Best Cruises to New Zealand From Sydney

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New Zealand is a destination like nowhere else on Earth. On our cruises to New Zealand from Sydney, explore the natural wonders, thrilling adventures, and unique culture that the twin islands have to offer. Sail through stunning sounds surrounded by awe-inspiring waterfalls and royal blue waters. Admire the contrast of the country’s world-famous sheep against the impossibly green mountains.

New Zealand is a unique haven waiting to be explored. Experience an authentic Maori village. Marvel at the country’s rugged beauty and vast, wild terrains. Indulge in extraordinary wine from some of the world’s leading wine regions. Enjoy an unforgettable vacation on a New Zealand cruise that will open your world.

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Departure Port

Sydney

Before you embark on a cruise to NZ from Sydney, choose one of the million ways to explore Australia’s largest city. Spend an afternoon at the world-famous Bondi Beach, admire the architectural phenom of the Sydney Opera House, and ride a cable car to the stunning Blue Mountains. Dive head first into the city’s food scene, where you can sample Asian food in Spice Alley, pasta in Leichhardt, and curry on Wigram Street. Feeling spontaneous? See what adventures our last-minute cruises from Sydney hold.

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Ports of Call

The Sounds

On your cruise to NZ from Sydney, you’ll sail along the west coast of the South Island through the stunning Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds. Marvel at the extraordinary fiords, lush rainforests, and towering waterfalls while spotting bottlenose dolphins and fur seals.

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Dunedin

In Dunedin, your next port of call, you’ll have the chance to explore all that this university town has to offer. Walk up the steepest residential street in the world, mingle with yellow-eyed penguins in the countryside, and enjoy a beer tasting at Speight’s Brewery. If you want to stick to Otago Harbour, go kayaking or hop on a wildlife cruise for the chance to spot albatrosses, seals, and cormorants.

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Akaroa

Next, you’re off to Akaroa on the east coast. See where they filmed parts of the Lord of the Rings, swim with dolphins in Akaroa Harbor, or take a day trip to the largest city on the island, Christchurch. Rounding off your tour of the South Island, you’ll visit the picturesque coastal town of Picton. Board a WWI memorial steam train on your way to local wineries, kayak through Queen Charlotte Sound, or visit a boutique chocolate factory.

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Tauranga

After a day at sea, you’ll stop in Tauranga, a seaside town tucked into the North Island’s Bay of Plenty. Feed your need for speed with a thrilling white-water rafting adventure in the Kaituna River, or recharge your mind and body at one of the six bubbling pools of Manupirua Hot Springs. Experience authentic Maori culture first hand at a remote village in Rotorua or Whakarewarewa.

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Bay of Islands

In the Bay of Islands, you’ll get to explore secluded beaches surrounded by craggy cliffs, paddleboard along peaceful coastlines, and explore glow worm caves. If leisure is on your mind, head to a local winery for lunch and a wine tasting, or hop on a cruise around the gorgeous bay or through the exciting Hole in the Rock.

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Auckland

No cruises to New Zealand from Sydney would be complete without visiting the country’s metropolitan heart of Auckland. Urbanites will enjoy browsing art galleries and boutiques along the North Shore or simply walking through the city, stopping in cafes and spotting landmarks along the way.

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Top Shore Excursions on Cruises to New Zealand from Sydney

Wildlife Wonders

New Zealand offers plenty of unique experiences to get face-to-face with its exotic wildlife. Meet yellow-eyed penguins in Dunedin, see seals tanning on rocky crags in Fiordland, and admire the glowworms of Kawiti Cavern in the Bay of Islands. Spotting New Zealand’s famous sheep, which can be found perched alongside steep mountains or in working farms you can visit, is a quintessential experience.

Wine Tasting

Don’t miss out on exploring New Zealand’s budding wine country while you’re here. Travel through the stunning countryside to picturesque wineries that have made their mark on the world’s wine map. Sip syrah and chardonnay in Hawkes Bay and sample sauvignon blanc in the Marlborough region. Bring a bottle to share with loved ones back home or to add to your personal collection.

Journey into Nature

New Zealand boasts some of the most interesting and breathtaking landscapes in the world. You can witness it for yourself on foot, from the water, or on ground transportation. Board an explorer vehicle to the country’s largest volcano and go white-water rafting past lush forests and waterfalls. See the bubbling mud pits and geothermal activity of Rotorua, or cycle along scenic country roads and soak in the extraordinary natural wonders at your own pace.