New Zealand Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions in New Zealand for all cruise lines - Day Tours in Auckland, and Christchurch shore excursions
Most Popular Tauranga New Zealand Excursions and Tours

We have private, exclusive guided shore excursions in New Zealand for all travelers who want their own, private tour and for all Australia cruise ships in major ports. You will have a much more intimate experience, your guide being able to access locations the large cruise ship tour groups miss.Have only a few hours to spend and want to cover the highlights or a special itinerary? Enjoy your private car tour or shore excursion in New Zealand and Australia. Let us create a tour itinerary to suit your interests, we have a range of vehicles suitable for groups from 2 to 50 persons, from luxury limousines, modern sedans, minibuses and coaches. Any destination or activity can be incorporated into your plan, your own personal guide/driver will take you to the best destinations and will run the tour at a pace to suit you. Decide how long you want the tour to last [minimum of 4 hours] and where to go. Customized itineraries are available for cruise passengers.

New Zealand Shore excursions for
  • Princess Cruises, Diamond Princess, Dawn Princess, Sun Princess
  • Silversea, Silver Shadow, Silver Spirit private shore excursions
  • Holland America, Volendam,
  • Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Journey
  • Royal Caribbean, Rhapsody of the Seas
  • Cunard, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth
  • Crystal Cruises, Crystal Serenity Australia shore excursions
  • Oceania Regatta
or any other cruise line to Australia and New Zealand.. Ask for pricing! We will pick you up at your hotel or cruise ship and return you in time for your sailing. Please give us your ship name, arrival and departure times from port. Travel by chauffeured car, limousine or minibus. If you don't see exactly what you want here, please ask. We are experts at planning unusual itineraries. If you don't see a port mentioned here, please ask.


These are our mostpopular itineraries. New Zealand Shore Excursions
North Island Tours Bay of Islands cruise tours Auckland cruise tours Tauranga & Rotorua cruise tours Gisborne cruise tours Napier cruise tours Wellington cruise tours South Island Tours Picton cruise tours Kaikoura tours Christchurch & Akaroa cruise tours Dunedin cruise tours Fiordland cruise tours Stewart Island cruise tours

AUCKLAND
View the famous Auckland landmark Mt Eden. From this fantastic vantage point you will see evidence of Auckland's volcanic history. See Auckland Domain - the city's oldest park, situated on a 62,000 year old volcano with fabulous views of the harbor and across to Rangitoto Island. Visit the shopping area of Parnell Village with its historic buildings that have been transformed into boutique, antique, craft and specialty shops. Continue onto Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World and see King and Gentoo penguins on your snow cat ride through the Antarctic Encounter. In the Underwater World come face-to-face with giant stingrays, moray eels, schools of fish and sharks. All these creatures are only centimeters away, on the other side of the unique acrylic underwater tunnel. The Native New Zealand Encounter Show at Auckland Zoo will showcase New Zealand's unique wildlife. Next stop is the famous Waitemata Harbor. Enjoy a cruise aboard a Pride of Auckland sailing yacht. Sit back, relax or try your hand at sailing. Complimentary tea or coffee and homemade muffins are included. Finish your Auckland experience at the top of the Sky Tower. At 328 meters (more than 1000 feet), it's the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. On a clear day it offers breathtaking views for more than 80 kms in every direction.
AUCKLAND   USD PER VEHICLE. ADMISSION FEES EXTRA    
Vehicle Seats 4 hours 6 hours 8 hours
Luxury Sedan "1-3 $527 $736 $945
Minivan "3-5 $571 $802 $1,033
Minibus "6-10 $659 $923 $1,186

BAY OF ISLANDS
Art GalleryYou'll see spectacular rural and coastal scenery en route, visit historic Waitangi, cruise from Paihia and have free time to enjoy the cafes, museums and shops of Russell, New Zealand's early capital. Visit the Waitangi Treaty House and grounds, and see a traditional Maori meeting house and a huge waka (war canoe). Next you'll board the Bay Belle ferry to cruise from Paihia to historic Russell, a lovely town that retains the charm of its early whaling port days. At Russell, you'll join a fascinating mini-tour of the area with a local guide. After the tour you'll have free time to wander and enjoy the cafes, museums and craft shops along the waterfront.

