12 Night Best Of New Zealand Cruise

The 12 Night Best Of New Zealand Cruise is a 12-night Oceania cruise aboard Celebrity Solstice, operated by Celebrity Cruises. Departing Sydney, Australia on October 17, 2027, the voyage visits 9 ports. Fares start from $1,666 per person.

Length: 12 nights
Departs: Oct 17, 2027
Returns: Oct 29, 2027
Ports of call: 9
Days at sea: 5

from $1,666

$138 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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Itinerary

Day 1 Oct 17, 2027 Sydney, Australia Departs 16:30 If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too. The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café. Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection. Sydney, Australia port guide Search cruises visiting Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia photo — Day 1 Oct 17, 2027 Sydney, Australia Departs 16:30 If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too. The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café. Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection. Sydney, Australia port guide Search cruises visiting Sydney, Australia

Day 4 Oct 20, 2027 Milford Sound, New Zealand 08:00 – 09:00 1.0 hrs ashore Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi (its name in Maori), sits on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island and was first called the Eighth Wonder of the World by none other than Rudyard Kipling, who had seen some pretty wonderful places. As you sail up the 15-kilometer-long (nine-mile-long) sound, with soaring snow-topped peaks looming above—the tallest reaches an altitude of 1,517 meters (4,977 feet)—you'll understand Kipling's enthusiasm. Although it is called a sound, it is technically a fjord—a narrow inlet created by glacial erosion over thousands of years. While its geological history is long, its human history is not. It is believed that the Maori first explored the sound, and the rest of the area that is now part of Fiordland National Park, around 1,000 years ago; Captain Cook followed in 1770. But neither Maori nor Europeans created permanent settlements of any significance, and the land was pristine when Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's largest national park, was established in 1952. While many walking trails cross the park, the most breathtaking views are arguably those from the water, with the sheer rock faces looming above your ship as you sail through this majestic landscape. Milford Sound, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Milford Sound, New Zealand

Day 4 Oct 20, 2027 Dusky Sound 15:30 – 17:15 1.8 hrs ashore Dusky Sound lies among the grand fjords of Fiordland National Park in the southwest part of New Zealand's South Island. Named by Captain Cook when he sailed by at dusk on his first voyage in 1770, this spot holds one of the area's largest fjords, at almost 25 miles long. During the rainy season, you can spot hundreds of waterfalls splashing down from the verdant green hills into the dark deep waters. During your Dusky Sound cruise, keep an eye out for sunbathing seals in repose on Seal Rock. Look out for Astronomer's Point, a former observatory dating back to 1773 that overlooks the dramatic fjord.

Day 5 Oct 21, 2027 Dunedin, New Zealand 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore The south-easterly coast of New Zealand's wild southern island is a haven for outdoor adventures, with masses of raw scenic beauty and thrilling coastline. Heading the Otago Harbour, Dunedin is a cosmopolitan city of culture and architectural splendour, with a distinctly tartan flare. Settled by the Scots in 1848, the romantically misty valleys and moody landscapes, continue to capture the hearts of visitors to these distant shores. Searing bagpipes echo down the streets in the Edinburgh of the South, which wears its Scottish origins proudly. Gothic revival architecture is scattered liberally, including the magnificent university - with its glorious clocktower - and the city's grand cathedral. Head to the elegant Octagon to see the statue to Robert Burns, whose nephew was a city founder. The railway station is perhaps the pick of this city's many artistic structures. Its glowing gardens and pretty mosaics add extra detail to the elegant, gingerbread building. It's also the perfect jumping-off point for romantic rail adventures along the coastline. The melodramatic coastline of the Otago Peninsula boasts dramatic cliffs and sea-sprayed beaches, as well as an abundance of animals. Explore cliffs laced with tunnels and hidden walkways, to get you up close and personal with Yellow-eyed penguins. Sea lions and seals also sprawl out on windswept beaches, drifting in and out of indulgent dozes. The south island's second-largest city regularly receives a top-up of youthful energy thanks to its healthy student population. Not that Dunedin is lacking a distinctly quirky personality of its own, as showcased by the event where locals race thousands of chocolate orbs down the world's steepest street - Baldwin Street. Museums in the city tell of Chinese influences, as well as the stories of early Maori settlers. Round off an active day sampling a South Island institution - an icy beer from Speight's Brewery. Dunedin, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Dunedin, New Zealand

