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New Zealand / Aotearoa Cruises

Authentic experiences and extraordinary landscapes await onboard new zealand cruises.

Escape to this unhurried corner of the world, where Māori legends, steaming volcanic lakes, penguins and hobbits add to the magical landscape. From the historic North Island, known as "the birthplace of the nation," to the stirring drama of  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi  , a cruise to New Zealand / Aotearoa with Princess will defy expectations.

Across the Ditch cruise activities

Enjoy enriching experiences onboard and ashore

Princess Cruises proudly presents Across the Ditch, an immersive program designed to bring guests the very best of New Zealand / Aotearoa. Our program brings authentic Maori experiences, culture and local flavors onboard and ashore to showcase what makes New Zealand so unique. With more New Zealand wines, beers, entertainment, enrichment (including the Matariki Festival) and more Shore Excursions than ever before, you’ll have the chance to enjoy even more of this fascinating country as you journey Across the Ditch on a New Zealand cruise.

"Across the Ditch" is an affectionate term for crossing the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand and vice versa - known colloquially as "the Ditch".

Excursions — your gateway to New Zealand's best attractions

On a cruise to and from Auckland, delight at the sight of glittering glowworms inside Auckland’s / Tāmaki Makaurau Waitomo Grotto, and enjoy an exclusive kiij at Māori and Polynesian exhibits in  Auckland . Travel along Akaroa’s Southern Alps, and see white-flippered blue penguins and New Zealand / Aotearoa fur seals on a cruise through Akaroa Harbour. On itineraries with More Ashore Late Night calls, we stay until at least 9 p.m. in port so you can experience some of the fabulous nightlife.

And with a range of  Discovery Recommended and Exclusive excursions  available only with Princess Cruises, you’ll see New Zealand in a whole new way.

Photo: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Let Your New Zealand / Aotearoa Cruise Journey Begin

Lifestyle & culture.

Savor the unique tastes of an authentic Māori hangi or sample award-winning wines from  Picton . See how the Māori’s rich heritage comes alive in the Bay of Islands / Pēwhairangi, and discover how Napier’s / Ahuriri beautifully preserved 1930s architecture pays homage to the Māori by merging the linear symmetry of Art Deco with tribal motifs.

Photo: Traditional Māori welcome

Natural wonders & landscapes

Witness the unparalleled beauty of what locals call “Godzone” (God’s own country) on a hike into Tauranga’s / Tauranga Moana Wai-O-Tapu thermal valley and be rewarded with spectacular mud pools, geysers and rainbow-colored lakes. And just outside  Wellington , you’ll experience a world teeming with Māori myths, rugged coasts and adorable seals.

Be awestruck by the beauty of  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi , named one of the 7 Cruise Wonders of the World by  Condé Nast Traveler . And sail through the glassy waters and towering cliffs of Milford Sound, which was formed a millennia ago by massive glacial flows.

Photo: The volcanoes in the Wai-o-Tapu Valley

Unique experiences on New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

New Zealand’s vast, dramatic and diverse landscape is the unrivaled home of Tolkien’s mythical Middle Earth. Journey to the city of Edoras and walk in the footsteps of  The Lord of the Rings  in Wellington, and visit Peter Jackson’s Weta Studios.

Marvel at the sight of twinkling glowworms in Auckland’s Glowworm Grotto, and explore Wellington’s Zealandia, nicknamed "Jurassic Park," in search of the giant weta – one of the world’s largest insects!

Photo:  The Lord of the Rings  movie sets in Hobbittown

Onboard enrichment on New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

At Princess® we want you to enjoy an unforgettable New Zealand adventure. That’s why we’ve created a unique onboard program ‘Across the Ditch’ - with special regional experiences, including:

• See traditional folkloric performances, and learn the art yourself such as the Haka Māori War Dance or Poi Dancing.
• Enjoy kiwi favorites served on board New Zealand cruises, including Pavlova, or Lamb, or even a Hangi Dinner – a Māori tradition. Pair this with a glass of world famous wine from the Marlborough Region.
• Learn more about New Zealand’s rich history with a pop-up display from Auckland War Museum in the Atrium.
• Participate in “Festivals of the World” celebrations, such as Matariki, a Māori festival that marks the start of the Māori New Year, with ceremonial offerings and homage to whakapapa (ancestors). Celebrate with kiwi music, dance, crafts & even traditional face painting.

