with calls to 4 amazing and different islands. Or if you want to dig a little deeper, take one of our P&O Voyages of 13+ nights and call at up to 6 idyllic islands with some scenic cruising as well.

For something totally different choose one of our Papua New Guinea cruises. Ranging from 8 to 11 nights and departing from Brisbane and Sydney, you’ll visit one of the final frontiers of the South Pacific. There are sunken warships, beautiful cultural celebrations and abundant marine life to see close up. There’s an amazing range of shore tours to choose from at most destinations.

Cruising vs Traditional Travel:

All-inclusive fare with loads of inclusions

Activities to suit everyone

No cramped seats or jet lag

One simple, single booking

Age specific kids clubs

Traditional:

Long queues in customs

Multiple travel & accommodation bookings

Stressful group bookings

Jet lag and travel hassles

No fixed costs, often more expensive

Visiting Ports

Take a P&O Islands cruise and explore our closest neighbours. The hardest thing is to decide exactly what you want to see and do!

New Caledonia & Loyalty Islands

Be spellbound by the melting pot of cultures in French-speaking New Caledonia. Four pristine isles make up the neighbouring Loyalty Islands. Both destinations feature crystal-blue vistas, bustling local villages and delicious cuisine from Melanesian to Parisienne.

More about New Caledonia

Norfolk Island

If you look up “stunning holiday destinations” in the dictionary, you should find a picture of Norfolk Island. Lofty pines, stunning cliffs, turquoise lagoons and emerald golfing greens make this island the epitome of paradise. Explore the island on horseback, taste freshly caught fish in golden beer batter, or take a trip on a glass bottom boat.

More about Norfolk Island

Vanuatu is home to vibrant ecosystems that host some of the oldest living cultures on the planet. Make friends with turtles, fly down zip lines or enjoy views you’ve only ever dreamt about. Discover why Vanuatu is the adventure capital of the South Pacific.

More about Vanuatu

Fiji, Samoa & Polynesia

An exciting rush to the senses, this tropical wonderland full of colour, fun and tasty food. Step onto the luxurious shores of Fiji and feel welcomed instantly - it’s said to be one of the happiest places in the world!

More about Fiji

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Solomon Islands

With warm blue water, graceful palm trees, white beaches, and bright coral, the Solomon Islands will have you feeling totally blissed out in no time at all. Immerse yourself in vibrant villages and local markets, dive deep into WWII wrecks, or wander through into the lush tropical jungle.

More about Solomon Islands

In Tonga you’ll well and truly be living on island time. Snorkel in the sparkling ocean waters teeming with sea life and bright corals, swim next to giant humpbacks, explore caves, or immerse yourself in ancient culture and strong traditions.

More about Tonga

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is one of the most exciting places to discover. Experience age old custom and tradition at the Alotau Cultural Festival, adopt a turtle at the Conflict Islands Turtle Nursery or learn about World War II history in Rabaul. Papua New Guinea is a true gem.

More about Papua New Guinea

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Auckland Islands

Explore New Zealand's Auckland Islands

Seven hundred and twenty-five kilometres (450 miles) south of New Zealand, the Auckland Islands are but an isolated speck in the Southern Pacific Ocean and an interesting stopping off point for those on Macquarie Island tours. They are rich in wildlife as they provide a refuge for thousands of birds and Sea Lions and in history, with a colourful past of shipwreck, treasure and attempts at human settlement.

The Auckland Islands cover some 570 square kilometres (220 square miles). There are several in the group, but the main island is 39 kilometres (24 miles) long and 5 to 40 kilometres (3 to 25 miles) wide. Other islands in the group include Adams Island to the South, Enderby and Rose Islands off the north-east tip of the main island and Disappointment Island off the west coast. All islands are of volcanic origin and are characterised by high precipitous cliffs with huge sea caves on the western and southern sides. The eastern coast shows the effects of glaciation while deep fjords provide sheltered anchorages. On average, it rains 27 days per month, the winds usually blow harder than 60km/h, and temperatures rarely climb above 15°C (59F).

Flora & Fauna

Despite hostile weather, the Auckland Islands are home to many species of plants and animals not found anywhere else in the world. Because they are rarely visited by man, the islands are in near-virgin condition. The Auckland Islands have the richest flora of all the Subantarctic Islands – 233 taxa have been recorded, of which 196 are native. The island also has the southernmost forests in the region, dominated by Southern Rata, Metrosideros umbellata, and a flowering myrtle. Tree ferns reach their southern limit here.

The Auckland Islands have a distinct altitudinal zonation in the vegetation, which may be summarised as follows: In the salt spray zone there is often herb turf. Above this, in exposed sites, there is a band of tussock land. Higher up, in more sheltered areas, especially in the north and east, the island sports a dwarfed forest dominated by Southern Rata, a species that produces an impressive show of red when in full flower. Up-slope still further, the forest gives way to a very dense sub-alpine shrubland zone, often forming a mosaic with open herb-moor vegetation. The moor is one of the most diverse communities on the islands, with a mixture of dwarfed woody species, herbs, tussocks, ferns and mosses. The alpine tops of the islands support an extensive tussock landscape.

Inside a Rata Forest On the main Auckland Islands, Southern Rata (Metrodsideros Umbellata) forest dominates to an altitude of 50m. Above this, a board belt of scrub occurs, comprising Dracophyllum longifolium, coprosma spp, Myrsine divaricata, Pseudopanax simplex, Cassinia vauvilliersii with the fern Polystichum vestitum. Bogs of cushion sedge Oreobolus pectinatus are common. Above 300 metres, tussock grassland of Chionochloa antarctica predominates, giving way to herbfield (dominated by Pleurophyllum spp) and fell field (of bryophytes, mosses, lichens, sedges) at around 500 metres.

This basic vegetation pattern varies among the islands, largely depending on the extent of modification by man and introduced animals. Adams Island is the least disturbed, and is known internationally for its herbaceous flora. Ewing Island features dense stands of Olearia lyallii. Disappointment Island has a coastal grassland of Poa species. On Enderby Island, grazing has enabled the spread of the herb Bulbinella rossii.

The flora of the Auckland Islands is notable for the occurrence of three species of Pleurophyllum, a genus endemic to New Zealand Subantarctic Islands and Macquarie Island, the existence of southern rata forest, and the occurrence of Cyathea smithii on Auckland Island representing the southern limit of tree ferns in the world.

The Auckland Island Snipe is seen on Enderby Island in increasing numbers after the major restortation of the island. Over 120 species of bird have been observed on an around the Auckland Islands. Because land masses are infrequent in the Southern Ocean, these islands are a vital breeding ground for nearly 40 species of seabirds, many of which will not have touched land since their last breeding season.

The albatross and their small cousins, the mollymawks, are the most easily recognised of the seabirds. Seven species frequent the islands, including the well-known Royal Albatross, with a wingspan in excess of 11 feet.

Several species of penguin, including the solitary Yellow-eyed Penguin and the Rockhopper Penguin, are found on the islands. Crested Penguins breed and moult ashore, but then abandon their breeding islands for about four months during the winter. Where they go has never been determined. In addition, the islands host populations of petrels, gulls, terns and predatory skuas.

Because the Auckland Islands contain a large variety of habitats, they have the largest range of land birds of all the Subantarctic Islands. Thirteen species, including the New Zealand Falcon and the Tui are found on Auckland Island. Many land birds have evolved into forms that are not found elsewhere – the Auckland Islands Teal is now flightless, unlike their genetic ancestors, the Australian Chestnut Teal. The islands are also home to the greatest number of Wandering Albatross and Shy Albatross in the world and forms the breeding ground of 95 per cent of the New Zealand (Hooker’s) Sea Lion population.

The Auckland Islands also have a long history of introduced species. Rabbits, goats, cattle, cats, rats, mice and pigs were introduced in the early 1800s and were destructive to the natural ecosystem. Sea lion pups fell into the remains of rabbit warrens and albatross breeding grounds are destroyed by pigs. Rabbits and cattle were eradicated by the Department of Conservation in 1990, and pigs will be eradicated as soon as a viable method of eradication is settled upon.

New Zealand (Hooker's) Sea Lions New Zealand (Hooker’s) Sea Lions are the rarest and currently the most endangered of the five species of sea lion in the world. They have a very limited distribution and range, and can be found breeding at only a handful of sites in the Auckland Island group. They also breed in small numbers on Campbell Island and Stewart Island, but 95 per cent of pup production occurs on the Auckland Islands. This species is endemic to southern New Zealand, with a population estimated to be between 11,600 and 15,200.

As with all otariids (fur seals and sea lions), the New Zealand, (or Hooker’s) Sea Lion has marked sexual dimorphism. Mature males are blackish in colour with well-developed black manes reaching to the shoulders. Females are lighter, varying from buff to creamy grey with darker pigmentation around the muzzle and flippers. Pups of both sexes are chocolate brown with paler areas around the head. Juvenile males can resemble adult females in colour and size in their first year. In the past, they were hunted for their hides and the oil rendered from their thick, insulating blubber.

Adult male sea lions grow to at least 450 kilograms (1,000 pounds) and over 3 metres (10 feet) in length. These behemoths fight aggressively for the favour of females during the mating season. Females grow to 160 kilograms (350 pounds) and 2 metres (6 feet) in length. Sea lions favour sandy beaches as haul out areas. On warm summer days they will flick sand over themselves to try to keep cool. Females with pups will often move well inland using vegetation for shelter.

Squid have been shown to be an important dietary component for sea lions in the Subantarctic Islands, but not for sea lions in the mainland region. Other prey species include teleosts, elasmobranchs, octopus and various other invertebrates. Sea lions have also been reported to occasionally prey upon fur seals, elephant seals, penguins and various seabirds.

New Zealand (Hooker’s) Sea Lions may travel up to 175 kilometres (109 miles) from the coast to feed. They regularly dive to 250 metres (820 feet) when foraging for food, and can reach up to 600 metres (1,970 feet) in depth. Most dives last 4 or 5 minutes. Diving is almost continuous when at sea, with female New Zealand (Hooker’s) Sea Lions diving deeper, longer and covering a greater area and distance in a single foraging trip than any other fur seal or sea lion species.

Females appear to be benthic feeders with high foraging site fidelity. Lactating individuals forage across the edge of the continental shelf, usually within 100 kilometres (60 miles) of breeding sites. Research indicates that New Zealand (Hooker’s) Sea Lions in the Auckland Islands may be operating at their physiological limits when foraging – a factor that may have prevented population growth at this site.

Although age of sexual maturity is unknown, it is believed that females mature as early as four years old. Life expectancy is similarly unclear, but some research has shown maximum ages of 23 years for males and 18 years for females. Males are able to hold a territory from eight to nine years of age.

Breeding occurs over the summer months, a time when males are highly territorial and aggressive. Females form harems of up to 25 and are attended by a single dominant bull. Challenger and bachelor bulls remain around the periphery and occasionally challenge the dominant bull. In the Auckland Islands males occupy a beach in late November and pregnant females congregate at nearby haul outs. Several days prior to giving birth to a single pup, females move to a breeding beach.

Pupping begins in the first week of December and may last until the third week in January, at which time the remaining bulls disperse and the harems breaks up. Pups are born on the beach, but are moved by their mothers to nearby vegetation after about six weeks. The females then spend the next year alternating between foraging trips to sea and periods on land suckling their pups. Pups form pods near the periphery of harems while their mothers are at sea. Pups are dependent on their mothers for milk and protection for the first year of their lives. While mothers are at sea feeding, pups are particularly vulnerable to disturbance, so please keep your distance. Females give birth to a single pup every one to two years.

Wandering Albatross The Wandering Albatross, Diomedea exulans, is from the family Diomedeidae, meaning the great albatross. The Wandering Albatross is the largest member of the genus Diomedea. It has a circumpolar range throughout the Southern Ocean. It was the first species of albatross to be described, and was long considered the same species as the Tristan Albatross and the Antipodean Albatross. In fact, a few authors still consider them all subspecies of the same species. Together with the Amsterdam Albatross, it forms the Wandering Albatross species complex. It is also one of the best known and most studied species of bird in the world.

