This Content Is Only For Subscribers
More New Zealanders are travelling overseas for cruise holidays, as reduced domestic capacity shifts demand towards long-haul itineraries.
New data from Cruise Lines International Association shows 62,000 New Zealanders took an ocean cruise in 2025, down 22.3 per cent on the previous year. However, long-haul cruising increased, with 28,700 Kiwis sailing outside the local region — up 3.6 per cent.
Shift away from local cruising
Long-haul destinations now account for 46.3 per cent of all New Zealand cruise passengers, up from 34.5 per cent in 2024, highlighting a clear change in travel behaviour.
CLIA Australasia executive director Joel Katz says the shift reflects reduced options closer to home.
“Regulatory challenges and rising costs are impacting New Zealand’s ability to attract cruise ships… Kiwi cruise fans are still keen to sail and they’re happy to fly elsewhere when their options are limited at home,” Joel says.
Tourism impact and lost opportunity
The trend underscores the importance of cruise as part of New Zealand’s visitor economy, with the sector contributing an estimated $1.23 billion annually to local communities.
Industry leaders say there is potential to grow cruise tourism further, but this will depend on improving the regulatory environment and restoring capacity.
“There is great potential to increase the value of cruise tourism to New Zealand… if we can create a more competitive environment,” Joel says.
Changing traveller profile
The move towards long-haul cruising is also influencing traveller behaviour.
The average age of New Zealand cruise passengers rose to 53.9 years in 2025, while the average cruise length increased to 9.9 days, reflecting a preference for longer itineraries.
Regional and global context
While New Zealanders are increasingly travelling offshore, the wider Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific region hosted 1.4 million cruise passengers in 2025, up 6 per cent year-on-year.
Globally, cruise demand continues to grow, with a record 37.2 million passengers sailing in 2025.
Outlook
The data suggests strong underlying demand from New Zealand travellers, but highlights ongoing challenges in retaining cruise activity domestically.
Industry and government are continuing to work on regulatory settings, with the aim of strengthening New Zealand’s position as a competitive cruise destination.
