Dreaming of cruising through New Zealand’s spectacular fjords, vibrant cities and wildlife-rich coastlines without constantly packing and unpacking? A New Zealand cruise with Princess Cruises makes exploring Aotearoa remarkably easy, sailing from Australia straight into some of the country’s most beautiful ports. From the misty grandeur of Fiordland National Park to food and wine stops in Hawke’s Bay and charming waterfront towns like Picton and Dunedin, this guide answers the most common questions readers ask about cruising New Zealand, so you can plan your own voyage with confidence.
Why Cruise New Zealand with Princess Cruises?
Cruising Makes Exploring New Zealand Easy
New Zealand may look compact on a map, but travelling between regions by road or domestic flights can quickly eat into precious holiday time. A cruise solves that beautifully. Instead of packing and unpacking between destinations, your hotel travels with you, delivering you overnight to a new port each morning. One day you’re exploring cosmopolitan Auckland, the next you’re tasting wine in Hawke’s Bay or wandering the heritage streets of Dunedin, all while enjoying some of the most scenic sailing anywhere in the world.
I boarded Princess Cruises in Auckland and soon found myself cruising through a dreamscape of deepwater ports perfectly suited to large ships, offering seamless access to some of New Zealand’s most memorable destinations. From the sun-drenched shores of Tauranga and the buzzing creative energy of Wellington, to Picton’s tranquil gateway to the Marlborough Sounds and Christchurch’s blend of heritage charm and modern reinvention, each port felt like a highlight rather than a brief stopover.
In Dunedin, we wandered streets steeped in Scottish heritage before continuing along some of the best cruise ports in New Zealand. Each day revealed a new perspective, often enjoyed from the comfort of our private balcony as majestic landscapes slipped quietly past. It felt less like simply getting from place to place and more like an unfolding ocean journey.
Scenic Cruising Through Fiordland National Park
Cruising also unlocks regions that are difficult to access by land, particularly Fiordland National Park in the South Island. Ships glide through Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, where waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs and mist drapes the mountains. These scenic sailings are often the most unforgettable moments of a New Zealand cruise.
Easy Cruise Access from Australia
One of the biggest advantages for Australian travellers is how easy it is to reach New Zealand by cruise. Princess Cruises sails directly from Australian ports, allowing you to step aboard close to home and arrive relaxed and ready to explore, avoiding airport queues and baggage limits altogether.
Who Is a New Zealand Cruise Best For?
A New Zealand cruise suits a wide range of travellers, from first-time visitors wanting to sample multiple regions in one trip to couples and retirees seeking a relaxed, comfortable holiday. It’s also perfect for travellers who enjoy balancing organised shore excursions with independent exploration in each port.
And sometimes the magic happens when you least expect it. More than once I woke in the night to photograph the moon rising over the open sea, unable to resist the changing light outside our balcony. If you’re dreaming of a South Pacific cruise that blends relaxation with discovery, a voyage between Australia and New Zealand delivers moments you’ll remember long after you return home.
Princess Cruises New Zealand Itineraries & Ports of Call
Princess Cruises offers a range of New Zealand itineraries, typically sailing roundtrip from Australia or between Australian and New Zealand ports. Most voyages run between 10 and 14 days, giving travellers time to explore multiple regions while still enjoying relaxing sea days in between.
One of the joys of cruising New Zealand is the variety. Within a single voyage, you can experience vibrant cities, laid-back coastal towns, wine regions, wildlife encounters and dramatic fjord landscapes, all without changing hotels.
Common New Zealand Cruise Ports
While itineraries vary slightly by season and sailing, these are some of the ports most commonly included on Princess Cruises’ New Zealand voyages:
Auckland
Often the start or end point for cruises, Auckland blends waterfront dining, harbour views and easy access to nearby wine regions and islands. It’s worth arriving early or staying a few extra days to explore more of the city.
Tauranga (Bay of Plenty)
Gateway to Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes and Māori cultural experiences, Tauranga also offers beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal charm for travellers who prefer a slower-paced shore day.
Wellington
New Zealand’s capital surprises many visitors with its creative energy, café scene and compact, walkable waterfront. Highlights include Te Papa Museum, the cable car, and excellent local food and coffee spots.