The Wandering Albatross has the largest wingspan of any living bird, an average of 3.1 metres (10.2 feet). The longest-winged examples verified have been about 3.7 metres (12 feet), but probably erroneous reports of as much as 5.3 metres (17½ feet) are known. As a result of its wingspan, it is capable of remaining in the air without beating its wings for several hours at a time, travelling 22 metres for every metre of drop (or 72 feet for every 3.2 feet). The length of the Albatross’ body is about 1.35 metres (4.4 feet) with females being slightly smaller than males. They typically weigh from 6 to 12 kilograms (13 to 26 pounds). Immature birds have been recorded weighing as much as 16.1 kilgrams (35 pounds) during their first flights. Plumage varies with age, but adults have white bodies with black and white wings. Males have whiter wings than females with just the tips and trailing edges of the wings black. They also show a faint peach spot on the side of the head. The Wandering Albatross is the whitest of the Wandering Albatross species complex, the other species having a great deal more brown and black on the wings and body as breeding adults, very closely resembling immature Wandering Albatross. The large bill is pink, as are the feet.

The Wandering Albatross feed on squid, small fish and on animal refuse that floats on the sea, eating to such excess at times that they are unable to fly and rest helplessly on the water. They only lay one egg. It is white, with a few spots, and about 10 centimetres (4 inches) long. At breeding time they occupy loose colonies on isolated island groups in the Southern Ocean such as the Crozet Islands, South Georgia, Campbell Island, Auckland Islands, Marion Island, Prince Edward Island, Kerguelen and Macquarie Island. Their nests are large cones built of vegetation that are 1 metre (3 feet) wide at the base and half a metre (1½ feet) wide at the apex.

Sailors used to capture the birds for their long wing bones, which they manufactured into tobacco-pipe stems. The early explorers of the Southern Ocean cheered themselves with the companionship of the albatross in their dreary solitudes; and the evil fate of him who shot the ‘bird of good omen’ with his crossbow is familiar to readers of Coleridge’s ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’. The metaphor of ‘an albatross around his neck’ also comes from the poem and indicates an unwanted burden causing anxiety or hindrance. In the days of sail, albatross often accompanied a ship for days, not merely following it, but wheeling in wide circles around it without ever being observed to land on the water. It continued its flight, apparently never tiring, in tempestuous as well as moderate weather.

Yellow-eyed Penguin The Yellow-eyed Penguin, Megadyptes antipodes or Hoiho, is native to New Zealand. Previously thought to be closely related to the Little Penguin Eudyptula minor, molecular research has shown that it is in fact more closely related to penguins of the genus Eudyptes. Like most other penguins, it is mainly piscivorous.

The Yellow-eyed Penguin usually nests in forest or scrub, among Native Flax, Phormium tenax and lupin Lupinus arboreus, on slopes or gullies or the shore itself, facing the sea. These areas are generally sited in small bays or on the headland areas of larger bays. It is found in New Zealand, on the south-east coast of South Island, Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island/Rakiura, and Auckland and Campbell Islands.

The Yellow-eyed Penguin is currently endangered, with an estimated population of 4,000. It is considered one of the world’s rarest penguin species. Main threats include habitat degradation, introduced predators, as well as environmental changes. It may be the most ancient of all living penguins.

In spring 2004, a previously unknown disease killed off 60 per cent of Yellow-eyed penguin chicks on the Otago Peninsula and in North Otago. The disease has been linked to an infection of Corynebacterium, a genus of bacteria that also causes diphtheria in humans. It has recently been described as diphtheritic stomatitis. However, it seems as if this is just a secondary infection. The primary pathogen remains unknown. A similar problem has affected the Stewart Island population.

The Yellow-eyed Penguin generally forages 7 to 13 kilometres (4 to 8 miles) offshore, travelling on average 17 kilometres (11 miles) away from the nesting site. Birds leave the colony at dawn and return the same evening during chick rearing, although they may spend two to three days at sea at other times. Average depth dived is 34 miles (112 feet).

The Yellow-eyed Penguin pursues prey in 20 to 60 metre (65 to 200 feet) dives. Around 90 per cent of the Yellow-eyed Penguin’s diet is made up of fish; with cephalopods such as the arrow squid Nototodarus sloanii making up the remainder. Fish species consumed include the blue cod Parapercis colias, red cod Pseudophycis bachus, opalfish Hemerocoetes monopterygius, and New Zealand blueback sprat Sprattus antipodum, all between 2 and 32 centimetres (1 to 13 inches) in length. Cephalopods make up almost half (49 per cent) of the diet of immature birds.

Whether or not Yellow-eyed Penguins are colonial nesters is a matter of on going debate. Most Antarctic penguin species nest in large, high-density aggregations. In contrast, Yellow-eyed Penguins do not nest within sight of each other. They come ashore in groups of four to six or more individuals, then disperse along tracks to individual nesting sites out of sight from each other. The consensus among New Zealand penguin workers is that Yellow-eyed Penguin nesting areas are best referred to as ‘habitats’ rather than ‘colonies’.

South Pacific

South pacific cruises direct from auckland. or south pacific cruises departing sydney and brisbane make the perfect combo with an aussie holiday.

Cruise to Fiji roundtrip from Auckland or Fiji is often included on longer South Pacific voyages. Fiji's most popular cruises include; Suva the capital of Fiji, Denarau Marina, Dravuni Island & Lautoka. There are also small ship cruises from Fiji to the legendary Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands with Blue Lagoon Cruises & Captain Cook Fiji. Check out the most popular destinations to visit on South Pacific Cruises; New Caledonia and her islands of Isle of Pines, Lifou Island & Mare Island Vanuatu Cruise destinations include Port Vila, Mystery Island, Santo (Luganville), Pentecost & Champagne Bay Cruises from Tahiti can include Moorea, Raietea, Bora Bora, and the Society islands, plus longer options that include the Marquesas and Tuamotus islands Cruises from Hawaii will include Honolulu, The Big Island, Kauai, Maui and the Napali Coast Cruises to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are the latest must do South Pacific itineraries and include destinations such as; The beautiful Conflict Islands, Rabaul, Alotau, Kitava & Kavieng in the Trobriand Islands, Kiriwina Island

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Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Best things to do in the North Island
Best things to do in the South Island
Other Islands
Best ways to travel around
Calculate travel times and distances

11 must-do North Island experiences

From cone shaped mountains to picturesque golden beaches, geothermal wonders, and just as many Lord of the Rings-inspired locations, add these fabulous attractions into your North Island itinerary.

1. Explore Waitomo Caves

Waitomo Caves, Waikato

By Shaun Jeffers

Another world awaits below Waitomo , and the big reveal is almost beyond belief. This amazing maze of limestone caves – lined with stalagmites, stalactites, and galaxies of glowworms – can be explored on a guided walk or boat tour, or a thrilling Black Water Rafting trip through subterranean waterways.

2. Eat and drink your way through Wellington

Garage Project, Wellington

By Fraser Clements

New Zealand's quirky little capital has an outstanding foodie scene.

Try locally-famous salted caramel cookies at Leeds Street Bakery (opens in new window) , or seasonal dishes paired with organic wines at Shepherd (opens in new window) .

On the beverage front, Wellington's many cafes take their coffee seriously. Talented baristas, locally roasted beans and a deep pride in coffee culture means great coffee is easy to come by.

Sample the products of a thriving craft beer scene at spots like Garage Project (opens in new window) in the bohemian Aro Valley.

Find the best beer spot

3. Walk the Pouakai Crossing

Pouakai Crossing , Taranaki

By Colm Keating

The Pouakai Crossing (opens in new window) is a 19-kilometre trail that takes in the highlights of Egmont National Park . Winding across the slopes of the mighty Taranaki Maunga, this track is one of the best full-day hikes in the North Island. You'll get spectacular views, particularly at the picturesque Pouakai tarns. On a clear, calm day, these small alpine pools reflect the mountain perfectly, offering unmissable photo opportunities.

4. See the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet in Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua

Cape Reinga Lighthouse, Northland & Bay of Islands

By Alistair Guthrie

Few road trips are as magical as Northland's Twin Coast Highway , which traces a seemingly endless procession of beautiful beaches and harbours, and reaches the remote extremity of Cape Reinga . Also known as Te Rerenga Wairua, this unforgettable place is where spirits are said to leap off on their final journey, across the swirling waters where two oceans meet.

5. Learn about Māori culture in Rotorua

Tamaki evening tour, Rotorua

By Destination Rotorua

Rotorua is rich in Māori heritage , making it the ideal location to learn more about the culture, history and traditions of New Zealand's indigenous people.

Visit Te Puia (opens in new window) to see Māori cultural performances and art, as well as unique experiences such as enjoying a steam hāngi.

Or for a completely immersive experience, choose an overnight stay at Te Pā Tū (opens in new window) previously known as Tamaki Māori Village.

6. Marvel at Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel

The Coromandel is home to Cathedral Cove, a tunnel carved by the sea leading to a perfect beach.

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

The Coromandel is famous for its golden beaches. The most famous is Cathedral Cove , which features a majestic limestone archway.

You can reach this stunning beach via a short coastal walk, on a kayak trip, or by taking a scenic cruise.

Hot Water Beach , only a short drive from Cathedral Cove, is another must-see.

7. Visit Hobbiton

Hobbiton, Matamata, Waikato

By Sara Orme

Middle‑earth™ comes to life in the lush, green Waikato countryside where scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed. Go on the Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour (opens in new window) and put yourself in the picture on a spellbinding tour of the permanent movie set with its Hobbit holes, Party Tree, and the Green Dragon Inn where you can make merry with a pint of Southfarthing ale.

8. Snorkel or dive Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

Snorkelling at Poor Knights Islands, Northland & Bay of Islands

By Tourism New Zealand

Beneath the water around the Poor Knights Islands lie caves, arches, cliffs and tunnels, creating a submarine playground to explore. The unique biodiversity of this marine reserve make it an excellent diving or snorkelling location. Jacques Cousteau famously rated the Poor Knights Islands as one of the top 10 dive spots in the world.

On the boat trip out to the islands , located 23 kilometres off the Tutukaka Coast in Northland, you might spot dolphins, orca, or Bryde's whales.

9. Indulge on Waiheke Island

Tantalus Have You Ever, Auckland

By Camilla Rutherford

Just a short ferry ride away from Auckland , you will find the vineyards , olive groves and white sandy beaches of Waiheke Island .

Choose to explore with a wine tour or go at your own pace by hiring a bike or a scooter. Make sure you visit famous vineyards such as Stonyridge (opens in new window) and Mudbrick (opens in new window) .

10. Chase waterfalls in Taupō

Huka Falls, Taupō

By Graeme Murray

Fed by the mighty Waikato River, Lake Taupō and the Taupō region is abundant with water and waterfalls.

Huka Falls is a thunderous fall where nearly a quarter of a million litres of water bursts through a natural gorge. You can visit Huka Falls via a short walking track to a viewing platform, or for an added thrill take a jet boat ride up the river, close enough to the base of the falls that you will feel spray on your face.

Other spectacular falls in Taupō include Otupoto Falls, where the water comes out of a cliff and falls straight into Lake Taupō, and Tieke Falls, which you can reach via the popular Waihaha River Cycle Trail (opens in new window) .

11. Bathe in Rotorua's healing geothermal waters

Soak in the mud pools at Hells Gate, New Zealand

By Miles Holden

Rotorua's naturally hot and therapeutic waters are perfect for relaxation, health, wellness and beauty.

Enjoy a natural hot pool and some of the world's best spa facilities. Delight in a massage at the lakeside Polynesian Spa (opens in new window) , bathe in healing mud at Hell’s Gate (opens in new window) , or Lake Tarawera’s Hot Water Beach .

Discover your North Island adventure

Find more things to do in auckland and waiheke island, find more things to do in rotorua, find more things to do in wellington.

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See other journeys in the North Island

The Redwoods Treewalk is a over half a kilometre long walkway that consists of a series of 21 suspension bridges - a delight for both kids and adults.

Top 10 things to do in Rotorua long-arrow-right

Top experiences in Taupo long-arrow-right

Top 10 things to do in Hamilton and Waikato long-arrow-right

Glaciers, beaches and vineyards: The perfect New Zealand South Island road trip

Home to some of the world's most iconic natural landscapes, New Zealand's South Island—or Te Waipounamu, in New Zealand's Indigenous Maori language—offers a dazzling array of visual wonders. Although it is about about 25% larger than New Zealand's North Island, it's home to less than a quarter of the country's population.

This rural character results in less car traffic, commercial development and crowds (of people, anyway — you will see plenty of fuzzy sheep). Brilliant blue-green lakes, undulating emerald hills, craggy coastal headlands, utterly pristine beaches and soaring glacier-covered peaks dominate the landscape depending on where you are. And the region's unhurried pace imbues it with a friendly, easygoing atmosphere.

Driving fully around the South Island is a bucket list experience for fans of road-tripping . Even if you're unused to it, you'll likely find it quite easy to get the hang of left-side driving after a day or two, and exploring by car makes it possible to discover the many remote parts of the island at whatever pace suits you.

The greatest challenge you may face is simply figuring out how to pack so much incredible scenery into one trip. Of New Zealand's 13 national parks, all but three are on the South Island. And beyond the incredible opportunities for exploring the wilderness, the island offers plenty in the way of art, culture, food and wine. Here's how to plan an incredible road trip through New Zealand's South Island, including highlights along the way.

New Zealand South Island road trip planning

Perhaps the most useful thing to remind yourself when planning a tour of the South Island of New Zealand is that you're going to see incredible natural scenery no matter how much ground you cover, so try not to get too anxious about attempting to see every single famous point of interest.

Set aside enough time

Although the South Island is only about the size of the state of Georgia, it will take most folks a minimum of two weeks to fully circumnavigate it. It's traversed by rugged, twisting roads, and it abounds with stunning scenery that you will want to enjoy at a leisurely pace. That said, it's possible to undertake an abbreviated but still spectacular portion of the itinerary described in this story in as little as five days, and you can see the island's most rewarding regions in about 10 days.

Getting to New Zealand's South Island

Most international flights to New Zealand arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL) on the North Island. Notable exceptions are those from Australia; there is nonstop service from several cities to Christchurch and Queenstown.

Assuming you are flying into Auckland, though, you can catch ongoing Air New Zealand or Jetstar flights to South Island destinations including Christchurch and Nelson, the starting and end points of this particular itinerary. Flights are plentiful and start at about 75 New Zealand dollars ($45) each way.

If you plan to tour both islands by car, however, you could rent a vehicle in Auckland and explore the North Island, then head to the country's capital, Wellington, and catch the 3 1/2-hour ferry from there to Picton, at the northern tip of the South Island. Although rental agencies allow you to take cars on the ferry, they do require you to return the car to the island where you rented it. You could potentially pick up a rental car in Auckland and bring it over to the South Island by ferry, but you'd need to return it to the North Island at the end of your trip. There are car rental agencies at both ferry terminals, though, so you could also take the ferry without a vehicle and rent cars on either side.

Many car rental agencies charge only a small one-way drop-off fee or none at all, which allows you to start and end in different cities, which is a particular benefit for road trips like this.

Best starting and end points on New Zealand's South Island

As one of the country's main hubs, Christchurch is a great place to start and possibly end a South Island road trip. It's also a friendly, dynamic and underrated city in its own right, worthy of spending at least a couple of days. In the interest of saving time, the itinerary in this article ends in Nelson, a small and sunny city with a great airport. Ending there allows you to spend some time exploring nearby Abel Tasman National Park and the wine country of Marlborough without having to make the six-hour drive back to Christchurch. If you have a few extra days, however, you could drive down the Kaikoura Coast to end your trip back in Christchurch, potentially tacking on an overnight in the resort town of Kaikoura along the way.

If you're making a full circuit of the South Island, you could start and end in pretty much any city with regular flights to Auckland. Queenstown is a popular choice, but rental cars and hotels there tend to be quite expensive, which may significantly affect the cost of your trip. Dunedin, at the south end of the island, is another good place to start and end a full circumnavigation of the island, as is Nelson at the island's north end.

Renting a car vs. a camper van in New Zealand

Most major car rental agencies have offices at the airports in Christchurch and Queenstown, and many smaller airports around the South Island have branches as well. Rental prices can vary a lot depending on the agency (local ones can be significantly cheaper) and the time of year you're traveling, so it's worth shopping around. And again, one-way drop-off fees are relatively reasonable in New Zealand.

It makes sense to rent a conventional vehicle if you're staying in hotels and vacation rentals, but do consider spending a little extra for an SUV, as South Island roads can be rugged in some of the more remote areas, including the national parks, and even a compact SUV is preferable to a standard passenger car thanks to its higher clearance and sporty handling. Rates typically range from about NZ$250 ($150) to NZ$450 ($270) per week for an SUV.

RVing is extremely popular in New Zealand, however, and this option can be a great fit if you intend to overnight in campgrounds and in more secluded areas. Several companies — including Jucy, Euro Campers and Britz — rent camper vans or small RVs. It is advisable to rent a smaller camper van to better maneuver the South Island's many windy and narrow roads. Rates for these vehicles vary considerably, depending on their size and amenities, but you can expect to pay from NZD$350 ($210) to NZ$1,200 ($725) per week.

Keep in mind that gas stations can be few and far between, and also quite expensive, in less populous areas, including Fiordland National Park and much of the west coast. It's a good idea to top off your tank in larger towns before setting out on a long drive.

The best time to visit New Zealand's South Island

Summer through early fall (December through April) tends to offer the best weather on this island known for its somewhat fickle climate, especially in Fiordland National Park and the mountainous and untamed west coast.

Realistically, no matter when you visit, you'll probably encounter rain on at least some days as well as a wide range of temperatures, so pack for a variety of conditions and dress in layers, some of which should be waterproof. Hotels, tours and some other services cost more in summer, especially during the peak holiday season from mid-December to the beginning of January.

Late summer and early autumn, from mid-February through April, offers the best odds of sunny skies. As you move deeper into autumn, there's also the added promise of encountering colorful fall foliage. Although spring (September through November) can be wet, it's also a lush time for hikes to waterfalls and across wildflower-dotted meadows.

Winter on the South Island has its charms, too, though. Temperatures still usually creep up into the mid-50s in Christchurch, Nelson and other coastal areas on the upper half of the island. Meanwhile, Queenstown morphs into a popular skiing and snowboarding destination.

Start your road trip in Christchurch

The South Island's largest city (population 382,000) is an underrated gem that some visitors skip over in their hurry to reach the region's many national parks. Don't make the mistake of giving short shrift to this friendly center of culture and gastronomy, though, since it also boasts plenty of nearby opportunities for visiting gorgeous natural scenery.

Although it was devastated by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in 2011 that destroyed or damaged hundreds of buildings, Christchurch once again feels vibrant, with dozens of striking new contemporary buildings, many of them sporting colorful and creative murals.

Most of the city's notable hotels are in the compact, pedestrian- and bike-friendly city center, making it an easy hop to leading attractions like the curving glass-sheathed Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, the history-rich Canterbury Museum and verdant Hagley Park, through which the tranquil, tree-lined Avon River meanders. This 410-acre swath of greenery is a delight. Walk by the poignant Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, a tribute to the 185 people who lost their lives in the 2011 earthquake, and pass some time in the park's lushly landscaped Christchurch Botanic Gardens. If it's a nice day, go punting on the Avon River, which curves through the park and downtown; these guided half-hour boat tours are great fun.

The regal Gothic campus of Christ's College fringes the park and the western edge of downtown and is pleasant to walk through. Among a growing number of food halls in Christchurch, Riverside Market is a lively two-story hall packed with excellent eateries proffering first-rate Indonesian, Japanese, Greek and other international fare. You'll also find first-rate craft beer and coffee vendors, and there's outdoor seating under a grove of trees overlooking the Avon River. Foodies could easily pass several days in town trying out the sensational eateries, everything from the hip cafe Grizzly Baked Goods (start the day with an eggy breakfast bagel) to the sumptuous dining room at Otahuna Lodge, a gracious Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel about 10 miles south of downtown.

One of the prettiest spots along the jagged coastline near Christchurch is the Banks Peninsula, which is a little over an hour's drive southeast. Even if you're short on time, set aside a half-day to visit the breathtaking bayside hamlet of Akaroa, set along the edge of a sunken volcanic cone. Go for a short hike out onto the Onawe Peninsula, savor a leisurely lunch at Ma Maison or The Common (this cheerful town with French roots has several appealing spots for a meal), and follow Summit Road (look for signs for Tourist Drive) on your way out of town, as the ocean and harbor views from the jade-green hills are stupendous.

Where to stay near Christchurch

The plush rooms at The Mayfair (rates start at NZ$299/$180 per night) feel especially worth paying a premium if you're arriving after having flown a long way to New Zealand. Rooms at this chic, contemporary hotel have floor-to-ceiling windows, sumptuous linens and Byredo bath products.

With a convenient central location, Quest on Manchester (rates start at NZ$249/$150 per night) has large, modern, apartment-style suites with well-equipped kitchens. Foodies should gravitate outside town to Otahuna Lodge (from $1,450 per night), a historic former private mansion that has been converted into one of the country's top luxury lodges and that boasts landmark gardens that have been painstakingly restored.

Lake Tekapo and Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park

Although famed for being the home of New Zealand's highest peak and a must-visit on any South Island automotive tour, Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park and the neighboring Mackenzie Basin can be appreciated in just a couple of days.

This region, made up mostly of alpine wilderness and vast meadows, is sparsely populated and contains just enough infrastructure to provide comfortable accommodations and dining options for tourists passing through. Most visitors spend a night or two in Aoraki-Mount Cook Village (the best choice if you're planning extensive hikes), or in either Lake Tekapo or Twizel, which are near enough to serve as base camps for visiting the park.

Allow about three hours to drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo via highways 1, 79 and 8, and another 45 minutes to reach Twizel. These towns are just a glorious 45- to 75-minute drive along the west shore of turquoise-hued Lake Pukaki to get into the heart of Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park.

As you enter Lake Tekapo, pull off near where Highway 8 passes the lake's southern shore to take in the astonishing views. The iconic photo op here is the small stone Church of the Good Shepherd chapel, set on a lonely (if you can capture it without any tourists photo-bombing your view) bluff overlooking the glacial lake. If you have time, make the short drive up around the southwestern side of the lake to Tekapo Springs to soak in one of the several geothermal pools set on a terrace overlooking the lake, and continue to the University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory, which has an observation point with panoramic vistas; nighttime stargazing programs are offered here as well.

From just outside Twizel, follow Highway 80 along Lake Pukaki's shore, stopping for a bowl of lavender-blueberry ice cream or to browse the myriad soaps, oils and other fragrant products at NZ Alpine Lavender Farm.

Some 30 miles later, when you arrive in the small town of Aoraki-Mount Cook, first visit the well-designed park visitor center in the middle of the village. It contains two floors of illuminating exhibits on the park's natural and human history — everything from how Sir Edmund Hillary trained here on the country's highest peak (elevation 12,218 feet) before summiting Mount Everest to information about both native (like kea birds) and introduced fauna (possums, wild goat-like tahrs, stoats and more). The best all-around hike for visitors is the 3-mile there-and-back Hooker Valley Track, a relatively level walk that traverses a glacial valley to a shimmering alpine lake. There are several shorter trails emanating from the same parking area, which does fill up fast on nice days. Consider going very early (arriving before 9 a.m. if possible) or late in the afternoon to avoid the throngs of fellow trekkers.

Where to stay

Situated right inside the national park, the Hermitage (rates start at NZ$315/$190 per night) is a classic mid-20th-century park lodge with unfussy guest rooms, many with prime views of the park's spectacular Tasman Valley. The main reason to stay here is convenience to the park; a number of guest experiences are available, from astronomy shows to helicopter tours and glacier landings.

In Lake Tekapo, Grand Suites Lake Tekapo (rates start at NZ$495/$300 per night) opened in 2022 and offers some of the swankiest rooms in the region. Just outside Twizel, comfortable Pukaki Air Lodge (rates start at NZ$225/$135 per night) has dramatic views of the surrounding countryside and is adjacent to a tiny regional airport, so in the morning, you can watch private planes and helicopters taking off next door.

Right in the center of Twizel, the reasonably priced Lakes Motel (rates start at NZ$190/$115 per night) has pleasant, roomy accommodations close to the area's best (albeit still a bit limited) selection of restaurants, as well as a well-stocked supermarket.

Twizel to Queenstown

Give yourself about three hours to make this drive south on Highway 8, potentially stopping briefly to photograph the brilliant aquamarine waters at Lake Ruataniwha View Point and for an hour or two to scamper amid the towering rock formations of Clay Cliffs, near Omarama.