Dunedin Shore ExcursionDUNEDIN - FULL DAY OTAGO PENINSULA CASTLE, PENGUINS AND ALBATROSS TOUR Dunedin is situated at the head of Otago Harbour, a 21 km long fiord-like inlet with its many lake and mountain resorts spread over the hills which almost surround the city. Depart Port Chalmers 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. Admissions & Visits are included to: -Larnach Castle, with magnificents views of Dunedin & Otago Harbour. Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, set in 30 acres of mature woodland gardens with its historic homestead (1871), the garden 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.) At Penguin Place, you will experience a unique guided tour of the Yellow Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve, the worlds most endangered penguin species. 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).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.

PenguinsCity Sights, Natures Wonder & Larnach Castle Tour This 6 hour tour includes Larnach Castle as well as City sights and wildlife that the Otago Peninsula is renowned for. After collection from the cruise ship at 9am we head to the City of Dunedin to the Visitor Information Centre. You have some free time here until 10.45am when the tour begins. We visit some city sights such as Baldwin Street (the steepest St. in the World) and Otago University, before we venture out to the Otago Peninsula to Natures Wonders for a close up view of the Penguins from their all-terrain ARGO 8 wheel drive vehicles. Time for lunch [your cost] before continuing to the Larnach Castle for a guided tour.

DUNEDIN DAY EXCURSION The ship berths at Port Chalmers.Depart on a full day tour which will include a short tour of the city centre, before driving out to the Otago Peninsula for a visit to Larnarch Castle New Zealand’s only castle where a tour of the castle and the gardens is included. Afterwards drive on down the Peninsula to visit the Royal Albatross Sanctuary at Taiaroa Heads, which is one of the few mainland nesting grounds in the world for these giant seabirds which can have a wing span of over 11ft and also visit Penguin Place to see the rare Yellow Eyed Penguins and the colony of fur seals here. (L) Lunch is included today.

Penguins
The Otago Peninsula is a scenic treat and home to some of the rarest wildlife in NZ. Get up close to the endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin, fur seals, Royal Albatross and other common visitors. We take you to the places the big buses can't. Learn about the forest plants of NZ as we stroll around the 'temperate rainforest' garden at Larnach Castle. We also show you the City of Dunedin, giving you a taste of the wonderful Edwardian and Victorian buildings such as The Dunedin Railway Station, Otago University and Baldwin Street.

DUNEDIN   USD PER VEHICLE. ADMISSION FEES EXTRA    
Vehicle Seats 4 hours 6 hours 8 hours
Jaguar sedan "1-3 $423 $643 $791
Daimler limousine "1-7 $544 $851 $989
Minibus "1-10 $428 $648 $799

Christchurch TourCHRISTCHURCH - FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING & SHOPPING TOUR Christchurch, "The Garden City" has many well-tended parks, reserves and squares, fresh lawns and burgeoning gardens of the suburban streets.Much of the charm of this city surrounds the beautiful Avon River. Drive over the Port Hills & down through the seaside suburbs of Sumner & New Brighton towards he centre of the Christchurch. 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. 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 driver will meet you in Cathedral Square for your return transfer to your Cruise Ship.

Hamner SpringsHanmer Springs Day Tour Leaving the port, we travel first through the garden city of Christchurch, then head north along the coast to Hanmer Springs. Situated in the foothills of the mighty snow capped Southern Alps, Hanmer Springs is an attractive year-round destination for adventure, relaxation and indulgence. Famous for its naturally heated hot thermal springs & spas, this picturesque and tranquil Alpine resort of Hanmer Springs also embraces various adventure activities including famous Jet-boating, Bungy jumping, Mountain biking, many forest walks and lots more. Finally we visit a winery before returning to the ship.

CHRISTCHURCH - AKAROA DAY TOUR Leaving the Port, we head out to the stunningly beautiful and tranquil village of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula, past the many bays and coves ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking and windsurfing. Akaroa, with its local Arts & Craft shops has a unique French feel to it, a heritage of the first European settlers who arrived here from France in the 1830's. Visit a 100 year old Cheese factory, Rapaki Bay, a Maori settlement. During the tour you will see the typical lush New Zealand landscape. You also take a harbour cruise to see some of the marine wildlife, such as the rare Hector Dolphin before returning to the ship.

CHRISTCHURCH DAY TOUR The Ship berths at the port of Lyttelton . Depart on a short sightseeing tour of the “Garden City of Christchurch which will include the Gothic style Cathedral in the centre of the City, and the lovely Botanic Gardens before driving out into the Canterbury countryside and north to Hanmer Springs for lunch (included). (L) This pretty alpine village is situated in a high country basin 385 m above sea level – and is one of New Zealand’s favourite retreats – perfect for rest, as a get away or for adventure. The outdoor thermal pools in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve are popular year round. Sit back and relax in the natural thermal water of these pools surrounded by towering trees and a magnificent mountain backdrop. (admission included) – bring your swim wear and towels). Hanmer Springs has something for everyone from a variety of walking trails, golf and dining to thrill seeking adventure in jet boats, mountain bikes, 4WD drive safaris, horse trekking and even a bungy site.


AKAROA   USD PER VEHICLE. ADMISSION FEES EXTRA    
Vehicle Seats 4 hours 6 hours 8 hours
Luxury Porsche 4x4 "1-3 $785 $983 $1,291
Volkswagen Caravelle "4-6 $741 $917 $1,203
Volkswagen minibus "7-11 $862 $1,093 $1,434

PICTON - MARINE WILDLIFE & MOTUARA ISLAND MORNING TOUR Picton is a principal gateway to the South Island, on the eastern arm of Queen Charlotte Sound and is the main centre of the Marlborough Sounds. Depart Picton on your Marine Wildlife & Motuara Island Tour. 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. You will see dolphins (according to season), fur seals and a variety of seabirds from the 13 metre catamaran. 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. Birds 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. .
PICTON   USD PER VEHICLE. ADMISSION FEES EXTRA    
Vehicle Seats 4 hours 6 hours 8 hours
Hiace Minibus 8 $714 $901 $1,087
Limousine 8 $989 $1,236 $1,483

WELLINGTON - SIGHTSEEING TOUR The capital of New Zealand is a cosmopolitan city at the southern end of the North Island, surrounded by the rugged beauty of green hills, and has the most spectacular skyline of all major cities in New Zealand with modern and the strong Victorian influence. Your sightseeing tour will include the following:- -Te Papa -The National Museum of New Zealand 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. -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. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore the Wellington at your leisure on foot for sightseeing or shopping.


Wellington, New ZealandIN WELLINGTON Depart on a sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s capital city (4 hours), which will include the downtown business district, New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings and Government Centre, Victoria University and the views from the Kelburn Cable Car Terminal. Also includes a visit to Zealandia - the Karori Sanctuary, which has been ring fenced from rodents, stoats, cats and other predators in an effort to allow rare and endangered native birds to inhabit the area in relative safety.

 WELLINGTON WALKING & FOOD TOUR Wellington is so compact, it’s ideal for walking. Experience coffee roasting, explore our top specialty food stores, sampling cheese and fruit as you go, and enjoy a light, three course tasting lunch with wines at a top Wellington restaurant or café. We explore this city known for its love of great coffee and food, finding culinary treasures visitors often miss. Connect with like-minded local food lovers, meet top Wellington restaurant and food professionals and uncover culinary treasures.

