Explore the natural and cultural wonders of the North and South Island of New Zealand. New Zealand cruises include cruises to Fiordland Park, Mildford Sound, the Bay of Islands and close-up views of their natural beauty. Take a 10-day New Zealand cruise and enjoy the adventure the land of the long white cloud is known for. Immerse yourself in Māori culture, experience the Art Deco decadence in Napier, and cruise around some of the most picturesque places in the world. There’s a lot of things to do in New Zealand from a cruise ship.

A Carnival cruise to New Zealand strings together some of the most scenically dramatic ports in the Southern Hemisphere. One day you’re watching waterfalls thread down the sheer cliffs of Milford Sound; the next you’re spotting penguins near the docks in Dunedin. Each stop brings its own personality, landscape and stories. Here are the destinations you can expect to visit on a New Zealand cruise with Carnival.

Roughly 150 kilometres north of Auckland, the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most beloved cruising grounds. A sheltered horseshoe of 144 islands, sandy coves and clear water, it’s a place where colonial history and Māori heritage sit side by side. Wander the Treaty House at Waitangi, kayak between rocky outcrops or simply settle in at a waterfront café and watch the boats drift past. Bay of Islands cruises are a gentle, rewarding introduction to the country’s North Island.

New Zealand’s largest city sits on a narrow isthmus between two harbours, surrounded by volcanic cones and framed by water in every direction. Auckland cruises give you the energy of a world-class city wrapped in a compact, walkable package. Head up the Sky Tower for panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf, explore the boutique galleries and wine bars of Ponsonby, or take a ferry to Waiheke Island for olive groves, vineyards and clifftop ocean views. The city buzzes with Māori art, Pacific culture and some of New Zealand’s finest seafood.

Gateway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, Tauranga is one of the most popular stops on any New Zealand cruise. From the port you can reach erupting geysers, boiling mud pools and the extraordinary Māori cultural performances at Te Puia within a short drive. Back in town, Mount Maunganui offers one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beach walks and a thriving food scene. For more adventure, White Island, the country’s only active marine volcano, sits just 48 kilometres offshore.