Industry and Government unite for New Zealand cruise focus

July 23, 2025 – Cruise industry representatives have joined senior Government Ministers in Wellington for discussions on the future direction of cruise ship operations in New Zealand, setting the scene for longer-term collaboration on the development of international cruise tourism.

Representatives from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA), Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, PONANT, and Heritage Expeditions last night joined round-table discussions convened by New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, aimed at creating a whole-of-government approach to fostering cruise visitation.

Minister Upston was joined by Ministerial colleagues with an interest in cruise operations in New Zealand, including Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown, Minister for Customs and Associate Minister for Immigration Casey Costello, Minister for Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard, and Minister for the South Island and Associate Minister for Transport James Meager.

CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the industry welcomed the opportunity to examine New Zealand’s cruise economy from multiple viewpoints.

“This is a valuable opportunity to consider the many areas of government that support cruise operations and lay the foundations for greater collaboration between government, industry and local communities,” Mr Katz said. “Cruise tourism is worth more than $1 billion a year to the New Zealand economy and supports almost 10,000 jobs around the country, so it’s important that we achieve the right settings for cruising to thrive.”

NZCA CEO Jacqui Lloyd said a whole-of-government strategy was essential to fostering a prosperous and well-managed cruise sector.

“Cruise tourism benefits many thousands of New Zealand businesses right around the country, which means we need to take a smart, long-term view as we work to support this industry,” Ms Lloyd said. “It’s important to consider all functions of government and all areas of regulation, so we’re pleased to have this opportunity to speak with multiple government leaders as we look to the future.”

Louise Upston said: “This meeting sets the sail for more collaborative and coordinated engagement with the sector to explore future opportunities for cruise in New Zealand while safeguarding our natural assets.

“Cruise is a crucial part of our tourism eco-system. It supports local businesses, jobs and the wider New Zealand economy. With tourism’s goal to double export value by 2034, cruise will play a key role.

“The Tourism Growth Roadmap I released in June includes cruise connectivity as a workstream because of its role in the tourism ecosystem and in enabling economic growth. It is vital we partner with the cruise sector to do this.

“New Zealand has always been the place where innovation supports our aspiration for business outcomes that are environmentally friendly. It is encouraging to see the initiatives in the pipeline that would move these aspirations even further. I am looking forward to the Port of Auckland’s investment in port infrastructure.

“Our Government’s message to the world is clear. New Zealand is open for business, and we welcome each and everyone to visit our shores,” Louise Upston said.