As you enter the Otago region, the road climbs dramatically over the arid, almost desertlike hills of 3,186-foot-elevation Lindis Pass before dropping down along the eastern shore of Lake Dunstan and passing through Cromwell, a historic town with a handful of attractions that relate to its heritage as a Victorian-era gold-mining town.

This is also the heart of the prestigious Otago wine region, so budget time for tasting at one or two of the popular cellar doors (as tasting rooms are known in New Zealand and Australia). Worthy stops for sipping the region's acclaimed pinot noir (and to a lesser extent pinot gris and chardonnay) include Mt. Difficulty Wines, Te Kano Estate and Domain Road Vineyard. In Cromwell, pick up Highway 6 for the final 45 minutes to Queenstown.

With a postcard-worthy setting at a sharp bend on long and curvy Lake Wakatipu, this see-and-be-seen playground of outdoor recreation is framed by the snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps and has boomed over the past 25 years ... to a population of a mere 30,000, though visitors often outnumber residents.

It's home to some of the most expensive hotels on the South Island, especially for rooms with lake and mountain views. The attractive lakefront city center abounds with stellar eateries and snazzy nightspots where travelers can talk over the day's adventures. Parking can be challenging and restaurant reservations are highly advisable, with Amisfield, Nest Kitchen and Blue Kanu ranking among the area's top tables.

Extreme sports are Queenstown's calling card, and you can find outfitters offering any number of adrenaline-fueled activities, including tandem skydiving, whitewater rafting and bungee jumping. Queenstown is also a popular jumping-off point for forays into New Zealand's iconic Fiordland National Park, whose magnificent Milford Sound fjord lies just 40 miles away as the crow (or helicopter) flies, but about 180 miles by car.

You could make Queenstown your base for several days of outdoor fun, indulgent pampering or both. As a shorter stop on a South Island road trip, you can get a feel for Queenstown in a day or two, and if you prefer a mellower vibe away from the crowds, you might want to stay in low-key and charming Arrowtown, just a 20-minute drive northeast.

This quaint mountain hamlet near Queenstown boasts an adorable, compact downtown lined with heritage buildings that house stylish boutiques and restaurants. Set aside at least a couple of hours to drop by for lunch or dinner at the stellar Postmasters Kitchen + Bar or the hip mod Italian trattoria Aosta, and to walk through Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, a historical park that preserves the place where Chinese immigrants settled in the 1860s during the region's gold rush era.

Fiordland National Park

It takes time and effort to get into the heart of Fiordland National Park, a nearly 5,000-square-mile tract of soaring peaks and breathtaking waterways (it's the largest of the country's 13 national parks). Be skeptical of anyone who says you could skip this park if you're touring the South Island and are short on time. At a minimum, it's absolutely worth setting aside a long day to take a cruise around the park's most iconic attraction, Milford Sound. Yes, you'll encounter throngs of fellow tourists cruising around this deep fjord flanked by steep, mile-high slopes, and you may encounter inclement weather, but you'll be glad you came, even on the rainiest day.

Numerous tour companies offer trips to the boat terminal at Milford Sound that include bus transportation from Queenstown (a four-hour drive each way) or from the town of Te Anau, which is just under a two-hour drive. From Queenstown, you can also spring for a helicopter ride to the terminal if it's in your budget. The flight takes 40 minutes each way and includes mesmerizing scenery the entire way.

The bus option provides you with the chance to sit back, relax and let others do the driving. But if you don't love being herded around with a big group, it can make sense to drive yourself to Milford Sound. Just keep a few important points in mind. From Queenstown to Milford Sound and back, it's a long day, with eight or nine hours spent driving, two hours for the boat cruise around the sound, and another hour or two for stops along the way. The excellent outfitter Southern Discoveries offers some of the best Milford Sound cruises. Do yourself a favor and skip paying for the underwhelming food served on board and bring your own lunch. You can pick up tasty sandwiches, coffees and sweets at Sandfly Cafe in Te Anau. The drive from Queenstown, though long, is gorgeous, especially once you enter the park.

You can also greatly reduce the time spent driving in a single day by spending one or two nights in Te Anau, a laid-back lakefront village about midway between Queenstown and Milford Sound that serves as a comfortable base with several lodgings as well as the excellent Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.

Wherever you begin the day, give yourself extra time to get to the boat terminal and plan to arrive at least an hour before your cruise departs. Parking can be hard to find in the lots nearest to the terminal, and construction and bus traffic on the park road can cause delays. There are a number of scenic turnouts along the park highway, but it's best to save these for the drive back to Te Anau or Queenstown, when you're not racing to make it to the terminal.

Optional side trip to Dunedin and Invercargill

If you're able to tack on an extra couple of days to your South Island adventure, consider making the roughly four-hour drive from Queenstown southeast to Dunedin, a stately city of around 130,000 souls that's anchored by the prestigious University of Otago and enjoys a splendid location on the Island's southeastern coast.

Dunedin is notable for being a UNESCO City of Literature, and it boasts several prominent attractions, among them Larnach Castle & Gardens; Toitu Otago Settlers Museum; the OPERA (Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance), where you can view endangered yellow-eyed penguins; and the Royal Albatross Centre, another remarkable nature preserve. The latter two spots are on the sweeping Otago Peninsula.

From Dunedin, continue down Highway 1 to Invercargill and the small town of Bluff, at the South Island's very extreme southern tip. This drive is part of the famously beautiful Scenic Southern Route. From Invercargill, it's a 2 1/2-hour drive due north back to Queenstown on Highway 6. This drive can easily be combined with going to Fiordland National Park, the turnoff to which is along this route.

Among Queenstown's numerous posh accommodations, the elegant Rosewood Matakauri (rates start at NZ$3,048/$1,835 per night) is perhaps the most splurge-worthy, with its enchanting lakefront setting, exquisitely appointed villas, and top-class amenities and dining. Close to town, the Rees Hotel (rates start at NZ$588/$353 per night) offers attractive suites with smashing lake vistas, in-room spa services, a sophisticated wine bar and a private beach. A short drive from Queenstown, the intimate Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel (rates start at NZ$487/$293 per night) is a short walk from this heritage town's bounty of fine shops and eateries. Rates include a phenomenal cooked-to-order breakfast, and a bottle of wine and cheese plate upon arrival. In Te Anau, Radfords on the Lake (rates start at NZ$599/$360 per night) offers plush accommodations with views of the lake and the rugged mountains of neighboring Fiordland National Park.

Queenstown to Westport

You can make the drive up the South Island's minimally populated and stunning west coast comfortably in a couple of days, but consider tacking on a third day if you wish for a bit more time to relax and explore the sights along the way, which include two famous, though rapidly receding, glaciers and several scenic beaches and lakes. A good plan is to spend your first night around Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, and your second night in the popular vacation town of Hokitika or farther north up the coast in Westport.

There are two main routes for getting from Queenstown to this lake town about 45 miles north. The prettiest is via the Crown Range and Cardrona Valley roads, a route that begins at Arrow Junction with a steep climb up a series of switchbacks. Pause at one of the parking areas for a spectacular view back toward Queenstown and the surrounding lakes and mountains. If you're hungry, stop in tiny Cardrona at the funky roadhouse-style pub inside the historic Cardrona Hotel. Once you get to Wanaka, head downtown to the shoreline along the southern end of dazzling Lake Wanaka. Wanaka Station Park offers beautiful scenery, a view of the oft-photographed Wanaka tree, and paths through other towering trees. There are several excellent restaurants in town, and B.Effect Brewing is a great place to grab a craft beer or kombucha.

Continue up Highway 6 along the western shore of what some claim is the most magnificent lake on the South Island, Lake Hawea. The highway then curves along the upper shore of Lake Wanaka before winding alongside the Haast River and out to the ocean at the small, laid-back town of Haast. A 20-minute drive farther up the coast, Knights Point Lookout is an excellent spot to hop out for a bit of beachcombing. This is also the first place where many visitors to the west coast first encounter the island's unofficial nuisance, the sand fly. These pesky critters quickly swarm and bite, so definitely keep insect repellent (anything containing DEET works well) on hand.

Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier

About 60 miles up the coast from Knights Point, Highway 6 reaches the first of two towns named for the natural features that made them famous.

Fox Glacier lies at the base of a lush river valley at the edge of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, which is adjacent to Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park. On clear days, you can even see the country's highest peak, which is only about 16 miles south.

Although one of the main reasons to visit this town is to view the glacier, which you can do on the easy 1.6-mile round-trip Fox Glacier Valley Walk, you could also save your up-close glacier-glimpsing for Franz Josef and instead spend a half-day in Fox Glacier driving west to beautiful Gillespies Beach. Along this route, you'll come to a viewing area that offers a nice glimpse of the glacier in the distance. This road also accesses the true highlight of this town, Lake Matheson, a small jewel that you can fully circumnavigate on foot in about 90 minutes via a flat trail. Be sure to go all the way to the end of the lake to the View of Views observation point, from which the lake and, beyond that, the valley of immense snowcapped peaks are framed.

Although Fox Valley has a handful of places to stay and eat, it makes sense to continue another half-hour or so up the coast to Franz Josef Glacier, which is larger and offers a better selection of restaurants and lodgings, along with a wide range of outfitters offering guided hikes, helicopter tours and other ways to engage with the impressive natural scenery.

It also affords the easiest access to a major glacier, as the hike from the parking lot to the viewing area along the Franz Josef Glacier Walk takes a mere 15 minutes. From this lot you can also access some longer treks into the surrounding natural beauty, including the popular Roberts Track, which takes about five hours round-trip but gets you much closer to the glacier. From town, allow a little under two hours to make the winding and relaxing drive farther up the coast to Hokitika.

This breezy, upbeat beach town is home to some of the best restaurants on the west coast and makes a great overnight base — or, at the very least, a stop for an enjoyable lunch. Arrive early if planning to eat at the famous Hokitika Sandwich Company, as supplies often run out early. But there are plenty of other nice spots to eat in town, including Thatcher & Small, a lively gastropub, and Hoki Boatshed Cafe for a perfectly frothed flat white.

The town is also notable for its many shops selling jewelry and crafts made from local jade, which is found on New Zealand's west coast beaches. It's worth going for a stroll around Sunset Point and the dramatic Shipwreck Memorial statue, overlooking the confluence of the Hokitika River and the sea.

One stop that's great fun for getting an up-close look at the region's wildlife is the National Kiwi Centre, where you can view these adorable flightless birds (they're about the size of a large chicken) along with other primordial creatures, such as prodigious tuatara (lizards) and giant eels. One of the area's most memorable attractions is Hokitika Gorge, reached by a pleasant half-hour drive. From the parking lot, it's a short 20-minute walk over a sleek pedestrian suspension bridge that crosses an almost jarringly luminous turquoise-blue section of the Hokitika River.

Continue up the coast along Highway 6 through the pleasant town of Greymouth, another potential overnight base. Then, another hour up a particularly dramatic stretch of road brings you to Punakaiki, a beautifully situated coastal village that's the main base for visiting Paparoa National Park. Stop at the park's visitor center, beside the parking area for the famed Pancakes Rocks and Blowhole Track. You can view this weirdly wonderful geological formation from a short and easy loop trail. It's especially pretty late in the day, around sunset.

Also by the visitor center, the lively Pancake Rocks Cafe serves, you guessed it, bounteous stacks of pancakes from morning till dinner time along with tasty pizzas. Other features worth exploring in this area include Punakaiki Cavern and Beach, and the trail along the lush Pororari River, which is also popular for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (rentals are available in town).

Cape Foulwind and Westport

It's a 45-minute drive farther up Highway 6 to the northernmost point along the west coast before most road-trippers turn inland and drive east toward Nelson. Here the cheerful beach town of Westport offers a convenient array of services and a few places to stay.

West Coast Pie Co. is a great stop for delicious meat pies with intriguing fillings like venison and goat, while PortSide Bistro is a good bet for a more substantial meal.

A little west of town in tiny Cape Foulwind, a beautiful coastal hike awaits. Follow the 4-mile round-trip Cape Foulwind Walkway past a stately lighthouse and then high along a bluff above a gorgeous, pristine beach and around to a viewing platform where you can watch the playfully swimming inhabitants of the Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay.

