Shore Excursions in New Zealand

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.

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.

Once your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, get the most out of your time in port with this combo trip to the Geothermal Valley and a local kiwi fruit orchard. With a guide teaching you about the geology and history, explore the geysers, hot pools, and steam vents in the valley, then head to the kiwi orchards to learn about New Zealand's most famous export. Tastings of jams, juices, and different kiwi varieties included.

This small-group shore excursion from Tauranga is designed to maximize cruise passengers' time on land and skip the lines, as all tickets are pre-booked. Visit two of New Zealand's must-see attractions"”the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set"”in an easy day trip. Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour by private minivan rather than a big, impersonal tour bus.

When your cruise ship docks in Picton, take the opportunity to go wine tasting with a tour that visits some of Marlborough's award-winning wineries. Visit up to five wineries in Blenheim for tastings and vineyard tours, discovering both internationally famous wines and lesser-known New Zealand gems. You'll also stop for lunch (own expense) and sample locally made olive oil, liqueurs and chocolates as you head back to Picton at the end of your 5-hour tour.

View the must-see attractions of Wellington on a 2.5-hour shore excursion. During your sightseeing tour of New Zealand's capital, observe architectural landmarks such as the New Zealand Parliament Buildings and Beehive, and visit Old St Paul's Cathedral. Soak up picturesque views of the city and harbor from a lookout pt on Mt Victoria, and have the option to take a ride on the Wellington Cable Car. Round-trip port transport by coach is included.

Discover the creative space and minds behind the 'Lord of the Rings' on a four-hour tour of Wellington's Weta Workshop, where you'll learn from crew members who design props, models, and weapons. See behind-the-scenes footage, then enjoy a three-course dinner at CoCo at the Roxy, a creative eatery decked with vintage movie posters. This four-hour Weta Workshop tour includes dinner, as well as round-trip transport from a central location in Wellington.

Discover famous sites from Middle-earth on this 6-hour "˜Lord of the Rings' movie set shore excursion from Mt Maunganui. Travel with your guide toward the town of Matamata. Discover the sheep farm selected by Peter Jackson as the site for Hobbiton, home to Bilbo Baggins and friends in "˜The Lord of the Rings' trilogy and "˜The Hobbit' movie series. See top sites from the box office hits and visit the Green Dragon pub. Stop at a local honey center and winery, and enjoy panoramic views from Minden Lookout.

This Tauranga Shore Excursion stands out from others by offering a two-course lunch and a visit to a Polynesian spa. The basics of local shore excursions are included too: travel with a small group to the Rotorua geothermal geyser, mud pools, and steam vents, and then see a Maori dance performance. At the spa, soak in hot mineral springs with views of Lake Rotorua.

When your cruise ship arrives in the port of Picton, located in Queen Charlotte Sound, take a shore excursion to Blenheim and the Marlborough wine region with a guide. Enjoy wine tasting while you learn about the area’s cultural heritage. Travel with a small group along a scenic route and relax in winery gardens and cafes overlooking the Wairau Valley. Shuttle transport is included from the port to a bus stop in town for pickup and drop-off.

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.

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.

Discover the award-winning wines of the Marlborough region on a private shore excursion from Picton for your group of up to six people. The exact itinerary is tailored to you, with plenty of time to sip locally-made wines, browse art galleries, then pause for lunch and views of Marlborough's rolling vineyards, plus many customizable options. Pricing is per-vehicle, and includes a wine tasting and a chocolate tasting, as well as round-trip shuttle transport from the Port of Picton.

Discover the Remutaka area's rich rail history and natural beauty on an easy, all-inclusive, 6 hour mountain biking day trip. The flagship of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, this trail is suitable for riders of all levels. Cycle through native, bird-filled forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the natural landscape and the old railway system. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Summit and embark on a fun (but easily controllable) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand's most scenic farmland.  You will be provided with everything you will need for your adventure - transport to and from your cruise ship, comfort mountain bikes with trunk bags for your personal effects, and all food - so all you need to do is wear appropriate clothing and be ready to ride!Distance 18/25km, riding time 3-4 hours, total duration 6 hours

Visit the ever-popular Waitomo Glowworm Caves when your ship pulls into the Port of Tauranga. You'll travel in the private comfort of a luxury Mercedes vehicle on a full-day shore excursion. You'll ride a boat into the glowworm caves, amble through native New Zealand bush to reach Aranui Cave, and visit the Kiwi House. Entrance fees to the caves are not included.

Take a Bay of Islands shore excursion to the Puketi Rainforest for a half-day guided hike from Waitangi Wharf. You'll follow a moderately strenuous footpath though a subtropical rainforest of lofty kauri trees and pass by cascading waterfalls as your guide shares local knowledge of rare bird and plant species. Enjoy morning tea on this small-group tour, limited to eight people for a personalized experience. Port pickup and drop-off included.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, save time by booking ahead and see the best of New Zealand's North Island from the air. Choose a light-aircraft flight over the Bay of Plenty or a helicopter flight over beautiful White Island"”and upgrade to land for a walking tour with your pilot. See more of New Zealand from the skies in one day than you ever could on land.

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region.  Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats.  Enjoy the wineries or mix and match the day with exciting options. From the Port of Picton your local chauffeur/guide will meet you at the Picton Visitors Centre near the vehicle to take you on a scenic journey through to Blenheim and the famous wine region. Savour our local cuisine in a winery garden café or enjoy a wine with a cheese, meat, seafood platter overlooking our stunning Wairau Valley. Later, visit a chocolate boutique. Ride with peace of mind with flexible drop off to suit your ships scheduled departure.This tour has been created due to the demand for larger but small personal groups of a maximum of 11. A comfortable 11 seat Mini Tour Van is provided for your pleasure.

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 ship is in port in Auckland, combine sightseeing, a boat cruise and sky-high views from the Sky Tower so you can see the city from all angles. A professional guide points out popular attractions such as Quay Street, the Auckland Museum, and Dominion Parks and Gardens. You'll visit the Tamaki waterfront and glide under the Harbour Bridge during your 90-minute cruise on Waitemata Harbour. This shore excursion shows you the many sides to Auckland, New Zealand's premier city.