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Extend your vacation with our optional pre- and post-cruise land and hotel programs.

Sample Shore Excursions for private tours:

New Zealand

DUNEDIN - FULL DAY OTAGO PENINSULA & WILDLIFE TOUR Your Cruise Ship berths at Port Chalmers. Dunedin is situated at the head of Otago Harbour, a 21 km long fiord-like inlet tending south-westward between Otago Peninsula and the mainland. As a gateway to Otago with its many lake and mountain tourist resorts, Dunedin retains a charm of its own with fine public institutions and residential areas spread over the hills which almost surround the city. It is often called the 'Edinburgh of the South' and during the gold rush era of the late 19th century, was the main banking centre for this very wealthy province. Today it still retains many of its Scottish traditions. Dunedin is especially noted for the Otago University with its distinguished medical, dental and theological facilities. This morning, you will be met by your driver at Port Chalmers. Depart Port Chalmers on your private Classic Jaguar Limousine for a private Otago Peninsula & Wildlife Tour. Your tour includes a drive past a superb collection of classic Victorian and Edwardian buildings including cathedrals, the University of Otago, Dunedin Railway Station and the court house on your way to the Otago Peninsula & it's wildlife. On the Otago Peninsula, Admissions & Visits are included to: -Larnach Castle, built by William Larnach & his family last century. The castle is perched above the Otago Peninsula with magnificents views of Dunedin & Otago Harbour. A guided tour of the castle is included where the history of the building & the tragic history of the Larnach family is explained. -Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, set in 30 acres of mature woodland gardens with its historic homestead (1871), the gardens has a superb collection of Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Azeleas, Fushias, Roses & Peonies. (During your visit to the gardens, take the opportunity to purchase lunch at the Glenfalloch Café.) -Penguin Place, you will experience a unique guided tour of the Yellow Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve. View the worlds most endangered penguin species from only two metres away without the birds being disturbed. Importantly this reserve, offers people the opportunity to visit a working conservation area & to learn a little of the reality of conservation. -Visit the Royal Albatross Colony - the only place in the world where the Royal Albatross nests on a mainland, close to a town or city. See the magnificent "Royals", one of the world's largest seabirds, with a wingspan of up to 3. 5 metres (11 feet). You will see a short introductory film, displays and a description of the albatross life cycle. The main colony observatory is closed during the mating season (17 September to 23 November) but if flying birds can be seen from the pathway to Fort Taiaroa. On conclusion of your Otago Peninsula & Wildlife Tour, commence your return to Dunedin along the coast road.

CHRISTCHURCH - SIGHTSEEING & SHOPPING TOUR Your Cruise Ship berths at the Port Of Lyttleton. Christchurch, "The Garden City" has many well-tended parks, reserves and squares but the civic love of beauty is often more apparent in the fresh lawns and burgeoning gardens of the suburban streets. The pioneering folk of an earlier era took thought for the future when they planted seedlings which have grown into mighty oaks and elms, soaring poplars and graceful willows which are seen in every part of the city. Much of the charm of this city starts and finishes with the beautiful Avon River which runs through the suburbs and the city itself and provides an almost rural atmosphere in the heart of the city. The Town Hall on the banks of the river, is a striking example of the city's progressive approach to new architectural ideas, and is a nice contrast to the many earlier colonial buildings. This morning, you will be met by your driver at the Port of Lyttleton. Depart the Port of Lyttleton by private tour car for Christchurch. Drive over the Port Hills & down through the seaside suburbs of Sumner & New Brighton towards he centre of the Christchurch Business District. Enroute stop & enjoy Devonshire Tea at the historic Sign Of The Takahe Restaurant on the Cashmere hills with views overlooking Christchurch & the Canterbury Plains. Upon your arrival in Christchurch, visit the Christchurch Cathedral located in Cathedral Square, & the Arts Centre & Canterbury Museum. Your tour will also visit Hagely Park & the Christchurch Botanic Gardens through which the Avon River flows. Your tour will terminate at Cathedral Square, from where you will have the afternoon to explore Christchurch on foot for shopping, lunch & sightseeing at your leisure. A one hour Tram Pass is included for you to tour around inner city Christchurch on the Christchurch Tramway. Your tour car driver will meet you in Cathedral Square for your return transfer to your Cruise Ship at the Port of Lyttleton via the Port Hills of Christchurch. .

PICTON - MARINE WILDLIFE & MOTUARA ISLAND MORNING TOUR Your Cruise Ship, berths at the Port Of Picton. Picton is a principal gateway to the South Island, Picton is situated on the eastern arm of Queen Charlotte Sound and is a popular holiday resort as well as being the main centre of the Marlborough Sounds. It is also a very important region for water access fishing and tramping, with principal industries being tourism and boat building. Disembark from your cruise ship & walk to the Dolphin Watch Ecotours Office on the Picton Foreshore. Depart Picton on your Marine Wildlife & Motuara Island Tour with Dolphin Watch Ecotours. The fully guided cruise departs the scenic town of Picton and begins working its way through the breathtaking and sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds. Learn about the wildlife from qualified marine biologists and their staff as we take the time to enjoy the wildlife that call these waters home. You will see dolphins (according to season), fur seals and a variety of seabirds from the 13 metre catamaran. Dolphin Watch Ecotours is the only major Queen Charlotte Sound operator that is permitted to search for and spend time with dolphins and seals in this area and no other operator can give you a 90% encounter rate! After cruising nearly the full length of the Queen Charlotte Sound, step ashore for approximately one hour and provide a guided walk to the top of Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary where you will be blown away by the fearless birds as well as the spectacular view of the North Island from the Cook Strait lookout. Your knowledgeable guide takes plenty of stops on the way to the top to describe the different birds encountered on the track and explain the various conservation programmes. Notable birds inhabiting Motuara Island include, the endangered South Island Saddleback, South Island Robins & Little Blue Penguins. After returning to the boat, sit back and relax with a complimentary cup of tea, coffee or juice and biscuits as the cruise will briefly stop at the historic Ship Cove before returning to Picton. After your tour, the afternoon is free to explore Picton at your leisure on foot for sightseeing or shopping.

