New Zealand Cruises for a Breathtaking Experience

Sometimes the best way to appreciate the scenery is to get away from it. Get out on the water and see the cliffs, glaciers, mountains and beaches of New Zealand in a whole new way.

Cruises aren’t just about unaffordable prices and a lot of seafood buffets and shuffleboard. There are New Zealand cruises for every budget and style of travel, ranging from a quick ferry trip to more luxurious journeys. Take to the water on one of these great cruise ideas.

There are many short New Zealand cruises that allow you to explore bays and rivers that would otherwise be completely inaccessible. One of the most popular of these cruises is the Milford Sound New Zealand Cruise. Hop on one of the boats in the Sound and get up close to the waterfalls gushing into the ocean, or take in the sunset from the tranquil water. There are also overnight options in the Sound.

Other quick New Zealand cruises you may want to look for are the Doubtful Sound cruise, also in the South Island. Or you can ride the historic ferry across Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown. The Hole in the Rock Cruise in the Bay of Islands is a North Island highlight. There are also many shorter lake and river cruises all over New Zealand. The jet boats on the Dart River are a great way to combine scenery with excitement.

Ferry rides can also be a cheap way to travel in New Zealand, and they also can double as New Zealand cruises. Take the ferry between Wellington and Picton, and explore the channel between the North and South. Or you could take the scenic route through the far northern Hokianga Harbor, and see the giant Kauri forests from the water.

If you want a broader sense of the South Pacific, why not try a cruise to Australia and New Zealand? Most of the major cruise lines, like Carnival Cruises and Princess Cruises offer trips down under with departures from North America. A Pacific cruise gives you the chance to relax, taking in the ocean views, rather than dealing with the stress of air travel. You can get a taste for some of the major ports, like Auckland or Wellington as well as seeing the breathtaking shoreline. Be sure to participate in on shore excursions to get a real taste of New Zealand vacation travel!

New Zealand cruises can be a key part of anyone’s trip. Ferrying from the North to South Islands, thrilling river cruises or even a two week South Pacific cruise vacation all provide chances to see the country in a whole new way. Where ever you are in the islands, your next great New Zealand cruises are never that far away.