New Zealand goes from anti-cruise to the most welcoming destination in the region

• Just three seasons ago, New Zealand was known for its tough biosecurity laws, turning back ships and considering bans on sailing Milford Sound.
• Now, the government has done an about-face – and so have the ports?
• On a recent sailing, Editor-in-Chief Peter Lynch found ports rolling out the red carpet for ship guests.

Just a few years ago, New Zealand was renowned for turning back ships for a barnacle on the hull. It had biosecurity laws so tough that vessels were required to hire divers to clean their bottoms before entering Auckland Harbour.

The result: cruise lines stopped sailings and the industry lost millions of tourism dollars.

But after sailing New Zealand’s North Island aboard the Norwegian Spirit, I’m convinced this island nation is very much in the running for the title of the world’s most welcoming cruise destination. Things have certainly changed for the better.

There’s no denying New Zealand’s natural splendour draws cruisers from around the globe—craggy peaks, glass-like harbours and a rugged coastline few places can rival. But what sets it apart now isn’t just scenery; it’s the experience from the moment you step ashore.

Even amid global shifts in cruise deployment and rising worldwide costs, New Zealand’s destinations have doubled down on warmth, accessibility and genuine hospitality—making each port feel less like a stop and more like a welcome home.

Across Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier and Wellington, we encountered signals that was impossible to ignore: bold signs saying “Cruise Passengers Welcome”, volunteer ambassadors lined along town routes offering maps and insights, and locals—shopkeepers, café owners and guides—glad to see cruise passengers exploring their communities.

In an era when some destinations are talking openly of banning cruise ships, New Zealand feels eager, prepared and genuinely happy to have them.

Here’s what we found along our route:

Tauranga: A warm welcome

We stepped ashore in Tauranga and instantly felt embraced. From the gangway, friendly volunteers greeted us with maps, highlighting scenic walkways and lively local markets. Cafés buzzed with chatter and genuine smiles; boutique shops welcomed us in with real enthusiasm. I’ve never felt more genuinely cheered to be exploring a port town.

Gisborne: a new port to explore

Gisborne’s reputation as the first city in the world to see the sunrise felt prophetic. Morning light bathed the waterfront as locals waved and offered recommendations for beaches, wineries, and cultural walks. There was no sense of cruise crowd overflow here – just a laid-back community thrilled to share its corner of Aotearoa.

Napier – Art Deco charm

Napier turned up the charm dial. At the dock, a gleaming old MG sports car and a driver in smart blazer and white trousers was here to guide guests to their tour buses, while a lovingly created train was the shuttle. Guides dressed in period costume handed out brochures with a flourish, ushering visitors toward heritage tours and café precincts. This was hospitality with theatre, and we loved it.

Wellington: Charm with a capital C

In Wellington, the bustling heart of New Zealand’s capital, the welcome was both friendly and efficient. Information stands were strategically placed, providing quick tips on museums, cable cars, waterfront trails and coffee spots.

Urban culture met cruise curiosity here, making for a memorable, richly varied port day.

We took the cable car and viewed the amazing wooden Government building. We had a free tour and enjoyed every minute.

Across all four ports, what stood out wasn’t just signage or events—it was the human connection. From ambassadors waving down shuttle lanes to shopkeepers genuinely glad to chat about local products, I felt more welcome than on any other cruise I’ve taken.

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Our itinerary

Tauranga

• Beaches & Harbour Views: Mount Maunganui’s pristine sands are a short taxi from the terminal.
• Boutique Shopping: Local artisans and cafés give Tauranga a vibrant, small-city feel.
• Adventure & Nature: Easy access to hiking trails, wildlife tours and scenic lookout points.

Gisborne

• Sunrise Culture: First city to greet the sun—perfect for early risers.
• Winery Tours: Award-winning vineyards nearby for tastings and tours.
• Historic Trails: Maori heritage walks and local history add depth to your visit.

Napier

• Art Deco Architecture: Guided walking tours showcase the city’s iconic 1930s revival style.
• Automotive & Train Displays: Great photo ops right at the ship’s berth.
• Cafés & Craft Breweries: A lively food scene wrapped in effortless charm.

Wellington

• Capital Culture: World-class museums, galleries and waterfront attractions within easy reach.
• Culinary Hotspots: Coffee, craft beer and innovative dining abound.
• Harbour Views & Trails: Wellington’s compact layout makes it perfect for independent exploration.

New Zealand isn’t simply welcoming – it values its cruise visitors. Across ports both lively and laid-back, there was a consistent effort to make us feel seen and appreciated.

Perhaps other destinations – including some in Australia – could take a note from NZ’s playbook: investing in welcoming infrastructure isn’t just about signage and ambassadors—it’s about creating a connection that makes visitors feel they are honoured guests, not just another footfall statistic.