Top New Zealand Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in New Zealand's Bay of Islands with a half-day boat tour—the perfect way to experience the area from a vantage point on the water. Cruise by 144 subtropical islands, and visit natural rock formation, Hole in the Rock, plus Cape Brett Lighthouse. Head out on a bush walk on Motuarohia (Roberton) Island and take in scenic views of the area from the island's lookout point. As you travel the waters of the bay, keep an eye out for native wildlife and marine life, and enjoy onboard commentary.

Found on the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, the Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region home to dramatic landscapes, a fishing heritage, and historic treasures. On this half-day small-group tour, explore the areas of Waitangi, Paihia, Opua, and the Haruru Falls before riding a ferry across the bay for a visit to several local beaches and panoramic views from Flagstaff Hill.

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on cruise ship days. The tour stops regularly at locations with a chance to get off and have a walk around. As well as the regular stops there is an option to go to either Larnach Castle or Sandly bay track whilst on Otago Peninsula Comfortable vehicles with Aircon and a commentary is provided. A full refund is offered if the ship cancels its port call for any reason or if at the conclusion of the tour the customer is dissatisfied with any part of the experience that is an error or omission within the operator's control so long as the issue is raised first with the operator before any other party. (Subject to tripadvisor complying with operator request) Operator reserves the right, without liability, to alter or amend the tour time and destinations to fit in with the time window available for the ship's visit.

As New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington has a long history filled with stories of both Maori peoples and Western settlers. Explore the city on this half-day tour, riding the steep cable car to the summit to take in stunning views, discovering hidden gems around the city, and passing by some of Wellington’s most popular tourist attractions.

When your ship docks at Waitangi Wharf, explore the beautiful Bay of Islands and see the best of Northland. Travel through the Bay of Islands with your guide and take in top attractions including the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, roaring Haruru Falls, and Manginangina Kauri Walk, where you can stroll among ancient trees. Also sample local sweet treats at the Makana Chocolate Factory.

Enjoy a magical 6-6.5 hour tour to the Hobbiton Movie set, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, which has made NZ famous. Leaving the port, we first travel past the stunning beaches of Mount Maunganui, a top NZ holiday destination, across the harbor bridge and into the country, over the Kaimai mountain ranges, into the lush farming district of the Waikato, the location of Hobbiton. At Hobbiton you can visit the Shires Rest Cafe, browse the souvenir shop or just take in the stunning views before joining the 2.5 hour guided tour, explore inside a Hobbit home and finish at The Green Dragon Pub with a complimentary Ale. As Cruise ship arrival times varies so much, we adjust the start time to suit, which we confirm to you when your booking is accepted, always having you back at the ship in good time for its departure. Please see the Additional Info section for details of our cancellation policy should the ship cancel its port of call within 24 hours of arrival.

Let seafaring experts show you the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, and spot marine life. Hop off at two hand-picked islands for a hike to panoramic lookout points and see the famous Hole in the Rock.

On this full-day tour from Tauranga, take a journey deep into Middle-earth—to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set—without the stress of driving yourself on unfamiliar rural roads. Be driven from Tauranga into the heart of the Waikato with a group and guide. Also spend some time in the secluded New Zealand bush at McLaren Falls Park and see the striking waterfall of the same name. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Discover the best of Christchurch on this unforgettable highlights tour, featuring three of the city's most iconic attractions. Step aboard the heritage Tram, glide along the picturesque Avon River on a traditional punt, and soar above the city on the Christchurch Gondola for spectacular panoramic views. Combining history, scenery, and local charm, this tour is the perfect way to experience Christchurch's top sights in one memorable day.

Nature lovers will enjoy this shore excursion from Napier to the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Make the most of a short time on land on a bird-watching safari. This tour is ideal for travelers with limited mobility because you’ll be driven up close to the gannets. Admire the coastal views as well as the sight of thousands of birds.

The vibrant blue-green waters of Tauranga Harbour are home to some of the area’s most popular sights. Relax aboard a two-deck boat on this boat cruise as you explore the harbor, taking in ocean views and the area’s beaches, forests, islands, and village settlements, contrasted by scenes of the Grand Kaimai mountain range and Mount Maunganui in the distance.