Picton
A peaceful port town that serves as the entry to the Marlborough Sounds and nearby wine country. Many visitors opt for wine tastings, scenic cruises or relaxed waterfront strolls.
Christchurch (via Lyttelton or Akaroa)
Cruise passengers access Christchurch through nearby ports, discovering a city reinventing itself with creativity, gardens, street art and innovative architecture following the earthquakes of the last decade.
Dunedin (Port Chalmers)
Known for its strong Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers historic architecture, wildlife encounters on the Otago Peninsula and one of the steepest residential streets in the world.
Scenic Cruising Days: Fiordland National Park
A highlight of many Princess Cruises itineraries is scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park, where ships glide through spectacular sounds including Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. These aren’t ports of call but immersive scenic sailings, often accompanied by commentary from local experts as waterfalls cascade from towering cliffs and mist drifts across the peaks.
How Long Are New Zealand Cruises?
Most Princess Cruises New Zealand itineraries run between 10 and 14 nights, often departing from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne. Some voyages combine Australia and New Zealand ports, while others focus solely on New Zealand’s coastline.
For first-time visitors, these itineraries provide an excellent overview, often inspiring travellers to return later for deeper land-based exploration.
Luxury Balcony Cruise Experience Aboard Majestic Princess
Step aboard the Majestic Princess for a truly unforgettable luxury balcony cruise experience on your South Pacific cruise holiday. Launched in 2017, this elegant ship accommodates up to 3,560 guests across 1,830 beautifully appointed staterooms. With gleaming marble interiors and refined design, Majestic Princess brings an elevated sense of style to your New Zealand coastal cruise.
Guests can unwind with two expansive swimming pools and eight inviting jacuzzis—ideal for sea days between scenic ports. Onboard connectivity is enhanced with MedallionNet™ Wi-Fi, available for free or through optional packages. I tested the premium package and found it reliable enough to upload short videos and even livestream, depending on our location along the Australia to New Zealand cruise itinerary.
Majestic Princess cruising New Zealand with Princess Cruises
Walking the Sky Walk – Australia to New Zealand with Princess Cruises
Australia to New Zealand with Princess Cruises – The Stateroom
As part of my seven-night Australia to New Zealand cruise itinerary with Princess Cruises, I was accommodated in a mini-suite—a haven of understated elegance designed to elevate the luxury balcony cruise experience. These are the only rooms on board offering a full-sized bath, a notable upgrade not found in balcony or deluxe balcony staterooms.
Located mid-forward on Deck 15, stateroom M233 proved to be a hidden gem. Positioned portside, it offered uninterrupted views of New Zealand’s spectacular coastline—one of the many highlights of this New Zealand coastal cruise. Just one level below the World Fresh Marketplace, the location was ideal for spontaneous snacks or meals via the nearby stairs or lift. Even better, it was far enough from the ship’s access points to ensure peaceful nights without disruption from foot traffic or elevator noise.
The room’s décor evokes a regal charm, with rich wood finishes, gold brocade accents, and plush furnishings. Luxurious curtains drape around the bed, creating a cocoon-like sanctuary beneath a soft, recessed glow. A bedside motion-sensitive light quietly guides midnight wanderings to the bathroom—an elegant, practical touch.
Modern conveniences are seamlessly integrated: two large flat-screen televisions (ideal for catching up on onboard activities or ordering room service), USB ports by the bed and desk, and an intuitive system for managing in-room requests. I particularly appreciated the ease of ordering my morning tea via the screen—although there’s a $3 charge and no kettle in the room, the warm delivery smile was well worth it.
The wardrobe area, generously proportioned and cleverly positioned just outside the bathroom, acts almost like a private dressing room. It made preparing for days ashore—whether wandering Wellington’s vibrant laneways or heading to explore the best cruise ports in New Zealand—effortless.
For travellers seeking both comfort and style on a South Pacific cruise holiday, the mini-suite on Majestic Princess adds an indulgent layer to an already extraordinary voyage.
Mini suite on Princess Cruises Majestic Princess
A Majestic Princess Mini Suite comes with a bath.