Photo: A traditional Māori Matariki Festival on board

Landmarks & Cultural Masterpieces

Don’t miss the famed Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which boasts the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand, Port Chalmers’ Larnach Castle (the country’s only castle) or cruise to Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau and see the Sky Tower, the tallest man-made structure in the southern hemisphere.

Photo: Larnach Castle in Dunedin

Art, museums & historic treasures

Wellington ’s number-one attraction, the Te Papa National Museum, showcases Māori and Pacific cultural treasures, New Zealand’s extraordinary natural life and its most important works of art.

Photo: The famous TranzAlpine Express in the Southern Alps

UNESCO world heritage sites

Sail into a world of surreal beauty in  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi , where the verdant flanks of snowcapped peaks plunge into the crystalline waters of ice-carved fiords. Or visit the Tongariro National Park outside of Napier / Ahuriri, which holds the title of first park in the world to receive UNESCO World Heritage status for both its natural and Māori spiritual and cultural value.

Photo: Fiordland National Park

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Australia cruisetours.

Before or after you set sail for the wonders of New Zealand, why not also discover some of Australia’s greatest attractions. Sailing from Sydney or Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, you can pair your cruise with a land tour to the Australian Outback to famed Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo: Australia’s magical Great Barrier Reef

Australia & New Zealand Cruise Articles

Read about exotic isles, legendary destinations, and prepare to explore a region unlike any other on your Australia and New Zealand cruise.

Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Visit iconic landmarks in Australia, strikingly diverse landscapes in New Zealand, and the palm-fringed islands of the South Pacific.

Things to Do in Brisbane Cruise Port for Couples, Singles & Families

Find things to do in Brisbane, Australia, while you're in port.

5 Things to Bring Back from Your Australia Cruise

Wondering what to bring back from your Australia cruise?

Tauranga Shore Excursions: Maori Culture and History Comes Alive

Explore foreign lands when you embark on a Tauranga shore excursions.

10 Melbourne Travel Tips to Help Cruisers Fit in with Locals

These 10 Melbourne travel tips from Princess Cruises will help you experience the best of this iconic Australian city as only a local would.

Fiordland National Park Excursions: Experience the Majesty of New Zealand

Witness the majestic beauty of New Zealand on Fiordland National Park cruise excursions.

New Zealand Cruises

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• The Snares –  You will see millions of sooty shearwaters and petrels and also the famous crested penguin along the steep cliffs of this small chain.
• Auckland Islands –  Land and sea birds abound in these islands, which were formed by two long-extinct volcanoes and broken apart by glaciers. This is also home to a stunning 19 endemic invertebrate species. 
• Macquarie Island –  Here, you will see the exclusive breeding spot of the royal penguin, along with three other species of penguins.
• Campbell Island –  This ruggedly steep island forms an important part of the UNESCO protected area of the southern islands, and with such biodiversity, you will see why!
• Antipodes Island – Despite being an isolated destination, the Antipodes host the endemic pitpit & snipe among other curious bird species.

Top 14 Things to Do & See on a New Zealand Cruise - Top Activities & Experiences

Iconic new zealand wildlife.

