SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

Take an introductory drive through Gisborne, an easy-going beach-blessed city that revolves around life’s pleasures such as surfing, dining and wine production.

After departing from the pier, you'll set off on a journey of discovery. Gisborne is home to approximately 44,000 people and is the birth place of a diverse variety of New Zealand notables, including pro surfer Maz Quinn, opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, several Olympic medalists, and Footrot Flats comic book creator Murray Ball.

The shores of Gisborne are legendary for their beauty and history. Your tour will take you past the spot where Captain Cook, the English explorer who discovered the area, first landed and met the native Maori people.

Then, travel up Titirangi (Kaiti) Hill for a photo opportunity, passing a stately Marae, a Maori meeting house, considered to be the largest in New Zealand. When you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Poverty Bay, Young Nicks Head, the first piece of land sighted by James Cook’s crew and named for the young lad who spied it—and your anchored ship.

Continue along the shoreline to admire two of the area’s premier beaches. Wainui and Okitu are known for their impressive waves, which draw top surfers to their sands. Keep your camera ready for a stop at the sand dunes of Lysnar Reserve.

In just a few miles, the scenery changes dramatically, and you’ll find yourself in Gisborne’s idyllic rural area. Thirty percent of all wines produced in New Zealand come from this region. Enjoy the view as you drive along roads bordered by sweet-smelling orchards, award-winning vineyards, and lush, fertile plains. You’ll also see fields dotted with adorable fluffy sheep happily grazing beside quaint farmhouses.

On your return to the city, you’ll travel down the main shopping street, the tree-lined Gladstone Road. Named after former British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, the boulevard houses boutiques, souvenir stores brimming with handcrafted gifts, surf shops and colorful outdoor cafes perfect for a bite to eat and people watching. You will have the option of disembarking to explore independently, making your own way back to port, or simply remaining on the motorcoach and returning to the ship.

Meander through the enchanted Botanic Gardens in the "Rose City" of Timaru and then discover the impressive Kiwi creativity at the Aigantighe Gallery and statue of Phar Lap.

Boarding your coach at the pier, it's a brief yet scenic drive to the Botanic Gardens, where you'll be free to wander about the spectacular rose gardens, duck ponds and aviary under a canopy of mature trees. It's a wonderfully serene setting, where you may view some of New Zealand's endangered plants and perhaps learn how locally grown herbs and spices are used.

From here, it's a picturesque drive past Timaru's verdant Centennial Park and historic district and on to the esteemed Aigantighe Art Museum. Founded in 1956 by a Scottish family, Aigantighe (pronounced "egg and tie") contains one of the South Island's largest art collections, dating from the 16th century to the present day. Even the museum, housed in a 1908 mansion, is a work of art, as is its surrounding sculpture garden.

Continuing on, you'll next stop at a sculpture of great national pride dedicated to Phar Lap, a thoroughbred racehorse born in 1926 near Timaru. Affectionately known as "Big Red" because of the color of his coat, Phar Lap recorded an amazing 37 wins out of 51 starts, becoming one of the greatest world champions. The statue of the famed racehorse in full gallop is revered as a symbol of perseverance and excellence.

Returning to the pier, you'll drive along the lively Caroline bay beachfront and see the historic Landing Service building that was originally was used for the unloading of ships around the 1870s. Today, it is the only remaining building of its kind in Australasia.

Treat your inner adventurer to an exhilarating multi-transport survey of the Southern Alps high country by coach, 4x4 touring vehicle and jet boat. It all starts sedately enough, as you head out by motorcoach into the fertile earthen patchwork of the Canterbury Plains – where the island grows its wheat and grazes its cattle. But don’t get too comfortable; the scenery changes dramatically as you reach Rubicon Station on the banks of the spectacular Waimakariri river gorge and make the switch into rugged 4x4 touring mode. Piloted with skill around Rubicon and Mt Torlesse Station, bouncing heartily across a spectacular landscape framed by jagged Southern Alp peaks and gorges, you’re bound to fill your camera with Facebook-likeable shots. A well-deserved stop for lunch provides a break from the action, but it won’t last. Soon enough, you’ll shift back into thrill gear as you board a lightning-fast jet boat capable of 360-degree spins and strap in for a ride up the steep-walled Waimakariri River gorge to Stair Case Viaduct. After that little jaunt, the coach drive back to Lyttelton will feel like slow motion.

Tour a captivating museum filled with Royal New Zealand Air Force planes and memorabilia, then explore a one-of-a-kind experiential museum dedicated to all things Antarctic. Located in Christchurch on the site of a former base, the Air Force Museum showcases the country’s long and valiant aviation history through hands-on exhibits – including dozens of vintage aircraft, WWI-era aviation barracks, rare uniforms and medals, and moving stories of the proud men and women who have served in the New Zealand and Allied flying services. After a leisurely guided visit, leave the museum behind as you move into cooler surroundings. Much cooler.