If you have an extra day in the area, before turning inland on Highway 6 you could venture farther north up the coast, via Highway 67, to explore one of the country's more remote national parks, Kahurangi. A highlight here, which can be visited in a half-day from the Westport area, is the Oparara Basin Arches, a series of natural limestone tunnels along the Oparara River. The visitor center along the highway in the small town of Karamea is a good place to pick up more advice about what to see and do in this park.

If you want to tack on a night along the southern portion of this route, the Wanaka Homestead (rates start at NZ$280/$168 per night) offers five rooms and two cottages on a picturesque ski lodge-inspired property near the town's famous lakefront.

Located right in the middle of friendly Franz Josef, within walking distance of several restaurants and the area's best grocery store, Te Waonui Forest Retreat (rates start at NZ$420/$252 per night) makes an appealing base for exploring the area's myriad opportunities for recreation and glacier-trekking. The luxurious rooms have terraces overlooking the verdant grounds, and there's a full-service spa.

The historic Hokitika Fire Station Boutique Accommodation (rates start at NZ$360/$216 per night) contains five smartly retrofitted vacation apartments with patios, fireplaces and kitchens. It's steps from the beach and Hokitika's buzzy restaurants. Well-priced and with a blissfully peaceful location just outside Westport near the start of the Cape Foulwind Walkway hike, cute and light-filled Omau Settlers Lodge (rates start at NZ$169/$102 per night) has several attractive rooms, and there's a convivial tavern next door serving well-prepared pub fare.

Westport to Nelson

From Westport, Highway 6 twists and turns in an easterly direction inland, through the scenic Buller River Valley. A little over an hour into the drive, the Buller Gorge Swingbridge is a popular, if a bit touristy, stop along the way. Here you can go zip-lining and jet-boating, and for a walk across the country's longest swing bridge.

About 10 miles east in the easygoing town of Murchison, you can top off your gas tank and reenergize with good coffee and humongous muffins and pastries at Rivers Cafe. It's just a 90-minute drive farther along Highway 6 to Nelson, but you could also detour north at the town of Kohatu to explore Abel Tasman National Park on your way. Just take Motueka Valley Highway for about 45 minutes north to the town of Motueka.

The best base for exploring the northern end of the South Island, including Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough wine region, this balmy coastal city with nearly 60,000 residents is itself an enjoyable place to unwind and explore. It's also a logical point to end your South Island road trip and catch a short flight to Wellington or Auckland. Spend at least a couple of nights here, and if you can, time your visit so that you can attend the bustling Nelson Saturday Market, with its vendors proffering local foods, art, jewelry, textiles and more. Food trucks here dispense a variety of delicious dishes, from artisan grilled cheese sandwiches to Asian food.

Nelson has a compact, walkable downtown and a pretty waterfront overlooking Tasman Bay. Nahm (for elegantly plated Thai food) and the Boat Shed Cafe (for local seafood) are delightful places to dine with a dazzling view of the water. Walking through leafy Branford Park and ascending the hill to the Centre of New Zealand Monument is a great way to take in the surrounding waterways and mountains. Other highlights in town include the Nelson Classic Car Museum and great swimming, family amusements and strolling on Tahunanui Beach.

Abel Tasman National Park

Home to some of the Island's most pristine beaches, this 92-square-mile preserve of rolling seaside mountains is a wonderful place to idly chill out for an afternoon. If you're up for a more ambitious adventure, consider booking a kayak tour out around breathtaking Golden Bay and several other tucked-away bays along the park's shoreline. Companies renting kayaks also offer water taxi service to some of the best hiking areas in the park, most of which aren't reachable by car.

If you're just visiting for the day, head to one of the easily accessible stretches of sand, such as Kaiteriteri Beach, or — a bit farther afield but reached via a gorgeous drive — Totaranui Beach. You can make a quick hike to Wainui Falls along the way, and if you're looking for a bite for lunch or dinner, stop in the cute town of Takaka. The Thai Food Nidtaya food truck is terrific. Just outside the park, on your way to and from Nelson, the town of Motueka is also a good bet for a meal and also has some appealing lodgings.

Marlborough wine country

It's an easy and beautiful two-hour drive through rolling hills along Highway 6 to get to New Zealand's celebrated Marlborough wine country, which is settled around the foodie-focused town of Blenheim. Along the way, Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is a picturesque stop for nature lovers. Marlborough is world-renowned for its sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, riesling and other wines produced with grapes that thrive in cool climates, and there are more than 150 wineries open to the public for tasting throughout the region.

Names that international visitors are apt to recognize include Kim Crawford and Brancott Estate, but this is a great place to try some wines you won't find as easily back home. Some cellar doors with fantastic wines and beautiful settings include Framingham, Saint Clair, Gibson Bridge and Bladen. If you happen by Saint Clair, be sure to stop by the beloved Makana Confections chocolate factory across the road. The macadamia butter toffee crunch is addictive. In the town of Blenheim, hip farm-to-table restaurants and wine bars abound. Scotch Wine Bar and Frank's Oyster Bar & Eatery are a couple of standouts. Blenheim also has a good selection of lodgings.

The Marlborough region is on Cook Strait, the body of water that separates South Island from North Island. About 20 miles north of Blenheim, the small but bustling waterfront town of Picton is where you catch the ferry for the 3 1/2-hour ride to Wellington, on the North Island. Even if you're just returning to Nelson, it's worth stopping by this charming village and then taking the spectacularly scenic Queen Charlotte Drive along the Grove Arm (part of Queen Charlotte Sound) back toward Nelson. The road rejoins Highway 6 in the cute village of Havelock, where you can stop for a meal at the Mussel Pot Restaurant. This region is famed for New Zealand's succulent green-lipped mussels.

Optional side trip along the Kaikoura Coast

If you have the time to extend your trip, if you'd prefer to end where you started in Christchurch or if you'd simply like to treat yourself to yet more thrilling scenery, the gorgeous Kaikoura Coast awaits.

From Nelson, via Blenheim, the drive down Highway 1 to Christchurch takes six hours. The sometimes windy road climbs precipitously over Weld Pass and then hugs the coast from Wharanui south. Stop at Black Sand Beach for a stroll, taking in the view of the snowcapped Kaikoura mountain range in the background. This is a gorgeous, unspoiled and sparsely populated part of the island. Once you reach the adorable coastal resort town of Kaikoura, you'll find plenty of hotels and restaurants, along with outdoorsy adventures like whale-watching cruises and dolphin encounters. This is a great overnight stop if you want to break up the drive; from here, it's another 2 1/2 hours over the Lowry Hills Range to Christchurch.

Sleeping outside under the stars in a remote campground is one of the most appealing ways to spend the night in Abel Tasman National Park. The glamping resort Drift Off Grid (rates start at NZ$700/$421 per night) provides this memorable opportunity, but without having to rough it. This secluded spot's well-insulated glamping tents have floor-to-ceiling mesh windows, radiant-heated bathroom floors, log burners and plenty of other creature comforts.

In a residential neighborhood on the edge of downtown Nelson, The Sails Motel (rates start at NZ$180/$108 per night) has 16 neatly furnished, contemporary suites and studios. In Blenheim, stay among the vineyards at beautiful St. Leonards Vineyard Cottages (rates start at NZ$275/$165, per night), part of a former sheep farm from the 1880s. These four elegantly appointed bungalows exude charm and are close to dozens of cellar doors. If you do extend your drive south and return to Christchurch, consider overnighting at the attractive and affordable Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel (rates start at NZ$230/$138 per night), which is located on Kaikoura's breezy beachfront Esplanade.

New Zealand by Sea: Queenstown to Auckland on Heritage Adventurer

November 11 - 24, 2025

Registration for this program is not yet open. Please click the "Join Waitlist" button to be notified when registration is available. No payment required.

Group Size: up to 128 participants across all sponsors Price: Starting from $9,990 per person double occupancy, $12,490 single occupancy Co-sponsored with: To be announced

Trip Overview

Discover the best of Aotearoa/New Zealand exploring its three main islands (the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island) on this unforgettable 14-day New Zealand cruise. Trade the fall in the U.S. for springtime in New Zealand—with plenty of time to return to home for Thanksgiving. Begin with one night in Queenstown, the country’s adventure capital, followed by 10 nights cruising from Fiordland National Park to Auckland, a diverse menu of excursion options offers travelers generous access to the island nation’s dramatic glacial fiords, geothermal wonders, cultural richness, and untamed wilderness.

Schedule by Day

Accommodations.

One night at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel
Ten nights aboard the Heritage Adventurer

Optional pre-trip extension to Queenstown: details coming soon

Optional post-trip extension to Auckland and the Bay of Islands: details coming soon

What to Expect

To be announced

Study Leader(s)

Related Trips

For more information.

Please email [email protected] or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.

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You Can Find Incredible Gemstones at This Remote New Zealand Beach — Including Garnet, Jasper, and Quartz

The South Island of New Zealand is hiding this hidden gem — err, gems.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Keesha Popham/Getty Images

Tucked along the southernmost shore of New Zealand’s South Island is a hidden gem — lots of them. When the tide drops at the aptly named Gemstone Beach it reveals a mass of stones rounded by the waves, including the occasional semi-precious gemstone, including garnet, quartz, jasper, nephrite, or even sapphire. As the water rinses the stones, their true colors appear — turquoise, sea green, and rust red.

Tripadvisor reviewer Greg T. , who visited Gemstone Beach in 2023 noted that “if you are into unique stones generally smoothed by the wave action, large and small then this is for you! [The] best time is as the tide is going out as the stones are still wet and you can see all the differences in the stone … everyone looks around the main entrance but [the] best ones are over the stream.”

Other than the occasional rock hunter, Gemstone Beach tends to be quiet. It is located on the remote Te Waewae Bay near the small country township of Orepuki.

The coastline here is wild and rugged — and the waves are rough. The waves ensure the beach is in a constant state of change, with the surface shifting from sand to stones and back again as storms arrive, waves roll in, and tides shift. This movement is constantly revealing new stones and, occasionally, semi-precious gems.

Patrick Gijsbers/Getty Images

That movement also delivers some of the best surf in New Zealand . Surfers clad in thick winter wetsuits brave the cold and rough waters — and are rewarded with some of the country’s best surfing. Gemstone Beach is also suited for surfcasting, a type of fishing where you cast into the breaking waves on a beach.

This hidden gem of a beach — literally — is often overlooked. It is set along the southernmost shore and is a whopping eight hours from the South Island’s main city of Christchurch and almost three hours from Queenstown.

One of the best ways to see it is via the Southern Scenic Route , a beautiful drive that links Queenstown, Fiordland, and Te Anau, and connects to the iconic Milford Road to Dunedin which passes through Orepuki, Riverton, and The Catlins . In addition to the gem-rich beach, the drive passes by the South Island’s glacier-formed lakes and sites like Fiordland National Park , and provides glimpses of the world’s smallest penguin, the at-risk little penguins (aka, blue penguins or kororā).

Orepuki, the gateway to Gemstone Beach, is located 20 minutes from Riverton and 50 minutes from Invercargill. For the best chance of spotting stones, go at low tide. Just remember to leave what you find.

Norwegian Introduces New Itineraries Across Asia

May 24, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is introducing over 30 new itineraries sailing across Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, totaling 85 voyages from September 2024 through March 2026 on the Norwegian Spirit, Sun and Sky.

There are sailings from 15 departure ports, including Auckland, New Zealand; Bali (Benoa) Indonesia; Bangkok (Laem Chabang); Manila, Philippines; Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia; Seoul (Incheon), South Korea; Singapore; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Vancouver, Canada; Sydney, Melbourne and for the first time, Cairns, Australia, and Lautoka, Fiji.

This will also mark the cruise line’s first summer season in Asia.

“Our company is committed to delivering more opportunities for our guests to explore the world with remarkable vacation experiences…and having lived in Asia with my family, I can attest to it being one of those unforgettable places,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“With the increased interest in more immersive and exotic itineraries, we are excited to expand our season and offer additional ships to cater to travelers looking to uncover the most sought-out cities in the region, but also those less discovered. Countries in Asia Pacific provide unmatched diversity, from so many captivating cultures across Asia to island-hopping in the South Pacific and the rugged natural beauty of Australia and New Zealand. Now, with more voyages, choice of ships and departure ports to choose from, guests can curate their vacation to this region their way.”

The new nine-to-19-day cruises offer 10 hours in port to over 60 destinations, including the line’s inaugural calls to Albany, Busselton, Fremantle, Port Douglas and Townsville, Australia; Matsuyama and Niigata, Japan; Aitutaki in Cook Islands; and Suva, Fiji.

