Guest Post: The Best Cruises from Australia to New Zealand
With my February travel plans still undecided, I recently floated (pun intended) the idea of potentially going on some kind of cruise. Despite my love of the ocean and Heather’s love of all things nautical, so far we hadn’t broached the topic of doing our best Lonely Island and getting On a Boat.
Then this guest post comes rolling in. It was like a sign! And while I don’t think I’ll be taking any cruises from Australia to New Zealand any time soon – it’s definitely an intriguing possibility.
The Best Cruises from Australia to New Zealand
More and more cruise liners are discovering the accessibility of various ports of call in Australia and New Zealand and the natural beauty of both countries. Rugged coastlines, spectacular scenery, towering fjords and beautiful sweeping bays are waiting to be explored.
Celebrity Cruises
Expect flawless service and luxury of the highest order on this stunning ship. Depart Sydney and explore Melbourne’s wealth of shopping options, cafes, and galleries by tram, then cruise across the Tasman to the 22 kilometre long Milford Sound with its sheer rock faces and mirrored waters reflecting forests clinging to the cliffs above. Dolphins, seals and penguins frequent these waters.
Editor’s Note: I was lucky enough to cruise Milford Sound in my 2010 visit to New Zealand. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the world, for sure.
Next stop is Dunedin, a university city of Scottish heritage possessing an unusual combination of fine architecture and world famous wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula. There are stops in beautiful Christchurch and Wellington the arts and cultural centre of New Zealand as well.
Editor’s Note: I fell in love with Christchurch when I visited in 2010. Check out my entry on the great food and beautiful architecture of the city here.
Next, it’s a visit to the geothermal wonderland of Tauranga, a city steeped in Maori culture. Your final stop is Auckland, known as the ‘City of Sails’. Nestled between two harbors, New Zealand’s ‘City of Sails’ is a cosmopolitan city with a relaxed vibe by day and a buzzing nightlife. Take a helicopter ride over the Bay of Islands or visit the local artisan markets at Paihia while you’re in town.
Of course, that’s not the end of it! Once you’ve supped on the best New Zealand has to often, there is still time to relax and rejuvenate on your cruise back to Sydney.
Stunning Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’. It’s easy to see why. Photo by Lloyd Gary.
Royal Caribbean
With innovative on-board facilities and dedicated friendly staff, you will have a ‘Royal’ experience on the aptly named Royal Caribbean. Cruise from Australia and visit the stunning Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds in the Fjordlands National Park on New Zealand’s south island.
This spectacular destination features cascading waterfalls and sheer cliffs as well as the aforementioned playful dolphins and seals.
Stop at Dunedin on the stunning Otago coastline and take a trip to Larnach Castle. You don’t need to go all the way to Europe to see a bit of medieval architecture.
Visit Christchurch and Wellington and stop at Picton with its spectacular year round sunny weather and sample the wineries and gourmet cuisine. Have a rejuvenating massage on your way back to Australia or choose your own adventure on board.
Sydney Harbour acts as your start location and it only gets better from here! Photo by D.W.S.
Seabourn
Cruising on intimate ships like the Seabourn attract interesting people with a wealth of experience and stories to share. Seabourn is your gateway to a tantalising world. This ship is like a private club or a small hotel where the friendly, efficient staff give you their undivided attention. You will have a unique itinerary sailing from Sydney to Tasmania and then cruising the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. Ports of call are Milford Sound, Invercargill, Timaru, Lyttleton, scenic cruising in Queen Charlotte Sound at Picton, Napier, cruising the Bay of Plenty and finally, Auckland.
Editor’s Note: This one might just show some of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand and Australia. The chance to visit Tasmania is one I’d love someday.
Sun Princess
Your retreat at sea offers endless dining and entertainment choices. Your days can be filled with enrichment courses or a variety of activities. Perhaps you would prefer to relax on a deck lounge by the pool instead. Depart from Brisbane and cruise to picturesque Auckland. Stop at the spectacular Bay of Plenty and visit Tauranga, the gateway to Rotorua. Napier, Wellington and Christchurch are the next ports of call, with the final stop being Dunedin. Themed buffets on board are selected with the Australian market in mind.
There is a wide range of cruises available to New Zealand. Researching on cruise specialist websites such as cruiseabout.com.au you some inspirations for your next cruise holiday destination. Discover what makes New Zealand a popular destination for travelers. It is a land of contrast, with Maori and European heritage, spectacular natural beauty, and breathtaking scenery.
About the Author
It was almost a dream comes true for Barbie S when she got an offer to work as a travel writer; infusing
her love for travel and her passion to share wonderful moments with her fellow travelers. Barbie also loves yoga and teaches part-time in a local studio.
Your Say
Ever been on a particularly memorable cruise? Where did you go and what made it stand out?
What would you suggest are the most beautiful spots in Australia and New Zealand?
