“Cruise lines recognise the practical steps Government has taken to make it easier to visit New Zealand, and the stronger co-ordination between Government and industry,” Upston said.
“This Government has taken a new approach – to work closely with the cruise sector to improve their ability to do business in New Zealand.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure New Zealand is positioned as a must-dock destination for cruise lines and passengers this season, and for many seasons to come.”
Tourism Minister Louise Upston attended the world’s largest cruise conference, Seatrade, in May. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Cruise lines make deployment decisions years in advance, and the next critical decisions for 2028/29 and beyond are being made now.
Princess Cruises said its ships would visit nine New Zealand ports from 2028/29, bringing international visitors to destinations including Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Lyttelton, Dunedin, Picton, Napier, Timaru and scenic cruising through Fiordland.
The additional stops would generate more than $100 million in economic value and make Princess Cruises New Zealand’s largest cruise operator, the company said.
Matthew Rutherford, Princess Cruises vice-president Asia Pacific, said the company had been bringing international visitors to New Zealand for more than 50 years.
“This will be an especially significant season as we prepare to welcome our one-millionth Princess guest to Aotearoa,” Rutherford said.
“New Zealand continues to be one of our guests’ most sought-after destinations. Its extraordinary landscapes, culture and hospitality are why people return year after year.”
Upston said the planned deployment was a vote of confidence in New Zealand as a cruise destination, and an example of the tourism sector and the Government working together.
“More port calls mean more visitor spend flowing into our regions, supporting local businesses, tourism operators and jobs right around the country,” Upston added.
“Building a sustainable and resilient cruise sector is a specific action in the Tourism Policy Statement which was released in June. That reflects the important role cruise tourism plays in New Zealand’s economy.”
In 2024/25, cruises contributed $1.23 billion in total economic output, supported 8253 jobs, generated $384.2m in wages, and delivered 1.3 million passenger visit days across 25 ports and destinations, according to the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA).
Direct passenger expenditure reached $393.7m, $108.4m of that spent with retail businesses, with an average passenger spend of $313 a day ashore.
The arrival of Crown Princess in Auckland marked the completion of its 114-day World Cruise.
The 3080-guest ship departed Auckland on May 6 and has since sailed 36,000 nautical miles, visiting 44 destinations across 26 countries.
Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald, covering small business, retail and tourism.
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