Spectacular Auckland

Auckland (Tamaki Makau Rau) is New Zealand's largest city, with a population of around 1.4 million. The city's subtropical climate, lush vegetation, and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities have allowed it to consistently remain among the top five cities in international lifestyle surveys.

This is a melting pot of 190 different ethnicities and is the world's biggest Polynesian city. Over half of the population is European, and there are high percentages of indigenous Maori, as well as Pacific Island and Asian people. This diversity is reflected in a lively art and cultural scene, a wide range of food and craft markets, vineyards, a hip cafe culture, superb coffee, and outstanding restaurants.

Head through trendy inner suburbs, over the Harbor Bridge, the second longest road bridge in New Zealand, and back through the vibrant Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, the city's newest waterfront area and urban community. Feel the bustling CBD area of Queen Street, the hub of the city centre and shopping precinct. Take in the Auckland Museum, Tamaki Paenga Hira, home to a huge collection of Maori and Polynesian Taonga, or treasures. On your tour, you will marvel at the sparkling Waitemata Harbour from every vantage point.

The last stop on your tour is the iconic Auckland Sky Tower, where you will experience a bird's eye view of the"City of Sails" sitting at 328 metres. The journey begins from down at the base of the tower. Travel up in the glass-fronted elevators which open up to unparalleled views in all directions of the city and its surrounding area. Your entry to Sky Tower is valid for use at any time of the day that you take your Auckland city tour. We recommend that the best time to visit the Sky Tower is at the change of light in the evening, when you will see Auckland transform from day time beauty to night time sparkle.

After, you will continue to enjoy this tour with a Harbour cruise. The crew will provide a knowledgeable commentary about the city and its landmarks. Keep an eye out for Devonport's historic naval base and the Bean Rock Lighthouse. A brief stopover is included at volcanic Rangitoto Island. This distinctive Auckland landmark, formed by a series of eruptions around 600 years ago, is a thriving nature reserve as well as a popular day-trip destination.

Please Note: When your experience at the Auckland Sky Tower is finished, you will have to make your own way back to the cruise ship, which is only a short walk away (approximately half a mile). This tour does not travel via Mount Eden. Only small vehicles are able to access Mount Eden. This tour is not a transfer tour, and cannot accommodate luggage.

Bays, Beaches and Views of Dunedin

We leave Port Chalmers and approach Dunedin from the north climbing above the harbor to a fantastic view of the Otago Peninsula. As we get close to the city we take a brief stop at Baldwin Street and the historic Dunedin Railway Station before we make our way out onto the Otago Peninsula.

Meandering along the 'low road' towards Portobello, the evidence of Dunedin's 'fiery' past is obvious. Turning south we leave the sealed roads behind and travel through the scenic inlets where the tide regularly replaces nutrients that attract waders and waterfowl to this remote and scenic area. Dunedin has some of the finest beaches in the southern hemisphere. We will take you on a short walk where encounters with NZ sea lions and NZ fur seal are common. A tour of Dunedin is incomplete unless you've seen our amazing beaches.

Our small group guided tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula will reveal a rugged coastline with white sandy beaches, stunning scenery and rare wildlife. The tour continues out onto the Otago Peninsula where we will stop and let you get out the bus as often as possible to take advantage of the views. Learn about the volcanic origin of Dunedin before we explore the remote southern parts of the headland. This 75 mile scenic journey takes you to the best vantage points of the Otago Peninsula and back down to the bays and beaches that surround Dunedin.

The tour continues along the old mining roads, towards the small township of Portobello as we take the scenic 'low road' back towards Dunedin City. The tour is designed to be flexible and perfect for those looking for a relaxing half-day tour with fantastic photographic opportunities.

If you are on the morning tour, we can also drop you in the city centre so that you can explore Dunedin on your own. You can then catch one of the cruise ship shuttles that depart for Port Chalmers every 15 minutes or take a local taxi back to your ship.

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Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland & Maori Cultural Excursion

Departing the pier, you will travel around the Mount Maunganui inner harbor, then along the main surf beach and pristine waterfront of New Zealand's number one seaside resort. Continue past the suburbs and dairy farmland before coming to the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand.

Next, we pass through orchards of avocados and kiwis, and pine forest regions, all of which are significant sources of revenue for this area. As we pass Lakes Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua, two of the 16 stunning lakes in this area, we continue on to Rotorua.

Your first stop is at The Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, spanning over 5,600 hectares of natural beauty. The forest is best known for its impressive stand of Californian Coast Redwoods. These towering trees, alongside other species and the crisp forest air, create an invigorating and unique environment. During this stop, you'll also get a chance to admire the iconic Silver fern and share various local products.

After a short, lunch break (not included), we transport you to the Geothermal Wonderland that Rotorua is famous for. You'll embark on a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Region and Maori Village, a living community amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. This is where you'll witness the world-renowned Pohutu Geyser. A local Maori guide will accompany you, sharing how their people have harmoniously lived with this remarkable geothermal environment for generations.

Learn first hand how the geothermal activity is used in everyday life by using natural mineral waters for communal bathing and cooking with steam vents and hot springs. Meet the villagers who call Whakarewarewa Village their home and are always happy to teach you about their hobbies and knowledge. Learn about the culture and traditions that have been passed down through the generations. After visiting the ancestral home, Whare Tupuna, a fully carved meeting house, you'll be treated to a traditional Maori welcome, traditional songs, dances, and fighting skills, including the well-known Haka. A concert you shouldn't miss.

As we depart the welcoming community and continue the journey through Rotorua City to see the formal Government Gardens, the well-known Rotorua Bath House and Museum, and Rachel's Spring, which continuously boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

As we begin the homeward journey back to your ship, we'll make a scenic detour to encounter some of New Zealand's native fauna. We'll take a short stop to watch the adrenaline seekers as they tackle the Kaituna Rapids and Falls in their kayaks and rafts. You might even get the chance to chat with local trout fishermen and hear about their catch of the day.

We then return back to Mount Maunganui at the end of an incredible day of travel and exploration to meet your ship at the port of Tauranga prior to it's time to sail.