Boatloads of Australians are cruising to New Zealand, inundating the local waters with refugees tourists.

Australia’s largest cruise operator – Carnival Australia, will more than double its fleet for 2012 to meet increasing demand. The company runs trips to New Zealand through P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, which have ships based in Australia all year.

Carnival chief executive Ann Sherry said the company would increase the number of cruises from 17 to 38 by 2012, increasing the number of passengers going across the Tasman from 35,000 to 80,000. Carnival Australia would offer 31 cruises to New Zealand next year.

“New Zealand is becoming to Australia what Alaska is to Americans – a very desirable holiday destination that’s ideal to visit by sea,” Sherry said.

Because of New Zealand’s large coast waters there is plenty of opportunity to explore the fiords, inlets and friendly native cities.  Auckland is the most-visited destination, but other regional stop overs such as Tauranga, Napier, and Wellington are also popular. Visitors can also choose from a variety of voyages up and down the country. Fiordland cruises offer breathtaking views of the rugged, mountainous South Island coastline, while trips through the sunny Bay of Islands offer sea vistas and local country side.