Princess Cruises, one of Australia’s favourite cruise lines has announced a new program for guests sailing to New Zealand.

It is a combination of onboard experiences and shore excursions, and guests can immerse themselves in the Kiwi culture through food and traditions.

The program includes culinary experiences like sampling some of New Zealand’s most popular and traditional dishes like succulent local lamb, hokey pokey as well as a Maori hangi style dinner offer onboard.

There will also be specialised shore excursions which include cooking classes in Akaroa as well food-themed walking tours in Wellington as well as a visit to a famous Waiheke winery.

Princess Cruises has also brought onboard more New Zealand wines than ever for the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail at Sea including Pinot Noir from Central Otago and Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region.

Princess has also partnered with Discovery for regular presentations on the wildlife, terrain and history of the country, as well as exclusive shore excursions including a penguin habitat and natural tour and the services of a National Park ranger during the scenic cruises through Fiordland National Park.

For the more adventurous cruisers, you can try the eco-zip line tour in Waiheke Island flying over the breathtaking rainforest.

The cruise line will also feature returning favourites, such as the Matariki Festival – a traditional Maori celebration – New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, classic New Zealand films during Movies Under the Stars and onboard coverage of New Zealand’s national pastime – rugby. All New Zealand cruises will also feature a pop-up display from the Auckland Museum.

“Princess is the leader in transTasman cruising, with one in three of our cruises visiting New Zealand, so we’re excited to offer a more immersive experience that will really bring the destination onboard. We hope that by introducing guests to all this amazing country has to offer, we will give them a reason to keep coming back to New Zealand with Princess,” said Stuart Allison, Princess Cruises Vice President of Australia & New Zealand.

Emerald Princess cruises included an 11-night New Zealand cruise sailing from Sydney on January 10, 2017 priced from $1699* per person twin share plus an onboard credit of $75 per person.

Cruise Passenger will be onboard the Emerald Princess next week on a cruise from Sydney to Fiji. Read in next week to see what she’s like!