Shore Excursions Group
Best Of Both Worlds
Best of Both Worlds
Explore everything Auckland has to offer, from the urbane vitality of city life to the untouched tranquility of the countryside.
For those cruise guests staying in Auckland after your cruise, you can take advantage of this tour from your hotel. You’ll spend the morning enjoying the hustle and bustle of New Zealand’s largest city, seeing the City of Sails in action, and visiting a volcanic cone in the northern suburbs with 360-degree views of the ocean and city. You’ll also drive up busy Queen Street and learn about history of Auckland from your experienced driver guide. A half-hour bus ride will whisk you to the lush wilderness, where the sights of skyscrapers will be replaced with towering kauri trees and a dramatic black sand beach. Enjoy breathtaking bird’s eye views of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean from the lookout at the Arataki Centre, and learn about flora and fauna from a knowledgeable tour guide as he leads you through the easy nature trails in the lush, untouched wilderness of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.
During this next part of your New Zealand tour, keep your eyes open for surfers at Piha Beach; this beach is the birthplace of New Zealand board riding. By the time you arrive, the black sands of Piha Beach should be warm in the afternoon sun, which, as it hangs lower over the water, will make for a beautiful photo opportunity.
This Auckland city tour includes afternoon tea before returning you to the city in time for dinner, at 5:30 p.m. If what you want is the best of the area’s urban and rural highlights, then this is the tour for you.
PLEASE NOTE: This tour is best suited for guests if your ship is departing the port at 7:00 PM or later.
| Day 1 |
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone. Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia. You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise. Auckland, New Zealand awaits you! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/03/22 - 05/15/27 |
Starting At $239 |
Get A Quote |
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
