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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Port Arthur Historic Site

This excursion is rich in visual history and will teach you about Tasmania's convict heritage. The day will give you a compelling and dramatic insight into Tasmania's convict past and early settlement. Interpretive and interactive presentations at the Port Arthur site help bring to reality the harrowing life of the convicts sent to Van Diemen's Land.

The journey into this fascinating part of history and heritage begins when you meet your knowledgeable driver guide and board your vehicle to head out across the Tasman Bridge and onto the Coal River Valley, which is a renowned area known for its production of wine and surrounds the historic town of Richmond. You'll have the opportunity to drive through this quaint town and make a short picture stop at the famous Richmond Bridge. Passing through suburbs and towns bordering on picturesque bays and inlets, you will head onto the Forestier Peninsula, home to pristine Pirates Bay and Eaglehawk Neck. You'll make a stop at Pirates Bay to admire the wonderful views, rugged coastline, and striking rock formations.

Play "The Lottery of Life" at the interpretation center at Port Arthur, and follow the life of a convict. Take a guided walking tour of the site, with access to over 30 restored buildings and ruins. See the penitentiary (once a granary and flour mill), a separate prison, the Commandant's house, the church, and more. Your experience includes a harbor cruise around the Isle of the Dead on Carnarvon Bay, the burial place for those who died while in Port Arthur.

Your driver/guide will offer you an optional tour to Remarkable Caves. Sitting tranquilly amongst English oaks and gardens, Port Arthur is a harsh contrast to the beauty of the Tasman Peninsula.

On the journey back to Hobart we will have a short visit at The Chocolate Foundry were you can purchase a sweet treat. At the end of the tour you will be dropped dockside in Hobart with memories and a personal insight into Tasmania's settlement and their convict ancestors.

Hawkes Bay Scenic Tour

This tour will allow you to unlock New Zealand's best kept secret - Napier and the greater Hawkes Bay area.

This tour features some of the best scenery in New Zealand, as you drive through mixed farming country. Enjoy sights of sheep, cattle, and deer farming, as well as orchards, vineyards, market gardens, and much more while on your journey.

Hawke's Bay is noted as the Gourmet Food and Wine region of New Zealand. It is the second largest and oldest wine-producing region, producing mainly Bordeaux-style wines. You will drive through the most scenic parts of this land on some of the most picturesque roads in New Zealand. Eventually, you will reach Te Mata Peak--the highest peak in the area. This famous location boasts some of the most breathtaking views of the Heretaunga Plains and Hawke's Bay. Your vehicle will take you to a photo stop, located almost towards the top of the peak, where you will be able to take in the majestic view and snap some pictures as we traverse the scenic Hawkes Bay roads.

The tour continues with an informative drive through the main streets of Hastings City. You will hear some of the stories behind New Zealand's largest natural disaster, the 1931 Napier (Hawkes Bay) earthquake, and why the cities of Hastings and Napier were rebuilt in the popular styles of yesteryear.

From Hastings, the tour takes a scenic drive back to Napier to soak up the Art Deco style in and around Napier. You will enjoy a drive through a mostly 1930's Art Deco housing estate. The tour then drives through the Art Deco Capital of the world, Napier City. Here you will see all the world-famous Art Deco buildings firsthand.

At the conclusion of the tour, you will have the option to do some shopping or just walk the main streets in the central city with your camera before returning to your shuttle.

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.

Wellington At Ease

Wellington is the capital city and third most populated urban area of New Zealand, after Auckland and Christchurch. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range, and it is home to approximately 400,000 residents. The city was named after Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington and victor of the Battle of Waterloo. The Duke's title comes from the town of Wellington in the English county of Somerset. It is New Zealand's political center, housing Parliament, the head offices of all Government Ministries and Departments and the bulk of the foreign diplomatic missions in New Zealand.

On this Wellington tour, you will travel south within the Wellington central city. Your tour will first take you through the city as your guide points out landmarks and sites and their relevant history. You will see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings, and Old Saint Paul's Cathedral. The cathedral is an example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture adapted to colonial conditions and materials. It is constructed entirely from New Zealand native timbers, with stunning stained glass windows. The interior has been likened to the upturned hull of an Elizabethan galleon, with exposed curving trusses and kauri roof sarking. The flags displayed in the nave include the ensigns of the Royal Navy, the New Zealand Merchant Navy, and the United States Marine Corps Second Division, which was stationed in Wellington during World War II.

You will also make a short stop at Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Nestled in the heart of Wellington's Botanic Garden, this rose garden has more than 100 formal beds featuring over 3,000 roses. Among them is a heritage fountain presented by Lady Norwood, in whose honor the garden is named. The roses are a mixture of traditional and modern varieties in fabulous colors. They bloom spectacularly in the summertime, emitting a fragrance that fills the surrounding air. The glorious atmosphere of this garden makes it a must see while in Wellington for great photo opportunities.

On this excursion you will also have the option to take a ride down on Wellingtons iconic cable car at your own expense, for a nominal cost of approximately $3.50 US. The ride down takes approximately 5 minutes. Guests not wishing to ride the cable car will be driven down to the bottom to join the rest of the group before continuing on. Next, you will have a drive around rugged scenic bays.

Lastly, you will also be treated to 360-degree views of Wellington and the harbor from the lookout at Mount Victoria. Mount Victoria was used twice as a location in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Please Note: At the end of the excursion, you will be given the option to be dropped off on Lambton Quay instead of your cruise ship for some free time on your own. If you choose this option, you will have to make your own way back to your cruise ship, an approximate 20 minute walk.

See our FAQ for more information