One of the greatest cruising experiences you will ever have is New Zealand with its scenic coastlines, rich Maori heritage, and breathtaking natural scenery. With a New Zealand cruise, you will have immersive experiences at each stop, so what are they, and what should you expect?
This will be your guide so that you may make your way through all of this country has to provide so that you can navigate it on your own terms. Below are some of the most well-known places you have to visit and what is unique about each of these.
Auckland
If you seek a cosmopolitan holiday with ample natural attractions around you, Auckland would be your obvious choice. The City of Sails is sandwiched by two harbours and volcanic hills, ideal for city visitors, landing in New Zealand for the very first time.
- Here you can climb the Sky Tower to have great city-wide views.
- The Auckland Museum is a wonderful means of getting to know and learn about the culture upon which this city metropolitan nation has now been established.,
- You can also go by ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting.
- For sun and clear skies, you can go any time between November to April.
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Paihia
The Bay of Islands of Paihia is a paradise on the coast with rich indigenous culture. There are more than 140 tropical islands with good marine life.
- You can have good maritime activities such as swimming with dolphins or kayaking on the crystal clear waters.
- History and culture are of paramount importance here, and to learn them, you need to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
- For the finest natural scenery, you need to go to the Flagstaff Hill which provides a broad view of the Bay of Islands.
- At the Rainbow Falls you can relax with the cascading waterfalls while swimmingin the swimming hole inside the waterfall, which is a unique adventure.
- There are lots of places throughout the islands which provide excellent places to look at the peculiar sea creatures, such as dolphins, seals, etc.
Rotorua
This town shall be your restful centre for the whole of New Zealand, and if you like spas and wish to see what an ancient culture has been doing for centuries, you should arrive at your harbour town of Tauranga.
- Here, you can discover bubbling mud pools rich in silicon, sulphur, and calcium that are supposed to restore skin elasticity, work as antibacterial agents, and renew cells.
- There are also geysers and hot springs naturally occurring in the Te Puia geothermal parks. A soak in the mineral rich waters ease out joint inflammation and pain while the alkaline water calms the skin.
Wellington
New Zealand’s capital city has a vibrant art scene mixed with hilly views, but is most importantly a special spot for the fans of a certain popular film franchise.
- You can ride cable cars which will offer stunning views of the harbour and even go to the cable car museum.
- Those who are into literature can visit the childhood home of the famous writer Katherine Mansfield.
- Cuba Street has wonderful nightlife, alternative art, and fashionable cafes- showing you the city’s bohemian art and culture.
- Should you wish to stroll through Middle-earth, here is the best place for you. You have the option to go on a guided tour of the original movie locations from the Lord of the Rings films.
Te Anau
A UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the world’s most stunning natural scenery is a place that nature lovers should not miss.
- Enjoy the scenic waterfalls such as Stirling Falls and Bowen in Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
- Helicopter tours are available to see the massive fjords, glaciers, tranquil lakes, and pristine rainforests.
- Wildlife viewing is very prevalent in this area- you will spot seals basking in the sun, bottllenose dolphins frolicking in the waves, and one of the most endangered penguins known as the fiordland crested penguins.
A nature lover who’s in need of relaxing in stunning surroundings, a wildlife enthusiast, or a history enthusiast wishing to find people and culture that are very uncommon- whatever you can identify with, a New Zealand cruise will be something for you.