• Kiwi: This nocturnal and flightless bird native to New Zealand is an iconic symbol of the country and significant in Maori culture. Known for its small size, distinctive beak, and brown, shaggy feathers, the Kiwi is elusive and primarily active at night. With its keen sense of smell, it forages for insects and worms.
• Kea: This large, intelligent parrot is endemic to the South Island's alpine regions. Recognized for its olive-green plumage, orange underwings, and curious nature, the Kea is known to interact with humans. Its mischievous behavior, including dismantling rubber parts of vehicles, has earned it a reputation as the world's only alpine parrot.
• Hector's Dolphin: One of the world's smallest and rarest dolphin species calls the coastal waters of New Zealand home. Known for its distinctive rounded dorsal fin and playful antics, these dolphins are often spotted close to the shore. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect their populations, as they face threats from human activities and fishing gear.
• Tuatara: Often referred to as a living fossil, the Tuatara is a reptile endemic to New Zealand. Possessing unique features such as a "third eye" on the top of its head, spines along its back, and a slow metabolism, the Tuatara is the last surviving member of its ancient reptilian order. 
• Takahe: This large, flightless bird with striking blue and green plumage was once thought to be extinct. Rediscovered in the remote Fiordland National Park, these herbivores now benefit from dedicated conservation initiatives.
• Kaka: This endemic forest parrot is recognized for its vibrant plumage, including shades of green and crimson. Often heard before seen, the Kaka's harsh calls echo through the native forests. Its intelligent and social nature makes it a captivating species.
• Morepork: Also known as the Ruru, the Morepork a native owl with a hauntingly beautiful call that resonates through the New Zealand night. Revered in Maori mythology, the Morepork is considered a guardian of the forest.

New Zealand Cruises Top Ports of Call

• Auckland: Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and a vibrant cultural hub with stunning harbors and numerous attractions.
• Wellington: The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington offers a blend of arts, culture, and natural beauty, with attractions like Te Papa Tongarewa (the national museum) and the iconic Wellington Cable Car.
• Tauranga: Located in the Bay of Plenty region, Tauranga is known for its beautiful beaches, Maori culture, and proximity to attractions like Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Hobbiton Movie Set.
• Christchurch: Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and is known for its English heritage, beautiful gardens, and nearby attractions such as the Banks Peninsula and Akaroa Harbour.
• Dunedin: Known as the "Edinburgh of the South," Dunedin is renowned for its Scottish heritage, Victorian architecture, and access to wildlife-rich areas like the Otago Peninsula.
• Fiordland National Park: While not a traditional port of call, many New Zealand cruises include scenic cruising through the stunning fjords of Fiordland National Park, including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

Unmissable Visitor Sites during a New Zealand Cruise

• Te Papa Tongarewa (Wellington): New Zealand's national museum, offering exhibits on Maori culture, natural history, and art, located in Wellington.
• Rotorua Geothermal Area: Known for its geysers, hot springs, and mud pools, showcasing the unique geothermal activity of the region.
• Milford Sound (Fiordland National Park): A stunning fjord featuring sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and penguins.
• Hobbiton Movie Set (Matamata): A guided tour through the iconic movie set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films.
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds (Bay of Islands): The site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, offering cultural performances, historic buildings, and beautiful grounds.
• Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre (Wairarapa): Home to native wildlife including kiwi birds, kaka parrots, and tuatara lizards, with opportunities for guided tours and conservation education.
• Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour (Dunedin): A chance to see native New Zealand wildlife such as albatrosses, penguins, and seals in their natural habitat.
• Art Deco Historic District (Napier): Renowned for its well-preserved Art Deco architecture, visitors can explore the unique aesthetic of the city through guided walks or self-guided tours.

Best New Zealand Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

• ​ Ponant   boasts of a   butler service reserved for passengers traveling in one of the suites situated on Deck 6 aboard Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal, or Le Lyrial, as well as all the Owner suites, Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites, and the Prestige Suites situated on Deck 6 aboard the explorer ships. Attentive and discreet, your butler provides fully personalized service, ensuring a bespoke and carefree voyage. Join  Le Laperouse  on Oceania and Pacific islands cruises that provide exceptional snorkeling and admire some of the most beautiful seabed environments in the world. 
• Lindblad Expeditions   is a 100% carbon neutral company committed to green business operations and preserving our planet for future generations. Explore dramatic peaks, scenic fjords, and white-sand beaches of New Zealand aboard the  National Geographic Orion , experiencing a wide array of natural wonders, wildlife, and culture along the way
• Heritage Expeditions . A cruise operator based in Christchurch, New Zealand, ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world's best-kept secrets .  Perfect for small-ship expedition cruising,  Spirit of Enderby  and  Heritage Explorer  explores New Zealand's awe-inspiring fiords, gold-sand beaches, hidden coves, tranquil waterways, native forests, and marine reserves.
• Coral Expeditions   is Australia's pioneering expedition cruise company, sailing for nearly four decades. New Zealand's 15000 km of meandering coastline makes it uniquely suited to small ship expedition cruising.  Coral Adventurer  takes you deep into the intriguing history, vibrant culture, and rare wildlife of South Island. 