Spanning 18 months, the season will also feature 36 overnight port stays in Asia Pacific including Osaka, Japan; Himeji, Japan; Hong Kong; and Melbourne, Australia among others.

The Norwegian Spirit will debut in Asia on May 26, 2024, for a 10-day sailing departing from Tokyo. The ship will return in the fall for a season of nine-to-15-day cruises to Japan and Southeast Asia, from Sept. 22, 2024, through Nov. 17, 2025. From December 2025 to March 2026, the Spirit will return to offer a series of 11-to14-day journeys to Australia and New Zealand.

In December, the Norwegian Sun will make her Australian debut, arriving in Brisbane and Melbourne on Dec. 18 and 21, 2024, after an 18-day French Polynesia and South Pacific sailing. The Sun will operate 12-to-15-day voyages between Australia and New Zealand, including a new collection of itineraries to the Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific. The ship will also sail six French Polynesia cruises between Fiji and Tahiti and two Asia cruises through May 21, 2025. From November 2025 to March 2026, the Norwegian Sun will operate 11-to-15-day itineraries exploring Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and other destinations in Southeast Asia.

In addition, the Norwegian Sky will make its debut in Asia in January 2025, operating cruises to Japan and Southeast Asia ranging from 10-to-17 days through March 2025.

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The 12 Best Luxury Cruises For White-Glove Service At Sea

All products and services featured are independently selected by forbes vetted contributors and editors. when you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. learn more, annie davidson watson , contributor, forbes vetted.

L ong gone are the days where overcrowded ships with overstimulating amenities are your only cruising option. They certainly still exist, but now there’s a much stronger and more accessible market for luxury charters. Combining lavish amenities and refined comforts with the thrill of exploration, the best luxury cruises have taken white-glove service to the sea. In fact, luxury cruising has become so in demand that many esteemed hospitality brands—like the Ritz-Carlton , Four Seasons and Aman—have recently launched branded yacht collections of their own.

More than just a vacation, luxury cruises are designed to cater to the whims and desires of its discerning guests (caviar and Champagne on-demand, anyone?). From glimmering chandeliers and secluded suites adorned with plush furnishings to one-to-one crew and passenger ratios and carefully-curated expeditions, these cruises redefine the meaning of extravagant living—on land and sea. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, small group, or otherwise, we’ve selected the best luxury cruises of 2024.

Best Luxury Cruise Overall: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima

Best luxury river cruise: viking river cruises, viking osiris, best luxury cruise for foodies: crystal, crystal serenity and crystal symphony, best small ship luxury cruise: seabourn, seabourn pursuit, best luxury cruise for couples: silversea cruises, silver ray, best luxury cruise for families: msc, msc world europa.

Most Yacht-Like Luxury Cruise: Four Seasons, Four Seasons Explorer

Best Luxury Expedition Cruise: Aurora Expeditions, Sylvia Earle

Best luxury cruise for small groups: windstar cruises, star pride, best luxury cruise for solo travelers: ponant, le lyrial.

Best Luxury Cruise For Book Lovers : Avalon Waterways, Avalon Artistry II
Best Value Luxury Cruise : Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Voyager

The Terrace Suite on Evrima

Recommended Itinerary: 11-Night Athens to Venice

Departure: From June 19, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The tasting menu at the onboard restaurant S.E.A., crafted by the Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg in Germany’s Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld

The Ritz-Carlton has built a brand on its premier white-glove service on land, which now extends to sea following the recent launch of its Yacht Collection in the fall of 2022. Its 298-passenger ship, Evrima , marries a yacht-like experience with access to even more amenities (six restaurants, four pools, suite-style sea-facing cabins, salon, spa, fitness center and more). Aside from the ship itself, what makes Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima stand out from the rest is its sheer amount of itinerary options. You can explore the European Mediterranean and the enclaves of Canary Islands on one charter, then see the Caribbean’s greatest hits like San Juan and St. Barts on the next. Thanks to the Ritz-Carlton’s world-renowned reputation, Evrima is drawing younger crowds to the luxury cruising scene, creating a more diverse experience. Ultimately, the feel here is of a true luxury hotel at sea.

Guest room on Osiris

Viking Osiris

Recommended Itinerary: 12-Night Pharaohs & Pyramids

Departure: From August 21, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The sheer knowledge of and access to the crew

Time spent on Viking River Cruises’ Viking Osiris is not only a retreat, but an enlightening experience. Known for its educational programming, the ship features lectures and informative guides that highlight seemingly endless knowledge on everything Egyptian (ancient to modern). Paired with the Nile as a backdrop, you’ll find yourself absorbing more than you can have possibly imagined. Built for just 82 passengers, the intimate ship is a modern vessel built specifically for the Nile, with intentional Scandinavian design details. It has a light and bright feel, encouraging outdoor exploration of the riverbanks through plenty of outdoor decks. Guests must be 18 years or older, which makes this a great option for couples or older families who can truly appreciate the experience.

Umi Uma on the Crystal Symphony.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony

Recommended Itinerary: 10-Day Venice to Athens on the Crystal Symphony

Departure: From November 14, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The only Nobu restaurant at sea, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar

After a brief hiatus in 2022, Crystal Cruises made a comeback in 2023, setting sail as Crystal—Exceptional at Sea under guardianship of the Abercrombie & Kent travel group. Along with the new name, Crystal refreshed its two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony , and reintroduced them to the world of luxury with more spacious suites, a revamped spa and refreshed entertainment and events programming. The real star of the show, however, is Crystal’s exceptional dining, anchored by the only Nobu restaurant at sea, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which can be found on both ships. One meal at Umi Uma is included with your sail (per person, on sailings 11 days or shorter) with each additional visit available for a charge of just $50 per person—incredible value to experience fan favorites like the miso-marinated black cod. Aside from a night at the most luxurious specialty restaurant you can find on a cruise ship, the rest of Crystal’s dining offerings are equally superb, from seasonal dishes at Waterside to classic Italian fare at Osteria D’Ovidio.

With an elegant design that reads yacht-like, Pursuit includes fine dining options for a true luxury cruise experience.

Seabourn Pursuit

Recommended Itinerary: 21-Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland

Departure: From December 15, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Two custom-built submarines, 24-person expedition team

Setting sail in August, the 264-passenger, 132 seafront-suite-only Seabourn Pursuit is the newest ship to join the Seabourn fleet. With an elegant design that reads yacht-like, Pursuit includes several fine dining options and formal supper nights, as well as complimentary caviar and Champagne on-demand, for a true luxury cruise experience. The crowd is well-traveled and skews older; you won’t find many late-night revelers here, in part because the ship doesn’t offer any onboard youth programming (although children are still welcome). That said, the ship does include entertainment that’s worth experiencing—singers, pianists and more.

White-gloved butlers and complimentary caviar are just a few elements that make Silversea’s Silver Ray perfect for a stress-free getaway.

Recommended Itinerary: 8-Day Cartagena to Lima

Departure: From December 27, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The onboard dining scene, specifically S.A.L.T. Kitchen, La Dame and Kaiseki

The second in Silversea’s Nova class ships sets sail this summer when the 728-guest Silver Ray makes a splash in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to winter in warmer climates. Mirroring her sister ship, Silver Dawn , she boasts the same level of service you expect from Silversea. White-gloved butlers, suite-only accommodations, complimentary caviar and Roman baths are just a few of the elements that make Silversea’s Silver Ray perfect for a stress-free getaway for couples in need of pampering. Beyond the ship, Silver Ray’s itineraries immerse her guests in authentic experiences that showcase the beauty in the world. Passengers tend to be in the 55-and-over age range and you won’t find many children onboard, which for couples, might just be what the doctor ordered.

Owner's Suite on MSC World Europa

MSC World Europa

Recommended Itinerary: 7-Night Western Mediterranean

Departure: From July 1, 2024

All-Star Amenities: LEGO experience, Aurea spa featuring high-tech beauty treatments and thermal experiences

Larger than many other luxury ships, MSC World Europa manages to host nearly 7,000 passengers while still keeping everyone serviced and entertained with over 1,400 crew members. With plenty of pools and hot tubs, and more unique amenities like a casino, arcade, brewery, Formula 1 simulator, water park, roller rink and more, there’s truly something for everyone onboard. Plus, it boasts the tallest dry slide at sea in the world—a must-do for families. There’s also a Family Zone that caters to every age range, from infants to teenagers, with dedicated sections per group.

Best Yacht-Like Luxury Cruise: Four Seasons, Four Seasons Explorer

The exquisite 128-foot luxury catamaran set sail in Palau in late-2023 and provides her guests an experience that’s out of this world.

Four Seasons Explorer

Recommended Itinerary: 6-Day King George Island

Departure: From November 27, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Speedboat transfer, PADI 5-star dive center, international dining

Luxury hotelier Four Seasons is expected to debut its highly-anticipated Four Seasons Yachts in early 2026. Until then, guests are invited to embark upon a true yacht experience onboard Four Seasons Explorer . With just 10 staterooms and an expansive Explorer Suite, the exquisite 128-foot luxury catamaran set sail in Palau in late-2023 and provides her guests an experience that’s out of this world. In addition to the attentive service onboard, everyone can dive into the clear Micronesian waters to visit the undersea world that’s filled with manta rays, sharks, orcas and, of course myriad fish. Back onboard, relax in the lounge, library, or sundeck, and enjoy indoor and outdoor dining while enjoying all the special touches for which Four Seasons is known, including checking in and out on your schedule.

Sylvia Earle Suite on the Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle

Recommended Itinerary: 14-Day Antarctic Explorer featuring the Chilean Fjords

Departure: From March 1, 2025

All-Star Amenities: The availability of so many amenities—restaurants, bars, hot tubs—that aren’t as typical on expedition cruises

Sailing on Aurora Expedition’s Sylvia Earle is nothing short of an adventure. Founded about 30 years ago by climber Greg Mortimer and inspired by the female marine biologist after whom it’s named, the 132-passenger Sylvia Earle has exploration ingrained in its DNA. It’s no surprise, then, that the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and eager with an up-for-anything attitude (remote seas, some of the world’s highest peaks, you name it). Plus, the onboard amenities rival any luxury cruise—a rarity on expedition ships.

Owner's Suite Living Room on Star Pride

Recommended Itinerary: 10-Day Comprehensive Iceland Cruise Tour

Departure: From August 20, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Join the yacht’s culinary team to shop provisions for meal service at local markets

A 312-passenger, all-suite vessel, Star Pride feels large enough for small groups where they won’t feel too-close-for-comfort and can have their own privacy, but intimate enough where they can welcome outside connections. And thanks to its size, it’s able to access less-traveled routes and ports that make for an even more memorable experience to enjoy among a group. Plus, there are plenty of dining options (five restaurants including a top-notch Spanish tapas concept that’s a must-try) to enjoy as a group or split up on different evenings.

From sailing past icebergs and rugged mountains to spotting whales, there is plenty to keep you busy throughout the duration of the cruise.

Recommended Itinerary: 15-Day Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada

Departure: From August 25, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Single supplement waived on more than 100 voyages; spa with hammam; fine dining

Solo travel is becoming more popular amongst travelers, so it’s nice when you find a luxury cruise line that welcomes independent cruisers by waiving the single supplement. French cruise line Ponant does just that on more than 100 of its voyages, including the brand new 15-day Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada itinerary. From sailing past icebergs and rugged mountains to spotting whales, polar bears and muskox, and excursions along the way, there is plenty to keep you busy throughout the duration of the cruise.

Time aboard Le Lyrial is filled with guest lectures, fine dining in two onboard restaurants and exceptional, personalized service. With just 122 staterooms and suites and 244 guests, and plenty of space for everyone, the ship never feels overcrowded. After days of exploration, retreat to the spa for complimentary access to the hammam and a full menu of services in partnership with SOTHYS Paris, including massages and facials.

Best Luxury Cruise For Book Lovers: Avalon Waterways, Avalon Artistry II

Onboard, enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that convert Panoramic Suites’ living spaces into open-air balconies.