WELLINGTON - SIGHTSEEING TOUR Your Cruise Ship berths at the Port Of Wellington. Wellington - Capital of New Zealand, is a cosmopolitan city situated at the southern end of the North Island. Its location on the shore of a magnificent harbour means the winds off Cook Strait can almost always be felt. Wellington is surrounded by the rugged beauty of green hills, and has the most spectacular skyline of all major cities in New Zealand - a result of recent major high rise construction. The rapid modern growth has not altogether been at the expense of the older buildings in and around the city and even today the strong Victorian influence is testimony to Wellington's early establishment as the country's centre of political life. Of particular note is the "Government Building" built in 1876 which is the second largest timber building in the world. This morning, you will be met by your driver at the Port of Wellington. Depart the Port of Wellington by private vehicle for a sightseeing & orientation tour of Wellington City. Your sightseeing tour will include the following:- -Te Papa -The National Museum of New Zealand for a tour guided by your driver. Set on the magnificent Wellington waterfront and using an exciting combination of displays and leading edge technology, Te Papa brings to life the stories of people who live here in New Zealand. There are stunning perspectives on the country's environment, history and culture. -Visit the waterfront to Oriental Bay and Mt Victoria look-out & the rugged Southern coastline to the Wahine Memorial. -Courtenay Place, Wellington's famous restaurant, cafe & bar area & catch the famous Cable Car to Kelburn. -Stroll through the Wellington Botanical Gardens, Begonia House & Rose Gardens. -Parliament, Beehive, General Assembly Library & Government Building. -Historic Thorndon's Premier House & the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace. -Visit Otari Native Bush Reserve to stroll across the Tree Top Walk Way. -Visit Lambton Quay for pure indulgence in New Zealand's premier shopping mile or head to the Cuba Quarter for quirky, innovative and alternative shops Your tour will terminate at your cruise ship at the Port Of Wellington. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore the Wellington CBD at your leisure on foot for sightseeing or shopping.

NAPIER - NAPIER WINE TOUR Your Cruise Ship berths at the Port Of Napier This morning, you will be met by your driver at the Port of Napier, who will take you on a tour of the local area. Discover the character, atmosphere, rustic charm and hospitality of famous wineries steeped in history; an insight to winemaking techniques; and taste the difference of superb hand-crafted wine styles, grown in harmony with nature from a tapestry of soil in the unique grape-growing region of Hawkes Bay. Your tour guide has a wealth of experience in the wine industry, a love of Hawke's Bay and a passion for its history and is delighted to share their knowledge with you. During your tour you will visit four wineries.

TAURANGA - FULL DAY ROTORUA & LAKE TARAWERA TOUR (L) Your Cruise Ship berths at Port Of Tauranga. The name "Tauranga" means 'shelter' ' resting place or anchorage for canoes. Tauranga is the centre of a large citrus and sub tropical fruit-growing area and is a favourite base for deep-sea anglers. Across the harbour is the major port for the region, Mt Maunganui, which is also the major overseas outlet for the vast timber industry established in the centre of the North Island. Tauranga has become a rendezvous for thousands of holidaymakers to whom the lure of its sun-baked sands and sparkling waters prove an irresistible attraction. This morning, you will be met by your driver at the Port Of Tauranga. Depart the Port of Tauranga by private vehicle & travel across the lush farmlands & bushclad hills to Rotorua. Rotorua is the centre of an extensive thermal region and geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's frightening yet fascinating power. Rotorua and the surrounding lakes provide some of the world's best trout fishing. The Maori culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this holiday city. Here you can enjoy the culture and entertainment of our native Maori people. Upon arrival in Rotorua, commence a sightseeing tour of Rotorua including the lakefront & city area. Admissions are included to: -Rainbow Farm Show, experience an animated insight into New Zealand Farming Industry & it's history including demonstrations of sheep shearing & sheep dogs working. During the show you may be invited to bottle feed baby lambs, ride a bull or make cream & butter ! -Rainbow Springs for a tour of the springs & streams that are teeming with wild trout. Many of New Zealand's unique flora & fauna are featured, including the Tuatara lizard & New Zealand's national icon the flightless kiwi bird. -The New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute & Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve for a guided tour. Your visit with a tour of the Maori Pa (village site) & the institute where young Maori are taught the intricacies of traditional carving & weaving. From there visit the geothermal reserve to view the boiling mud pools & geysers. -The Rotorua Museum with its fascination local history & displays on the Mount Tarawera volcanic eruption of 1886. -A Gondola Ride up Mount Ngongataha for views overlooking Rotorua City & Lake Rotorua & a Buffet Lunch at the Skyline Restaurant. Depart Rotorua & travel north through the "Kiwifruit Capital Of The World", Te Puke, which exports huge quantities of kiwifruit worldwide, onto Tauranga. Your tour will terminate at your cruise ship at the Port Of Tauranga. Your evening is free at leisure until your departure from the Port of Tauranga.

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.What's Special About Us:We offer a free shore excursion on select cruises