Despite being a small country of just four million people, New Zealand is China's second-largest cruise holiday destination.
Jo Song still remembers arriving in New Zealand from China for the first time. She was captivated by its tranquillity and beauty. ‘I live in Auckland. It's very quiet and peaceful here.’ Compared with China's crowds and noise, she fell in love with that moment of calm.
Today, Auckland has become much busier. A larger population has brought more business and opportunities. ‘But it's still not as busy as China.’ Jo Song still chooses to board a cruise ship during the holidays to unwind around New Zealand and visit its breathtaking hidden paradises. She can still rediscover that moment of peace and tranquillity.
Away from the hustle and bustle
Being stuck on gridlocked motorways during the holidays and cruising across the open sea are two very different ways to travel. For Jo Song, choosing a cruise for her holiday means reconnecting with New Zealand and enjoying nature and the beauty of the country. Most importantly, there is no driving involved.
She recommends New Zealand Southern Explorer and Cruise because its itinerary takes in Christchurch, Queenstown and the township of Franz Josef, continuing all the way to the Bay of Islands. The package also includes a train journey through the mountains and along New Zealand's West Coast.
In recent years, cruises have become a hugely popular choice among Chinese travellers, meeting their needs for shopping, dining and experiencing a different way to travel. For some, they also offer a first opportunity to experience a Western lifestyle.
Experience Australia along the way
Many cruises from New Zealand include Australia, with Melbourne and Sydney commonly featuring on the itinerary.
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For example, the Maasdam is a medium-sized cruise ship that calls at Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, Dunedin (Port Chalmers), Nelson, Sydney and Melbourne. It is a relatively traditional ship, appealing to older travellers who enjoy afternoon tea, formal dinners, dances, elegant décor and a varied selection of restaurants and bars.
‘Since 2016, cruising from New Zealand has grown by 36%. Cruise holidaymakers are also getting younger. The current split between those above and below 50 is roughly 60/40,’ said Gerard Murphy, chief executive of cruise company Bon Voyage Cruises and Travel.
Venture further afield
South Pacific cruises are also very popular with New Zealanders. Gerard Murphy noted that destinations include Fiji, Vanuatu, the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia and even more distant Tahiti. Another option is to cruise around New Zealand before heading to Tasmania and Sydney.
It is perfectly natural for New Zealanders to choose a cruise around their own country. As one of the world's picturesque countries, New Zealand offers spectacular landforms, captivating coastlines, sweeping mountain ranges and steaming volcanoes.
Different itineraries come with different prices. A 10-day P&O South Pacific cruise costs between NZ$1300 and NZ$1500 per person. A voyage around South America costs NZ$70,000 or NZ$80,000.
Tips
Gerard Murphy, chief executive of cruise company Bon Voyage Cruises and Travel, offers some advice on choosing a cruise:
1. Decide where you want to go before choosing your cruise.
2. Think about the kind of holiday you want — packed with activities, full of excitement or relaxed?
‘Is visiting attractions more important, or would you rather lie in the sun? Deciding how you want to unwind helps you choose the cruise that suits you best.’
3. Look carefully at special offers
Do not get carried away by an advertised special price. Do your own research to make sure it is the best option. Ask your travel agent questions and request a better proposal.