New Zealand is a place for adventure. The relatively small area of the country makes it easy explore, but its remote location can make it hard to get to. The big cruise ships go here, but to get up and close with the islands, it is a good idea to go with a smaller company that specializes in such travels. Kensington Tours, Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea are the best cruises for the adventurous travelers who want to explore New Zealand up close and personal. Most cruises of this nature include some of Australia, and it is fairly easy to include a trip to Antarctica if you are so inclined. Here you may explore beaches, wine country, ancient cultures, endangered wildlife and remarkable countryside. A cruise ship, or a fly and cruise package, might be the best way to go to explore all that New Zealand has to offer. Keep reading to see the top questions and answers about the top New Zealand cruise packages!
This cruise company specializes in small ships and ultra luxury. The food is spectacular, and a private bar in your own suite is stocked with your favorite drinks. There are several variations as well, to let you see the parts of New Zealand you are most interested in.
The South Island is perhaps a bit less developed, and there is even more nature to enjoy. You can swim with the dolphins, or explore the Scottish influences in Dunedin. Coastal walks are legendary here, and there are some amazing train rides, as well.
As the name implies, you get a private car with a private guide for either yourself as an individual or for your family. The "Explorer" package is eight days of exploring the two major islands. Start in Auckland and end up in Queenstown at the south end.
Primarily the length of the cruises involved, with either 18 or 33-night options to choose from. This includes free round trip airfare from your city of origin. The benefit of this cruise option is that you will experience New Zealand just like a native would. The 33 day cruise has a few days in New Zealand, and includes Australia and some of the South Pacific. The shorter version has fewer stops.
From Auckland you can see marine life like penguins, sharks, and other sea creatures. Sailing is very popular and this is a shoppers paradise. The Bay of Islands is a wonderland of smaller islands to explore. Wellington is a town of chic culture on the coast, and home of some of the best coffee or wine in the world.
Much of the movie was filmed in the south Island. Fiordland and Southern Lakes were used as a background for much of the movies. You can explore these areas while on your cruise. Mount Victoria, near Wellington, was also a featured part of the movie and a significant icon of the Middle Earth lore. You may also tour Hobbit caves made for the movie.
Milford Sound has Miltre peak, vast waterfalls, seals, and penguins. Lots of natural areas to explore. Abel Tasman park abounds with fur seals and a huge coastal area. Fiordland National Park includes Mitre Peak and Mirror lakes. Tongariro National Park has the Alpine Crossings and volcanoes to explore. You can explore glaciers, alpine forests, volcanoes, and a wide variety of wildlife in any of the national parks of New Zealand. You can also explore ancient peoples as well as endangered species of animals.
Generally, they are very flexible as long as you make arrangements ahead of time. If you want more days in a certain area, you may arrange for that at booking. Often, you can make last minute changes, but there will typically be a cost involved.