Private Tours (for 2-7 persons) Let us design a special day tour for your shore excursion in Wellington, or for a unique day trip. A food tour, a Maori led visit to Te Papa, or Lord of the Rings movie sites. Te Papa is New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum and a recognised world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences. 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.

WELLINGTON   USD PER VEHICLE. ADMISSION FEES EXTRA    
Vehicle Seats 4 hours 6 hours 8 hours
Luxury minivan "1-5 $659 $972 $1,280
Minibus "6-11 $730 $1,060 $1,390
Minibus coach "12-16 $730 $1,060 $1,390

Wine tourNAPIER - NAPIER WINE TOUR 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. This afternoon return to your cruise ship.


Famous for its Art Deco architecture, Napier sits at the heart of the Hawkes Bay wine region. Devastated in 1931 by Earthquake and subsequent fire, the city was rebuilt in the architectural style of the day, Art Deco.

IN NAPIER – THE HAWKES BAY Depart on a 4 hour fun and educational tour designed for casual imbibers and wine aficionados alike exploring the wineries of the Hawkes Bay. Four to five wineries will be visited. You will taste classic red varieties such as Syrah/Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Pinot Noir; and whites such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Gris and Viognier. In 1931 Napier was devastated by a huge earthquake and many of the building were rebuilt in an art deco style. Time to view some of these before returning to the wharf

Lizard TAURANGA - FULL DAY ROTORUA & LAKE TARAWERA TOUR The name "Tauranga" means 'shelter' ' resting place or anchorage for canoes. Tauranga is the centre of a large citrus and sub tropical fruit-growing. Tauranga has the lure of its sun-baked sands and sparkling waters. 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 abound. Rotorua and the surrounding lakes provide some of the world's best trout fishing. The Maori culture contributes greatly to its charm. Admissions are included to: -Rainbow Farm Show, experience an animated insight into New Zealand Farming Industry 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.

TAURANGA / ROTORUA DAY EXCURSION The ship berths at the port of Mt Maunganui. 8.00 am Depart on a full day tour to Rotorua first showing you the beach at Mt Maunganui which is New Zealand’s most popular beach resort and then driving through dairy farming country and through Te Puke which is known for its kiwifruit orchards. Pass lovely Lake Rotoiti and on arrival in Rotorua sightseeing includes a private guided tour of Te Puia – the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to see the geysers and mud pools, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre where young Maori are being taught traditional carving and weaving skills. This will be followed by a concert of Maori song and dance on the Marae (Maori Village) at Whakarewarewa. (L) Lunch and in the afternoon visit lovely Rainbow Springs to see the large trout and rare kiwis and see the popular Agrodome sheep show where you will see sheep shearing and dogs working the sheep before driving back to the ship.
TAURANGA   USD PER VEHICLE. ADMISSION FEES EXTRA    
Vehicle Seats 4 hours 8 hours extra hours
Granvia minivan 6 $494 $791 $99
Standard sedan 4 $549 $879 $110
Toyota minibus 8 $549 $879 $110
Mercedes Benz Viano 6 $659 $1,055 $132
Ford Fairlane Sedan 4 $604 $967 $121
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 11 $659 $1,055 $132

Prices are per person, in USD. Private tours are available for all sized groups. Book early. Because ,amy ports are small and the number of vehicles limited, we suggest that you book immediately.

What's Included Most Popular New Zealand Excursions and Tours 4, 6 or 8 hour tours. Car and driver including chauffeur's expenses. A sedan is suitable for 1 or 2 persons; Limousine for 3 or 4 people. People carriers (minivans) and small coaches are available for larger parties. Ask for rates for 20 or more persons. Tax and service charges. Sightseeing shown is for descriptive purposes only and admission charges are for the passengers' own account.

Call 1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time or (516) 248-2042 outside USA/Canada  Although we have provided as much information as possible on our website, we are happy to answer your questions directly on the phone. Sometimes, it is just easier to speak to one of us. We are awaiting your call. Call (800) 221 - 2474 or email