Avalon Artistry II

Recommended Itinerary: 8-Day Cheers to 50 Years! A Storyteller Cruise & Birthday Celebration with Jen Hatmaker

Departure: From August 3, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Well-stocked library; onboard adventure center; daily happy hour

Book lovers quietly rejoiced when Avalon Waterways debuted its Storyteller Series in 2021. Through the series, revered authors and musicians join guests onboard select itineraries for a week of conversation and collegiality while exploring stunning European river landscapes. During the 8-day Cheers to 50 Years! sailing, New York Times best-selling author Jen Hatmaker will celebrate her 50th birthday aboard the intimate Avalon Artistry II , with just 64 staterooms and suites, when it sails through Holland and Belgium.

In addition to spending time with Hatamaker, guests can choose their own onshore adventures through Avalon Waterways’ curated excursions that appeal to all types of travelers: Active, Classic and Discovery. Back onboard, enjoy daily happy hour; wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that convert Panoramic Suites’ living spaces into open-air balconies; and complimentary WiFi to share the trip with your book club back home.

Best Value Luxury Cruise: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Voyager

All of the luxury line’s 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include free roundtrip business class air on intercontinental flights and free air on domestic flights.

Seven Seas Voyager

Recommended Itinerary: 16-Day South Pacific Revelry

Departure: From February 11, 2025

All-Star Amenities: 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares; complimentary business class air; complimentary two- and three-night land programs; all-balcony suites; free unlimited shore excursions

The words value and luxury may not seem to go together, but they do when sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. All of the luxury line’s 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include free roundtrip business class air on intercontinental flights and free air on domestic flights; free two- and three-night land programs to enjoy before or after the cruise; pre-paid gratuities; free valet laundry service and more.

Soak up the sun of the South Pacific on the 16-day South Pacific Revelry cruise. Departing from Auckland, the voyage calls upon Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa before arriving in French Polynesia, where you’ll enjoy three days of island bliss.

What Are The Top Luxury Cruise Lines?

In the seemingly ever-growing category of luxury cruise lines, you may wonder which are the crème de la crème. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , Ponant and Aurora Expeditions certainly fit the bill, providing exceptional experiences with exquisite service to some of the world’s most exotic destinations, all aboard luxurious vessels.

What Is The Best Luxury Cruise Line For Couples?

Couples who want to set sail in the lap of luxury should make reservations with Silversea Cruises . The luxury cruise line attracts a more mature clientele and its worldwide destinations set the scene for couples who only have eyes for each other.

About Annie Davidson Watson, Your Luxury Cruise Guide

I'm a writer, editor and consultant who has covered luxury travel and cruising for the last ten years. Formerly, I was an editor at Departures, Travel + Leisure, Glamour and more, and I now contribute regularly to both Forbes and Forbes Vetted. I'm also the founder of @littleackbook , a Nantucket-based publication and concierge service. For more, follow me at @anniedavidsonwatson .

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Cruises from Auckland, New Zealand

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Auckland Cruise Port Guide

Nestled between two harbors New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland is the country’s largest city and the ideal jumping-off point for cruises around New Zealand , to the South Pacific, and to Australia. Stroll around Waitemata Harbor and explore the city’s eclectic waterfront bars and restaurants. Dive into Auckland’s diverse history and culture at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Or enjoy a day of sun and secluded beaches during a visit to Waiheke Island.

On cruises from Auckland, you’ll discover the best of New Zealand while sailing down its majestic fjords and stopping in exciting ports like Wellington and Christchurch. You can also embark on a journey to the islands of the South Pacific, visiting islands such as Fiji and Samoa. Or cruise to Sydney, Australia, where national parks, golden beaches, and a sparkling harbor await.

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Top destinations on cruises from auckland.

Visit multicultural cities, laid back beach towns, remote islands, and a world-renowned wine country during one of our New Zealand cruises. Explore the Bay of Islands and go snorkeling, fishing, or scuba diving. Walk around artsy Wellington, known for its vibrant food and coffee scene. Venture down the serene fjords of New Zealand, including Milford Sound, where you’ll be surrounded by lush cliffs and stunning waterfalls. During a stop in Picton, sip on a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in the nearby Marlborough wine region.

South Pacific

Sail to the exotic islands of the South Pacific, where tropical islands and impossibly white sand beaches await. Explore the treasured islands of Samoa, where tropical vistas and romantic shores await. Discover pristine destinations in Fiji, like Suva and Lautoka, which are full of lush rainforests and untouched shores. Or visit the kingdom of Tonga, a group of islands where the ocean sparkles in a hundred different shades of blue.

Embrace the vibrant atmosphere of Sydney, Australia, where you’ll find a picturesque harbor, golden beaches, and an impressive culinary scene. Take a guided tour of the city’s highlights, including the iconic Sydney Opera House that sits on the harbor. See Australian wildlife, like kangaroos and koalas, from up close during a trip to the Taronga Zoo. Or simply relax on one of the city’s popular beaches, such as Manly or Bondi, where you can rest on the soft sand or try catching a wave.

Our Ship Sailing Out of Auckland

Why sail from auckland with celebrity cruises.

On a Celebrity Cruises vacation, you’ll cruise from Auckland to some of the world’s best destinations while immersed in complete luxury. Our award-winning ships are destinations in and of themselves, where you’ll enjoy world-class dining, unlimited entertainment options, and impeccable service throughout your journey. Spend your days discovering exciting ports of call in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, then come back on board and unwind in spacious staterooms and inviting spaces.

During days at sea, explore all of the amenities aboard Celebrity Eclipse. Order dishes crafted by a Michelin-starred chef at the main restaurant or savor globally inspired cuisine at one of the specialty restaurants. Watch riveting music and dance shows at our state-of-the-art Theatre. Unwind by the outdoor pool or catch up on some reading at the serene indoor solarium. Schedule a reinvigorating afternoon at the Spa or plan a movie night under the stars at the Rooftop Terrace. There’s no shortage of fun and relaxation waiting for you on a cruise with Celebrity.

Auckland, New Zealand Cruise Port Facilities & Location

Ships dock at either Princes Wharf or Queens Wharf, both of which are only a short walk to restaurants and shops and just a 10-minute walk from the heart of downtown Auckland.

Top Sights & Attractions to See Before Cruises from Auckland

This telecommunications tower is a modern, ever-visible landmark in the city and one of the best places to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. Standing at over 1,000 feet tall, the Sky Tower is home to the only revolving restaurant in New Zealand. There’s also the Sky Café for coffee and pastries, and a collection of diverse eateries at the street level. For the adventurous, there’s a bungee jump or a skywalk around the outside. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

For a museum experience unlike any other, the Auckland War Memorial Museum tells the rich histories of the native Maori people who populated New Zealand for thousands of years before European colonization. You’ll learn about Auckland’s role in the development of New Zealand and see priceless Maori and South Pacific artifacts. A guided tour is a must for history lovers.

Waiheke Island

Escape the city on a short ferry ride to Waiheke Island from the CBD. Fascinating winery tours and grape tastings, like at Man O’ War Vineyards, or an upscale afternoon at the luxe Mudbrick Vineyard, await you on the “island of wine”. This is where much of Auckland’s wine is produced. Plus, secluded walking trails and hidden waterfalls beg to be explored at Whakanewha Regional Park.

Top Things To Do in Auckland

Visit one tree hill.

Interestingly, One Tree Hill is a volcanic cone and one of 50 in Auckland city. It’s important to both early Maori and European history, and a tour of One Tree Hill will give you the inside scoop. It’s set in a spacious park with beautiful gardens, avenues of trees, a planetarium, and a children’s playground.

Walk Waitemata Harbor

What could be more romantic than a harbor stroll at dusk or sunset? Luckily, Waitemata Harbor in Auckland is particularly beautiful, with downtown’s skyscrapers glittering off the waters. A long walk, picnic, or bar-hopping in the harbor’s restaurants is a must-do.

Step Inside the Ruakuri Caves

Descend into the breathtaking Ruakuri Caves, a natural wonder full of Maori history. Go down the cave’s spiral staircase and marvel at this underground labyrinth full of beautiful stalactites and brilliant glow worms at every turn.

Where can I eat in Auckland?

The Sugar Club

Address: Level 53, Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand

The crown jewel of Auckland’s skyline is the Sky Tower, and its observation deck restaurant is a fine dining experience like no other. The lunch and dinner menus emphasize sustainability and local sources, meaning the freshest ingredients are their main priority. The seasonal a-la-carte menu offers delicate dishes with powerful flavors, like scampi dumplings and Japanese quail. Desserts include a coconut and blood orange ice cream sandwich and a sheep panna cotta. The Sugar Club takes risks to bring you an unforgettable culinary experience in Auckland.

Best Ugly Bagels

Address: 90 Wellesley St W, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

The motto at Best Ugly Bagels is “ugly ain’t fancy,” and this bagel spot hand-rolls their bagels and simmers them in honey water. It’s a different take on the traditional water-boiled bagel, but it’s meant to be crispy on the outside and doughy on the inside. Choose classic toppings like lox, capers, and dill, or go for a cream cheese schmear. Either way, it’s a delicious breakfast option in Auckland.

Ela Cuisine

Address: Elliott Stables, 39-41 Elliott St, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

If you’re craving the tastes of South India, traditional Kerala cuisine is Ela’s core focus. Dinner mains include prawn curry, vegetarian dosa, lamb shank curry, and more. The restaurant also boasts a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options. It’s part of a dining precinct with a wide range of cuisine offerings.

What’s the culture and history of Auckland?

Maori settlement in the area of Auckland began thousands of years ago. In the 1800s, the discovery of gold in New Zealand caused an unforeseeable but impactful boom in fortune hunters from countries like China and Australia. This melting pot of individuals greatly influenced the culture of New Zealand, and they stayed in the region permanently to start their businesses and raise families. Today, Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city with over 1.5 million people representing many ethnic origins.

Where can I go shopping in Auckland?

You’ll find duty-free shopping for souvenirs and other local items at the DFS Galleria Custom House that you can stop in before one of our cruises from Auckland. At Britomart, you’ll find fashion boutiques, bookstores, and a variety of shopping. Ponsonby is known for designer fashions and shops that highlight local designers in jewelry, art, and interiors. Whether you have a retail mission or you’re just window shopping, Auckland’s shopping districts offer homewares, art, and beautiful clothes at all price points.

How can I get around Auckland?

Getting around the city of Auckland is pretty easy and straightforward, and downtown Auckland is walkable. There’s also a bus system, including the green Link bus which loops around central shopping precincts. Taxis are all over the port area where cruises from Auckland depart and are easy to use.

What are the local currency and tipping customs?

The official currency of the country is the New Zealand dollar. Tipping isn’t common practice in New Zealand, so don’t worry about tipping your taxi driver. Restaurants in Auckland don’t include service charges, so you can leave a 10% tip for excellent service. Most accept both cash and credit cards, and there are plenty of ATMs around the city.

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10 Days In New Zealand - The Perfect Itinerary

10 days in new zealand – the perfect itinerary, by carrie green zinn.

Wondering how to spend 10 Days in New Zealand ?

10 days in New Zealand will give you the opportunity to see what this special country has to offer!

It’s truly a spectacular place, with magnificent sites, a rich culture, delicious food, and VERY friendly Kiwis!

Here are the details for 10 days in New Zealand. Let the funventures begin!

New Zealand 10 Day Itinerary

1. Auckland & Waiheke Island – North Island

2. Waitomo & Matamata – North Island

3. Hobbiton & Rotorua – North Island

4. Rotorua – North Island

5. Queenstown – South Island

6. Milford Sound – South Island

7. Wanaka – South Island

8. Minaret Burn Track – South Island

9. Dunedin – South Island

10. Auckland – North Island

Is 10 days enough in New Zealand?

Yes! This 10 day itnierary allows you to see the best attractions in both the North Island and the South Island.

Obviously, more time in New Zealand is always better, but this 10 day itinerary lets you explore the main attractions and some hidden gems while allowing for travel days on either end.

New Zealand is an adventurers paradise! You’ll find breathtaking views, dramatic mountains, gorgeous coastlines, and historic culture at every turn.

Day #1 Auckland

Fly into Auckland Airport on the North Island .

Hotel Parnell – Check in to this basic and suitable hotel. They’ll schedule a taxi pick up from the airport. Prices start at $89 p/night.

Take a shower, grab some food and venture out to explore the city of Auckland and the lovely islands just off shore. This is your jetlag day, so it’s an easy one!

First stop, the Mt. Eden Volcano site. Auckland’s highest volcano spot with stunning views of the whole city and harbor. Inactive, of course, the volcano area is filled with grass and looks like a big abandoned crater.

