The New Zealand cruise industry is facing a national downturn, but Port Marlborough says it is “working hard” to stay on cruise line itineraries.
National port bookings dropped by 40 percent in 2025/26, with a continued decline forecast for 2026/27.
High port fees, compliance costs and regulatory complexities have been cited by Cruise Lines International Association as reasons some lines are prioritising more accessible, less remote destinations over New Zealand.
Despite the national decline, Marlborough’s upcoming season is showing improvement, with 32 port calls scheduled and 73,000 passengers incoming, up 33 percent from the 24 calls completed last season.
“The outlook for cruise visits to Marlborough is encouraging, particularly given the challenges the industry has faced,” Port Marlborough chief executive Rhys Welbourn says.
Competition between regions remains a challenge. Dunedin has the most scheduled port calls in the country, with 85 expected arrivals. Other South Island ports also show stronger numbers - Fiordland has 75 and Lyttelton 58.
Rhys says Port Marlborough has been putting in the work to get the region on cruise operators’ radar.
“We’ve been engaging directly with cruise lines alongside Destination Marlborough to showcase our region and the experiences available here.
“Marlborough’s natural environment, food and wine, marine experiences, culture and genuine hospitality, is what differentiates [us].”
The port has also invested in marine infrastructure, including new towage capability with the arrival of the tug vessel Kaiaua in 2026, customer-requested gangways and improvements to the cruise operating environment.
“We’ve also given cruise lines greater certainty around port pricing for the next few years, which helps them plan ahead and make decisions about future itineraries,” Rhys says.
“It’s encouraging to see that work translating into future bookings.
“None of it happens without the hard work of our port teams, local businesses, tourism operators and the wider community who make every visit a success.”
While bookings are expected to ease again in 2027/28, improvements are beginning to show in subsequent years.
The arrival of Celebrity Solstice last Saturday marked the start of Marlborough’s cruise season.
