North Island, New Zealand Cruises

Experience the Beauty of North Island, New Zealand with Cruise1st

North Island, New Zealand, is a breathtaking destination known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant Maori culture, and rich history. From the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the cosmopolitan vibe of Auckland, this island offers a little bit of everything for every type of traveller. Fun fact: North Island is home to New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, which stands at 3,724 meters! A cruise to North Island gives you the chance to explore its picturesque harbours and beautiful beaches while enjoying the comfort and convenience of your cruise ship, making it an ideal choice for those looking to experience this incredible part of the world.

Major Cruise Lines Offering Itineraries to North Island, New Zealand

• Princess Cruises: With a fleet of 17 ships, Princess has 6 vessels that cruise to North Island, including the Crown Princess and Island Princess. These ships are particularly celebrated for their excellent dining options and engaging onboard entertainment. You'll typically set sail from ports like Sydney or Brisbane for domestic departures, while international trips often commence from Los Angeles or Dover, allowing for an exciting start to your expedition!
• Holland America Line: This cruise line operates 11 ships, with 4 offering voyages to North Island, particularly the Noordam and Westerdam. Known for their immersive cultural experiences and mouth-watering culinary options, Holland America ensures a memorable journey. Domestic departures are mainly from Sydney, while international guests frequently depart from Auckland or Fort Lauderdale, adding a layer of convenience to your travel.
• Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity has a fleet size of 16, with 2 offering itineraries to North Island—Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice. Renowned for their modern luxury experiences, these vessels provide exceptional service and an array of dining options. Expect to depart from Sydney for domestic trips, while international departures are typically from Auckland or Honolulu, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises: With 29 ships in their fleet, Royal Caribbean features 3 vessels visiting North Island: Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas. These ships are popular for their thrilling onboard activities and entertainment; ideal for families and adventure-seekers. Prepare to set off from Sydney or Brisbane for domestic departures, and from Honolulu for international trips.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian boasts a fleet of 20, with 2 ships making their mark on North Island—Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun. These ships are well-known for their vibrant atmosphere and freestyle dining options. Departures can be made from both Sydney and Melbourne for domestic cruisers, while international voyages often start from Auckland, making for a seamless journey.

Luxury and Small Ship Cruises to North Island, New Zealand

• Oceania Cruises: This line features a fleet of 8, with 4 ships visiting North Island, including Regatta and Insignia. Oceania is celebrated for its exceptional culinary experiences, focusing on regional cuisine, ensuring cruisers enjoy the fresh flavours of New Zealand. You can commence your journey from domestic ports like Sydney or Fremantle, while international departures usually take place from Auckland or Papeete.
• Seabourn: With a fleet of 6, Seabourn offers 2 ships that sail to North Island: Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Sojourn. Known for their luxurious atmosphere and personalised service, these cruises provide top-notch amenities tailored for discerning travellers. Departures generally take place either from Sydney or from international ports like Auckland Islands or Los Angeles.
• Silversea: With a fleet of 12 ships, Silversea has 2 vessels visiting North Island: Silver Nova and Silver Muse. This cruise line is synonymous with all-inclusive luxury and top-tier service, making it ideal for those seeking an intimate experience. Sailings typically depart from Sydney or Brisbane for domestic options, as well as from international ports like Auckland or Singapore.
• Azamara Cruises: Comprising 4 ships, Azamara features 2 that offer itineraries to North Island: Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward. Azamara is known for its focus on immersive destination experiences, providing opportunities to explore local cultures. Departure points typically include Melbourne for domestic cruises and international ports such as Auckland or Papeete.

Top Harbours to Explore on North Island, New Zealand

• Auckland: The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland is known as the “City of Sails.” Cruise passengers can explore the Sky Tower for stunning views, visit the vibrant waterfront at Viaduct Harbour, or take a ferry to Waiheke Island for boutique wineries. Don’t miss trying a Kiwi-style café for a bite before heading back to your ship!
• Tauranga: With its sunny weather and beautiful beaches, Tauranga is a fantastic destination! Visitors can relax at Mount Maunganui, hike to the summit for panoramic views, or explore the trendy shops and cafés by the waterfront. If you have time, take a stroll through the local markets for artisan goods and tasty treats!
• Napier: A city famous for its Art Deco architecture, Napier offers a unique vibe. Cruise passengers can visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand or enjoy wine tasting in nearby vineyards. Don’t forget to take a guided walking tour to fully appreciate the city’s stunning architecture and history!
• Bay of Islands: This stunning destination is famous for its turquoise waters and beautiful beaches. Enjoy kayaking, sailing, or dolphin watching. The historic town of Russell is nearby, where you can soak in the charm of New Zealand’s first European settlement. Make sure to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about the nation’s history and culture!
• Wellington: New Zealand’s capital is a vibrant city filled with cultural offerings. While docked, cruise guests can visit Te Papa, the national museum, or explore the scenic Botanic Garden. Don’t forget to grab coffee at one of the city’s quirky cafés and check out the local craft shops in the Cuba Street area!

When to Cruise to North Island, New Zealand

Experiencing North Island is splendid at different times of the year! From January to March, it is summer, with warm temperatures averaging 20-30°C, making it perfect for beach days and outdoor activities. April to June transitions into autumn, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C and stunning fall foliage. July to September brings cooler weather between 5-15°C, ideal for cosy indoor experiences and exploring vineyards. October to December sees temperatures rising from 10-25°C, creating the perfect environment for festivals and outdoor exploration.

Cost Overview for Cruises to North Island

Prices for one-week cruises to North Island typically range from $1,600 to $2,800 AUD, while two-week adventures can go up to $3,500 to $5,500 AUD. For luxury cruise seekers, expect costs to start around $5,000 AUD for a week and potentially reach up to $10,000 AUD for two weeks. Meals are usually included on cruises, but if you're dining ashore, options range from $20-40 AUD for a meal and drinks can vary between $10-15 AUD each.

Alternative Regions to Consider

If you’re planning a cruise to North Island, consider these fascinating alternatives:

• South Island, New Zealand: Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the South Island offers majestic mountains and beautiful lakes, making it ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers!
• Australia: With stunning beaches, iconic cities like Sydney, and rich Aboriginal culture, Australia presents a varied landscape and diverse activities for every type of traveller!
• South Pacific: A paradise of turquoise waters and lush islands, the South Pacific offers relaxing beach holidays with plenty of activities to indulge in at each destination.
• Fiji: This tropical nation is known for its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and rich cultural experiences. Perfect for those searching for relaxation and adventure alike!
• Polynesia: With beautiful islands like Tahiti and Bora Bora, Polynesia offers idyllic settings and rich cultural experiences, making it a captivating alternative for cruisers.

Ready to set sail for North Island, New Zealand? Cruise1st is here to help you plan your dream escape to this extraordinary destination, complete with stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences!