Some tips from the above article:

Kiwi Cruise Tips

• Be prepared for fluctuating temperatures (between about 45 to 75 F degrees), wind and rain. Pack layers and rain gear.
• The Tasman Sea, between New Zealand and Australia, is known to be one of the roughest in the world. Expect some swells and rocky seas during the two-day crossing.
• In the southern part of the south island, where the super-scenic Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds reside, winds can gust to 50 or 60 knots. Though included on most itineraries as a cruising day (passengers don't disembark), there's always a risk the captain will cancel a trip into the sounds because of weather conditions.
• When it comes to wildlife, it's down there, but not necessarily easy to spot. Sheep are everywhere, but penguins are illusive (and some endangered), albatross only show up when it's windy (it helps them fly), and kiwi birds are nocturnal as are many of Australia's stars -- wallabies, wombats and Tasmanian Devils.

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