Staying on in Auckland
Auckland is the key exchange port in New Zealand. Auckland is also New Zealand’s main international gateway and New Zealand’s largest urban city. Passengers staying on in Auckland before or after their New Zealand voyage, can be assured of urban comforts, from world-class hotels with award-winning restaurants and designer boutiques, to more intimate experiences with bed and breakfasts or even self-contained accommodation galore.

Travelling around Auckland
Passengers that begin or end their New Zealand voyage in Auckland may also want to take the opportunity to explore parts of New Zealand that cruise ships are not able to access. Auckland is a three hour drive to Waitomo Caves and a two and a half hour drive to the Coromandel. Both are not accessible by cruise ships and offer unforgettable and unique experiences.
Waitomo Caves can be an interesting experience for someone who loves exploring in caves decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms, or an exciting adventure for someone who will enjoy black water rafting in the caves, abseiling into the underground cave systems or rock climbing back up.

 

Coromandel is completely different, more ideal for someone who delights in nature and lazing on a hot sunny scenic beach. And if your cruise itinerary does not include the Bay of Islands or Tauranga, Auckland is a three and a half hours drive to either the Bay of Islands or Rotorua.

Another region worth exploring is Queenstown, the postcard and resort town of New Zealand. With stunning landscapes, adventure activities, luscious Pinot Noirs, golf courses and Lord of the Rings experience, Queenstown will be a fantastic place to spend a few days before or after your cruise. Queenstown is less than two hours direct flight from Auckland. For those with less time, some cruises also offer brief overland visits to Queenstown from Milford Sound or Port Chalmers (Dunedin). Passengers can then rejoin the ship in Port Chalmers (Dunedin) or Milford Sound.

Get in touch with one of our friendly inbound operators (ground handlers) at Cruise NZ to develop an exciting pre or post tour.