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Tauranga, New Zealand
Tauranga, New Zealand

5 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

Cruises are the best way to see all the breathtaking coastal landscapes of New Zealand. Explore our list of the best places to visit on a New Zealand cruise.

By Cruise Booking Team

Book a Cruise to New Zealand

New Zealand is a dream destination for many travelers who seek adventure and want to explore nature. However, with so much to see, it’s impossible to visit all the stunning places at once. Cruising through 15,000 kilometers of the coastline of New Zealand is a great way to view all the beautiful scenery. Here are some of the best places to visit on a New Zealand cruise.

 

5 Best Places to Visit on a cruise to New Zealand

Cruises in New Zealand offer their visitors a wide selection of adventure sports and activities. However, visitors can also sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular views. No matter what visitors plan to enjoy, they will find something to do in the ports.

Some of the top destinations on a New Zealand cruise are:

1. Auckland

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and it houses 1.6 million people. It is situated in the northern part of North Island and offers both adventure and urban activities to its visitors.

Things to do: You can take a 40 minute ferry ride from the city terminal, which is situated right next to the cruise port. The ferry trip will take you on a picturesque trip to Waiheke Island. Visitors can enjoy coastal hikes around various vineyards or explore the magnificent beaches on the island.

When your ship pulls into Auckland, you can enjoy an array of excursions offered by almost all cruises operating in New Zealand. Most excursions take the visitors to Sky Tower, Hobbiton film set, Mount Eden, Mission Bay, Auckland Art Gallery, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

2. Napier

Napier is situated on the east coast of North Island and the southern end of Hawke’s Bay.

Things to do: You can take a trip to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve and see the resting place of Saddle and Black Reef gannet colonies, which are protected by the reserve. Furthermore, you can book trips to vineyards and taste the much-famed Hawke’s Bay wines.

On the other hand, if you are an art and culture enthusiast, you can also visit MTG Hawke’s Bay (an art gallery and museum right next to the port) and the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

3. Tauranga

This town is located on the Bay of Plenty and offers hiking access to the dormant volcano Mount Maunganui or the pretty Mount Beach.

Things to do: People tend to partake in adventure activities like biking or kayaking at McLaren Falls Park. However, tourists can also explore Waimarino Adventure Park or the village of Rotorua. You can also visit the famous geothermal springs there.

4. Wellington

It is the capital of New Zealand and is situated on the southern tip of North Island.

Things to do: Tourists can visit hip restaurants, cafes, and bars here. Furthermore, one can also visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa to see the marvelous exhibits highlighting the culture and history of the country.

5. Picton

Picton is located on the northern tip of South Island, just across Cook Strait.

Things to do: You can cruise around Marlborough Sound and view the picturesque rolling greens hills. However, if you are an adventure junky, you can take a water taxi to Queen Charlotte Track. Here you can hike along the beautiful, forested route starting from Mistletoe Bay or Davis Bay and ending at Anakiwa.

Also, Read: When is the best time to cruise australia and new zealand?

Key Takeaways

These are some beautiful places worth visiting on a New Zealand cruise. The country comprises two main islands, the North and South Islands. New Zealand is known for its incredible landscapes consisting of lakes, mountains, and lush greenery. Moreover, the activities offered at each port cater to all kinds of visitors and their interests.

The ports, as mentioned above, are the best places to visit on a New Zealand cruise. You can also visit Milford Sound and Dusky Sound, part of the Fiordland National Park. Furthermore, you can book popular cruises like Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise, Bay Of Islands Cruise, and Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise to get the complete experience of adventure and sightseeing.

For the best touring experience, you can book a cruise with www.cruisebooking.com.

Header Image by steveheap at DepositPhotos

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