Port day · NEW ZEALAND SHORE EXCURSIONS

Top 15 New Zealand Shore Excursions

40 tours  ·  from $50 a head

This is the shortlist you would send to the next cabin: 15 new zealand shore excursions worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you book.

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights - Te Puke and the kiwifruit orchard
City Highlights Shore Excursions, City Highlights Shore Excursions in New Zealand, New Zealand Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tauranga Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights

1.Rotorua Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 427 reviews · from $152Our pick

Travel from Tauranga to Rotorua for Whakarewarewa’s geysers, hot pools, bubbling mud, and a Māori cultural welcome. You’ll also visit a kiwifruit orchard, redwood forest, Government Gardens, and Kaituna Falls. Guides such as Stephen, Rolf, and John provide live commentary. Lunch is at your own expense.

“The tour was very good but driver guides microphone played up a little finding it hard to hear on bus the town we visited was awesome with a great local informative guide our driver guide was an ok guide but could have done better”

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Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion - Haruru Falls, a quick stop with real visual appeal
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Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion

2.Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 317 reviews · from $139

Spend 5.5 hours exploring Northland from Waitangi Wharf or your hotel. Ride with a local driver-guide such as Dyson or Rob, visit Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, walk among kauri trees, see Haruru Falls, and sample Makana chocolates. Cruise pickup and return are included.

“Dyson (like the vacuum cleaner) was our tour guide. He was amazing. Absolutely knew his stuff and made our trip unforgettable.”

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6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga - Sulphur Point and Lake Rotorua
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6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion – Tauranga

3.6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion – Tauranga

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 283 reviews · from $135

From Tauranga, follow a well-informed local guide such as Simon, Richie, or Alistair to Rotorua for bubbling mud, warm foot baths, Māori culture, kiwi orchards, and the Redwoods Treewalk with glow worms. The 6.5-hour small-group tour suits cruise passengers who want a broad taste of the region without paying for a commercial geothermal park.

“The guide was very informative and friendly. The thermal activity, small town and the redwoods are a must see.”

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Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula - Dunedin Railway Station offers the strongest architectural stop
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Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

4.Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 270 reviews · from $86

From Port Chalmers, Chris and the Back to Nature team take you by air-conditioned minivan through Dunedin to Baldwin Street, Dunedin Railway Station, scenic harbor lookouts, and a beach where New Zealand sea lions may bask. The 3.5-hour tour carries no more than 15 people and suits cruise schedules.

“It was ok not too much excitement. Drive around and made some short stops. The beach stop was the highlight.”

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Hobbiton Movie Set Shore Excursion from Tauranga (6 Hours) - Arriving at Hobbiton’s Shire’s Rest
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Hobbiton Movie Set Shore Excursion from Tauranga (6 Hours)

5.Hobbiton Movie Set Shore Excursion from Tauranga (6 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 267 reviews · from $198Top rated

Travel from Tauranga’s port through Mount Maunganui, the Kaimai hills, and Waikato farmland to Hobbiton. Walk among the film set’s Hobbit holes, enter a furnished Hobbit home, and finish with ale or ginger beer at the Green Dragon. Guides such as Gary, Isabel, and Anna have added local color for many groups.

“The bus trip was comfortable and our host was very good. What could have been a very boring bus trip was actually fun, interesting and informative. Hobbiton was magical, like being transported to another world. Free roaming here would be amazing, but I understand why that's not possible. Definitely a must do, regardless of whether or not your a Hobbit or LOTR fan”

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour - Seeing Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake
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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

6.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 228 reviews · from $89

Ride from Akaroa through Banks Peninsula to Christchurch with a local driver-guide such as Scotty, Ian, or Phil. Walk through the Botanic Gardens, see earthquake damage in the old CBD, stop for lunch, and return via Sumner, Lyttelton, and Port Hills viewpoints.

