p&o cruises to new zealand

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Cruises from Auckland

Come aboard a P&O Cruise ship from Auckland and discover a range of travel destinations near and far. Take a Classic One-Way Short Break cruise from Auckland to Melbourne with a stopover at the Bay of Islands for kayaking in the Haruru Falls or a Catamaran Cruise to the magnificent Cape Brett Lighthouse. Become a Kiwi Explorer as you travel through Akaroa, or uncover treasures at Mystery Island on the Bounty Discovery cruise. Embark on a Main Event Cruise for The Big Laugh Comedy Festival at sea, or stray further away from New Zealand on our Fiji Encounter and Pacific Island Hopper cruises. Whichever destination you decide on, you’ll be in terrific company with P&O Cruises.

View Cruises from Auckland

New Zealand: The edge of the wilderness

From Wellington to Fiordland, a P&O Cruise covers all the best travel destinations across the beautiful island nation. Cruise from Auckland to discover the best-untouched beauty you'll ever find in New Zealand, Aotearoa.

A city on the edge of pristine wilderness sounds unreal, doesn’t it? Welcome to Auckland. Set on 53 dormant volcanic cones, Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city and the gateway to the rest of Aotearoa (the current Māori name for New Zealand). Don’t miss the brightly coloured sailing boats zipping around sparkling Waitemata Harbour and bush walks into the rainforest-covered hills. Hosting more than just natural beauty, Auckland is a thriving metropolis with some of the nation's best food, coffee, bars, all brimming with cultural appeal.

Princes Wharf

147 Quay Street, Auckland New Zealand

Distance to/from City: within CBD Distance to/from Auckland Airport: 21.5km/25mins Public Transport: at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry

Queens Wharf

150 Quay Street, Auckland New Zealand

Pacific Explorer will soon call New Zealand home

P&O Cruises are excited to announce that Pacific Explorer will be sailing from Auckland in 2023.

With so many activities onboard, Cruiselings will love the expanded choice in dining, entertainment, activities, and the contemporary, modern design throughout.

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P&O Sea Australia & New Zealand

Cruising down under.

Our beautiful backyard awaits. Discover hidden gems and rich history as you explore Australia and New Zealand with P&O. Discover hidden gems and the rich history of both countries. Our cruises depart from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle, Cairns and Auckland.

You can choose from a range of cruises:

• Barrier Reef Discovery
• A Taste of Tasmania
• Southern Getaway
• Southern Discovery
• Kiwi Adventure
• Australian Explorer

A fresh holiday perspective

Aboard a P&O Cruise, you'll discover a whole new world right on your doorstep. We'll guide you through some of the most spectacular destinations in Australia and New Zealand, from world-famous sights to some of our best-kept secrets. See Australia's white sand beaches in Far North Queensland, snorkel over shipwrecks at Tangalooma Moreton Island, or cruise amongst the snow-capped mountains and glassy waters of Milford Sound in New Zealand.

Discover tropical paradise in your own backyard

Stay close to home but feel a million miles away in picturesque Far North Queensland. Cruise to the stunning towns of Cairns, Port Douglas or Airlie Beach for an idyllic holiday amongst turquoise waters, white sand beaches and swaying palm trees. Read your book by the pool, explore local markets and sample freshly caught local seafood. Or, take a leisurely snorkel beneath the waves to marvel at the spectacular sea life on the Great Barrier Reef Discovery cruise .

Explore the very best bits of Tasmania

With stunning forests, dramatic cliffs and stunning coastline, Tasmania is a one-of-a-kind destination. On a P&O Taste of Tasmania cruise , you’ll discover the rich history, natural wonders and unique quirks of the region. Breathe in the cleanest air in the world, say hello to a Tasmanian Devil, and sample award winning food and wine on this unforgettable travel experience, just a hop skip and a jump away from mainland Australia.

Experience Maori Culture

With the North and South Islands to explore, New Zealand is a land teeming with natural beauty, as well as several UNESCO World Heritage sites to admire. From exploring world-famous Hobitton Shire, the redwood forests and steaming-thermal pools of Rotorua, and New Zealand’s largest national park, Fiordland National Park, a New Zealand cruise is an experience like no other. Whether you love outdoor adventures, tranquil lakes, local gourmet food, rich culture or cosmopolitan cities, this beautiful country has something for everyone.

Book your Australia or New Zealand cruise today

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UNLEASH YOUR ADVENTURER'S SPIRIT

New zealand cruises.

Lace up your hiking boots and explore New Zealand's natural beauty.

The Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand is known for Maori culture, lush-valley-and-gentle-hill-filled landscapes made famous by the "Lord of the Rings" films and dramatic glacial mountain peaks. Cruise to New Zealand and head to the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, home to the mighty fjords of Milford Sound. Ever imagined setting foot on tundra? Check out Franz Josef and Foz Glaciers on the South Island, two of the world's most accessible glaciers. Get your fix of urban culture in windy Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. Adrenaline junkies will want to make a beeline for Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu's shores, where you have access to ski resorts, bungee jumping and jet boating.