At the International Antarctic Centre, you can actually experience an indoor blizzard, visit a snow cave, endure life at Scott Base and learn about other intrepid Antarctic explorers, even watch rescued Little Blue Penguins – smallest of their kind – cavort in a plush indoor/outdoor habitat. You can also take a virtual voyage down to Antarctica in the 4D Extreme Theatre and experience an epic thrill ride in the Hagglund, a genuine amphibious Antarctic transport that doesn’t let anything stand in its way. A drive back through central Christchurch reveals how well it’s recovered from the devastating 2011 earthquake.

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through downtown Gisborne and along a relatively flat cycling trail, passing the city’s key monuments, historical sites and most distinctive architecture.

After departing from the pier on a bicycle, you will head toward the long stretch of beach that hugs Poverty Bay on the south side of Gisborne or “Gizzy,” as it is affectionately known. Along the way, you will pause as your guide elaborates on the city’s history with particular attention paid to the Maori settlers and the Europeans that followed.

In the mid-14th century, the migratory Maori first landed in this area, and English explorer Captain James Cook arrived later in 1769. There is a monument commemorating the initial meeting between Cook and the Maori overlooking Poverty Bay.

Depending on your route around Gisborne, you may pass the extraordinary clock tower of the 1930s post office, the Tairawhiti Museum that is devoted to Maori artifacts and 19th-century photography, and the Taruhero River that gently flows through the city. You might also notice a number of “First to See the Light” signs that refer to Gisborne being New Zealand’s easternmost city and the world’s first to greet the rising sun each new day.

The tour isn’t all cycling though, as you will stop for a time to enjoy morning tea at a lovely Art Deco café. After approximately two and one half hours, the tour will end back at the pier.

Since Victorian times, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves have attracted visitors from around the world. This full day excursion to Waitomo takes you into the central heartland of the North Island.

Leaving the city, enjoy a pleasant three-hour drive south over the Bombay Hills and through the lush dairy land of the Waikato Valley, before arriving at the Waitomo Caves. Here, subterranean limestone formations have resulted in a series of spectacular caves.

At the Waitomo Caves, walk into a cave with soaring ceilings and low passages, where striking limestone formations include the famous Organ and the lofty chamber called The Cathedral. Stalagmites and stalactites abound, forming pillars and crooked fingers of calcite deposits that, in the low light, take on beautiful or monstrous proportions. In the caves, you will board a boat for a ride in complete silence along an underground river in pitch darkness. Look up and you will see the millions of bio-luminescent glow worms that stick to the cave. Because the worms extinguish their lights when disturbed, silence is mandatory.

Following your visit, a short drive will bring you to Crosshills Farm where a tasty buffet lunch will be served before your return drive to Auckland.

For scenic splendor, few places compare to the majestic Rangitata Valley, where you'll tour remote Mesopotamia Station, a sheep station dating back to the 1860s.

Your tour commences at the pier with a coach drive north into the Rangitata Valley, an area so visually stunning that it served as a backdrop for several Oscar-winning "Lord of the Rings" movies. This is classic New Zealand sheep country, as you'll discover during a brief stop at the Tin Shed, a wonderfully unusual store that was once a grain shed. The merchandise here includes a fine line of woolen goods ranging from sweaters to blankets.

Nearby, you'll visit the Peel Forest where you can take a short walk into the virgin woodlands. Much of this ancient forest was unscathed by lumbering, and many of the towering podocarp trees are hundreds of years old. The forest supports abundant bird life, and you may see and hear native species like the vociferous Bellbird and the wren-like Rifleman.

Continuing on, you'll make your way to Mesopotamia Station, a high-country sheep station nestled in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Named in 1860, Mesopotamia or "land between two rivers" refers to its location between the Forest Creek and Rangitata Rivers, much like ancient Mesopotamia was situated between the Tigris and Euphrates. Here, you'll learn about the first settlers, the challenges of living at the station today, and enjoy a home-style picnic lunch. There's plenty of time to take a leisurely walk, capture some photos, or just sit back and relax while taking in the amazing views.

Rejoining your coach, you will make a stop in Geraldine on your way back to the pier in Timaru. Geraldine is an artistic village nestled amongst rolling hills and farmland. Be sure to sample its signature products, including cheese and fruit preserves.

Journey to a stunning and recognizable Lord of the Rings filming location in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, then enjoy a central Christchurch orientation drive. Departing Lyttelton by panoramic coach, you’ll travel through the patchwork green farmland of the Canterbury Plains, stopping in a country town for morning tea. Heading inland into the heart of the Alps, you’ll pause for a photo opp at Lake Clearwater, where the views across the lake to the mountain range that forms the South Island’s backbone are outstanding on a clear day. But that’s before you encounter this tour’s true showstopper vista – the terrain at remote and beautiful Mt Potts High Country Station. The moment you set eyes on this location you’ll understand why it was chosen as the setting of Edoras in the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Even if you’re not a Tolkien aficionado, you’ll be taken breathless by the unspoiled beauty of this landscape of rugged mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, blue rivers and brisk alpine air. After free time to explore and photograph this magical place, you’ll relax over a rustic lunch before heading for Christchurch city and an orientation drive covering its must-see sights.

