New Zealand · SHORE EXCURSIONS

15 Shore Excursions in New Zealand Worth an Early Alarm

59 tours  ·  from $50

New Zealand leaves you fewer spare days than you planned for. These 15 shore excursions justify one, priced and timed so the choice takes a minute.

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights - Te Puke and the kiwifruit stop
Rotorua Tours, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights

1.Tauranga Shore Excursion: 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 village visit with song, dance, and traditional cooking. The day also includes Te Puke kiwifruit tasting, the redwoods, Government Gardens, lunch at your own cost, and Kaituna Falls. Guides such as Stephen and Rolf provide live commentary.

“The main point of this visit was to visit the Māori village. The other stops were not necessary but ok. Driver was very good as he was a local and took us around to see the beaches on the way. The Village tour as very interesting. Our guide the Chief Wes great, and had lived in the village all his life. How they cooked and bathed was really fascinating, using the hot spring water.”

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Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion - Makana Chocolate Boutique adds a sweet break
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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 touring Northland from Waitangi Wharf or your hotel. You’ll visit Haruru Falls, the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, Makana Chocolate Boutique, and the Manginangina Kauri Walk with live commentary from guides such as Dyson, Rob, Greg, or Gareth. Port pickup and return are included.

“We had a great tour guide/bus driver. He kept us informed along the route about the areas we were going through and the tour we were about to experience. He was knowledgeable about the area and history of the Glo Worm Cave. He also was enthusiastic about the Kauri Trees preservation and their history.”

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6.5 hour Small-Group Rotorua Naturally Shore Excursion - Tauranga - Kuirau Park: Rotorua’s free geothermal introduction
Rotorua Tours, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 with guides such as Simon, Richie, Alistair, and Brian. See bubbling mud, steaming lakes, and Government Gardens, then enjoy a snack lunch, a glow worm cave, and the Redwoods Treewalk. Port pickup and ship-friendly timing are included.

“We enjoyed half of this tour very much. The walk in the redwood forest, on rope walkways high above the forest floor, was the highlight of this excursion. We enjoyed a quick stop to see the kiwi fruit plantation. After that, the trip’s pace was far too slow and detailed for most of our group. Rotorua Lake is pretty but not worth a half hour stop there. And our guide obviously was really most interested in showing us the geothermal pools in the city park, and while these were interesting, he took a really long time to show us every little pool, losing the interest of the tour group. I…”

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Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula - Dunedin Railway Station and the city center
Otago Peninsula Tours, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Otago Peninsula, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

See Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula in about 3.5 hours with a guide such as Chris, traveling by air-conditioned minivan from Port Chalmers. You’ll stop at Baldwin Street, Dunedin Railway Station, coastal viewpoints, and a beach where New Zealand sea lions may bask. The small group, port transfers, and on-time return promise make this a practical cruise-day choice.

“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) - Walking through Hobbiton’s detailed village
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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 and the Kaimai hills to Hobbiton. Your driver provides local commentary before a 2.5-hour guided walk past Hobbit holes, into a furnished home, and on to the Green Dragon for ale or ginger beer. The tour is timed around your cruise ship.

“We booked a Hobbiton tour independent of our cruise ship and couldn’t have been happier with the experience. From the beginning, the instructions were clear, simple, and easy to follow, which made getting to and from the tour completely stress-free. Our guide was excellent — informative, organised, and very clear about how the tour would run at every step along the way. We always knew exactly what was happening, which was especially reassuring when coordinating around cruise timings. Hobbiton itself was a true bucket-list experience for me, and it absolutely lived up to expectations. We were lucky to have beautiful weather, which made the setting even more magical. A special…”

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour - Christchurch Botanic Gardens offers a calm first stop
Akaroa Tours, City Tours, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Akaroa, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 from Akaroa Harbour to Christchurch by coach through Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains. You’ll walk through the Botanic Gardens, see earthquake damage in the old CBD, stop for lunch, and possibly visit Sumner, Lyttelton, and the Port Hills. Local guides such as Scotty, Ian, Phil, and Bruce are known for strong 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 gives the morning a slower rhythm
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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 shore excursion links Lyttelton Port with Christchurch’s gardens, earthquake story, city center, and Summit Road views. A local driver-guide such as Scotty, Joseph, or Larry leads the way in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup and return included. Lunch and market time depend on traffic and the ship’s schedule.

“I signed up for a 3 hour tour to see Christchurch. I got that, but was also left in Christchurch for 3 hours additionally on my own. Fortunately the weather was nice and I had no other plans. But this makes me worry about other viator tours I have scheduled. Can I believe what I signed up for, or will I get stranded on my own again.”

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Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour - Heading toward the Otago Peninsula
City Tours, City Tours in Dunedin, Dunedin Tours, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 for a one-hour V8 trike ride from central Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula and back. You will pass First Church, Speight’s Brewery, the Harbour Molars, and St Clair, with commentary, open-air views, and a five-minute photo stop. The trike carries up to four people and jackets and sunglasses are available.

“Nice, friendly and knolegeable guide and driver we've got on our first-time experience on V8 Trike on a 1 hour tour of Dunedin, NZ. Wishing him a lot of happy customers and all the best!”

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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center - Starting in Lyttelton at 8:30 a.m.
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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 Lyttelton shore excursion combines Christchurch sightseeing with the International Antarctic Centre. Expect hilltop views, Mona Vale Gardens, Cathedral Square, Riverside Market, an Antarctic blizzard, blue penguins, and a Hagglund ride. Guides such as Scotty and Joseph add local stories, though timing can feel tight.