All Natural Adventure

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the natural beauty

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FROM HARBORS TO HOBBIT-HOLES

Sightsee your way through New Zealand's best-known sites and cities. "Lord of the Rings" lovers, appreciators of the arts and culinary enthusiasts won't be disappointed. 

WELLINGTON WOWS

Hilly and windy Welly is New Zealand's capital city. It's home to a scenic hillside tram, a collection of indigenous art and artifacts at the Te Papa Museum and an up-and-coming food scene, exclusive cocktail bars tucked next to modernist, high-end spots serving inspired takes on local ingredients.

AUCKLAND EXPERIENCE

New Zealand's largest city, Auckland is home to two harbors, black and white sand beaches, hiking trails and the iconic Sky Tower. Head to the top for the best views during your vacation.

JUST LIKE THE MOVIES

Follow in Frodo's footsteps and check out Hobbiton in Matamata — check out the recreation of the hobbit's houses nestled in the rolling green hills (watch your head!). Cruise to New Zealand to kayak past unique cliff structures at popular Cathedral Cove, where the Chronicles of Narnia were filmed.

NEW ZEALAND RUGGED, ROBUST AND READY FOR YOU

The best part about a New Zealand cruise is that it departs from Australia , so you see two countries and two different landscapes in one visit.

SAMPLE AUSTRALIA

While you're "in the area," start in Australia and experience a sampler cruise from Sydney , or a cruise up the coast from Tasmania to Queensland .

ALL OVER NZ

From North to South, see city sights in Auckland, check out the art deco delights of Napier , and cruise through Milford Sound's majestic fjords .

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Hiking Know-How

Although summer is the best time to visit New Zealand in terms of warm weather, it's also the busiest season for domestic and international visitors. This means less accommodation options and higher prices. The shoulder season of autumn is a better option, as you have the bonus of falling leaves, while spring is known for its unstable and windy conditions. If hiking is on the agenda, remember to pack quality hiking boots and layers, as some of the Great Walks have notoriously temperamental weather. A waterproof and windproof jacket will save you while cruising around New Zealand, particularly in the cooler months.

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Kia Ora is a local greeting, which translates to "Hello!". It is derived from the Maori language, where it's literal meaning is "alive" or "healthy".

As in Australia, tipping is not a New Zealand custom.

If driving in New Zealand, bear in mind the roads can by windy, narrow and hilly, so give yourself extra time to get from point A to B.

CUISINE Meats and Sweets

Like its neighbor Australia, New Zealand's national cuisine has British, Mediterranean and South Pacific influences. But it has developed its own sweet tooth, with a long list of cookies, candy and cakes that locals love.

EMBRACE YOUR SWEET TOOTH

New Zealander's sweet selection includes pavlova (a meringue cake with fruit toppings), Afghan and Anzac biscuits, hokey pokey ice cream (vanilla with honeycomb pieces), chocolate fish, Pineapple Lumps and lolly cake.

KIWIS LOVE THEIR LAMB

One of New Zealand's biggest meat exports, roast lamb — seasoned with rosemary and served with seasonal vegetables — is served in many local restaurants. When you visit New Zealand, look for options that are locally raised and grass-fed for the best flavor.

SEAFOOD ESSENTIALS

Satiate yourself on Bluff oysters, thought by many connoisseurs to be the world's best. Or try the country's British-inspired favorite, crisp-fried fish and chips with plenty of malt vinegar to cut through the richness. Top that off with savory whitebait fritters and green-lipped mussels in curry sauce with crusty bread.

Related Ports

New Zealand ports are a combination of cities and countryside stops. This includes Auckland and Wellington, as well as Tauranga's beaches, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds' fjords and the Bay of Islands. Don't forget Napier, with its distinctive art deco architecture like Miami Beach.

Akaroa, New Zealand

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Doubtful Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Dunedin, New Zealand

Dusky Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Tauranga, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand

Milford Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Picton, New Zealand

Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

Related Destinations

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New Zealand / Aotearoa Cruises

Authentic experiences and extraordinary landscapes await onboard new zealand cruises.

Escape to this unhurried corner of the world, where Māori legends, steaming volcanic lakes, penguins and hobbits add to the magical landscape. From the historic North Island, known as "the birthplace of the nation," to the stirring drama of  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi  , a cruise to New Zealand / Aotearoa with Princess will defy expectations.

Across the Ditch cruise activities

Enjoy enriching experiences onboard and ashore

Princess Cruises proudly presents Across the Ditch, an immersive program designed to bring guests the very best of New Zealand / Aotearoa. Our program brings authentic Maori experiences, culture and local flavors onboard and ashore to showcase what makes New Zealand so unique. With more New Zealand wines, beers, entertainment, enrichment (including the Matariki Festival) and more Shore Excursions than ever before, you’ll have the chance to enjoy even more of this fascinating country as you journey Across the Ditch on a New Zealand cruise.

