SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

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 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle back for a 30-minute narrated coach drive from Lyttelton to the outskirts of Christchurch.
• Tour the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, home to a vast collection of meticulously preserved aviation memorabilia including dozens of historic aircraft and a vintage barracks.
• Enjoy an immensely fun, guided tour and interactive experience at the International Antarctic Centre, next best thing to traveling to the South Pole yourself.
• • Survive an ice storm, learn about life in modern Antarctica and visit historic Scott Base, watch Little Blue Penguins play, and crawl over an obstacle course inside a Hagglund amphibious vehicle.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a light jacket or sweater.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Relax on magnificent San Clemente Beach, a pristine stretch of sand where you are free to do whatever you please, from beach combing to simply lying in the sun.

Although San Clemente Beach is close to the equator, the temperatures here usually remain in the 70's and 80's because of the cooling Humboldt Current, which runs up the west coast of South America from Antarctica. During your time at this pristine beach, you might sunbathe, read, swim or do nothing more energetic than sip a cool drink.

While there isn't much natural shade on the beach itself, you will have access to the Palmazul Hotel, whose property is dotted with palm trees. On the beach, shaded lounge chairs are provided by the hotel, or if you prefer you may relax on the sand or next to the pool. Three complimentary soft-drinks will also be provided. After your time at San Clemente Beach, you'll transfer back to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Cruise through Twofold Bay aboard a sleek catamaran, tracing a coastline blanketed with forests and dotted with historical buildings. Named for the two distinct curving folds along its shoreline, this body of water is one of the deepest natural harbors in the entire Southern Hemisphere. As your boat slices through the sea’s surface on stable twin hulls, an onboard guide will elaborate on Eden and Twofold Bay’s 19th-century history as a major whaling center. In those days, these waters were so busy with migrating whales headed for Antarctica during season that this became known as the Humpback Highway. You may also spot the old, weathered homestead of the Davidson Whaling Station off on one corner of the bay where the Towamba River flows in. This historic site was where the Davidson family ran their shore-based operation – longest-running in Australia – assisted in their efforts by an unusual alliance with a pack of killer whales. The whale-spotting tower of another historic Twofold Bay character, controversial entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd, stands nearby; he mysteriously disappeared while hunting ducks. Happily, for us and the planet, humpbacks and right whales still pass by here each year in sizable numbers, free to enjoy these waters in safety.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Board a sleek catamaran at the cruise pier and set sail into beautiful Twofold Bay.
• Sightsee along the coastline, a place of sandy beaches, thick forests and historic landmarks from Eden’s whaling past.
• Hear your guide recount the days when these waters were so filled with migrating whales this was known as the Humpback Highway
• Learn the stories behind the ramshackle Davidson Whaling Station and the old tower on the point in Ben Boyd National Park.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; consider a light jacket or sweater
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

View Pago Pago's picturesque eastern side and have a view of downtown on this mostly panoramic tour with photo stops along the way.

Visit the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center and be taken into American Samoa’s culture through its largest natural resources, their marine sanctuaries. You’ll find informative exhibits highlighting the importance and value of coral reefs, oceanic ecosystems, how they tie into the local culture and the effects on them.

Stop at Pago Harbor, where you will be treated to some lovely views from the other side of the bay. Further along, you'll have another photo stop to see Camel Rock. The shape of this off-shore rock formation brings to mind the image of a lonely camel and thus, gained it the name Camel Rock. An additional stop before heading back towards town will be at Alao Village. Alao is famous for the NOAA observatory and its air beaker. American Samoa has one of the world’s cleanest airs, next to Antarctica. The world’s air quality is measured off of the air samples collected by that beaker. An additional stop before heading back towards town will be at Avaio Beach. Your stop here will provide an opportunity to get a cold beverage, take some photos, perhaps get your feet in the water or get a souvenir to take back home.

Arriving back in the mountain-rimmed American Samoa capital of Pago Pago, you will enjoy a panoramic tour that passes by several historical buildings. Although rather diminutive, this town of approximately 4,000 boasts several noteworthy attractions.