Day 6 Oct 22, 2027 Christchurch, New Zealand 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Lyttelton, South Island's leading port, is connected to Christchurch by road and rail tunnels. Wooden houses cling to steep streets above the harbor, bustling with cargo vessels, freighters, sailing yachts and sightseeing launches. Several 19th-century churches add to the town's historic attractions. The Canterbury pilgrims, who arrived in four shiploads at Lyttelton in 1850, made a historic trek across the Port Hills to establish Christchurch. Today, walkers still enjoy the old Bridle Path trail. Hundreds of modern-day pilgrims make the nostalgic hike between Lyttelton and Christchurch annually on the Sunday nearest December 16. Christchurch, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand photo — Day 6 Oct 22, 2027 Christchurch, New Zealand 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Lyttelton, South Island's leading port, is connected to Christchurch by road and rail tunnels. Wooden houses cling to steep streets above the harbor, bustling with cargo vessels, freighters, sailing yachts and sightseeing launches. Several 19th-century churches add to the town's historic attractions. The Canterbury pilgrims, who arrived in four shiploads at Lyttelton in 1850, made a historic trek across the Port Hills to establish Christchurch. Today, walkers still enjoy the old Bridle Path trail. Hundreds of modern-day pilgrims make the nostalgic hike between Lyttelton and Christchurch annually on the Sunday nearest December 16. Christchurch, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Christchurch, New Zealand

Day 8 Oct 24, 2027 Tauranga, New Zealand 09:00 – 20:30 11.5 hrs ashore These “sheltered waters”, the meaning of the name Tauranga in Maori, will also shelter you while on an MSC World Cruise in New Zealand. The city extends along a narrow peninsula dotted with parks and gardens lying behind a vibrant promenade, The Strand. Tauranga is a delightful city in which you can spend half a day wandering around between shops, restaurants and art galleries. If you miss the ocean, you can take a taxi to Mount Maunganui, the name of both the mountain that protects the port of Tauranga and the district overlooking the Pacific, with its long sandy beach and surfers. One of the city's main attractions is the Tauranga Art Gallery, which opened in 2007. The gallery is housed in a former bank that was transformed inside by creating large exhibition spaces; the exterior is completely sheathed with metal panels, similar to those of medieval armour. On The Strand, there is an ad hoc structure that houses the Te Awanui, a 14-metre long carved Maori war canoe used during ritual ceremonies; it is a truly remarkable example of New Zealand’s indigenous art. If you want to relax, seek out the roses and Begonias in Robbins Park, or if you prefer to dive into the past of Tauranga, there’s nothing better than a visit to the immaculate Elms Mission House, one of New Zealand's oldest standing houses, built between 1835 and 1847 for the first missionaries. A visit to this house, which still has its original furniture, is part of an MSC tour that ensures that you don’t miss out on anything in Tauranga. If you want to go further afield, about 70 km inland you can visit Tudor-style spa bath houses and the Government Gardens near the town of Rotorua, which are well worth a visit, as are the Glow-Worm Waitomo Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set, where Peter Jackson reconstructed J.R.R Tolkien’s County for his The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Tauranga, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Tauranga, New Zealand

Tauranga, New Zealand photo — Day 8 Oct 24, 2027 Tauranga, New Zealand 09:00 – 20:30 11.5 hrs ashore These “sheltered waters”, the meaning of the name Tauranga in Maori, will also shelter you while on an MSC World Cruise in New Zealand. The city extends along a narrow peninsula dotted with parks and gardens lying behind a vibrant promenade, The Strand. Tauranga is a delightful city in which you can spend half a day wandering around between shops, restaurants and art galleries. If you miss the ocean, you can take a taxi to Mount Maunganui, the name of both the mountain that protects the port of Tauranga and the district overlooking the Pacific, with its long sandy beach and surfers. One of the city's main attractions is the Tauranga Art Gallery, which opened in 2007. The gallery is housed in a former bank that was transformed inside by creating large exhibition spaces; the exterior is completely sheathed with metal panels, similar to those of medieval armour. On The Strand, there is an ad hoc structure that houses the Te Awanui, a 14-metre long carved Maori war canoe used during ritual ceremonies; it is a truly remarkable example of New Zealand’s indigenous art. If you want to relax, seek out the roses and Begonias in Robbins Park, or if you prefer to dive into the past of Tauranga, there’s nothing better than a visit to the immaculate Elms Mission House, one of New Zealand's oldest standing houses, built between 1835 and 1847 for the first missionaries. A visit to this house, which still has its original furniture, is part of an MSC tour that ensures that you don’t miss out on anything in Tauranga. If you want to go further afield, about 70 km inland you can visit Tudor-style spa bath houses and the Government Gardens near the town of Rotorua, which are well worth a visit, as are the Glow-Worm Waitomo Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set, where Peter Jackson reconstructed J.R.R Tolkien’s County for his The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Tauranga, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Tauranga, New Zealand