"Across the Ditch" is an affectionate term for crossing the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand and vice versa - known colloquially as "the Ditch".

Excursions — your gateway to New Zealand's best attractions

On a cruise to and from Auckland, delight at the sight of glittering glowworms inside Auckland’s / Tāmaki Makaurau Waitomo Grotto, and enjoy an exclusive kiij at Māori and Polynesian exhibits in  Auckland . Travel along Akaroa’s Southern Alps, and see white-flippered blue penguins and New Zealand / Aotearoa fur seals on a cruise through Akaroa Harbour. On itineraries with More Ashore Late Night calls, we stay until at least 9 p.m. in port so you can experience some of the fabulous nightlife.

And with a range of  Discovery Recommended and Exclusive excursions  available only with Princess Cruises, you’ll see New Zealand in a whole new way.

Photo: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Let Your New Zealand / Aotearoa Cruise Journey Begin

Lifestyle & culture.

Savor the unique tastes of an authentic Māori hangi or sample award-winning wines from  Picton . See how the Māori’s rich heritage comes alive in the Bay of Islands / Pēwhairangi, and discover how Napier’s / Ahuriri beautifully preserved 1930s architecture pays homage to the Māori by merging the linear symmetry of Art Deco with tribal motifs.

Photo: Traditional Māori welcome

Natural wonders & landscapes

Witness the unparalleled beauty of what locals call “Godzone” (God’s own country) on a hike into Tauranga’s / Tauranga Moana Wai-O-Tapu thermal valley and be rewarded with spectacular mud pools, geysers and rainbow-colored lakes. And just outside  Wellington , you’ll experience a world teeming with Māori myths, rugged coasts and adorable seals.

Be awestruck by the beauty of  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi , named one of the 7 Cruise Wonders of the World by  Condé Nast Traveler . And sail through the glassy waters and towering cliffs of Milford Sound, which was formed a millennia ago by massive glacial flows.

Photo: The volcanoes in the Wai-o-Tapu Valley

Unique experiences on New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

New Zealand’s vast, dramatic and diverse landscape is the unrivaled home of Tolkien’s mythical Middle Earth. Journey to the city of Edoras and walk in the footsteps of  The Lord of the Rings  in Wellington, and visit Peter Jackson’s Weta Studios.

Marvel at the sight of twinkling glowworms in Auckland’s Glowworm Grotto, and explore Wellington’s Zealandia, nicknamed "Jurassic Park," in search of the giant weta – one of the world’s largest insects!

Photo:  The Lord of the Rings  movie sets in Hobbittown

Onboard enrichment on New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

At Princess® we want you to enjoy an unforgettable New Zealand adventure. That’s why we’ve created a unique onboard program ‘Across the Ditch’ - with special regional experiences, including:

• See traditional folkloric performances, and learn the art yourself such as the Haka Māori War Dance or Poi Dancing.
• Enjoy kiwi favorites served on board New Zealand cruises, including Pavlova, or Lamb, or even a Hangi Dinner – a Māori tradition. Pair this with a glass of world famous wine from the Marlborough Region.
• Learn more about New Zealand’s rich history with a pop-up display from Auckland War Museum in the Atrium.
• Participate in “Festivals of the World” celebrations, such as Matariki, a Māori festival that marks the start of the Māori New Year, with ceremonial offerings and homage to whakapapa (ancestors). Celebrate with kiwi music, dance, crafts & even traditional face painting.

Photo: A traditional Māori Matariki Festival on board

Landmarks & Cultural Masterpieces

Don’t miss the famed Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which boasts the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand, Port Chalmers’ Larnach Castle (the country’s only castle) or cruise to Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau and see the Sky Tower, the tallest man-made structure in the southern hemisphere.

Photo: Larnach Castle in Dunedin

Art, museums & historic treasures

Wellington ’s number-one attraction, the Te Papa National Museum, showcases Māori and Pacific cultural treasures, New Zealand’s extraordinary natural life and its most important works of art.

Photo: The famous TranzAlpine Express in the Southern Alps

UNESCO world heritage sites

Sail into a world of surreal beauty in  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi , where the verdant flanks of snowcapped peaks plunge into the crystalline waters of ice-carved fiords. Or visit the Tongariro National Park outside of Napier / Ahuriri, which holds the title of first park in the world to receive UNESCO World Heritage status for both its natural and Māori spiritual and cultural value.

Photo: Fiordland National Park

Discover More

Australia cruisetours.

Before or after you set sail for the wonders of New Zealand, why not also discover some of Australia’s greatest attractions. Sailing from Sydney or Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, you can pair your cruise with a land tour to the Australian Outback to famed Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo: Australia’s magical Great Barrier Reef

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