Dining on Majestic Princess: A Culinary Highlight of My South Pacific Cruise Holiday
Dining aboard cruise ships often comes with high hopes and, more often than not, a tinge of scepticism—particularly for those of us who take food seriously. As a seasoned food writer with countless tastings under my belt, I’ve encountered more than a few culinary disappointments at sea. But the Majestic Princess turned those expectations on their head. This voyage, part of my Australia to New Zealand cruise itinerary, delivered a dining experience that was not just good—it was exceptional.
Across the ship’s many eateries, I discovered cuisine that was artfully presented and genuinely delightful on the palate—a rarity on the high seas. The challenge of feeding thousands of passengers with varied palates, while maintaining authenticity and finesse, is no small feat. Yet the Majestic Princess kitchen consistently struck that balance, offering dishes that were full of character and cooked with care.
Dining choices are impressively diverse. The elegant Harmony Chinese Restaurant brings refined Cantonese flavours to the fore, while Bistro Sur La Mer quickly became my go-to for its French-inspired finesse. At the International Café, lighter bites are paired with expertly brewed barista coffee—a crucial stop for early mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups as we cruised past the rugged beauty of the New Zealand coastal cruise route.
When the landscapes outside my balcony were too spellbinding to leave—a recurring theme on this luxury balcony cruise experience—24-hour room service came to the rescue. One standout moment? Devouring an Alfredo’s pizza while watching the sun dip below the horizon. The pizza was unexpectedly top-tier, and that golden glow over the water made it even more memorable.
If there was one dish that didn’t quite hit the mark, it was the bug roll. But with Rick Shores on the Gold Coast setting the gold standard for this delicacy, I admit my expectations are unusually high.
Overall, the Majestic Princess serves up a culinary voyage that mirrors the excellence of its route—one of the most scenic in the world, linking some of the best cruise ports in New Zealand. For food lovers embarking on a South Pacific cruise holiday, this ship is sure to impress, one plate at a time.
A love heart chocolate mousse desert on the Love Boat
Seafood dining at Bistro La Sur on Majestic Princess
Best Shore Excursions on a New Zealand Cruise with Princess Cruises
One of the joys of a New Zealand cruise itinerary is the sheer variety of shore experiences on offer. Each port delivers something completely different, from beach towns and geothermal wonders to food trails, heritage cities and wildlife encounters. Princess Cruises offers organised tours in every port, but many destinations are also easy to explore independently if you prefer to wander at your own pace.
Here are some of the standout shore experiences from our cruise, woven with the moments that made each stop memorable.
Book your New Zealand with Princess Cruises excursions early!
Tauranga & the Bay of Plenty: A Coastal Gem on Your New Zealand Cruise Itinerary
Tauranga, on New Zealand’s North Island, quickly proves why it’s considered one of the best cruise ports in New Zealand. As the Majestic Princess docked right alongside the wharf, postcard-perfect Mount Maunganui rose in front of us, and within minutes we were strolling into town. Few Australia to New Zealand cruise itineraries make it quite this easy to step straight from ship to seaside lifestyle.
Mount Maunganui Beach is the star attraction, drawing swimmers, surfers and sunseekers alike. Those keen for a little exercise can tackle the short but steep walk to the summit of the extinct volcanic cone, rewarded with sweeping coastal views across the Bay of Plenty.
If your visit coincides with a Saturday, the Tauranga Farmers Market is a must, packed with fresh produce, artisan breads and local treats that showcase the region’s fertile growing conditions. Tauranga is also proud of its role as the global capital of kiwifruit, and shore tours to local orchards offer a fascinating look at how this iconic fruit travels from farm to table, tastings included.
This port effortlessly blends relaxation and activity, making it one of the highlights of any New Zealand coastal cruise.
Te Puke shore excursion in New Zealand with Princess Cruises
Maureen, Colin, Jed and Sam in the Te Puke truffle orchard on a New Zealand with Princess Cruises tour
A Surprise Detour to Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa
Cruise itineraries occasionally change with the weather, and when rough seas gifted us an unexpected extra day in Tauranga, we embraced the opportunity to venture inland to Rotorua.
