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Akaroa-Christchurch
The small enchanting settlement of Akaroa is a 90 minute drive from Christchurch and is still a port of call for some ships. Please note that tour places are very limited so you should book your activity as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Auckland
A bustling city of 1.4 million people, Auckland offers many things to see and do. Cruise Ships berth in the centre of town so its easy to get around, by foot or taking one of the tourist buses. Join a tour to see more of the area or explore the harbour on one of the many ferries or sailing trips.
Bay of Islands
An internationally renowned destination is a mecca for boating enthusiasts as well as tourists. Explore the many bays and islands, take the ferry to historic Russell, walk to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. For a little more adventure, take a trip out to the Hole in the Rock. Or join a tour to historic Kerikeri, wineries, Kauri forests or glow worm caves.
Dunedin
Settled in the 1840s by Scottish immigrants, Dunedin retains its Gaelic character, with impressive stone buildings and is home to Otago University. The cruise ships berth at Port Chalmers, a short distance from the city centre. Wildlife sanctuaries on the Otago Peninsula and New Zealands only castle - Larnach Castle - are popular tour destinations.
Gisborne
Gisborne is located at the northern end of Poverty Bay on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. Cliffs at the southern end of the bay were the first part of New Zealand sighted by the crew of Captain Cooks ship Endeavour and were named Young Nicks Head after the crew member who saw them. A memorial to Captain Cook stands on the foreshore, where he stepped ashore in 1769.
Kaikoura
Few places in the world can boast of such natural wonders as those offered by land and sea in Kaikoura. The seaside settlement is the most northern district in the Canterbury region located on the east coast of the South Island. Now famous for its whale watching operations.
Lyttelton-Christchurch
Lyttelton, the oldest settlement on Banks Peninsula has a variety of shops and cafs to discover and is just a 20 minutes drive from Christchurch. On cruise ship days there will be dedicated shuttles from the cruise berth to both Lyttelton and Christchurch. There is no walk off access from the cruise berth.
Napier
Famous for its Art Deco architecture, Napier sits at the heart of the Hawkes Bay wine region. Devastated in 1931 by Earthquake and a subsequent fire, the city was rebuilt in the architectural style of the day, Art Deco. Try some of New Zealands best wines at the numerous wineries surrounding the city, or take a tour to the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers.
Picton
Located in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, this small town at the top of the South Island, is the port for the Inter Island ferry, as well as a few visiting cruise ships. Take a local small boat cruise to some of the more inaccessible bays or by road to the famous wineries of Marlborough just an hours drive away.
Tauranga
Always one of the most popular stops on any cruise, Tauranga has a great climate, golden sand beaches, an extensive harbour and an amazing outdoors lifestyle. Cruise ships berth in Mount Maunganui, a popular beach suburb with shops and cafes only a short walk from the ship. Rotorua and Hobbiton Movie Set are both only an hours drive away!
Tauranga-Rotorua
Always one of the most popular stops on any cruise, Tauranga has a great climate, golden sand beaches, an extensive harbour and an amazing outdoors lifestyle. Cruise ships berth in Mount Maunganui, a popular beach suburb with shops and cafes only a short walk from the ship. Rotorua and Hobbiton are both only an hours drive away!
Wellington
Capital of New Zealand and one of its first major settlements, Wellington is now a bustling commercial centre being the seat of the Government and many other institutions. Its dramatic location, clinging to steep hillsides along the harbour edge, gives it a unique character, often referred to as the Windy City. The Cruise Ships berth a short distance from the city.
Which side of the road do you drive on?
New Zealand drives on the left side of the road, just like England.
What currency is accepted in New Zealand
The local currency is New Zealand dollars. Some tourism destinations accept other currencies [usually just US dollars or Australian dollars, but this is rare. Credit cards can be used for all transactions though. Local currency can be bought at the local banks or ATM machines.
Are there any things i should know when taking a taxi?
All passengers services are heavily regulated in New Zealand for the benefit of the client. A taxi can only charge you the rate as shown on his taxi meter, this is for the whole trip, not per person. They can charge extra for airport collection or drop off, payment with credit cards, or service on public holiday. If you have any issues take a note of the drivers ID card [which must be on display] and also the cab number, your complaint can then be taken up with the New Zealand Transport Agency. All tour and shuttle vehicles also have similar rules to follow.
I see that some companies display a Qualmark logo, what is this?
Qualmark is the official organisation in New Zealand that monitors the quality of any business involved in the tourism or accommodation industry. It is not compulsory but companies can apply for this and will only be issued with the certification if they pass an annual assessment which covers all aspects of their business. So its a good idae to use a Qualmarked business if you can as you should be assured of good service.
The cruise lines are always saying not to use independant tour providers, why?
The cruise lines want to dissuade their passengers from booking with other tour providers as they are obviously loosing business, they say that there is no guarantee the ship will wait if you get back late. More and more passengers are now finding smaller independent Tour providers who can provide great tours in smaller groups and usually at much lower cost. Its down to you to find a reputable company, in our case we have runs tours for 18 years and never missed a boat.
Are we expected to give gratuities to guides or in restaurants?
Its not expected in New Zealand to offer gratuities, but if you feel the person has offered exceptional service it is fine to offer a gesture of thanks. If you do or don't, nobody will be offended either way.
