Auckland Shore Excursions - Princess Cruises
Auckland City Sights
Tour Auckland's city sights and learn about Maori culture at the Auckland War Memorial Museum .
WHAT YOU VISIT
Auckland War Memorial Museum - Overlooking Waitemata Harbour, the museum features an intriguing collection of exhibits on New Zealand and the Pacific Islands . An 82-foot war canoe, chiseled from an entire totara tree, presides over the Maori Court.Time will be allowed to view the Maori and Polynesian sections at the museum.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Mt. Eden - Walk about 65 feet to Auckland 's highest natural point for city and harbor views and a vista of the distant Waitakere Ranges .
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
You pass many of Auckland 's major points of interest on this drive through the city and across Harbour Bridge . Downtown Auckland 's shopping and office complexes contrast with the restored Victorian buildings of the city's suburbs and Parnell Village with its colonial-style shops. Harbour Bridge dramatically links Auckland with the fast-growing North Shore .
SPECIAL NOTES
DISEMBARKING PASSENGERS IN AUCKLAND
This tour is available only to passengers with a Princess transfer disembarking in Auckland and departing on the same day with flights after 5:00pm. The tour will end at the airport at approximately 1:30pm; passenger baggage will be transported separately and claimed at the airport.
Auckland Countryside Experience
Explore Auckland's surrounding countryside, complete with a working farm adventure, a barbeque and visit to a bird colony.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Country Farm - Watch sheep dog and sheep shearing demonstrations on this working family farm located on the South Kaipara Peninsula . The farm runs sheep, and beef on a commercial basis but they also have a herd of quiet and friendly fallow deer in a field behind the house. The deer will come when called and make a delightful photo opportunity. Your hosts new, architecturally designed house is open for your use and is situated high on a hill with wonderful views over the farm out to the Kaipara Harbour .
Gannet Colony - From the cliffs above Muriwai Beach , walk approximately 400 yards to an overlook for a close-up of life in a sea bird colony. Depending on the time of year, you may observe these aeronauts breeding and nesting.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Muriwai Beach - The cliffs above the beach offer spectacular views of the Tasman Sea .
LUNCH
Sample a New Zealand-style barbecue with local beers and wines during your farm visit.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Your narrated drive includes Auckland city highlights, wine-growing areas, farming districts and coastal vistas before returning via the Harbour Bridge .
SPECIAL NOTES
DISEMBARKING PASSENGERS IN AUCKLAND
This tour is available only to passengers with a Princess transfer disembarking in Auckland and departing on the same day with flights after 6:45pm, or for CruisePlus passengers. The tour will end at the airport or CruisePlus hotel at approximately 4pm; passenger baggage will be transported separately and claimed at the airport or hotel.
Auckland - City Of Sails
Experience Auckland with an overview of the city and then cruise the Waitemata Harbour on a sailing yacht.
WHAT YOU VISIT
New Zealand National Maritime Museum - The museum celebrates New Zealand's maritime heritage with galleries and displays highlighting immigration, whaling, navigation and Polynesian exploration of the Pacific. Workshops display the art of boat builders, wood turners and model makers.
YOUR AUCKLAND HARBOUR SAIL
Board your 50-foot yacht at a berth adjacent to the Maritime Museum for an approximately 45-minute outing. Cruise to Westhaven, the main mooring of Auckland 's luxury yachts; sail past the Harbour Bridge and the inner harbor where you have the opportunity to steer your yacht.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Mt. Eden - Walk approximately 65 feet to Auckland 's highest natural point for stunning city and harbor views as well as a vista of the distant Waitakere Ranges .
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
You pass many of Auckland 's major points of interest on this city drive. Downtown Auckland 's shopping and office complexes contrast with the restored Victorian buildings of its suburbs, the quaint colonial Parnell Village , and the gardens and Victorian buildings of Auckland 's Domain. Continue driving past the Auckland War Memorial Museum en route back to the ship.
SPECIAL NOTES
This tour is available for passengers disembarking in Auckland .
Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto
View the geological wonders of the Glow Worm Grotto; observe New Zealand 's native kiwis, and be treated to both countryside and regional town scenes on the drive each way.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Glow Worm Grotto - Your boat navigates an underground stream through the Grotto that is lit by the flickering blue-green light of glow worms. The limestone formations include the "Cathedral," an acoustically perfect auditorium that has hosted performances by such recording artists as the Vienna Boys Choir.
Kiwi House - Located in Otorohanga, this specially constructed observatory affords a look at New Zealand 's national bird, the kiwi, in its nocturnal habitat.
LUNCH
A home-cooked lunch is served at Graeme and Elizabeth Robertson's home of Crosshills, where the lovely English style garden is a visitor's delight.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
During your scenic drive, take in the North Island 's spectacular scenery. The route crosses downtown Auckland and follows the Waikato River into the rural countryside, where apart from green fields dotted with sheep, the sights include Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori Queen, and Hamilton, New Zealand's largest inland city. Your drive will take you through Taupiri, known for a mountain sacred to the Maori.
SPECIAL NOTES
DISEMBARKING PASSENGERS IN AUCKLAND
The visit to the Glow Worm Grotto is neither wheelchair accessible nor suitable for the claustrophobic.
This tour is available only to passengers with a Princess transfer disembarking in Auckland and departing on the same day with flights after 8:30pm. The tour will end at the airport at approximately 4:30pm; passenger baggage will be transported separately and claimed at the airport.
Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World
Tour Auckland and experience Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter - A moving walkway transports you through clear acrylic tunnels for a firsthand experience of the underwater world. In the Antarctic Encounter, visit a re-creation of Captain Scott's expedition hut of 1911; ride a snowcat into an authentic white-out, and meet the native inhabitants of the polar region - penguins.
