New Zealand Cruise 2026

Explore the beauty of Springtime in New Zealand

Duration

12 Days

Departs

Saturday 17 October 2026

From

$6,450

Call 1300 635 358

““Lovely cabin and balcony and the ship’s crew were excellent – happy and very keen to help. A large variety of activities and shows. Food was fantastic with a great choice of places to eat.””

This Tour Includes

Tour Summary

Cruise in luxury from Sydney around North & South Island of New Zealand with Celebrity Cruises. Reflect & connect with like-minded people as you Unpack Once on a relaxing all-inclusive cruise; explore NZ from Milford Sound in South, finishing in Auckland with worship & fellowship at local Māori Church.

With beautiful Veranda Staterooms, food & drink + Wi-Fi package, amazing onboard entertainment, and selected excursions, join us as we experience the beauty of “God’s Own Country” in style!

Highlights & Inclusions

New Zealand cruise tour highlights and inclusions list

Tour Map

Map showing cruise route from Sydney to New Zealand

Your Travel Itinerary

Cruise ship near Sydney Harbour Bridge
Day 1
Saturday 17 October 2026

Sydney – embark Celebrity Cruise

Meet in Sydney before mid-afternoon embarkation of our stunning Celebrity Edge Cruise ship. Settle in, relax and get to know fellow passengers over our first Group Dinner.

Group of seniors seated in circle by ocean
Day 2 & 3
Sunday 18/Monday 19 October 2026

At Sea

Worship as the “Church of the Travelling Saints” before taking time to relax and enjoy all that this luxurious ship has to offer, from resort style facilities to great entertainment.

Two sea lions resting on rocky shore
Day 4
Tuesday 20 October 2026

Fiordland National Park | Milford Sound

A day of stunning natural beauty as we cruise New Zealand’s famed Fiordland National Park, taking in the spectacular, glacier-carved fiords. Our cruise takes us through Milford Sound to the still waters of remote Doubtful Sound, known as the “Sound of Silence”. Beyond this is Dusky Sound, an extremely isolated, pristine wilderness area with breathtaking scenery, over 350 islands; a key conservation site it is a haven for fur seals, dolphins, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Revel in God’s glorious creation!

Historic clock tower framed by cherry blossoms
Day 5
Wednesday 21 October 2026

Dunedin – at Leisure / Optional excursions

We dock in Dunedin, one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere for a full day at leisure. Enjoy independent exploration or choose from Optional Tours including various excursions to the spectacular Otago Peninsula, home to colonies of albatross, sea lions and rare yellow-eyed penguins.

People punting on river under willow trees
Day 6
Thursday 22 October 2026

Christchurch Sightseeing | Cardboard Cathedral | Punting on River Avon | Antarctic Centre

Today we explore beautiful Christchurch on a bespoke private CFT Tour. Often referred to as the ‘Garden City’, Christchurch is renowned for its beautifully maintained parks and gardens, wide tree-lined avenues, and relaxed South Island charm, alongside a remarkable story of resilience and renewal following the 2011 earthquake. We visit the incredible Transitional Cathedral, better known as the “Cardboard Cathedral”, one of the first new buildings to rise in the quake’s aftermath and now considered an icon of the city.

Take in the sights of this quintessential ‘English City’ before a self-guided walk through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Feel transported to 1920’s England as we take a guided punt down the River Avon with traditionally dressed boatmen, complete with straw boaters.

Enjoy a truly unforgettable experience at the International Antarctic Centre where Antarctic history, science, wildlife, and modern research is showcased through interactive exhibits. Highlights include a 4D theatre experience, a simulated Antarctic storm, a ride in an authentic Hägglund all-terrain vehicle, and a visit to a rescue habitat for little blue penguins. Wow!

Mid-afternoon, we transfer back to the port to reboard our cruise ship and continue the next portion of our adventure.

People relaxing on modern cruise ship rooftop deck
Day 7
Friday 23 October 2026

At Sea

Relax and enjoy – this is the life!

“Free time on the ship was good – could join in ship activities and often did activities with other group members, ie. show, trivia, etc., and met for fellowship before Group Dinner. Or we could simply enjoy the beauty of God’s creation on the deck or from our private verandahs.”

Coastal beach with island and turquoise ocean
Day 8
Saturday 24 October 2026

Tauranga (Bay of Plenty) | at Leisure/ Optional Excursions

We wake up this morning in Tauranga, a chic coastal town in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. Explore the galleries, shops and a vibrant café and restaurant scene of downtown Tauranga or choose from one of the optional excursions, including Te Puia Māori Village, Rotorua, or even Hobbiton.

Wooden church interior with stained glass and altar
Day 9
Sunday 25 October 2026

Auckland Sightseeing | Local Worship Māori Church

Enjoy a private CFT sightseeing tour of Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. New Zealand’s largest city is celebrated for its waterfront setting, diverse neighbourhoods, and rich blend of Māori and European heritage and our coach tour takes in the city’s key highlights; bustling Viaduct Harbour and waterfront precinct, scenic Tamaki Drive, sheltered bays and golden beaches before stopping at Bastion Point for sweeping panoramic views across the city skyline and Waitematā Harbour.

Visit the historic Wintergarden Pavilion at the Auckland Domain Gardens; admire rare and spectacular plants, from lush tropical species to seasonal temperate blooms and wander the formal courtyard with its marble statues, pergolas draped in climbing plants, and sunken fern garden.

A warm welcome awaits as we join the local community of Te Mīhana Māori Church to share Sunday worship and fellowship – “Manaakitia e te Atua a Aotearoa“ – God Bless New Zealand.

After refreshments you can either choose to take the coach back to the port and reboard or enjoy some time at leisure in the city centre.

Colourful stage performance with dancers and forest backdrop
Day 10 & 11
Monday 26/Tuesday 27 October 2026

Cruising to Australia

Share fun and fellowship on our final days of cruising.

Group of seniors dining on cruise ship
Day 12
Wednesday 28 October 2026

Arrive Sydney

We sail through the Sydney Heads in the early morning, arriving back in Australia feeling blessed by the people we have met and the delightful experiences we have shared.

All Inclusive Fares

New Zealand Cruise 2026 Pricing

Departs from: Description Twin PP Single
Sydney Cruise $6,450 $10,450

Tour Code:

NEW26108

Departs:

Saturday 17 October 2026

Returns:

Wednesday 28 October, 2026

Departing:

Sydney

*

BOOK EARLY TO SAVE - SECURE YOUR HOLIDAY TODAY!
Limited Cabins Available
Planning ahead secures your place at current prices (prices are subject to increase, see our website for details).

IMPORTANT
Contact the CFT Office prior to booking any additional arrangements (outside your CFT package) = pre-tour / post-tour accommodation, and / or flights to connect to this holiday.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
$800 deposit payable upon booking | Final Balance - due 12th June 2026

EXPERIENCE THE CFT DIFFERENCE

Travel and fellowship
with other Christians

The care of a
Christian Tour Leader

Relax. Everything is
taken care of

Daily devotions and
organised Sunday service

Fully escorted with no
hidden costs

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New Zealand Cruise 2026
Saturday 17 October 2026
12 Days