New Zealand Cruise from Auckland — 18 Days

17 nights · New Zealand · Departs Auckland · Visiting Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Kaikoura, Lyttelton-Christchurch, Timaru, Oban NZ, Fiordland National Park, Kaiteriteri NZ, Nelson NZ, Picton, New Plymouth, Bay of Islands · Aboard Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on the ms Europa 2

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ms Europa 2
Auckland Cruise Port Tauranga Cruise Port: Expert Guide to Shore Excursions Napier Cruise Port: Shore Excursions & Art Deco Expert Guide Wellington Cruise Port: Shore Excursions & Expert Guide
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Image courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ©

Cruise lineHapag-Lloyd Cruises
Shipms Europa 2
Duration17 nights
Port calls14
Departures1 sailings
Year built2013
Guests516
Cabins251
Crew370
Length225 m
Beam26 m
Cruising speed21.0 kn
  1. Day 1

    Auckland

    Few cities bring water so close to daily life as Auckland. Set between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, New Zealand’s largest city is shaped by the sea. From the waterfront, ferries reach Waiheke Island, with vineyards, beaches and coastal walks. Climb volcanic Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, for sweeping views across the city and its harbours. Back downtown, Viaduct Harbour offers galleries, restaurants and a vivid sense of Auckland’s maritime life.

  2. Day 2

    Tauranga

    Tauranga opens onto the Bay of Plenty, where a working harbour meets long beaches and a distinctly easy pace. At Mount Maunganui, climb Mauao’s well-marked paths for sweeping views across the coast and harbour. In Tauranga, discover Māori and maritime stories, or browse cafés along the waterfront. Rotorua’s geysers, hot pools and Māori cultural experiences make a rewarding inland excursion, about an hour away by road.

  3. Day 4

    Napier

    Napier rewards a closer look: a compact coastal city with one of the world’s finest concentrations of Art Deco architecture. Rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake, its streets preserve the optimism and clean lines of the 1930s. Walk Marine Parade for sea views, gardens and the National Aquarium, then head inland to Hawke’s Bay’s celebrated vineyards. For a dramatic change of scene, Cape Kidnappers’ gannet colony lies beyond the city, reached by guided tour.

  4. Day 5

    Wellington

    Wellington lies between a natural harbour and steep green hills, facing the Cook Strait. Explore its compact centre on foot, from the waterfront to cafés and independent shops on Cuba Street. At Te Papa, the national museum, Māori history and New Zealand’s landscapes come into view. Ride the historic cable car uphill for harbour views, then stroll through the Botanic Garden. Its famously changeable weather comes with a lively food scene and strong creative culture.

  5. Day 6

    Kaikoura

    Kaikōura lies between the Pacific and the Seaward Kaikōura Range, whose peaks rise close behind town. Its offshore canyon draws sperm whales within reach of boat and air tours throughout the year. Fur seals rest along the shore, while dusky dolphins move through nearby waters. Kaikōura’s Māori name refers to eating crayfish; try the local specialty by the water, then walk the coastal path.

  6. Day 7

    Lyttelton-Christchurch

    Lyttelton is Christchurch’s historic harbour, tucked beneath the volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula. Explore its compact centre, where seafaring heritage meets hillside streets and a lively arts scene. A short drive through the Lyttelton Road Tunnel connects the port with Christchurch. Choose the city’s gardens and museums, or venture farther across Banks Peninsula for coastal bays, wildlife and walking tracks.

  7. Day 8

    Timaru

    Timaru rewards travelers who look beyond the quayside. On South Canterbury’s coast, the town pairs Caroline Bay’s wide curve with handsome streetscapes built from local volcanic bluestone. Visit the South Canterbury Museum or Aigantighe Art Gallery, then enjoy the relaxed waterfront. Beyond town, farmland and historic settlements open toward the Southern Alps and the South Island’s quieter interior.

  8. Day 10

    Oban NZ

    Oban is the small harbour town on Stewart Island, New Zealand’s southernmost inhabited island. Here, the pace slows; forested hills, sheltered bays and a rugged coastline take centre stage. Rakiura National Park protects much of the island, with walking tracks leading through native bush to beaches and birdlife. The island is renowned for its kiwi, though sightings are never guaranteed. Arrive by ferry from Bluff or by flight from Invercargill, then explore on foot or by water.

  9. Day 11

    Fiordland National Park

    Fiordland is not a town but a vast wilderness on New Zealand’s southwest coast, best approached by sea. Steep-sided peaks rise above deep, glacier-carved sounds, where waterfalls spill through rainforest after rain. Milford Sound is the best-known landmark, while Doubtful Sound offers a quieter passage into the park. Watch for dolphins and seals, and, in season, Fiordland crested penguins. Short walks ashore reveal the scale of this remarkable landscape.

  10. Day 13

    Kaiteriteri NZ

    Kaiteriteri is a small seaside settlement near the southern entrance to Abel Tasman National Park. Its broad, golden-sand beach and clear, sheltered water make an immediate impression. From the waterfront, water taxis and guided kayaking trips reach coves and walking tracks along the park’s coast. A day on the Abel Tasman Coast Track brings native forest, granite headlands and sea views. Allow time for a swim or to watch the boats return.

  11. Day 13

    Nelson NZ

    Nelson pairs New Zealand’s sunniest-city reputation with a compact, creative centre and easy access to the coast. Browse the Saturday market, independent galleries and cafés, then climb the steps to Christ Church Cathedral for broad town views. Beyond the waterfront, the region opens into vineyards, orchards and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. Set aside time for a gallery, or use Nelson as a launch point for a coastal day.

  12. Day 14

    Picton

    Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, where forested hills descend into sheltered waterways. From the harbour, ferries cross Cook Strait, while boat tours reach coves inaccessible by road. Ashore, stroll the waterfront promenade or visit the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum. Its namesake vessel is one of the world’s oldest surviving merchant ships. Marlborough’s celebrated vineyards lie inland, offering an easy excursion for a tasting in New Zealand’s largest wine region.

  13. Day 15

    New Plymouth

    New Plymouth puts Taranaki’s volcanic drama within easy reach. On clear days, Mount Taranaki rises above the city, its near-perfect cone framing black-sand beaches and green farmland. Follow the Coastal Walkway to the striking Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Then visit Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and its internationally renowned Len Lye Centre. Its compact centre makes both pleasures easy to combine.

  14. Day 17

    Bay of Islands

    Northland’s Bay of Islands rewards a day ashore with sheltered water, Māori history and access to New Zealand’s oldest settlements. Its 144 islands scatter across a blue gulf, where ferries link Paihia with historic Russell. At Waitangi, the Treaty Grounds mark the signing of New Zealand’s founding document in 1840. Take a boat for coastal views, or stay ashore for cafés, galleries and a waterfront walk.

  15. Day 18

    Auckland

    Few cities bring water so close to daily life as Auckland. Set between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, New Zealand’s largest city is shaped by the sea. From the waterfront, ferries reach Waiheke Island, with vineyards, beaches and coastal walks. Climb volcanic Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, for sweeping views across the city and its harbours. Back downtown, Viaduct Harbour offers galleries, restaurants and a vivid sense of Auckland’s maritime life.

ms Europa 2 Cruises

Published August 2, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard

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