Our destination was the renowned Polynesian Spa, perched beside Lake Rotorua and famous for its naturally heated geothermal mineral pools. After days of exploring New Zealand cruise ports, slipping into the warm alkaline waters felt like the perfect reset for tired muscles, while acidic pools are said to help rejuvenate the skin.
The Deluxe Lake Spa, with its tranquil lake views and beautifully designed pools, provided a deeply relaxing interlude during our South Pacific cruise holiday. Steam drifted across the water as we soaked, a reminder that sometimes the unexpected detours become the highlights of a journey.
A private pool at Polynesian Spa on a New Zealand with Princess Cruises tour
Exploring Wellington: Culture and Coastal Charm
Arriving in Wellington, framed by forested hills and a dramatic harbour, feels like sailing straight into one of New Zealand’s most character-filled cities. Regularly listed among the best cruise ports in New Zealand, Wellington is compact, creative and wonderfully easy to explore on foot.
A must-visit is Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, where interactive exhibits bring Māori heritage, natural history and contemporary culture together under one roof. For a sweeping city view, the historic Wellington Cable Car climbs from the CBD to Kelburn, delivering panoramic views across the harbour.
For food lovers, my shore day highlight was joining the Princess Cruises Fresh Taste Walking Tour. This guided wander through the city stops at some of Wellington’s most loved producers and eateries. Tastings included chocolate at Wellington Chocolate Factory, craft beer at Whistling Sisters Beer Co, seafood delicacies such as pāua fritters, and a memorable scoop of Ambrosia ice cream at Duck Island Ice Cream.
After such a flavour-packed day, returning to the ship felt blissfully indulgent. Room service on our private balcony as the Majestic Princess sailed out of Wellington, accompanied by the nostalgic strains of The Love Boat theme, made for one of those quietly perfect cruise moments. Overnight, we crossed the strait between islands, waking to misty mountains as we entered Queen Charlotte Sound.
Walking through Wellington.
Exploring Wellington: Culture and Coastal Charm
Arriving in Wellington, framed by forested hills and a dramatic harbour, feels like sailing straight into one of New Zealand’s most character-filled cities. Regularly listed among the best cruise ports in New Zealand, Wellington is compact, creative and wonderfully easy to explore on foot.
A must-visit is Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, where interactive exhibits bring Māori heritage, natural history and contemporary culture together under one roof. For a sweeping city view, the historic Wellington Cable Car climbs from the CBD to Kelburn, delivering panoramic views across the harbour.
For food lovers, my shore day highlight was joining the Princess Cruises Fresh Taste Walking Tour. This guided wander through the city stops at some of Wellington’s most loved producers and eateries. Tastings included chocolate at Wellington Chocolate Factory, craft beer at Whistling Sisters Beer Co, seafood delicacies such as pāua fritters, and a memorable scoop of Ambrosia ice cream at Duck Island Ice Cream.
After such a flavour-packed day, returning to the ship felt blissfully indulgent. Room service on our private balcony as the Majestic Princess sailed out of Wellington, accompanied by the nostalgic strains of The Love Boat theme, made for one of those quietly perfect cruise moments. Overnight, we crossed the strait between islands, waking to misty mountains as we entered Queen Charlotte Sound.
Tasting paddle at Whistling Sisters in Wellington.
Picton & Queen Charlotte Sound: Gateway to the Marlborough Sounds
Sailing into Picton ranks among the most beautiful arrivals on a New Zealand cruise itinerary. Mist clung to steep hills as the captain expertly manoeuvred the Majestic Princess into the narrow harbour, an impressive feat of seamanship.
Picton itself offers several memorable shore experiences. One highlight is a scenic cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound to visit Arapawa Blue Pearls, where the Radon family has perfected the art of cultivating deep blue paua pearls over two decades. Morning tea at the homestead, learning about pearl cultivation and tasting freshly harvested abalone made for a uniquely local encounter.
Back in town, the Marlborough Flyer Historic Steam Train provides a nostalgic excursion to Seddon, departing conveniently near the cruise shuttle drop-off. Watching steam billow as the train prepares to depart feels like stepping back into railway history.
Even simple pleasures here stand out. Friendly locals greeted passengers at the gangway with corsages, and Picton’s main street guides visitors with a painted blue line leading to shops and cafés. Even the public amenities provided entertainment, complete with music and unexpected theatrical flair.
