5 top destinations to visit on a New Zealand & Australia cruise

Cruises to Australia and New Zealand offer the chance to discover the other side of the world with minimal effort. Think jaw-dropping scenery, rare wildlife, vibrant cities and laid-back beach life – all wrapped up in one unforgettable voyage.

Whether you’re sailing across the Tasman Sea or hugging the coast of New Zealand’s South Island, this part of the world delivers natural wonders and cultural gems in spades. From arty urban hangouts to untamed wilderness and Māori heritage, there’s plenty to see both on land and at sea.

To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up five of the top destinations to visit on an Australia and New Zealand cruise

Hobart

Hobart, on the island of Tasmania, is Oz’s southernmost capital and offers a brilliant food and wine scene, world-famous art and adventurous activities on an Australia cruise.

Cycle, walk or drive up to the top of Mount Wellington for amazing views [above, left] of the city, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula, and check out the local markets complete with unique boutiques and vintage shops.

Be sure to visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) for eclectic art and intriguing exhibitions, stop by the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to get up close to Tasmanian devils [above, right], and explore Hobart’s historic waterfront.

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Melbourne

Melbourne [above] is considered Australia’s culture capital and is famous for its galleries, coffee and sporting events.

Visitors on cruises to Australia can take in all manner of international and local exhibitions and shows. In fact, Melbourne hosts Australia’s oldest gallery! Strolling around the city on foot is fun, too, as there’s lots of vibrant street art to admire plus any number of cute wine bars and cafes to take a pew in.

The shopping is fab here and the live music scene is buzzing. Culture and entertainment hub, Federation Square is the centre of all action with lots of events, pop-ups and more. You can also hit the beach – they’re dotted around Port Philip Bay and are both calm and sheltered.

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Tauranga

Tauranga, on New Zealand’s North Island, is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty; its name means means “place of rest or anchorage” in Māori.

Mount Maunganui is Tauranga’s most distinctive landmark and there’s a popular walking trail up to the top so you can enjoy views [above, left] of the small city, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and pretty Pilot Bay on the other during a stop on your New Zealand cruise.

Beaches are top-notch here and attract swimmers, sunbathers and surfers in the summer months. You can also arrange fishing, sailing, diving and dolphin tours at Tauranga’s harbour.

The Strand waterfront area is where to go for cafés, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, and, if you have time, visit local beauty spots McLaren Falls, Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park or ancient Maori burial site Hopukiore (aka Mount Drury).

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Christchurch

Christchurch is also on the South Island; here some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand rub shoulders with ultra-modern architecture. The city also serves as a base camp for the beautiful surrounding Canterbury countryside.

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens [above, right] have been a central-city attraction since 1863 and river punting down the Avon is also popular. On a cruise to New Zealand, look out for the WWI monument, The Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch, the Victoria Clock Tower dating back to 1860 and the Isaac Theatre Royal, which opened in 1908 and is New Zealand’s only operational Edwardian-style theatre.

A good way to pack in Christchurch’s treasures is to ride one of the city’s heritage trams, which take passengers on a guided tour past the best landmarks and must-visit attractions. Meanwhile, for sun, sea and sand, check out Sumner Beach, beloved by locals.

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Dunedin

The small city of Dunedin [above] on New Zealand’s South Island was built on the riches of the gold rush and consequently boasts one of the best assortments of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the southern hemisphere.

Beautiful Larnach Castle is a must-see, and Dunedin Railway Station, opened in 1906, is considered the most photographed building in the country and has been described as ‘the outstanding monument of Edwardian architecture in New Zealand.” It now houses the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and the Otago Art Society’s gallery.

Learn about Dunedin’s history at Toitu Otago Early Settlers Museum and the Otago Museum, enjoy some peace at the Dunedin Chinese Gardens or admire the ever-growing collection of street art.

Keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife on cruises to New Zealand – yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions live on the Otago Peninsula, and there’s also the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross!

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