New Zealand · SHORE EXCURSIONS

The 15 Best Shore Excursions in New Zealand

25 tours  ·  from $50 a head

A cruise stop gives you one shot at a port and a hard deadline back. These 15 are built around Tauranga, Bay of Islands, Akaroa and Picton, each priced and timed to get you back aboard.

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights - Te Puke and the taste of New Zealand
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Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights

1.Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights

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

Travel from Tauranga to Rotorua for a full day of geysers, bubbling mud, redwoods, Government Gardens, and Māori culture. You will visit Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village, watch the Pohutu Geyser, taste local kiwifruit, and stop at Kaituna Falls. Guides such as Stephen and Rolf provide commentary, while lunch is purchased separately.

“A wonderful excursion. Loved the living village and our tour guide Jessie who was very knowledgeable. The kiwi farm was very interesting and the fruit we sampled delicious. Thanks to all.”

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Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion - Makana Chocolate Boutique and the food question
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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

Travel from Waitangi Wharf or your hotel with a local guide to Haruru Falls, Makana Chocolate Boutique, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, and the Manginangina Kauri Walk. Guides such as Dyson, Rob, Greg, Mike, and Gareth are praised for clear commentary. The tour suits cruise passengers, but uses most of a short port visit.

“Even though it rained all day we still had a great time and excellent driver. Dyson was patient, educational and helpful.”

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6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga - Kuirau Park: Rotorua’s geothermal activity without an entry fee
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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

Travel from Tauranga to Rotorua in a small group of up to 20. With guides such as Simon, Richie, and Alistair, you’ll see bubbling mud, steaming lakes, Government Gardens, Māori culture, kiwi orchards, and the Redwoods Treewalk, plus a guided glow worm cave and warm foot bath.

“It was excellent and a very enjoyable day out. Felt very looked after. Gluten free lunch was amazing”

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Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula - Dunedin Railway Station deserves more than a passing glance
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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

Travel from Port Chalmers through central Dunedin and along the Otago Peninsula in a small air-conditioned minivan. Guide Chris and his team combine city sights, coastal viewpoints, Baldwin Street, Dunedin Railway Station, and a short beach walk where New Zealand sea lions may be resting. The 3.5-hour tour suits cruise passengers who want nature and city highlights in one outing.

“Please check as we were given instructions to meet 20 minutes away. Panicked and sent a chat message and found out pick up was 3 minutes from the ship. 🥰. Tour and driver were excellent. Got to go to the beach and see the sea lions and the city center and the beautiful scenery as well .”

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Hobbiton Movie Set Shore Excursion from Tauranga (6 Hours) - Shire’s Rest is your useful pause before the tour
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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 port through Mount Maunganui, the Kaimai hills, and Waikato farmland to Hobbiton. Expect air-conditioned transport, commentary from your local driver, a guided 2.5-hour movie-set visit, access to a furnished Hobbit home, and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Pub. Guide names vary by departure.

“Tour guide was knowledgeable in the area and gave an informative commentary on the way out of the city. It was a 6hr tour in total and Hobbiton is just over an hour's drive from Tauranga. There is a fair bit of walking involved around the fillm Read more”

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour - A short walk in Christchurch Botanic Gardens
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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

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Akaroa through Banks Peninsula to Christchurch, with a guided walk in the Botanic Gardens, city sights, earthquake commentary, and free time for lunch. The return route may include Sumner, Lyttelton, and the Port Hills. Guides such as Scotty, Ian, Phil, and Bruce are praised for local stories and clear commentary.

“We were on a 50 passenger bus, so that eliminates the opportunity to ask questions. it was a long day of driving to see Christchurch, but I wanted to go there, so I don't know how it could have been otherwise - except others on our ship saw Christchurch AND stopped to see a sheep shearing and dogs working sheep. I was envious of them. We saw all that was advertised in the tour and it was very good.”

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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights - Mona Vale Gardens gives the tour room to breathe
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

7.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

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

Travel from Lyttelton port into Christchurch with a local driver-guide such as Scotty, Joseph, or Larry. See Mona Vale Gardens, hear how the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes changed the city, and take in wide views from the Sign of the Takahe. Central-city free time includes a chance for lunch.

“This tour went over the Dyer Pass which gives great views of Christchurch. I enjoyed the walk through Mona Park and the bus did a circuit of the city where all the sights were pointed out and the earthquake history and damage were explained.”

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Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour - First Church, Harbour Molars, and Dunedin’s city center
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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 guide Andrew for a one-hour V8 trike ride from Dunedin Public Art Gallery. You will pass historic buildings, Speight’s Brewery, St Clair, beaches, and Otago Peninsula viewpoints. The small vehicle carries up to four people, with jackets and sunglasses available. Expect fresh air, strong engine noise, fast-moving views, and one five-minute photo stop.

“No helmets required which was great. Extremely comfy seats Could have done it for hours, lots of fun.”

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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center - Mona Vale Gardens: a quieter half hour
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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

Travel from Lyttelton into Christchurch with a local driver-guide such as Scotty or Joseph. See hilltop views, Mona Vale Gardens, Cathedral Square, and Riverside Market before spending two hours at the International Antarctic Centre, including rescued blue penguins, a simulated blizzard, and a Hagglund ice-vehicle ride.

