- New Zealand has confirmed that it will not ban cruise ships from Milford Sound after the government put forward a proposal in 2021.
- This proposal has been under consideration since 2021, making it difficult for the cruise industry to plan ahead and offer stability in New Zealand.
- This announcement may help New Zealand reverse the country’s trend of seeing lower and lower cruise visitation numbers.
The New Zealand government today announced it would not ban cruise ships from visiting one of its most popular spots, Milford Sound.
In 2021, the government initially put forward a proposal to ban cruise ships from sailing in what is considered one of the most popular itinerary destinations on a New Zealand cruise.
After almost five years of deliberation, the government finally announced today it would not continue with the proposal and cruise ships will continue to be free to sail in Milford Sound.
Industry leaders hope the announcement will help increase the number of cruise ships visiting New Zealand, which has been in steady decline since a bumper year of visits in the 2023/24 season.
New Zealand’s tourism ministers, Minister Tama Potaka and Minister Louise Upston put an end to the uncertainty and confirmed that cruise ships will continue to have access to Milford Sound.
What does the industry say about the Milford Sound ban?
The New Zealand Cruise Association welcomed this decision.
“NZCA is delighted with this outcome. The uncertainty surrounding access to Milford – a critical port of call for both New Zealand and South Island cruise itineraries – has been ongoing for more than four years, leading some cruise lines to reconsider future deployments.
“Today’s announcement provides much-needed certainty and will support regional tourism planning and investment.”
“The continued presence of cruise in Milford Sound ensures visitors can experience the extraordinary beauty of Piopiotahi while contributing to the protection and stewardship of the region.”
This news will also provide relief for tourism operators, who have expressed concern at having to operate under such high levels of uncertainty.
This will also hopefully provide much-needed relief to the New Zealand cruise industry, which has seen a massive 40% drop in cruise visitation, with some lines such as Royal Caribbean reducing visits by up to 70%.
One of the key reasons suggested by the New Zealand Cruise Association for New Zealand’s dwindling cruise numbers was high levels of industry uncertainty, with a potential Milford Sound ban seen as a key component of this.
Cruise itineraries are planned three years in advance, and lines require stability and cooperation from ports, cities and towns around the world.
The Cruise Lines International Association says the move provides “clarity” for the industry.
“Milford Sound Piopiotahi is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural assets, and the international cruise industry is strongly committed to protecting its unique environment and cultural significance.
“CLIA welcomes today’s announcement by the New Zealand Government that cruise ships will continue to access Milford Sound Piopiotahi, and the cruise industry will continue to work closely with New Zealand authorities to ensure the appropriate management of cruise tourism in the region.
“The government’s decision follows extensive industry advocacy and strikes a sensible balance, acknowledging the natural and cultural importance of Milford Sound Piopiotahi while also providing clarity for cruise lines and the many thousands of New Zealand workers who rely on cruise tourism.”
Both of New Zealand‘s tourism ministers also added comments.
Minister Upston said: “We are supporting the local economy and providing certainty for operators by enabling cruise ships and aircraft to continue to access the fjord, rejecting a previous proposal to ban this.”
The announcement also mentioned that an investment of $14 million would be made into the region, and confirmed the region’s airstrip would also remain open, despite proposals to close it.
Minister Potaka says: “This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site in Fiordland attracts more than a million visitors a year and pumps about $200 million into the regional economy, creating jobs and boosting incomes.
“For Ngāi Tahu, Piopiotahi [Milford Sound] holds special significance as the final masterpiece of atua and land-shaper Tū Te Rakiwhānoa.”
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