Day 9 Oct 25, 2027 Auckland 07:00 – 19:00 12.0 hrs ashore Adorned with a harbor and a spectacular bridge, the largest and most populous city in New Zealand is also one of the most beautiful. Auckland will be the next stop on your MSC World Cruise, for an extraordinary vacation in the "City of Sails", named as such for its beautiful bays and its passion for water sports and yachting. Its superb location, on a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is made even more attractive by the lush subtropical forests that surround the nearby hills and the volcanic landscapes of the surrounding islands. Another stop on your trip with MSC Cruises that can not be missed is the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. At 328 meters in height, this tower offers breathtaking sights: out of its glass windows, the view stretches for 80 kilometers in every direction. To find out all about the Maori culture and the origins of life in the ocean, you can visit the Auckland Museum, with a section dedicated to the Second World War. Here you can not only enjoy the collections on the local traditions, but also watch live vocal performances and dances by the local people. The National Maritime Museum instead will reveal the secrets of sailing in New Zealand, and at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World aquarium, you can see fish of all kinds, alternating with the recreation of fantastic arctic excursions. The city has a lot to offer in terms of art galleries, festivals and events of all kinds, related to music, cooking, wine and adventure, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and diving or shellfish. Thanks to your MSC cruise ship, you will experience unique moments in one of the most amazing cities in the world. Auckland port guide Search cruises visiting Auckland

Auckland photo — Day 9 Oct 25, 2027 Auckland 07:00 – 19:00 12.0 hrs ashore Adorned with a harbor and a spectacular bridge, the largest and most populous city in New Zealand is also one of the most beautiful. Auckland will be the next stop on your MSC World Cruise, for an extraordinary vacation in the "City of Sails", named as such for its beautiful bays and its passion for water sports and yachting. Its superb location, on a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is made even more attractive by the lush subtropical forests that surround the nearby hills and the volcanic landscapes of the surrounding islands. Another stop on your trip with MSC Cruises that can not be missed is the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. At 328 meters in height, this tower offers breathtaking sights: out of its glass windows, the view stretches for 80 kilometers in every direction. To find out all about the Maori culture and the origins of life in the ocean, you can visit the Auckland Museum, with a section dedicated to the Second World War. Here you can not only enjoy the collections on the local traditions, but also watch live vocal performances and dances by the local people. The National Maritime Museum instead will reveal the secrets of sailing in New Zealand, and at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World aquarium, you can see fish of all kinds, alternating with the recreation of fantastic arctic excursions. The city has a lot to offer in terms of art galleries, festivals and events of all kinds, related to music, cooking, wine and adventure, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and diving or shellfish. Thanks to your MSC cruise ship, you will experience unique moments in one of the most amazing cities in the world. Auckland port guide Search cruises visiting Auckland

