When your ship pulls into port in Auckland, enjoy a full-day shore excursion exploring the rugged west coast of the North Island. After pickup near the cruise terminal, climb inside a comfortable vehicle for the drive to the Waitakere Ranges, Auckland’s largest regional park.
You’ll make a stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre, where customary Maori carvings stand guard. From the outdoor decks, take in a coastal panorama of the Tasman Sea, with views reaching all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
At your next stop, disembark for a moderate walk through a coastal rainforest. Follow your guide on a forest path alongside burbling streams and gaze up at giant tree ferns as you get acquainted with New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. Finish with a stroll along a black-sand beach and work up an appetite for your picnic lunch at a picturesque spot.
After you’ve refueled, continue your journey to an untouched forest of virgin kauri trees, some as mature as 1,000 years old. Listen for birdsong amid the canopy and hear from your guide some fascinating tidbits of New Zealand natural history. Feel free to ask any questions about the country’s unique plant life, 70 percent of which evolved in isolation and are found nowhere else in the world.
Your shore excursion ends with the return drive to Auckland and drop-off at the port.
Worry-Free Shore Excursion: We will ensure your timely return to the Auckland cruise port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
