\u201cCruise 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,\u201d Upston said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Government has taken a new approach \u2013 to work closely with the cruise sector to improve their ability to do business in New Zealand. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tourism Minister Louise Upston attended the world’s largest cruise conference, Seatrade, in May. Photo \/ Mark Mitchell<\/p>\n
Cruise lines make deployment decisions years in advance, and the next critical decisions for 2028\/29 and beyond are being made now.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The additional stops would generate more than $100 million in economic value and make Princess Cruises New Zealand\u2019s largest cruise operator, the company said.<\/p>\n
Matthew Rutherford, Princess Cruises vice-president Asia Pacific, said the company had been bringing international visitors to New Zealand for more than 50 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will be an especially significant season as we prepare to welcome our one-millionth Princess guest to Aotearoa,\u201d Rutherford said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew Zealand continues to be one of our guests\u2019 most sought-after destinations. Its extraordinary landscapes, culture and hospitality are why people return year after year.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore port calls mean more visitor spend flowing into our regions, supporting local businesses, tourism operators and jobs right around the country,\u201d Upston added.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuilding 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\u2019s economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
Direct passenger expenditure reached $393.7m, $108.4m of that spent with retail businesses, with an average passenger spend of $313 a day ashore.<\/p>\n
The arrival of Crown Princess in Auckland marked the completion of its 114-day World Cruise.<\/p>\n
The 3080-guest ship departed Auckland on May 6 and has since sailed 36,000 nautical miles, visiting 44 destinations across 26 countries.<\/p>\n