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Home page // Shore excursions // REGION: Australia / NZ |
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Note: Many PortCompass tours are private or semi-private car/van excursions and as such, some may have minimum passenger requirements. If necessary, we will try to connect you with others to form a group. We also offer some tours that are bus-based with no minimum passenger requirements. Full details are provided upon inquiry. Regardless, our prices are usually significantly below cruise-line pricing. Our pricing comparisons are based on a survey of several different cruise lines. But since cruise lines can change their prices without notice, these comparisons should only be used as guidelines. Click here to inquire about any of our excursions! THE TOURS BELOW ARE JUST A SAMPLING OF THE TOURS FOR THIS REGION. WE WILL BE EXPANDING OUR OFFERINGS SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE COMING WEEKS. PLEASE CHECK BACK WITH US AGAIN! Best Of Both Worlds Full Day Combo Tour Order code: BBE-BOBWD Approx. 8.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Choose either a regularly-scheduled group tour 9am to 5.30pm daily (includes pickup/dropoff at your downtown hotel) or a private tour. Experience the best sights of Auckland City in the morning combined with an afternoon Wilderness Experience ? a day of contrasts. Auckland is set on 48 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbours, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it's New Zealand's largest and busiest city. The morning tour is a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and sights as well as see how Aucklanders live and play. Join our Wilderness Experience in the afternoon to continue the tour. Just 30 kilometres from downtown Auckland is the city's largest Regional Park - travel to the Arataki Centre, perched high in the Waitakere Ranges, where the sweeping decks give breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the local history and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there. Head further west and experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. With our knowledgeable and experienced guides your eco-tour continues on to the lush rainforest where you hear native birdsong as you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand's famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns. Includes inner city accommodation pickups and refreshments.
Full Day Coromandel Order code: BBE-CORFD Approx. 12 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Does not operate on public holidays. Choose either a regularly-scheduled group tour 7am to 7pm daily (includes pickup/dropoff at your downtown hotel) or a private tour. Experience Coromandel Peninsula, a favourite holiday destination for many New Zealanders. Its amazing landscape consists of a mountainous, forest-covered backbone, with the Pacific Ocean on the east, and the sheltered bays and coves of the Hauraki Gulf on the west. Spend the day in this unique area steeped in history associated with kauri logging, gold mining and stunning coastlines. A 90-minute drive south-east of Auckland is Coromandel?s main town, Thames, where we take a short break. Then the spectacular western coast road leads us to Coromandel township where renowned New Zealand potter, Barry Brickell has his studio. Ride his own designed and built mountain railway system on a memorable journey through the rugged landscape. Our next stop is for a quiet stroll in the pristine rainforest to view some of the magnificent kauri trees which once covered the Coromandel Peninsula. The journey continues across the mountain divide and descends towards the east coast beaches where we stop for lunch. Visit Hot Water Beach with its hot spring in the middle of the beach and take a dip if you wish. A short drive away is Cathedral Cove, where the Pacific Ocean washes through a natural arch onto a white sandy beach backed by white cliffs. There is a half hour downhill walk to the beach from here which means of course the walk back is uphill! Our journey home to Auckland heads back over the hills by a different route. Tour includes entry to railway, lunch and refreshments.
Auckland City Revealed Order code: BBE-AUCRV Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Choose either a regularly-scheduled group tour 9 am to 12 noon daily (includes pickup/dropoff at your downtown hotel) or a private tour. Experience the best sights of Auckland City! Auckland is set on 48 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbours, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it is New Zealand's largest and busiest city. The morning tour is a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and sights as well as see how Aucklanders live and play. Travel up Queen Street, through Auckland?s central business district, past the Auckland University and through the inner city park, known as the Domain. Continue on through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland's North Shore. Stroll on Narrow Neck Beach in historic Devonport. There is time here for a coffee before continuing up to the summit of Mt Victoria with its stunning panoramic views of Auckland City. Travel back over the Harbour Bridge to Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere. Then visit the Auckland Fish Market, before continuing on to the Viaduct Harbour. This tour is perfect for all ages.
Half Day Wilderness Experience Order code: BBE-HDWIL Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Choose either a regularly-scheduled group tour 12.30 to 5.30pm daily (includes pickup/dropoff at your downtown hotel) or a private tour. Just a 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you to the Arataki Centre, perched high in the Waitakere Ranges, where the sweeping decks give breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the local history and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there. Head further west and experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. With our knowledgeable and experienced guides your eco-tour continues on to the lush rainforest where you hear native birdsong as you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand's famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns. This tour is perfect for all ages.
