Cruising close to home

Love the idea of cruising but not so keen on the long-haul flight? Good news, some of the best adventures are right on our doorstep.

 From the wild beauty of Aotearoa’s own coastline to the palm-fringed islands of the Pacific and Australia’s sun-drenched shores, there’s a cruise close to home with your name on it.

It’s the perfect way to dip your toe into this way of travelling (literally and figuratively) so you can see if life at sea is your jam.We have a few fabulous options to get you dreaming.

So many tourists flock to see the sights of our beautiful country each year, but why should they have all the fun? If you’re wanting to stay really local, Disney Wonder has a five-night cruise that allows you to see the best of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch - and your kids to live their best lives hanging out with Mickey and friends.

 If you want to stretch it out a bit, there are longer options with the likes of Holland America, Norwegian, Viking or Silversea that adds Tauranga, Napier, and the jaw-dropping waterfalls and misty magic of Fiordland National Park to the mix. It’s all New Zealand ports, but these are usually one way journeys across the Tasman, perfect for some onboard downtime before wrapping up in Sydney. 

Not a bad way to see home with holiday eyes. And this year, Bluey and Bingo are joining the Disney Cruise fun, too, does it actually get any better for the under-ten crowd?

Australia isn’t just big; it’s massive! And getting around can be a bit of a mission. But why faff about with airports, rental cars and coach tours when you can cruise your way to places like the Sunshine State instead? 

Jump aboard a Celebrity or Princess Cruise in Sydney - soaking up the city buzz first, of course - then set sail towards Queensland’s gorgeous coastline. Call in at dreamy spots like Port Douglas, Airlie Beach, Yorkeys Knob (listen, we didn’t name it), and always sunny Brisbane. 

It’s a beachy, breezy, and beautifully easy way to explore a chunk of our neighbouring coast without wasting any time on logistics.

There are plenty of ways to explore the Pacific Islands, but if you’re looking for ultra-luxury with a side of adventure, a Scenic Eclipse discovery yacht cruise might be just the ticket. With a maximum of 228 guests, it’s intimate, indulgent and includes magical sights like the turquoise glow of Fiji’s Yasawa Islands, the fiery drama of Tanna Island in Vanuatu, the dreamy beaches of Lifou and Amedee in New Caledonia, and the fascinating UNESCO-listed history of Norfolk Island. 

It finishes here on local shores, with stops in Tauranga and Waiheke before ending up in fabulous Tāmaki Makaurau

Inspired to set sail on a journey like no other? Discover the world from a new perspective, with endless horizons and unforgettable destinations. Connect with our cruise specialists today and start planning your dream voyage!