Traditionally cruises have been considered part of the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Most of us have had to satisfy ourselves with wistful, romantic fantasies of a cruising holiday, never really believing such a holiday was within our reach. 
Nowadays, with a diverse range of cruising options available at super-competitive prices, it has never been a better time to hit the open water and cruise away. And to cruise away doesn’t have to mean flying far from home. New Zealand is making a name for itself as a key cruising destination, with many international cruise companies choosing our corner of the world to homeport their premium cruise liners.
It is one of the most relaxing ways to travel – you only have to unpack once while each port comes to you while you sleep overnight. And with all accommodation, main meals and entertainment included onboard, cruising is the ultimate in affordable luxury.
From elegant superliners to small adventure ships – there’s a cruise for all Kiwis. The team at Cruiseabout has compiled these exciting cruise options, close to home.
Christmas and New Year Cruise
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Christmas? Try a 13-night cruise on the enticing Celebrity Century. This premium cruise ship is the highest rated cruise ship to be based in New Zealand and Australia and features the first ever ‘ice bar’ at sea!
This unique cruise begins in Sydney and takes in Melbourne and Tasmania in Australia then heads over the Tasman to the Milford and Doubtful Sounds, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, the Bay of Islands and finishes in Auckland.
Cruising New Zealand is the perfect opportunity to be a tourist in your own country – forget driving on winding roads, simply head to the spa, check out the onboard theatre or have a drink in the bar while you head to your next destination.
Luxury Trans-Tasman cruising
In 2012, the Celebrity Solstice super liner will sail from Auckland and Sydney for a summer of luxury cruising. Onboard you can indulge in a 24-carat facial at the spa, dine in one of the five specialty restaurants, take in the glass-blowing studio or even enjoy freshly cut grass with half an acre of lawn onboard!
Having this level of luxury liner home-porting in Auckland for the 2012-13 season is a treat for Kiwis. Take advantage of ultimate luxury in our own backyard.
New Zealand’s own Marlborough Sounds
People travel from around the world to take in a slice of our own little paradise and the Marlborough Sounds and Fiordland is a huge draw card. Here, you don’t need a large cruise liner to take in the beauty of our own country. Try something different and jump onboard the M.V. Affinity, an eight cabin vessel, purpose built to navigate this unique region.
Small ship cruising can take you closer to the places larger vessels simply can’t get to, giving you an entirely different experience. And with a maximum of 16 passengers on board, you can have a drink with the captain, get to know the crew and hear about their extensive knowledge of the beautiful surroundings.
Bay Of Islands - New Zealand
Heli-Golf Cruising
Heli-Golf will add a whole new level of fun and excitement to your game and you don’t have to travel far from home to enjoy it! Take off for six nights to the Bay of Islands for a Heli-Golf cruise where you’ll play on New Zealand’s best golf courses with helicopter transfers each day between the ship and the four golf courses.
Onboard the beautifully appointed Island Passage small ship is all the sports fishing equipment you could need along with expert advice from the fishing guides.
The hardest part about this cruise is deciding whether to hang up your clubs and catch a marlin – a tough choice!
Wine Tasting
If game fishing or heli-golf sounds like too much adventure for one holiday, a wine tasting cruise with native bush walks is designed to take it down a notch and provide endless relaxation.
A Hauraki Gulf cruise allows you to see greater Auckland in a whole new way. Take a guided bush walk on Tiri Tiri Matangi, jump in a kayak to discover secluded beaches of the region, visit a range of delicious wineries on Waiheke, throw a line over board and fish the afternoon away or simply choose to relax with a good book and a glass of wine on a steamer chair in the sun – it’s up to you!
With spacious en-suite accommodation onboard the Hauraki Gulf Adventure cruise, it truly is the best way to take in the wildlife, in style.
White Cloud Wonders
Forget loading the family into the car for the annual road trip. Just unpack once, wake up in a new port and take in the best of our country with a P&O White Cloud Wonder cruise.
This 14-night cruise starts and ends in Brisbane, adding trans-Tasman flavor and taking in the best of New Zealand. If you’ve ever wanted to see the famous Fiordland National Park, discover Dunedin, explore cultural Akaroa, pop into our capital city, understand Napier’s art deco, take in Tauranga or shop in Auckland – then this cruise is perfect.
You’ll be a tourist in your own country and loving every minute as you lap up the entertainment and excitement onboard the Pacific Dawn.
Whether you’re looking for a complete cruise getaway or you fancy incorporating a cruise component into your next holiday, let the team at Flight Centre turn your ultimate holiday fantasies into reality!
Bon Voyage!
Looking for more information on Cruises or cheap domestic flights?
Phone 0800 38 44 38 or contact one of our Flight Centre travel experts – 135 stores nationwide.
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