International warships coming in to New Zealand waters for the Royal New Zealand Navy's 75th celebrations won't be welcomed by all.

The visit of the USS Sampson, a destroyer, will be the first time in 33 years a United States warship has entered New Zealand waters since parliament passed its anti-nuclear legislation in 1987.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has declared the International Naval Review a Major Maritime Event, which means any vessels not taking part in the event cannot travel near the fleet in the event.

Protesters previously wanting to blockade the ships say they will abide by the rules and keep their distance.

But activist Doug Robertson - a member of the original Peace Squadron which led the anti-nuclear protests of the 80s - said they will be seen.

"This threat or whatever it is won't deter us from going about our peaceful protest that will demonstrate to the world that actually a lot of Kiwis aren't in favour with war and these celebrations of war," Robertson said.

Robertson said they'll stick to the no-go zones around the fleet.

"It's all about trying to intimidate us I guess, so that we don't protest, so that we don't make a scene that might be embarrassing to the Government in international news, and so they can carry on with their sick celebrations of war."

The ships arrive on November 17th for the review which takes place on the 19th in Auckland Harbour.