It will come as no surprise to learn that our neighbours across the Tasman are enjoying a boom in cruising at least as exciting as our own.
With its diverse geography and geology plus rich Polynesian culture, New Zealand really is an ideal destination for ships of all shapes and sizes.
The myriad wonders and blockbuster scenery of Aotearoa (the land of the long white cloud) are well known thanks to movies like ‘Lord of the Rings’ and it seems everyone wants a piece of the action.
But looking at the map, it’s easy to see how much of this intricate coastline would be overlooked if one were restricted to port-hopping with the larger cruise ships.
Captain Cook himself, aboard the tiny Endeavour, was perhaps the first European to sing the praises of his newfound southern paradise and he used every opportunity to return and rest his men in the peaceful surrounds of places like Queen Charlotte Sound.
From my own experience, many great attractions exist in smaller cities and towns where large numbers of disembarking passengers could spoil the special appeal of these out-of-the-way places. Bay of Islands, for example, is where kilometre after kilometre of intricate coastline, little nooks, coves and crannies, thickly wooded islands and headlands are all interwoven to create a convivial natural latticework perfect for smaller vessels.
Drop into little Kaikoura and discover its very deep secret. Only a few hundred metres off shore, the seabed plunges into a massive submarine canyon, creating a marine smorgasbord attracting an array of aquatic mammals, fish, birds, and tourists. Whales, dolphins, seals, and all manner of aquatic birds abound in and around Kaikoura.
One of the cruise areas that you will see on many itineraries is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland which encompasses Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound. It was James Cook who named them ‘sounds’ when in fact they are proper, glacial fjords. No one has dared correct him.
While the big ships cruise in and out, the smaller ships land guests ashore and conduct excursions as far afield as Queenstown.
Napier is another intriguing port. Totally destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, it was rebuilt in the art deco style. Apart from its heritage architecture, its unique assets include the vast Hawke’s Bay, which is widely recognised as New Zealand’s leading wine and food region. Around the corner is the Bay of Plenty, the gateway to Rotorua from the deep sea port at Tauranga.
Down at the foot of the South Island is remote Stewart Island, a haven for travellers looking for nature, tranquility, and adventure. While it is ideal for small ship visits, bigger ships occasionally creep in, too, putting passengers ashore by tender to visit the small village or take shore excursions into the lush Rakiura National Park.
Now for those really looking for a dash of adventure, New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands hundreds of kilometres south of Stewart Island are an ideal location for bird and animal lovers.
Several specialist cruise lines are particularly interested in New Zealand and its potential for boutique travel. However, you’ll pay a bit more for these cruises.
Cruise lines regularly visiting New Zealand on comprehensive itineraries include Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, APT, Hapag-Lloyd, Ponant and Regent Seven Seas. Niche adventure operator, Heritage Expeditions regularly sail from Bluff, near Invercargill.
Visit Expedition Cruise Specialists at http://www.expeditioncruisespecialists.com or call 1800 90 20 80.