Auckland Sky Tower - At 1,072 feet, with two observation decks and a revolving restaurant, the Auckland Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere offering unparalleled views coast to coast. Glass fronted lifts will whisk you to the glass floored main observation deck where you will see Auckland right under your feet.
SHOPPING
Shop for marine-themed souvenirs at Kelly Tarlton's gift shop.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Your route passes one of the city's favorite harbor fronting beaches, Parnell Village , with its colonial style shops and cobbled courtyards, the Harbour Bridge and Auckland 's central business district.
SPECIAL NOTES
DISEMBARKING PASSENGERS IN AUCKLAND
This tour is available only to passengers with a Princess transfer disembarking in Auckland and departing on the same day with flights after 4:45pm. The tour will end at the airport at approximately 1:30pm; passenger baggage will be transported separately and claimed at the airport.
There is approximately a 320-yard walk from the entrance of the Sky City Hotel to the elevators for Sky Tower .
Ez Auckland
This scenic guided drive offers Auckland 's highlights for those who prefer little walking.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Mt. Eden - An optional walk of about 65 feet leads to Auckland 's highest natural point for city and harbor views and for a vista of the distant Waitakere Ranges .
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Your guided drive crosses Harbour Bridge for views of Westhaven Marina and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Auckland 's most prestigious yacht club. Tour Auckland 's waterfront; drive past two popular beaches, and take advantage of a photo opportunity at Auckland 's highest natural point. Other sights you will see from the comfort of the motorcoach include the charming Parnell Village , the gardens of the Domain, Auckland War Memorial Museum and the business district.
SPECIAL NOTES
EMBARKING PASSENGERS IN AUCKLAND
This tour is available to passengers with a Princess transfer embarking in Auckland on flights arriving before 9:00AM. The tour will depart from a holding location between 9:30AM and 10:30AM ending at the ship. Luggage will be transported separately and be placed onboard the ship.
DISEMBARKING PASSENGERS IN AUCKLAND
This tour is available only to passengers with a Princess transfer disembarking in Auckland and departing on the same day with flights after 2:45pm. The tour will end at a holding location in Auckland at approximately 12noon; passengers will be transfered to the airport from this location based on their flight time. Luggage will be transported separately and claimed at the airport.
America 'S Cup Sailing
The America's Cup is the world's oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. Today, you are offered the unique opportunity to participate in sailing one of these grand prix yachts.
YOUR SAILING ADVENTURE
NZL 40 and NZL 41 are America 's Cup Class yachts. Both were built for the 1995 America 's Cup in San Diego . The yachts offer a unique opportunity to experience sailing or racing authentic America 's Cup yachts, the equivalent to driving a Formula 1 race car.
Your two-hour sailing experience starts in the Viaduct Harbour where you meet the professional crew and are taken through a short safety briefing. The yacht then heads out of the America 's Cup Village past the syndicates and super yachts. The sails are hoisted and passengers become the crew. You are encouraged to take the helm and exert energy on the grinders, or simply sit back and take in the action as the yacht sails down the beautiful Waitemata Harbour .
SPECIAL NOTES
Passengers must be at least 10 years of age to participate.
There is a walk of approximately 500 yards between the ship's berth and the departure/arrival point for the America 's Cup boats.
This tour is not available on voyages beginning or ending in Auckland .
Auckland Beach & Bush Adventure
Combine the best of Auckland 's natural wonders – stroll a stunning black-sand beach and take a walk through the rain forest.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Karekare Beach - Take a stroll along the unspoiled black-sand beach - featured in the film "The Piano" - as your guide recounts the area's history and points out the local flora and fauna.
Arataki Centre - The center is located in the heart of the Waitakere Ranges . Join your guide for a nature walk through the dense rain forest, home to New Zealand 's famed kauri trees and giant tree ferns.
REFRESHMENTS
Take a break for a picnic-style morning or afternoon tea.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Travel approximately 45 minutes to West Auckland and Karekare Beach . Continue inland to Arataki Centre, climbing the rain-forested slopes of the Waitakere Range .
SPECIAL NOTES
This excursion features extensive walking over uneven terrain. Recommended for passengers in good physical condition. Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots and bring a rainproof jacket.
Matakana Wine & Craft Trail
Learn about the history and scope of the New Zealand wine industry; less than an hour's drive north of Auckland is one of New Zealand's newest and most vibrant wine regions, Matakana, near the small town of Warkworth.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Ransom Wines - This vineyard was partially planted in 1993 with chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and merlot vines. Plantings of pinot gris, cabernet franc and malbec since then have virtually completed the Mahurangi River Vineyard block. The first vintage was a small one in 1996, increasing to around 40 tons in the year 2000. Wine tasting will take place in a building situated on a knoll that affords sweeping views down and across the vineyard to the beautiful bush-clad Mahurangi hills beyond.
Ascension Winery – The winery is situated on an exceptional piece of land; the steep north facing hillside and ancient red iron-rich clay combine with hand-tended vines to yield small crops of intensely flavoured grapes. The owners, Darryl and Bridget Soljan care for these grapes and craft them into wine with a passion and empathy that can only come from five generations of working with the land and vine.
SHOPPING
See some of the local arts and craft this area has to offer including Morris & James Pottery which is famous in New Zealand for its vibrantly colored glazes. On the way back to Auckland stop at a local art gallery featuring local craft work. You will also have the opportunity to purchase local wines.
LUNCH
During your time at Ascension Winery, you will take a break for lunch.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Embarking at the pier, you cross Auckland 's city center on your drive to some of the North Island 's famed wine country. Return to the city over the Harbour Bridge
SPECIAL NOTES
This tour is not available on voyages beginning or ending in Auckland .
Passengers must be over the age of 18 to participate in the wine tasting at the wineries. |