Waiheke Island

Next, take the ferry ride from Auckland Ferry Terminal to Waiheke Island .

A 40 minute ride to a beautiful small island with a lovely beach, walking trails, shops, and restaurants.

Easy to stroll, wander, and not feel pressured or too busy, just in case you do get a wave of jet lag!

Later, dine at the Devonport Bayside Village area with loads of cafes and pubs.

Day #2 Waitomo & Matamata

Pick up the rental car you reserved from the downtown Auckland Hertz.

Road trip for 2.5 hours through green rolling hills covered in sheep to the Waitomo Caves .

Reserve the combination 2 hour tour of the Ruakuri Cave and the Glowworm Cave . $89 per person. Not cheap, but completely worth it!

You are guided through folding shawls of limestone formations and crystal tapestries. It’s quite magical.

Enjoy the special Cathedral Cave which feels like a giant Gaudi church dripping with limestone. You may even hear your guide sing an ancient Mãori folk song!

What to know about Glowworms

Glow worms live in these vast caves filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Part 2 of the tour takes you through an adjacent cave with water pathways. In the pitch-black bottom of the cave, you climb into a boat.

The guide, a Mãori descendent of the chief who originally explored the caves, stands in the boat and pushes off the sides of the cave to keep the boat moving through.

In complete silence, you are surrounded by ceilings and walls of glowworms.

Stay the night in Waitomo. The haunted, old Waitomo Hotel we stayed at has closed, last I heard, so find some options below.

→ Book a hotel in Waitomo here!

Road Trip to Matamata

You can eat at a local spot before driving just over an hour to Matamata.

Stop in at the Otorohanga Kiwi House along the way to catch a glimpse of the famous Kiwi Bird.

Kiwi are nocturnal, so their habitat is indoors and in the dark. Not easy to see, but you can say you saw a Kiwi bird!

Spend the night at one of the many choices for lodging in Matamata, near Hobbiton .

→ Book a hotel in Matamata here!

Day #3 Hobbiton & Rotorua

Have your Hobbiton reservation scheduled for the morning. You’ll park in the Visitors Center Lot and will be picked up by bus and taken to Hobbiton.

The Hobbiton Tour is totally worth it. You’ll want to reserve and purchase your tickets in advance. You can use the Hobbiton website directly, or here . It’s very popular!

You’ll run on the paths, enter a Hobbit Hole, take photos by the party tree, drink beer at the Green Dragon, and hear all the marvelous stories of how the films were made.

It’s a total tourist trap and we loved it!

→ Book a walking tour in the Shire here!

Is Zorbing worth it?

Next, you have a one hour drive to the original Zorbing site, called ZORB Rotorua .

OK, maybe a ridiculous amount of money for such a silly thing ($40 per person for a single ride with discounts for multiple rides.)

However, I guarantee you have never laughed this hard in your life!

Jump into a giant ball with splashing water and roll down a hill, spinning and tossing around for a few minutes.

The whole adventure lasts about 30 minutes. And then you get to sit in a hot tub for as long as you like!

Rotorua – the home of Manaakitia

Manaakitia means hospitality, and that is what you’ll find here.

Rotorua is one of the most memorable and wonderful spots in NZ! Plan on two nights there because there is so much to do.

Be prepared for the odor of this city. You may find it a little offensive.

Sulfur permeates the air because the city is built on bubbling mud pools and geothermal activity.

Everywhere you go, find another bubbling spot, emerging from the earth, reminding you that the land is active, and alive.

Rotorua is steeped deeply in ancient and current Mãori culture. You’ll get a feel for how nurturing of each other, and of the land, the people are.

The Sudima Hotel – Stay here for 2 nights on the banks of Lake Rotorua. There is an onsite restaurant and its next to the Polynesian Spa. Prices start at $82 p/night.

The steaming Lake Rotorua is difficult to describe because the activity, color, and atmosphere create a haunting, while also calming, experience.

On your first evening, get reservations at the Polynesian Spa , across the street from the hotel. Soak in a private outdoor tub of natural hot springs, in the dark, sipping water, and relaxing overlooking the lake. Healing and decadent.

Day #4 Explore Rotorua

Tour the Whakarewarewa Village , a living Mãori Village. The village tour is an absolute MUST SEE. The Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao people have lived and worked in this village for centuries.

The town is built surrounding the mud pools and boiling mineral springs, right next to the erupting geyser.

We ate corn cooked in the geothermal community cooking pool and saw traditional dance, singing, and of course, the “almighty HAKA.” BIG highlight of the trip.

View the Pohutu and Prince of Wales Geysers , two of New Zealand’s most famous and active geysers!

Visit the Agrodome Farm

Just 10 minutes from Rotorua center is Agrodome Farm. It’s a 350 acre working sheep farm.

Watch the sheep performance, visit the alpacas and cows, and of course, the café!

Buy sheep and possum yarn and head back to town for dinner and bed.

Day #5 Head to the South Island – Queenstown

Drop the car off at the Rotorua Airport and fly ( we connected through Wellington) to Queenstown on the South Island where you will pick up another car at the airport at Hertz .

Stay at the Rydges Lakeland Resort , right on the bank of the lake, with a balcony in the room and free parking! Time for lunch in the very charming town with a little wild west, meets outdoor activity hub.

→ Book the exciting Shotover River Jet

Boat Ride Here!

Shotover Jet – A must do activity!

Next stop the Shotover Jet that has “thrilled over 3 million people since 1965!” These are speed boats, driven for thrill rides in the Shotover River Canyons .

The boats speed up to 85kph in as little as 10cm of water. The highly trained drivers do 360 degree turns, nearly crash into cliff sides, and completely take your breath away, in a good way!

It’s not cheap but it’s an authentic New Zealand adventure not to be missed!

Kawarua Bridge – The OG Bungy Jump Bridge

Queenstown is also the home of the famous skydiving trips and the original bungy jumping bridge.

The Kawarua Bridge is the world’s first commercial bungy jumping site, established in 1988.

The lodge is booming with people, loud music, and a ski resort vibe.

There are no waivers to sign, no high tech devices, no big fanfare, just people diving off a 141 foot bridge and bouncing up and down until they get scooped up by in a boat below.

You can zipline and bungy jump if skydiving is not your thing!

Back in town, dine at the famous Fergburger, where you wait in line for an hour to get any kind of New Zealand beef, lamb, pork, fish, chicken, or steak burger, or a falafel pattie named Bun Laden on a gluten free bun!

Day #6 Milford Sound – A World Heritage Site

Plan your Milford Sound Tour in advance. The bus will pick you up in town and take you on the four hour bus ride from Queenstown through a rain forest. The bus stops in a quaint town for snacks and bathroom breaks and again in the forest to introduce you to the rare Kea birds.

The Kea Bird , a nationally endangered species, is of the parrot family and lives only in this alpine, rain forest, region on the South Island. One bird will distract the human while the other one steals the human’s food!

→ Book a Queenstown to Milford Sound

Coach Tour with lunch included NOW!

The Milford Sound Cruise

In Milford Sound, board a boat cruise through the fjords.

Milford Sound is a World Heritage site, known for its spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking scenery.

Sitting inside the very large dining cabin with tables and chairs is warm and dry, but also a bit wavy.

Standing outside is gorgeous and fun, but also intense because of wind and water!

I promise you will take a great nap on the busride back to Queenstown.

Day #7 Is Wanaka worth going to?

Drive one hour to Wanaka . Stay at the charming, yet funky, Wanaka Hotel .

Explore the lake in search of the famous Wanaka Tree , “The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka.” You’ll find the backdrop of the Mount Aspiring National Park picture perfect.

After relaxing by the beach, head to the Cinema Paradiso!

It is a classic and tiny old theater, filled with cozy couches and chairs, and even an antique Morris Minor car!

They serve food and freshly baked cookies, drinks, and homemade ice cream. This place is a New Zealand treasure. Definitely go!

Day #8 Hike the Minaret Burn Track

Venture out to the Minaret Burn Track along the western shore of Lake Wanaka .

Its a 12 mile out and back trail, well groomed by a cattle flat. parking at the head of the trail is easy. Go as far as you like before heading back to your car.

This is a lovely and picturesque hike with beautiful views of the mountains and lots of cows!

The Wanaka Lavender Farm

Afterwards, stop at the Wanaka Lavender Farm. A few minutes outside of Wanaka is a 20 acre lavendder and honey farm

A sweet café serves you lavender tea and lavender cookies. And talk about photo ops!

Drive the 3 hours to Dunedin at the tip of the South Island.

Dunedin is a university city, on the Pacific Ocean, with plenty of lodging and dining choices.

Day #9 Dunedin – The Southern Tip

Dunedin is the city on the Otago Harbor. It is a big university town with a lot of Scottish and Maori heritage.

Dunedin is known for its majestic coastline and being the home of the rare yellow eyed penguins!

Wander through the tunnels, rocks and cliffs at Tunnel Beach

Be sure to climb Baldwin Street , New Zealand claims it is the steepest street in the world!

Visit the Dunedin Public Art Gallery for its beautiful collection of New Zealand historic artifacts and famous Maori portrait paintings by Gottfried Lindauer.

Day #10 Travel Day

Time to pack up and return the car at the Dunedin Airport . Fly back to the Auckland Airport , on the North Island , and head back home. You’ll have plenty of time to look at your photos on the plane! Enjoy!

What is the best month to visit New Zealand?

My advice has to do with airline ticket prices and time of year.

The Longest Day in New Zealand is December 22. It’s a beautiful summer during the winter solstice. However, the ticket prices in December double!

Spend 10 days in New Zealand in November , just BEFORE the longest day in New Zealand! While November is still a bit damp and chilly, there can be plenty of nice weather and no crowds.

Feel free to experience the longest day in New Zealand on the gorgeous beaches, but for half the price, November weather is great!

How much does a trip to New Zealand cost?

New Zealand is overall relatively inexpensive when it comes to food, lodging, and domestic transportation.

The pricy parts of the trip are the activities/excursions. While there are plenty of free things to do, New Zealand is all about adventure, and adventures cost money.

Reserve ahead, look for discounts, and pay in the months and weeks before you go to spread out the expenses.

How to travel around New Zealand

This 10 day itinerary in New Zealand recommends:

~ Flying in and out of Auckland on the North Island.

~ Renting a car in Auckland for the North Island excursions.

~ Flying to the South Island from Rotorua to Queenstown.

~ Renting a car in Queenstown for the South Island excursions (excpet for the tour bus to Milford Sound)

~ Flying back to Auckland from Dunedin.

→ Rent cars from Hertz

In New Zealand you will drive on the Right side of the car, but Left side of the road .

Just like in the UK. If you aren’t used to this, don’t freak out. You can do it! Once you get the hang of where the blinkers are vs the windshield wipers, you’re good to go!

The roads are simple to navigate and practically empty. Really, there is so little traffic there!

Important New Zealand Travel Advice

~ What to pack? For 10 days in New Zealand, all you need are exercise leggings, hiking shoes, jacket layers for rain, and a bathing suit. It’s a casual country and you will be active and outdoors most of the time.

~ Pay now, Play later! Make as many reservations as you can prior to your trip. A NZ adventure has a lot of moving parts so you’ll want to be organized.

~ Pay close attention to this itinerary because you can reserve the cars, plane tickets, lodgings, and excursions all in advance. That way, you will only need to find food, which is super easy and delicious in NZ!

~ Check the exchange rate for the New Zealand dollar. Currently the US .61 = $1 NZ

These are a couple of things that I was not able to fit into my 10 Day itinerary and really want to return to do on the next trip!

New Zealand Bucket List Add Ons:

~ Abel Tasman National Park – wilderness at the north end of the Sount Island. Hike the famous Able Tasman Coast Track Trail and see blue penguins, bottlenose dolphons, and seals.

~ The Franz Josef Glacier Hike – this is a 12-km glacier in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of the South Island.

Now you are ready for your 10 Days in New Zealand!

In a nutshell…

New Zealand is probably one of the most memorable places I’ve ever been. Its beauty, people, and culture are so unique to that country and unlike anywhere else in the world.

Pack your bags, use this itinerary, and enjoy the trip of a lifetime!

Spend 10 days in New Zealand to see a lot of what this special country has to offer. It's truly a spectacular place, with magnificent sites, delicious food, and VERY friendly Kiwis!

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