Home > Our Publications > Travel New Zealand > February 2007

NEW Zealand has many kilometres of coastline where you can find both cruise liners and pleasure crafts anchored in her harbours. A number of international cruise liners call into the ports of New Zealand's main cities and wilderness areas.
Overland sectors are easily organised, as are pre and post-cruise itineraries.
There are 12 key ports of call in New Zealand, all with unique offerings and dramatically different landscapes. Most cruise ships begin their visit in the sunny North, working their way south to the historic cities of Christchurch and Dunedin and the dramatic fiords of Fiordland.
Paihia and Russell, Bay of Islands
The birthplace of a nation, the Bay of Islands offers beautiful beaches endlessly bathed in sunshine and the early settlement site of the Maori, New Zealand's indigenous culture.
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed there in 1840, which is now seen as a national foundation stone.
Auckland
Cruising through the spectacular Hauraki Gulf past many enchanting islands you will reach the Ports of Auckland terminal at Princess Wharf, the heart of a vibrant waterfront district.
A modern city offering beaches, stylish shopping and a diverse multicultural flavour, you will see why Auckland offers one of the top standards of living in the world.
Tauranga
The entry port to the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga offers a full range of cruise support services. The resort town of Mount Maunganui is a short stroll from the wharf, offering a combination of port and seaside resort available in few places around the world. Tauranga is also the gateway to the thermal and geyser attractions of Rotorua.
Napier
Rocked by an earthquake in 1931, the rebuilding of Napier has made it renowned for its art deco buildings and heritage. Other offerings of the Hawkes Bay region include internationally award-winning wines and fruit of almost every variety.
Gisborne
Cruise ships have recently started visiting the wild and untamed coast of Gisborne. This is a fantastic place to experience a slice of modern Maori life and sample the Chardonnay wines of the Eastland region.
Wellington
The stunning Wellington Harbour is set dramatically against a natural amphitheatre of hills and mountains, and welcomes cruisers to a metropolitan yet compact city. New Zealand's capital city has a feast of museums, art galleries and historic buildings to explore.
Nelson
Nelson is home to a highly developed arts and crafts scene, and the picturesque Abel Tasman National Park. The climate here creates the perfect environment for wine production, fruit orchards and forestry.
Picton
Ships approach Picton through one of the world's most scenic routes, the fiord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Nestled between the dark green hills and blue-green waters Picton is the perfect spot for holiday makers..
Lyttelton, Christchurch
Valued for its culture and heritage the garden city offers year-round activities. A rural wonderland with majestic mountains, Christchurch is the South Island's largest city and the hub of the Canterbury region.
Timaru
Timaru is a pleasant stopover with the picturesque Caroline Bay, Edwardian buildings made from local volcanic bluestone and a collection of restaurants and cafes near the beach.
Dunedin
A bustling university city located at the head of the long and narrow Otago Harbour. The Peninsula is a haven for wildlife while the city has a distinct Scottish ambience.
Fiordland
Experience a day of scenic cruising through Fiordland's glacier carved fiords and ancient rainforest. You will encounter a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat in this designated World Heritage Park.