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New Zealand

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Explore the natural and cultural wonders of the North and South Island of New Zealand. New Zealand cruises include cruises to Fiordland Park, Mildford Sound, the Bay of Islands and close-up views of their natural beauty. Take a 10, 11, or 12 night New Zealand cruise and enjoy the adventure the land of the long white cloud is known for. Immerse yourself in Māori culture, experience the Art Deco decadence in Napier, and cruise around some of the most picturesque places in the world. There’s a lot of things to do in New Zealand from a cruise ship.

• Be in awe of the natural beauty
• Soak in the culture
• Enjoy world-class food and wine
• Bungee jump in Auckland Harbour
• Create memories that last forever

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NEW ZEALAND

On a New Zealand cruise, you can experience two spectacular islands that form one unique country. Because of its remote location and millennia of isolation, New Zealand boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, many that are found nowhere else on Earth. Cruise New Zealand's Milford Sound in magnificent Fjordlands National Park. Learn about  “mana,” or “honor,” from a Maori elder. Sip a prize-winning Syrah from an Auckland winery. Visit Hobbiton, the Hobbit village where key scenes of “Lord of the Rings” were filmed and more when you cruise to New Zealand.

Auckland, New Zealand

Timaru, New Zealand

Strolling along Timaru's hilly streets and past its historic buildings, you might not guess that the city was built on the lava flows of a now-extinct volcano with the evocative name Mount Horrible. Timaru's own name comes from the Maori  Te Maru , which means "place of shelter." Chief among its charms are its parks and gardens. As if the backdrop of the Southern Alps wasn't enough, a rose garden, boardwalk and beach enliven the waterfront. Up the hill, Centennial Park offers picnic spots and walking trails. The stellar Aigantighe Art Gallery and South Canterbury Museum showcase New Zealand and Maori art.

Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand

Featured shore excursions, recommended for you.

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Hawaiian Easter

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* Flights Auckland to Sydney * 1-Night Sydney hotel stay * 29-Night Holland America Westerdam cruise Sydney to Seattle * 2-Night Seattle hotel stay * Flights Seattle to Auckland

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Luxury Japan & Alaska

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Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

Cruise ship, Auckland

By Bob McCree

Cruising in New Zealand is the perfect way to explore over 15,000 kilometres of coastline and the spectacular landscapes this diverse country has to offer.

Cruising to New Zealand is a well-established tradition. When the first settlers came here, it was by boat and even up to the 1960’s it was the only way to arrive in this country. Cruises to New Zealand today are, happily, a much more comfortable and luxurious experience.

The most popular places for boarding a cruise to New Zealand are Australia and the South Pacific. Adventure cruises bound for Antarctica also pass through here, as well as round-the-world cruises.

New Zealand is blessed with a compact land mass, which means that each distinct region is within overnight sailing of each other. Whether you are after scenic beauty, interacting with endangered wildlife , learning about Māori culture , or indulging in gourmet goodness , cruising around New Zealand offers varied experiences and life-changing moments.

North Island Cruise Destinations

South island cruise destinations, cruise destinations.

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Auckland Shore Excursions

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Taonga of the Maori

View of Auckland, New Zealand from Mount Eden

Visit the Auckland Museum to learn about the history, culture and treasures ( taonga ) of the Maori. A Maori cultural performance takes place several times daily concluding with a very loud haka , the traditional version of the dance that the local All Blacks rugby team uses to intimidate opponents.