Glorious floral corsages were given to welcome passengers in Picton.
Christchurch & Lyttelton: A City Reinventing Itself
Cruise ships access Christchurch via the port of Lyttelton, where views across the harbour are striking, especially when enjoyed from a private balcony as the ship arrives.
Our shore excursion took us through the tunnel connecting port and city before joining a double-decker bus tour showcasing Christchurch’s resilience and creativity following the 2011 earthquake. Stops included Cathedral Square, the Earthquake Memorial Wall, the serene Avon River and the innovative Transitional Cardboard Cathedral.
We also paused at Mona Vale Gardens and admired heritage landmarks like the Sign of the Takahe, offering a glimpse into Christchurch’s architectural and cultural past alongside its ongoing renewal.
Lyttleton Harbour.
The Good and the Bad
Things I like about Majestic Princess
Every cruise ship is different, and the things I like about Majestic Princess may or may not be important to you, but it’s good to have all the facts so you can pick the best cruise ship for your next holiday.
- When homeporting in Australia, the ship runs on Aussie dollars This ship uses Australian dollars, not American dollars. It much easier to work out the cost of something when you buy in the gift shop and when you’re purchasing a coffee or a treat at one of the venues where there’s an extra cost.
- Sit in the jacuzzi and watch a movie with an open sky On the top deck, you can watch a movie while you’re sitting in the spa or swimming in the pool.
- Order anything and it will be delivered wherever you are! I can sit on my cabin balcony and order from an extensive menu, which includes excellent pizzas, and it will all be delivered to my room.
- The Piazza I can come down to the Piazza and order a lovely coffee and have a very light snack for breakfast if I want something for lunch or afternoon tea. It’s a lovely space, and there’s often beautiful music here. Even though there are 4000 people on this ship, it never feels crowded. There are so many spaces for people to congregate. It’s very well designed.
- The spa treatments are gorgeous! There’s a spa where you can have fabulous treatments, and the therapist sorted out my skin issues which was wonderful. There’s also a place called The Enclave that’s a steam room and a huge spa with heated beds.
- Night-friendly lighting I like that I can get up in the middle of the night, and underlighting comes on in my stateroom and guides me to the bathroom, and then it turns off automatically when I get back in bed.
Things I didn’t like about Majestic Princess
Only two things here, and they are not deal breakers.
- Tea fail One thing that I particularly didn’t like about Majestic Princess, and that was the tea! I don’t like getting a cup of hot water and a teabag and having that as my only tea option, even in the coffee shop. Bring back the pot of tea, please.
- No outside walking circuit There’s nothing better than getting up in the morning and filling your lungs with fresh air while you walk around the top deck of a cruise boat, but on Majestic Princess, you’ll have to go to the gym for a workout or be satisfied with the partial running/walking track on Deck 18. There are lots of walking machines with a great sea view, but it’s not outside. Another way to keep your steps up is to take the stairs. I found I was spending a lot of time on deck five, and with my stateroom on deck 15, that’s ten flights of stairs, actually, 20 flights, as there are two flights on each level, to keep your daily step count up.
Want to know more?
There is a wide selection of options when it comes to cruising Australia to New Zealand with Princess Cruises. Find out more here.
Would I recommend this New Zealand with Majestic Princess cruise?
Would I recommend this Australia to New Zealand with Princess Cruises trip? Absolutely! Majestic Princess introduced me to a new level of cruising that fits me like a glove. It’s not the most expensive cruise, nor the cheapest, but it offers great value for money and an incredible experience as part of a well-planned New Zealand cruise itinerary. I’ve seen some fantastic early bird and last-minute specials for this route, making it an excellent option for those seeking a South Pacific cruise adventure. I suggest using those extra savings to upgrade your cabin and book memorable shore excursions, enhancing your New Zealand coastal cruise experience even further!
More things to do in New Zealand
Cruising from Brisbane?
Princess Cruises stops at Brisbane, so if you plan to join a cruise here, this is what you need to know about Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.
Disclaimer: Kerry Heaney travelled as a guest of Princess Cruises.