A splendid overview of the countryside, this delightful tour presents the artistic village of Geraldine, magnificent Rangitata Valley and endless panoramic views.

It's a picturesque drive inland to Geraldine, an artistic village nestled among rolling hills and farmland. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the art galleries and museums. If you're mechanically minded, you'll find the Vintage Car & Machinery Museum fascinating, especially the exhibit devoted to the world's only 1929 Spartan biplane. Foodies will love the village's al fresco cafés and shops carrying locally produced cheeses and fruit preserves. Stepping into the Giant Jersey, you will find the world's largest sweater mounted on the wall and a stunning piece of metal tapestry made out of two million pieces of steel. For a glimpse into Geraldine's past, stroll the Historic Town Trail.

Continuing on, the South Island's glorious natural beauty is on display as you drive further north into the Rangitata Valley, an area so visually stunning that it served as a backdrop for several Oscar-winning "Lord of the Rings" movies. This is classic New Zealand sheep country, as you'll discover during a brief stop at the Tin Shed, a wonderfully unusual store that was once a grain shed. You'll have time here to shop for fine woolen goods ranging from sweaters to blankets and then amble through the farmyard, where you'll see alpacas, native kunekune pigs and, of course, sheep.

Returning to the pier, you'll pass through Washdyke, supposedly named because it was once a center for sheep dipping, and then along the lively Caroline bay beachfront before ending at the pier.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a short but picturesque drive into the rolling countryside on the outskirts of Gisborne. This area is fast becoming one of the largest wine-producing regions in New Zealand, thanks to its Mediterranean-style climate, fertile alluvial soil and low-altitude river plains. While Chardonnay is the most popular wine here, Gewürztraminer is becoming a favorite as well.

You will have the opportunity to sample several of the area’s most renowned wines while visiting two wineries. At Bushmere Estate, a small winery where the Egan family has been growing grapes for more than 40 years, you will enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by a light antipasto platter. The wines may include an elegant Chardonnay with hints of nectarine and grapefruit. Bushmere Estate’s excellent Gewürztraminer may also be a selection, and it typically features lychee flavors with a touch of honey and a lime and ginger finish.

You will also enjoy a tasting at Matawhero Wines. Established in 1968 by Bill Irwin, it defied convention and made wines of boutique standing and international acclaim and in doing so, changed the face of New Zealand winemaking forever. Since its first vintage in 1975, Matawhero has produced many excellent and often adventurous wines. Following in Bill’s pioneering footsteps, son Denis imparted his colorful style and won fame for his Gewürztraminer – everyone was drinking it, even the Queen of England. Today, revived by the Searle family, Matawhero is true to the founders’ determination, producing individualistic wines of world class standard. Learn more about the family’s commitment to sustainable wine producing as you sample their varietals while nibbling on complimentary cheeses. Following your visit at Matawhero, you will return to the pier.

Board a catamaran for a refreshing discovery cruise around scenic Lyttelton Harbour, an extinct volcanic crater and gateway to the Antarctic. Your vessel skims the seas gracefully as your skipper provides fascinating commentary about the sights you’re seeing and their ties to the region’s earliest Maori and European settlers. Sip a warming cup of tea or coffee, learn of the legends of Ripapa Island, and go in search of playful Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest oceanic dolphin – only found in New Zealand. Gray with black-and-white markings, these petite cetaceans are often seen leaping and frolicking around these waters.

You’ll also see ample evidence of the harbor’s violent, volcanic origins. This entire sheltered body of water lies in the caldera of an extinct volcano. Your journey will reveal that much of the jagged coastal terrain left behind now serves as nesting habitat for marine birds such as spotted shags, white-fronted terns and several species of gulls. After about two hours on the water, you’ll return to the pier with a keen understanding of this scenic New Zealand seaport.

Stroll on foot and drive through New Zealand’s extraordinary National Arboretum, a diverse collection of mature trees, some of which were planted nearly 100 years ago. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for drive through the hills of Poverty Bay until reaching Eastwoodhill, the National Arboretum of New Zealand. Along the way, a guide from the Friends of the Eastwoodhill Arboretum Trust will explain the distinctive qualities of the flora that awaits you.

Enjoy a 30-minute guided walking tour through the Homestead Garden and a guided tour in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Eastwoodhill is distinguished for having the largest and most comprehensive collection of Northern Hemisphere trees south of the equator. The first plantings were put into the fertile ground here in 1918, and today the collection numbers in the thousands. Highlights include a scarlet oak that was one of the very first plantings, a towering redwood from California, and a mountain ash that is the arboretum’s tallest specimen.

The collection is especially significant considering that it could never be replicated due to stringent international regulations with regard to importing plants. Many the trees should be in bloom and their delightful scents will waft through the air. After approximately two hours in the arboretum, you will rejoin your coach and return to the pier.