You’ve settled into your stateroom, slept onboard overnight and savoured the deluxe delights of sea life… you’re in heaven. But the pleasures and leisure time of cruising isn’t limited to the chair spangled decks and formal dinner affairs. Get out, see the sights and find out more about New Zealand!
You’ve nailed down which New Zealand cruise shore excursions suit you, putting together a general plan – but the wake-up-and-go approach doesn’t always work out. Inside secret? The following must-do’s demand pre-booking to guarantee a coveted spot. So don’t miss out.
Our Worry-Free Guarantee: Never miss the boat! Pre-booking shore excursions with our specialist team ensures you will be collected and delivered according to cruising timetables.
Wellington Half Day Lord of the Rings tour
Say g’day to Gandalf on this half day tour of Wellington, combining city sight-seeing with more Middle Earth exploration, including a guided tour of the prop-making exhibition at Weta Workshop! A real what’s what of Wellywood (a local play on Wellington and Hollywood), you’ll spend time inside and outside, breathing in the views of Mt Victoria before diving into the lush Green Belt, a forest filming location specifically chosen for its natural beauty. Board the bus again and zoom down to Wellington Studios, checking out prop displays from both Middle Earth trilogies and finally, the genius of Weta Workshop, where props and makeup transform sets into worlds. You’ll also see more of Courtenay Place and the famous Embassy Theatre, the home of world premieres, glitz and the occasional dash of glamour. Not to be missed! Do you want a bit more detail? Further worlds await you here.
Hobbiton
Begin your own fellowship and venture into Middle Earth with your newfound friends (or a few old ones) with a tour of the once-farm now-film set location of Hobbiton, found in the picturesque valleys of Matamata. Picture perfect green hills greet your eyes, as a comfortable coach pulls into the Shires Rest for a cup of coffee before the Hobbit wander begins. After gathering a few laughs on the way to the permanent Hobbit Village, your guide will show you around this sleepy little town, from Hobbit Holes and photo opportunities (don’t be afraid to volunteer) to the party tree and the cosy nooks of the Green Dragon Pub… you’ll be delighted at every turn. Enjoy a specialty Hobbit Ale, polish off a fitful lunch and buy a souvenir at the shop before beginning the journey back to Tauranga. Excited by our description? Don’t just read about it, book it and live it.
Taieri Gorge Railway
When thousands of people pull into port at the same time – often, more than one cruise ship will arrive – it can be extremely difficult to secure a place on the Tairei Gorge Railway. Much more than just a train journey, your 9:00am journey will chug through the breathtaking Taieri Gorge, under hundred-year-old hand wrought tunnels and viaducts made of iron. Ocean views, city skylines and camera-worthy vistas await you on this magnificent, historical jaunt. Intrigued?
Our worry-free guarantee extends to some of the most in-demand New Zealand tours and locations, from the Marlborough Sounds of Picton to the highlights of Hawkes Bay. Do it all and more with Kirra Tours.