“Great Tour! Our driver was a really funny guy with lots of jokes and interesting facts about the City. We had enough time to experience each stop at our own pace. During lunch break our tour guide gave us some recommendations for the best food in Town. The Antarctic Cener was worth the visit and we had enough time to enjoy everything!”

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Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier - What class II rafting feels like here
Hawkes Bay Tours, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Hawkes Bay, Tour Reviews, Tours, White Water Rafting

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 gentle class II rapids with guides such as Deon, Mike, Dallas, or Lottie. Expect a one-hour drive, about two hours on the river, local Maori and regional history, supplied rafting gear, optional swimming, photos, and a homemade light lunch.

“a great experience, rapids are quite tam, only grade 2. Still good fun. Jen our guide was alot of fun and awesome. The family had a great time. Deon was great with communication, especially as we were on cruise ship, which arrived late. Definately recommend.”

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Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour - A closer look at possible winery stops
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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

Leave Picton by minibus for Marlborough’s vineyards and visit up to five cellar doors in about five hours. Your guide may be Bruce, Lucinda, Lisa, John, Marsley, or another Jade Tours host. Expect tastings, a vineyard stop, chocolate, and lunch at your own cost. Groups are limited to 11.

“Bruce was very knowledgeable and easy going we had a lovely day exploring the wineries and enjoying the countryside would highly recommend”

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Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve - The Wildlife Question: Hopeful, Not Guaranteed
Akaroa Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Kayaking Tours in Akaroa, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Akaroa, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Akaroa

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

Meet near Akaroa’s harbor for a two to three-hour guided kayak safari through sheltered bays formed by an extinct volcano. Your guide, perhaps John, Jake, Joey, or Allie, provides gear and local stories as you paddle past lava formations and watch for Hector’s dolphins, penguins, seals, and seabirds. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“The guide was wonderful. The weather was horrible. It rained the entire time and the winds blew so hard we were unable to leave the shelter of the cove. It was grey and visibility was limited. So... just be warned this trip is NOT cancelled for foul weather. Bring rain gear and smile for the camera!”

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Tauranga Shore Excursion: Top Half Day Curated Highlights Tour - Te Puna and the kiwi-growing country
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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

From Mount Maunganui, a small-group guide such as Jan, Terry, Duncan, or Stephen takes you through Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty. Expect Gate Pa, a kiwi orchard, Minden Lookout, McLaren Falls, coffee and muffin, kiwi and manuka honey tastings, and hokey pokey ice cream.

“A really outstanding trip. We really enjoyed it from start to finish. Stephen was a fantastic guide, had loads of information for us and made us feel very welcome. The Muffin from the coffee shop was the largest i have ever seen. The walk to and from the falls was not too far and was really good. I’d highly recommend thus trip”

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Auckland Shore Excursion: Half-Day Guided City Tour - Ponsonby and the Harbour Bridge
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Auckland Shore Excursion: Half-Day Guided City Tour

14.Auckland Shore Excursion: Half-Day Guided City Tour

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

Explore Auckland in a mini-coach with a local guide on a three-hour shore excursion limited to 17 people. You’ll pass Queen Street, Ponsonby, Auckland Domain, Westhaven Marina, and the Harbour Bridge, then stop at Narrow Neck Beach and Mount Victoria. Guides such as Jason, Murray, Kelly, and Allan are praised for clear local stories and helpful advice.

“It is a good introduction to the city, the topography, and its history. The tour included many specific areas of the city.”

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Tauranga Shore Excursion: History & Kiwifruit Tasting – 4 Hours - Minden Lookout and the road toward the Kaimai foothills
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Tauranga Shore Excursion: History & Kiwifruit Tasting – 4 Hours

15.Tauranga Shore Excursion: History & Kiwifruit Tasting – 4 Hours

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

Spend four hours with a local driver-guide, often Russell, visiting Mount Maunganui, Tauranga’s port area, Minden Lookout, and a kiwifruit orchard. You’ll hear local history, see harbour and beach views, and sample kiwifruit, avocado, and locally sourced tea. Pickup and drop-off at the Port of Tauranga are included.

“Very interesting, lots of history. Guide certainly knows his stuff. Russell was fun and gave us plenty of time in each stop to do photos and absorb the atmosphere.”

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New in Shore Excursions

★ 4.5Shore excursion – Napier sight seeing/Art Deco Tour,From $613 reviews
★ 4.5Napier Shore Excursion: Wine & Art Deco TourFrom $1026 reviews
★ 3.5Napier Shore Excursion: City Sights and Hawke’s Bay TourFrom $936 reviews
★ 4.5Napier Cruise Excursion Art Deco Tour and Wine TastingFrom $1113 reviews
★ 5.0Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour (Shore Excursion)56 reviews
★ 4.5Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore ExcursionFrom $17938 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa & Banks Peninsula from Lyttelton(Private Shore Excursion)From $4966 reviews
★ 4.5Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Waipara Wine Tour With LunchFrom $11719 reviews
★ 3.5Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa)From $1674 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa & Giants House Garden tour ex Lyttelton (Shore Excursion)From $3403 reviews
★ 5.0Inland Canterbury & Castle Hill Tour (Lyttelton Shore Excursion)From $3095 reviews
★ 4.5Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet BoatingFrom $14829 reviews
★ 4.5Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Arthur’s Pass Day TourFrom $18514 reviews
★ 4.0Lyttelton Shore Excursion – City Highlights & Waipara Wine TourFrom $13917 reviews
★ 5.0Bay of Islands Shore Excursion: Puketi Rainforest Guided WalkFrom $15727 reviews

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