4 New Zealand Shore Excursions to Enjoy this Year

New Zealand cruising is fast becoming an essential bucket-list entry on every globe-trotters mind. There’s something about a sea-bound trip, the freedom, the food, the togas… it’s a unique experience, appealing to people who love their accommodation, dining and entertainment options all in one place. We believe in making New Zealand shore excursions special – there’s a lot that goes into making the perfect memory, so we’ve tried and tested these four shore tours to get you started.

1. Wellington: The Highlights Tour

Shore Excursion Category: City Sights
Island: North
How Much: $110 pp
What You’ll Do: Prepare your happy snapping fingers, you’re in for an educational, inspiring and awesome ride around the Windy City. Beginning your journey in an iconic cable car, you’ll be met by your guide at the station, friendly and ready to answer all your questions. From there, you’ll be treated to the views of Mount Victoria; the historical stalwarts of the Roxy Cinema, Parliament and Old St Paul’s Church; the wondrous Weta Cave; the halls of Te Papa and of course, the glistening Wellington Harbour. Our tip? Wear your walking shoes!

2. Auckland: The Must-See Tour

Shore Excursion Category: City Sights
Island: North
How Much: $99 pp
What You’ll Do: Meet your tour leader under the gaze of the Auckland Skytower, an architectural spear in the heart of the city. Once everybody has gathered and checked in, you’ll be directed to Auckland Domain for some sight-seeing, before continuing onto the striking Bastion Point. You’ll be also invited to wander the secluded Eden Gardens; a peaceful and picturesque destination close to the Government building. Enjoy a light snack and make some new friends, as you enjoy the shaded lawns and gorgeous variety of native flora. End the tour with an amble across the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge to Devonport, exploring the shops and cafes at your leisure.

3. Christchurch: What You Can’t Miss

Shore Excursion Category: City Sights
Island: South
How Much: $115 pp
What You’ll Do: Christchurch is a city of stunning views, historical relevance and natural marvels. Your experienced guide will first direct you to Akaroa, an elegant little town hemmed in by a glittering harbour, before leading you over the 1500 foot crater of an extinct volcano and into the Garden City itself. Before breaking for a scrumptious café lunch, you’ll witness the evolution of Christchurch following the 2010/2011 earthquakes, passing through still-recovering areas and stopping at local icons. Your afternoon will be filled with activities of your choice (at your own expense) – punting the Avon is a popular choice and it’s hard to go past a tour of the Botanic Gardens. Finish the day with a drink at the Hilltop Tavern before boarding your cruise ship.

4. Tairei Gorge & Dunedin: Wilderness Safari

Shore Excursion Category: Rail Adventures
Island: South
How Much: $161 pp
What You’ll Do: Dunedin is nothing short of stunning (although it can get a little cold – we recommend layered clothing), a lesson you’ll quickly learn as you board your train for the Tairei Gorge Railway tour. Sit back, relax and listen to the informative commentary, as wrought iron viaducts and hand-hewn tunnels appear before you, standing stoic and strong for more than a century. The train will either stop or come to creep as glorious scenes demand attention, allowing you to capture that perfect picture without worrying about blur. Back in Dunedin, your coach will steer you around the city for a two-hour highlights tour, including the steepest street in NZ, historical homes, peninsula views and finally St Clair beach. Phew! It’s a big day out.

Cruising this year? Speak to the knowledgeable folk at Relaxing Journeys and make the most out of your shore time in New Zealand.

Authentic Aotearoa: 4 Ways to Experience the Local Culture

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Zealand? Snow-capped peaks; chains of mountain ranges, volcanos and expansive national parks waiting to be discovered; wine regions, extreme sports and a wilderness experience that leaves one suffused in wonder… a cultural awakening, inexplicable and indescribable. What makes New Zealand special though, can’t be observed through a camera lens; the secret of this laid-back, welcoming, nature-orientated culture lies in its spiritual origins.

1. Te Po – Rotorua

Picture a clear night, lit only by tribal fires and a blanket of stars; a small crowd gathers, entranced by ancient stories, songs and dances. The Te Po package at Te Puia, Rotorua, is an opportunity to connect, relax and sample the hospitality of Te Arawa people. Your night will begin with a traditional welcoming ceremony, followed by a mouth-watering entrée of New Zealand mussels, corn on the cob, traditional breads, dips and a signature beverage harnessing the flavours of kawakawa extract and delicious manuka honey. And the main? Well, a surprise or two is good for anticipation – it’s simply delectable, we promise.

2. Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Bay of Islands

New Zealand as we know it began on the green grounds of Waitangi, as two peoples met to draw up a peaceful accord and catalyse the birth of a small but amazing nation. An adult day pass is priced very reasonably at $50, giving you all the time in the world to explore the vast grounds and trace the journey of those who changed history. Between the Museum of Waitangi, and the absorbing cultural performances, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of Maori living and protocol. Bonus? Nothing quite measures up to the beautiful Bay of Islands back-drop.

3. Waipoua Forest – Near Whangarei

The Waipoua Forest is the largest remaining patch of native forest on the North Island; a leisurely drive north of Dargaville, it’s easy to see why travellers continue to rate the highway trip highly, as farm-land gives away to something a little more wild and sky-scraping kauri trees begin to frame the road. Once you’ve arrived, wide-eyed and excited, the Footprints Waipoua tour will take you deep into the kauri forest, highlighting the remedial significance of native plants, the calls of native birds and of course, the Lord of the Forest, Tane Mahuta. Imagine trying to wrap your arms around a tree trunk 4.4 metres round… not quite magical enough? You’ll also meet Te Matua Ngahere, the Father of the Forest, aged between 2,500 and 3000 years old.

4. Te Papa Museum – Wellington

Leave the outside behind for a day and delve into Te Papa, a museum with a difference, combining historical flare with Maori art and modern indigenous identity pieces. Displays are always evolving – if you’ve already been, we can almost guarantee you haven’t seen everything Te Papa has to offer. New exhibitions appear regularly, showcasing traditions, interpretations, Pacific Cultures, natural history and powerful expression. Even if you’re not a museum person, you’d be remiss to skip this cultural experience.

Do you need to know more, do more and see more? Uncover the historical significance of some of New Zealand’s most striking places with Relaxing Journeys.