Tours and Trips in Auckland

Visit the home of Bilbo Baggins on a small-group shore excursion to Hobbiton, a New Zealand farm-turned-filming site for "˜The Lord of the Rings' and "˜The Hobbit' trilogies. While your cruise ship is docked in Auckland, embark on a Hobbiton Movie Set tour of the Mill, the party tree and the Green Dragon Inn. Crouch next to hobbit holes and enjoy lunch at the Green Dragon Inn on this must-do tour.

Take in the sights of Queen Charlotte Sound and visit Ship Cove on a morning boat tour from Picton. The 3.5-hour journey follows a network of waterways as your captain narrates the highlights of the Marlborough Sounds. During free time while anchored at Ship Cove, see Maori wood carvings and a Captain Cook memorial, and explore the sheltered beach. Be on the lookout for marine life and other natural features of this breathtaking region while you sip complimentary tea and coffee on board.

Aquariums get you close to marine animals, but Shark Cage gets you even closer. For the more adventurous visitor, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's offers thrilling Animal Adventures where you can get face to face with amazing predators of the deep - sharks. Our most popular adrenaline activity "“ Shark Cage - is a unique way to get face-to-face with amazing predators of the deep, with nothing but a cage between you and the sharks! This is a unique opportunity to get eye-to-eye with these incredible ocean predators, so take the plunge today!

Taste an array of New Zealand wines on this Auckland shore excursion to North Island wineries. Your half-day winery tour with a knowledgeable guide includes a lookout point over the Tasman Sea en route to two or three wineries by minivan. With a choice of morning and afternoon options, you can choose the tour that best suits your schedule. Port pickup and drop-off at Prince's Wharf is included.

While your cruise ship is in port in Auckland, experience the thrill ride of your life with a heart-racing jet-boat ride on Waitemata Harbour. This exhilarating shore excursion takes you on an adrenaline-charged jet-boat tour past city landmarks such as the Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge. Your driver expertly maneuvers Auckland's fastest jet boat into fishtails and 360-degree spins.

When your ship docks in Auckland's port, sip wine, taste honey, savor chocolate and indulge in a winery lunch during this 7-hour Matakana Coast day trip. An in-the-know guide accompanies your small group to this premier arts-and-crafts destination on New Zealand's North Island, including stops at two local wineries, the Puhoi Honey Centre, a delectable hand-made chocolate factory and the Brick Bay sculpture park. Numbers are limited to 9 people or fewer to ensure a more personalized experienced.

Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound to Motuara Island and Ship Cove on a 4.5-hour boat tour from Picton. Search for birdlife and marine mammals, such as Hector's dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, as your captain details the region's natural and cultural history. Spend time exploring Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, home to endangered native birds including the South Island saddleback, king shag, little blue penguin and kiwi. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board, with free time ashore in Ship Cove.

A hop-on hop-off bus tour of Auckland is a great way to see the vibrant city when you're short on time. After your ship pulls into port, use your unlimited Day Pass or Family Pass on a shore excursion to the "˜City of Sails.' Buses depart every 30 minutes, with stops near the cruise port. Enjoy the flexibility and ease of creating your own sightseeing itinerary as you're free to hop on and off at your leisure. Listen to audio commentary en route to Auckland's main attractions.