Cruise Ship Visits to Kaikōura Expected to Plummet This Summer

The number of cruise ship visits to Kaikōura this summer is set to significantly decline, with only five vessels expected to dock between December and February. This figure is a stark drop from the eleven ships that visited during the previous summer and down from sixteen in the 2023/24 season.

Destination Kaikōura manager Lisa Bond attributes this decline to various factors, including global uncertainty and government changes. She stated, “There’s lots of reasons… But everything has a cycle. This year we are down to five, but in two years we might be back to thirteen.” Cruise ship companies typically plan their schedules 18 months to two years in advance, making current global conditions a significant concern for future bookings.

Factors Impacting Cruise Ship Visits

The reduced number of cruise ships heading to Kaikōura is compounded by rising costs. According to Lynette Buurman, deputy chairperson of Destination Kaikōura, the increased berthage fees imposed by Environment Canterbury have not helped the situation. Kaikōura’s small wharves require cruise ships to anchor offshore and transport tourists by tender boats, incurring additional costs for the operation and maintenance of navigation aids and safety management systems.

Despite these challenges, other tourist destinations are also witnessing a decline in cruise ship bookings. The Bay of Islands has reported a drop in cruise bookings for the 2025/26 season, falling from a peak of 92 to 47. A cruise representative noted that rising costs were a contributing factor to this downward trend.

Domestic Tourism Remains Strong

While cruise ship visits are dwindling, Kaikōura is experiencing a surge in domestic tourism. Bond highlighted a busy summer and autumn, with significant visitor numbers during events such as King’s Birthday weekend, Matariki weekend, and the July school holidays. In April, domestic spending increased by 15% compared to the previous year, and accommodation bookings rose by 7%.

May continued this positive trend, with spending up 13% and guest nights increasing by 14% compared to May 2024. The majority of domestic visitors are from Canterbury, although there has been a noticeable uptick in visitors from Auckland and Wellington as well. Additionally, international visitors have also contributed to the local economy, with an increase in spending, indicating either a higher average expenditure or more day visits.

Looking ahead, Kaikōura is poised for a busy few months with upcoming events such as the Kaikōura Whale Run and the Kaikōura Hop in September, followed by the school holidays, the Mountains to Sea Marathon, and Labour Weekend in October. The Kaikōura Trotting Cup in November will further enhance the region’s appeal as summer approaches.

Destination Kaikōura operates as a partnership between the Kaikōura District Council and local tourism operators, focusing on promoting the region and supporting its economic growth through diverse tourism offerings.