“Tour did include Christchurch city & a nice drive both to and from Akaroa. However the driver provided no details of the day’s program both at the start of the day and during the day. This led to some people rushing to have lunch when the intended lunch stop was later. Also on one occasion give different return times to part of the tour group. Plus wasted time in Christchurch by having to re-board the bus after a short stop for a city tour and then we had another stop about a block away from our first stop.”

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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights - Mona Vale Gardens: a calm first stop
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

7.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 209 reviews · from $62

This 3.5-hour morning shore excursion links Lyttelton Port with Christchurch’s key sights. You’ll visit Mona Vale Gardens, cross the hills for views from the Sign of the Takahe, hear about the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, and get central-city free time. Guides such as Scotty, Joseph, and Larry lead the tour.

“Check the *Exact* meeting point. We went to Fisherman’s Wharf as instructed, but the coaches were parked further down the road. We came very close to missing the trip. Other than that it was an excellent trip with a very knowledgeable local driver.”

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Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour - First Church, the Octagon, and Dunedin’s city centre
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Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour

8.Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 207 reviews · from $86

Join Andrew or another Experience Dunedin guide for a small-group V8 trike ride from the Octagon. In about an hour, you’ll pass historic buildings, Speight’s Brewery, St Clair, and the Otago Peninsula, with a short photo stop. Jackets and sunglasses are available.

“Meetup was a breeze & on time. Andrew our driver, shared his love of Dunedin. Would highly recommend this fun way of touring the sights!”

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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center - The Sign of the Takahe and wide Canterbury views
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

9.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 194 reviews · from $114

This 6.5-hour cruise excursion pairs Christchurch sightseeing with the International Antarctic Centre. Expect a narrated coach ride, Mona Vale Gardens, city views from the Sign of the Takahe, lunch time at Riverside Market, a simulated Antarctic storm, blue penguins, and a Hagglund vehicle ride.

“A good day guide very helpful x I enjoyed Recommend .Antarctic Centre well worth a visit x Christchurch itself”

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Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier - From Napier port to the Mohaka River
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Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier

10.Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 179 reviews · from $139

Travel from Napier to the Mohaka River for a two-hour scenic float through native bush, canyons, and gentle Class II rapids. Guides such as Deon, Mike, Dallas, Jen, or Lottie provide local stories and safety help. Equipment, photos, and a homemade lunch are included.

“We were met bright and early at the ship by our leader Deon, an exuberant Kiwi bloke. Our group of 11 traveled in Deon's van for approximately an hour through beautiful New Zealand farm country, eventually transitioning to mountains, to The expedition outpost. We suited up in paddling gear and headed off on a 5 minute drive to the Mohaka River. We split into groups of 6 and put on the river for a 2 hour float trip of gentle class 2 rapids through a lovely limestone and sandstone canyon. After taking out, we headed back to the outpost for a lunch of sandwiches accompanied by two very friendly dogs,…”

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Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour - Four or five cellar doors, depending on the clock
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Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour

11.Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · from $155

Meet your guide at Picton’s i-SITE and ride a comfortable minibus through the Koromiko Pass to Marlborough’s cellar doors. You’ll visit four or five wineries when time allows, with guides such as Bruce, Lucinda, Lisa, John, or Marsley sharing local wine knowledge. Lunch costs extra, and the group is limited to 11.

“Fantastic tour!! Our local driver/guide was awesome!! Lucinda was very knowledgeable of both the local area and everything associated with the wine making process. She also was very concerned with everyone’s comfort and well being. We started with a visit to a chocolate factory and then 4 wineries with lunch at one of them. Awesome tour!!!!”

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Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve - What the two to three hours include
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, New Zealand Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

12.Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · from $83

Paddle a two-person sea kayak through Akaroa’s sheltered volcanic basin with guides such as Jake, Joey, John, or Allie. Expect a small-group outing, safety help, volcanic rock formations, seabirds, and possible Hector’s dolphins. The route and wildlife sightings vary with weather, tides, and season.

“This was a great tour. Allie was very kind and worked with us even when the ship’s tenders were late. John was our tour guide and was very patient and informative. Good for beginners and experienced kayakers. Had a wonderful time!!”