“We had a good time and enjoyed the guides. The Antarctic experience was a lot of fun but we ran out of time to visit the souvenir shop. We can recommend this excursion.”

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Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier - Two hours among bush, birds, and gentle rapids
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Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier

10.Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier

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

Raft the Mohaka River from Napier on a five-and-a-half-hour family-friendly trip with easy grade II rapids, native bush, birdsong, local Maori history, equipment, pickup, photos, and a homemade lunch. Deon, Jo, and guides such as Mike, Jen, Dallas, and Lottie keep the day relaxed, safe, and fun.

“Deon, his wife and guide all did great in preparing, equipping and feeding everyone on this adventure. The water level was below average for the time if year (end of February), but very enjoyable and informative.”

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Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour - Why Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc matters
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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

From Picton’s i-Site, a guide such as Bruce, Lucinda, Lisa, or Marsley drives you through the Koromiko Pass to Marlborough’s vineyards. Expect tastings at up to five cellar doors, a vineyard stop, lunch at your own cost, and handmade chocolate. Groups are capped at 11, with careful timing for cruise departures.

“The tour itself was very good. Our guide, Mike, was very knowledgeable and organized. Unfortunately, we were delayed by passengers arriving on a different cruise which meant rushing a very nice lunch and skipping one winery. This was certainly not the fault of Jade Tours.”

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Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve - What happens at the Akaroa launch point
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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 stable two-person sea kayak through Akaroa’s sheltered bays and volcanic coastline with guides such as John, Jake, Joey, and James. The 2 to 3-hour outing includes kayaks, spray skirts, jackets, safety help, and local stories. Wildlife sightings can include Hector’s dolphins, penguins, seals, and seabirds, but are never guaranteed.

“Our kayaking tour of Akaroa was awesome. We were able to meet the guides after a short walk from our cruise ship. Two guides accompanied the small group and provided excellent safety and paddling instruction. During the trip, which mostly followed the shore, they gave interesting information about the wildlife, flora and geology of the area. The paddling was easy and very enjoyable. We're so pleased that we chose this excursion in Akaroa.”

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Tauranga Shore Excursion: Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour - Gate Pa Memorial Reserve in ten focused minutes
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Tauranga Shore Excursion: Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour

13.Tauranga Shore Excursion: Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour

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

This 4.5-hour small-group shore trip links Mount Maunganui, Gate Pa, Te Puna, Minden Lookout, and McLaren Falls Park. Your guide drives from Tauranga’s cruise port, explains local Māori and farming history, serves kiwifruit, manuka honey, coffee, a large muffin, and hokey pokey ice cream. Walking at the falls is optional.

“Jan was a very informative tour guide who kept us entertained for the duration of the tour. We saw a beautiful waterfall, a great view of the city from the highest point on the island, had a great muffin with coffee and more.”

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre - A short stop at Christchurch Botanic Gardens
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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre

14.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 135 reviews · from $124

Travel from Akaroa through the scenic Banks Peninsula to Christchurch, with a short city tour, Botanic Gardens stop, and entry to the International Antarctic Centre. You’ll face an indoor Antarctic storm, see little blue penguins, and ride an amphibious Hagglund. Guides such as Scotty and Rob are known for strong local commentary, but timing can feel tight.

“Overall, I enjoyed this shore excursion but I felt it could have been better. I saw great scenery, learned a lot about Christchurch and the tragic earthquake and enjoyed the International Antarctic Centre's activities. But I also felt that time was wasted perhaps due to some misinformation and timing issues. We had a stop over at the Museum/Botanic Gardens and our driver said that we should consider getting lunch which we did. At our next stop at the International Antarctic Centre, we ended up sitting in the cafeteria for about a half hour. Finally, we arrived back at Akaroa just in time to catch the very last tender back to…”

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Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour - Signal Hill puts Dunedin in context
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Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

15.Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 131 reviews · from $61Best value

This four-hour Dunedin tour takes you from Port Chalmers to Signal Hill, Baldwin Street, the University of Otago, Olveston gardens, the Octagon, Dunedin Railway Station, and possibly St Clair Beach. Guides including Kim, Alan, Ann, Ken, and Greg provide local stories. Pickup and return at the cruise wharf are included.

“Fabulous tour - highly recommended and our guide, Alan was knowledgeable and personable! A pick up and drop off to our cruise ship was included with a bit of time to explore Dunedin as well!”

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New in Shore Excursions

★ 4.5Picton Shore Excursion: Queen Charlotte Sounds CruiseFrom $5065 reviews
★ 5.0Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Region Tour from PictonFrom $14871 reviews
★ 5.0Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Guided Walking Tour and PicnicFrom $18657 reviews
★ 4.0Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet BoatingFrom $17354 reviews

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Cruises & Boat Tours152Milford Sound Cruises61Bay of Islands Cruises20Sailing21Canoes & Kayaks29Whale Watching10Dolphin Watching12Abel Tasman National Park Tours9
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