Adrenaline Junkies

New Zealand is famous for adrenaline-boosting activities like bungee jumping and Zorbing. During your New Zealand cruise, get a rush by climbing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then bungee-jump off it. Walk the outside of the 190-metre-tall Sky Tower. You can even base jump all the way down, flying for 11 seconds at more than 50 miles per hour.

Local Cuisine

With the world's highest coffee roasters per capita, New Zealand is all about cafe culture. Though it's debated whether it was invented by Australians or Kiwis, drink a flat white while the kids have a fluffy, foamed milk with chocolate and marshmallow treats. Cruise to Auckland and seek out a hip farm-to-table spot for pastured-raised lamb roast, or feast on whitebait fritters or green-lipped mussels at a waterfront seafood spot.

Souvenirs with New Zealand's unofficial emblem, the silver fern, are popular; rugby fans will want one in the form of All Blacks' paraphernalia. Pick up some raw Manuka honey; many believe it has medicinal benefits. Kids young and the young at heart will love anything with a kiwi bird on it.

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The Spinoff

Partners August 26, 2024

Taylor roche on cruise ship gigs, tiktok fame and naming his price.

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From dropping out of a uni music degree to becoming the most viewed New Zealand artist on TikTok, it’s been a wild few years for musician and content creator Taylor Roche. He joined Kiwibank’s This is Kiwi podcast to talk about his journey to online stardom.

Tell Taylor Roche not to wear patterns for a video interview, and he will wear patterns. While he’s a bit rebellious now, that wasn’t always the case. At his 21st, his mates had zero embarrassing stories to flame him with. These days he’s creating, singing, performing and racking up tens of millions of TikTok views .

Taylor Roche is an eldest child, but he hasn’t followed a typical eldest child path. At 26 he’s a musician, artist, content creator and DJ. Put simply, he’s a “full time creative”. Roche loves performing and entertaining. After high school he went to uni, found it wasn’t a fit and landed himself a gig singing on cruise ships. Just as his music dream started to play out on the high seas, though, Covid hit and Roche found himself back in New Zealand. What happened from there he never could’ve predicted. In 2023, he was the most viewed New Zealand artist on TikTok.

Today, Roche is making success work for him on TikTok and on the stage. He’s booking gigs, making viral videos and doing so in a way where his content and his music feed off each other. It’s not easy making a living as a content creator, though. Many people still aren’t convinced it’s a real job. But as Roche knows, it absolutely is. He joined Jane Yee on This is Kiwi, a Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network. Read an excerpt from the full interview below. 

Did you have a plan of what you wanted to do?

Nah, zero plan. I’ve always been just so passionate for music. My original passion is music and being on stage. And I knew that after school I wanted to just dive into it, and I panicked, because in my last year, it was very much like, what uni are you going to? What’s the plan? And at graduation, probably at everyone’s graduation, they announce you, they call you up by form class, and then they announce your name and what you’re doing after school. And it felt, at the time, if they said your name followed by “gap year”… you know, you can feel the people going, oh yeah, interesting . So I ended up going to uni for a year.

Did you study music?

I thought, if I’m gonna go to uni, I should at least do something that I like. So it was music. I went to the University of Otago. I had a really interesting year. It was fun. But I just knew that uni wasn’t for me. And I found that out really, really quick – like in the first month. All I wanted to do was music. I remember in the evenings we had access to these rehearsal spaces down past Castle Street. They were these cold, old buildings, and I would just go down there, scan my key card and go and sit at a piano for a couple of hours and jam.

When did you first get the music bug?

I was six or seven, and I got my hands on Now 18. And, yeah, I had my grandma’s old radio-cassette player and a CD player. So I’d put on Now 18 and I’d sit in my room and just listen to it. It had Crazy Frog on it. That era was great. But the one song that I was obsessed with was ‘Incomplete’ by the Backstreet Boys. I think that was the first song I ever got goosebumps to. I learned all the words to it, and I started doing routines in my room. I got so obsessed with that CD, that it got to a point where my parents had to give me a curfew. At 6pm I had to stop the music.