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Tauranga Shore Excursion: Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour - Mount Maunganui and the harbor crossing
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Tauranga Shore Excursion: Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour

13.Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 152 reviews · from $69

This 4.5-hour Tauranga shore trip combines Mount Maunganui, Gate Pa, a kiwifruit orchard, Minden Lookout, and McLaren Falls Park. Guides such as Jan, Duncan, Terry, and Stephen provide local commentary. Expect a forest walk, coffee and a muffin, fruit and honey tastings, and hokey pokey ice cream.

“Our driver/guide, Duncan, provided a most informative commentary for the duration of the tour. After a tour of Mt Maunganui and Tauranga the first stop was at the site of a battle in the Māori Wars. Interesting place, the highlight being the Paus at the entrance to area. Along the way we were told about the history and development of the Kiwi Fruit industry. A photo stop at McLaren Falls before heading for lunch of a huge muffin at a cafe in the park. A short drive after lunch and we were dropped off at the start of an easy walk to a pretty, but not spectacular, waterfall. On returning…”

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Auckland Shore Excursion: Half-Day Guided City Tour - Ponsonby, Parnell, and the city’s older neighborhoods
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Auckland Shore Excursion: Half-Day Guided City Tour

14.Half-Day Guided City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews · from $65

See Auckland’s city center, historic Ponsonby, Devonport, Narrow Neck Beach, Mount Victoria, Westhaven Marina, and Auckland Domain in three hours. A local guide drives a small group of up to 17 people, with port pickup, short walks, and time for views, coffee, and photos.

“I could not have asked for a better guide in Jason. He was amazing and full of so much information. I unfortunately had to get off one stop before finishing trip for medical appointment and Jason showed me where to go and very helpful. Thank you to Jason and team for outstanding service and I thoroughly recommend this trip to everyone.”

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Tauranga Shore Excursion: History & Kiwifruit Tasting – 4 Hours - Starting at the Port of Tauranga
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Tauranga Shore Excursion: History & Kiwifruit Tasting – 4 Hours

15.History & Kiwifruit Tasting – 4 Hours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · from $65

Spend four hours with a local guide such as Russell, Arwen, or Emile, touring Mt Maunganui, Tauranga, Minden Lookout, and a working kiwi orchard. Expect port pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, local history, scenic stops, and samples of kiwifruit, avocado, and tea.

“Russel is a highly organised tour operator with a wealth of knowledge that he is able to share with appropriate humour.”

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New in New Zealand Shore Excursions

★ 5.0Wellington Shore Excursion: From Cave to Coast Highlights Private TourFrom $1599 reviews
★ 5.0Tauranga Private Shore Excursion: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland9 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour Rotorua Shore Excursion up to 8 Passengers33 reviews
★ 5.0Private Shore Excursion Rotorua/ Tauranga Maori culture, Geyser & concert20 reviews
★ 4.5Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet BoatingFrom $14829 reviews
★ 5.0Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour (Shore Excursion)56 reviews
★ 4.0Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach CastleFrom $10866 reviews
★ 4.5Picton Shore Excursion: Queen Charlotte Sounds CruiseFrom $5065 reviews
★ 4.8Kiwifruit Destination and Sights Shore ExcursionFrom $7469 reviews
★ 5.0Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Region Tour from PictonFrom $14871 reviews
★ 4.0Shore Excursion: 4-Hour Discover Hawkes Bay and Napier TourFrom $8371 reviews
★ 5.0Epic 25 min V8 Trike tour of Mt Maunganui & Tauranga75 reviews
★ 5.0Shore Excursion: Local Tasting Tour from TaurangaFrom $18677 reviews
★ 5.0Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston TourFrom $17981 reviews
★ 4.5Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank TourFrom $10284 reviews

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Private Shore Excursions191Small Group Shore Excursions32City Highlights Shore Excursions122Cruise Port Transfers80Beach & Swim Shore Excursions43Ephesus Shore Excursions48
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