Shore Excursions

Enjoy New Zealand’s natural beauty as you explore the country’s interesting culture and tour landmarks that are unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else in the world. Thrill-seekers will find plenty of adventure and nature-lovers will be amazed at the scenery and unusual wildlife. There will be opportunities to shop, eat and sightsee as you visit some of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations. Here is a just a sampling of the wide range of shore excursions available.

Explore Waitemata Harbor aboard a Yacht: Board your 50-foot yacht at a berth adjacent to the Maritime Museum for an approximate 45-minute outing. Cruise to Westhaven, the main mooring of Auckland's luxury yachts. Sail past Harbor Bridge and the inner harbor where you have the opportunity to steer your yacht.

See the Lord of the Rings Movie Set in Tauranga: The tour begins with the journey from Tauranga through the scenic countryside out to Matamata and the Hobbiton village, one of the sets used for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.

Sample the Fabulous Food and Culture of Wellington: Wellington is a city for food-lovers, and a wonderful way to experience the urban delights of New Zealand. Stroll at a leisurely pace, sampling delicious food tastes with a friendly local guide for an ideal up-close welcome to lively, walkable Wellington. Taste typical local treats, from home-style baking to regional cheeses, seasonal fruit, chocolate and local coffee, as you pass Wellington’s less-traveled city sights, with local stories from your personal guide.

Enjoy the Famous Landmarks of Christchurch: Experience New Zealand's "Garden City" on a narrated drive. Explore the Botanic Gardens, nestled in a bend of the Avon River. Visit Christchurch Arts Center, home to artisans' studios and shops. Stroll through the 13 acres of English-style gardens at Mona Vale, a 1905-vintage Victorian mansion on the banks of the Avon.

Take the Taieri Gorge Railway in Dunedin: The Taieri Gorge Railway is one of Dunedin's top attractions - and one of the world's great train journeys. Your train features restored vintage and contemporary cars, which you are free to move between during your trip. The highlight of your train trip is the ascent of Taieri Gorge. The roadbed hugs narrow canyon walls, travels through tunnels and crosses graceful, 19th century cast-iron bridges. The train stops twice for photographs en route to Hindon in the desolate Strath Taieri Plains.

Visit a Traditional Maori Village in Tauranga: On arrival, you enter the world of the Maori as it existed before the arrival of Europeans. The village provides for a complete immersion in Maori culture. During you visit witness Maori ceremonies as the Te Whanau Aa Tamaki Cultural Group perform a variety of traditional chants and dances.

Climb and Explore Auckland's Harbor Bridge: Well informed guides share the bridge's architectural features and the myth and legend surrounding the bridge. The 360 degree views from the bridge's summit is a spectacular reward. Join professional Climb Leaders for a magical adventure on, around, up and under Auckland's stunning Harbor Bridge, nestled over the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

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