Experience Auckland’s vibrant neighborhoods and natural wonders with this comprehensive half-day shore excursion. Travel by air-conditioned minivan, stopping to discover the coastal villages of Devonport and Mission Bay, visit the Auckland Domain, and explore picturesque Parnell. Along the way, admire views of the city, coast, and harbor from lookout points such as Mt Eden, North Head, and Achilles Point.

Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” movies will love being immersed in the mythical universe for a day in the Wellington region. You’ll visit a number of places that appeared in the films, including rivers, forests, and a quarry. Spend time at Wētā Workshop, where the special effects for these films, and many others, were created and brought to life. This is a must-do tour for Tolkien enthusiasts.

Explore Dunedin’s top attractions without hours of itinerary planning on this full-day shore excursion. Take in panoramic views at Signal Hill, walk down the world's steepest street, and enjoy free time for lunch and shopping at The Octagon. Conclude with a guided tour of the historic Larnach Castle and its award-winning gardens, with time to explore on your own or relax at the Ballroom Cafe.

Make the most of a short time on land with a handy shore excursion from the cruise port at Mt. Maunganui to geothermal Rotorua. Skip the big, impersonal group tours in favor of an intimate small-group tour. In Rotorua, spend the day at Te Puia, a park full of natural geothermal attractions, including the enormous Pohutu Geyser. Round-trip port transfers ensure you don’t get lost, or miss the boat.

An air tour is an ideal way to see the vast area of the Marlborough Sounds, much of which has no road access. Many visitors only see the relatively developed Queen Charlotte Sound, but on this tour by light aircraft you’ll fly above all four sounds. Be amazed by the views of mountains rising out of sunken river valleys, and even land at a remote, pristine beach in the outer sounds for 20 minutes.

Journey out to Wellington’s south coast, looking out over the Cook Strait, and visit the region’s only fur seal colony. Journey out to Karori Rock’s "leaning lighthouse" to meet this thriving community of once-endangered critters. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided so you can relax and watch the seals in this isolated area that even many Wellingtonians don't know about.

Travel in a comfortable van, watch the beautiful countryside go by as we drive from location to location. Sample 4 different local wines at either 3 or 4 different cellar doors. Everything is all arranged and booked for you. Do you have a sweet tooth? We can also call into the Chocolate Factory as a free extra if you like. Want a discount??? Grab your tour at a special rate if you book directly with Kiwi Holiday Tours. Contact us through our website. ARRIVING ON A CRUISE SHIP, PLEASE NOTE: -Shuttle buses will bring you from the cruise ship to the Picton Information Centre, and this is where I will be waiting for you. Start times/meeting time may change, so please do keep in contact. This is due to evey cruise ships arrival time is different.

As the largest and most populated city in New Zealand, Auckland has so much for tourists to see and do. After convenient pickup from your hotel, cruise ship, or CBD location, head out into the city to explore sights such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Mount Eden, Westhaven Marina, and Rangitoto Island on this half-day small-group tour.

This small-group adventure is an easy and efficient way to see the highlights of the Coromandel Peninsula—without spending hours planning an itinerary. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup from Auckland, then follow a well-paced itinerary featuring Hahei Beach, Hot Water Beach, and Cathedral Cove, with a delicious picnic lunch included along the way.

There’s no need to choose between a trip to the black sand Piha Beach and the multi-tiered waterfalls of Kitekite Falls with this half-day small-group tour. Set out from Auckland and take in ocean and forest views as you travel through the Waitākere Ranges before stopping to stroll along the coastline and to take a bushwalk to the thundering falls.

Explore Dunedin highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. See the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and more, then continue to the beautiful Otago Peninsula, pausing en route for a walk on St. Clair Beach and esplanade. This tour includes transfers from Port Chalmers, with departure times to suit cruise ship arrivals.

Catering exclusively for cruise ship passengers, this half-day all-inclusive coach tour of Christchurch fits in more than most visitors can see or do in a weekend on their own. Combine a visit to the renowned International Antarctic Centre with a narrated, air-conditioned excursion around several of the Garden City’s most historic and picturesque sites, plus learn about the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes as you travel. Food and drinks are not included.