Day 10 Oct 26, 2027 Bay Of Islands, New Zealand 07:00 – 16:30 9.5 hrs ashore The Tasman Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east meet at the top of North Island at Cape Reinga. No matter what route you take, you'll pass farms and forests, marvellous beaches, and great open spaces. The East Coast, up to the Bay of Islands, is Northland's most densely populated, often with refugees from bigger cities—looking for a more relaxed life—clustered around breathtaking beaches. The first decision on the drive north comes at the foot of the Brynderwyn Hills. Turning left will take you up the West Coast through areas once covered with forests and now used for either agricultural or horticulture. Driving over "the Brynderwyns," as they are known, takes you to Whangarei, the only city in Northland. If you're in the mood for a diversion, you can slip to the beautiful coastline and take in Waipu Cove, an area settled by Scots, and Laings Beach, where million-dollar homes sit next to small Kiwi beach houses. An hour's drive farther north is the Bay of Islands, known all over the world for its beauty. There you will find lush forests, splendid beaches, and shimmering harbors. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 between Māoriand the British Crown, establishing the basis for the modern New Zealand state. Every year on February 6, the extremely beautiful Waitangi Treaty Ground (the name means weeping waters) is the sight of a celebration of the treaty and protests by Māori unhappy with it. Continuing north on the East Coast, the agricultural backbone of the region is even more evident and a series of winding loop roads off the main highway will take you to beaches that are both beautiful and isolated where you can swim, dive, picnic, or just laze. . The West Coast is even less populated, and the coastline is rugged and windswept. In the Waipoua Forest, you will find some of New Zealand's oldest and largest kauri trees; the winding road will also take you past mangrove swamps. Crowning the region is the spiritually significant Cape Reinga, the headland at the top of the vast stretch of 90 Mile Beach, where it's believed Māori souls depart after death. Today Māori make up roughly a quarter of the area's population (compared with the national average of about 15%). The legendary Māori navigator Kupe was said to have landed on the shores of Hokianga Harbour, where the first arrivals made their home. Many different wi (tribes) lived throughout Northland, including Ngapuhi (the largest), Te Roroa, Ngati Wai, Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngaitakoto, Ngati Kahu, and Te Rarawa. Many Māorihere can trace their ancestry to the earliest inhabitants

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 94-day span: $1,628 · range $1,628–$1,958

Lower than 91% of peers This longer-duration sailing's from-price per night is lower than 91% of comparable sailings.

same cruise line, destination, and duration · from-price per night · as of Jun 25, 2026 · Broader cohort: same cruise line and duration, compared by from-price per night.

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $1,666

$138 / night

Fare rows

Guarantee Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,666

$138 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Inside

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,807

$150 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prime Inside

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,851

$154 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

from $2,174

$181 / night

Fare rows

Guarantee Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,174

$181 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,456

$204 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prime Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,554

$212 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,761

$230 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,070

$255 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $2,440

$203 / night

Fare rows

Guarantee Concierge Class

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,440

$203 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Guarantee Veranda

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,441

$203 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Guarantee Aqua Class

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,516

$209 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Concierge Class

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,748

$229 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Veranda

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,749

$229 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Veranda

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,769

$230 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Veranda (Partial View)

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,790

$232 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Concierge Class

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,804

$233 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Veranda

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,892

$241 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prime Aqua Class

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,929

$244 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prime Veranda

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,985

$248 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prime Concierge Class

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,996

$249 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Veranda

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,099

$258 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Sunset Concierge Class

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,119

$259 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Sunset Veranda

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,613

$301 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $5,579

$464 / night

Fare rows

Panoramic with Infinite Veranda Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,579

$464 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Sky Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,637

$636 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Sunset Sky Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,948

$662 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Aqua Sky Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,997

$666 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Horizon Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,341

$695 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Celebrity Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,431

$785 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 24, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Celebrity Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 37 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Prime Aqua Class	A1	Balcony
Aqua Class	A2	Balcony
Prime Concierge Class	C1	Balcony
Concierge Class	C2	Balcony
Concierge Class	C4	Balcony
Deluxe Veranda	DV	Balcony
Sunset Concierge Class	SC	Balcony
Sunset Veranda	SV	Balcony
Ultra Deluxe Veranda	UV	Balcony
Prime Veranda	V1	Balcony
Veranda	V2	Balcony
Veranda (Partial View)	V3	Balcony
Veranda	V4	Balcony
Veranda	V5	Balcony
Guarantee Veranda	X	Balcony
Guarantee Aqua Class	XA	Balcony
Guarantee Concierge Class	XC	Balcony
Prime Inside	I1	Inside
Inside	I2	Inside
Guarantee Interior	Z	Inside
Prime Ocean View	O1	Oceanview
Ocean View	O2	Oceanview
Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View	PN	Oceanview
Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom	PO	Oceanview
Guarantee Ocean View	Y	Oceanview
Aqua Sky Suite	AS	Suite
Celebrity Suite	CS	Suite
Horizon Suite	HS	Suite
Panoramic with Infinite Veranda Suite	PA	Suite
Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View Suite	PD	Suite
Panoramic Ocean View Suite	PM	Suite
Penthouse Suite	PS	Suite
Royal Suite	RS	Suite
Sky Suite	S1	Suite
Sunset Sky Suite	SS	Suite
Guarantee Suite	W	Suite