More New Zealand cruise destinations

Bay of Islands

Tenders bring you ashore here in this region of shimmering bays, islands and convoluted coastline made for sailing and kayaking. Learn about our interesting Ma¯ori and early European history at the Treaty of Waitangi museum and Russell, New Zealand’s first capital and current game-fishing centre. See northlandnz.com

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland is a staple destination for scenic sail-throughs that allow you to enjoy the staggering landscapes of soaring cliffs, waterfalls and the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps in Milford Sound. See fiordland.org.nz

Gisborne

This popular holiday town sits between chalk cliffs, backed by forested mountains at the confluence of three rivers in another superb collision of beautiful landscapes. The area is rich in Ma¯ori heritage and also has a reputation for chardonnay and pinot gris wines. See tairawhitigisborne.co.nz

Picton

This pretty port sits deep inside Queen Charlotte Sound, whose island-studded beauty, scenery and playful dolphins can be enjoyed on catamaran or kayak excursions. You can also visit the Marlborough wine region. See visitpicton.co.nz

Tauranga

It isn’t this Bay of Plenty city that is the chief attraction, but rather beach and villagestyle suburb Mt Maunganui, where cruises dock beneath a gorgeous headland ringed by a 4km walking track. Many passengers take a shore excursion to Rotorua, renowned for its Ma¯ori culture and bubbling, nose-wrinkling thermal springs and mud pools. See bayofplentynz.com