Tell me about TikTok. You were the most viewed artist in NZ in 2023. Millions of views… how did this happen?

I made an account in 2021. I started posting just videos of me singing. And no, none of them did anything. They didn’t take off. And so I thought, this app isn’t for me. Then I started to play around with funny trending audio, lip syncing. Then during lockdown I had an awards show canceled, so they did a virtual one. My dad dressed up fully in a tuxedo at like, 4pm on a Thursday. He was just sitting there at his desk in his room with his laptop open. He had a bottle of champagne next to him, a bowl of chippies. So I recorded it, put it on TikTok, and it just blew up. I was like, that’s crazy. Maybe this app does work.

You’ve got a personal brand. You’re the main character in your story. What’s your plan for your account?

I honestly don’t have a massive plan for where it’s going. It was always like, how far can I take this? As long as people are loving the content, then I’ll just keep going. I think the biggest thing I love about it is the amount of people that it resonated with online that would have never known I existed. And now I’ve got people that love my videos and through that they found my music. So yeah, it’s quite a beautiful thing. So I think that’s really the plan. Just keep doing it.

So how do you fill up your work week?

As of, like, a month ago, I am now kind of full time content creating and making music, which is huge for me. I never would have known that would be possible, but there’s a lot of money in content creation and working with brands. I’ve started working with Spark Arena and an Australian brand.

How do you manage the business side of being a full time content creator musician?

I’m still learning. I’m terrible at representing myself. My girlfriend, she helps me so much. Girlfriends are the best. Get a girlfriend. That’s my career advice. Kidding, but she’s amazing. She’s my biggest supporter. I got hit up for a campaign last year, and she was like, dude, you need to charge more. I was like, I can’t do that. And she was like, Taylor, you’ve got nearly 300,000 followers. She had done her research online, on what other creators earn. I felt so guilty, but gave it a shot. And the brand was like, yeah, sweet, perfect. 

What’s a common misconception about you?

That I’m quite outgoing and confident, when really, I’m actually very self critical. I get so nervous for any kind of public interaction. Even driving here in the car today, I’m like, how am I going to talk? How am I going to sit? What am I going to say?

Ever had an a-ha moment in your career?

Every time I think something’s going to happen a certain way, and it doesn’t, I get really upset, but then another opportunity opens up down the line that’s even better. Before Covid, I was a cruise ship singer. In 2016 I spent that whole year planning to get that job. We landed our first cruise gig, then Covid hit. I was at my peak, I was over in America, singing on ships. And I just felt like a rock star. Like, I dreamed of this. And it just got taken away. Just like that, I was sent back to New Zealand, and I was so, so upset for months. Looking back, if that hadn’t happened I wouldn’t have moved to Auckland, met my band, and broke into the music scene here.

It’s notoriously difficult to make money with music. How is it for you to be earning with TikTok but not as much with music?

I’ve always known that music was never going to be a money maker. It’s always been a passion. I do make money through music in the form of gigs and shows. I learned to DJ purely because after Covid a lot of places stopped booking bands. I feel so lucky. I don’t feel disheartened when my monthly streaming cheques aren’t massive amounts. I look at them and think, oh, that’s fine. That’s a little bit better than last month. So it’s cool. 

What are you saving for? New laptop, mine is falling apart. A MacBook.

First big purchase? Roland 88 keys keyboard. I was 18, it was $1800, and I’d never spent more than $200 on something.

Go-to treat? Ice cream and chocolate.

What brings you joy? My family feeling good and doing well.

Last splurge? This cardigan actually. I bought it a month ago. It was quite expensive for a cardigan. It’s kinda thin, but I just loved it. I put it on and thought “that’s sick”.

This content was produced in paid partnership with Kiwibank. To learn more about how they could work for you, visit Kiwibank today .

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