Full Day Great Tastes of Matakana Order code: BBE-GTTAM Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Choose either a regularly-scheduled group tour 9.30am to 4.30pm daily (includes pickup/dropoff at your downtown hotel) or a private tour. Experience the food, wine and arts of Matakana Coast where your informed and entertaining guides make it an exhilarating assault on the senses day out. Leave the bustle of the city and relax on the one hour drive north through the rolling green hills and past beautiful coastline before arriving at The Honey Centre. Here you find New Zealand's largest display of live bees and a huge range of honeys available for tasting as well as honey mead and fruit-wine. Then we visit a local vineyard and taste award-winning wines and local cheese in a platter match. Nearby, in the heart of Matakana Coast Wine Country, is the ideal combination of gourmet and retail therapy - Morris & James Pottery, where you are greeted by a pure visual spectacle of layer upon layer of design and colour from matt black to luscious red. Lunch is at Mahurangi River Winery with its contemporary New Zealand architecture and wide pastoral views. Tour the winery and barrel room and sample their wine (made only from grapes grown on the property) before taking time to enjoy the local cuisine. From here Brick Bay Sculpture Trail showcases an ever-changing exhibition of contemporary sculptures by leading New Zealand artists. Sample their hand crafted wines in the unique Glass House building before heading back to the city. The day is rounded off with a stop at Chocolate Brown - where they hand-make outrageously fine chocolates. Half Day Taste of Kumeu Wine Country Order code: BBE-HDTKU Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Choose either a regularly-scheduled group tour 9.45am to 1.45pm daily (includes pickup/dropoff at your downtown hotel) or a private tour. The wineries of Kumeu date back to the 1930s when wine families of Croatian origin established winemaking in the area. These families are still living and working in the area today, making some of New Zealand's most renowned wines. These vineyards contrast with the spectacular coastal scenery of the area. Your first taste is at Nobilo Wines, the second largest wine producer in New Zealand. They produce some of New Zealand's most respected products and are well-know for their pioneering wine brands. They offer a selection of popular wines from key grape growing regions such as Marlborough, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne. Next to tempt the taste buds is Matua Valley Wines who offer an extensive range of wines for every unique taste and occasion. You can choose from premium wine that has been crafted to cellar, right through to the everyday offering, ready to enjoy now. Next you visit one of the region's special places where you have the chance to see one of the world?s largest seabirds in their natural environment. Your journey takes you to one of the few mainland gannet nesting sites in the world situated on the cliff-tops overlooking the Tasman Sea. Here you get a close-up of gannet behaviour without disturbing their environment. The views extend for miles along the wild, black, iron sand beach of Muriwai. Your final tasting is at West Brook Winery. The West Brook cellar door looks across an idyllic duck pond and terraced picnic area to row after row of vines. The wines reflect true varietal character and their unique regional origins. Without exception they are premium quality and have won numerous awards. This half day tour includes a cheese platter. Full Day Kumeu Wine and Nature Tour Order code: BBE-KUWIN Approx. 6.5-7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Choose either a regularly-scheduled group tour 9.45am to 4.30pm daily (includes pickup/dropoff at your downtown hotel) or a private tour. Enjoy a full day tour of New Zealand's jewels ? amazing scenery and great wine. The wineries of Kumeu date back to the 1930s when wine families of Croatian origin established winemaking in the area. These families are still living and working in the area today, making some of New Zealand's most renowned wines. The vineyards contrast with the spectacular coastal scenery of the area. Your first stop is Crescent Dairy Goats, award winning artisan cheese-makers who make just 3-4 kilos of cheese a day. The cheese varieties vary depending on the way the goats feel, the way the weather feels and the way the cheese-maker feels. Continue on to Nobilo Wines, the second largest wine producer in New Zealand. They produce some of New Zealand?s most respected products and are well-know for their pioneering wine brands. They offer a selection of popular wines from key grape growing regions such as Marlborough, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne. Enjoy a short morning tea stop before tempting your taste buds at Matua Valley Wines who offer an extensive range of wines for every taste and occasion. You can choose from premium wine that has been crafted to cellar, right through to the everyday offering, ready to enjoy now. Travel a short distance to Soljans Vineyard. Soljans has won many awards for their wines. By skilfully marrying traditional with modern techniques, they produce stylish, richly flavoured wines. To enhance their complexity and richness, their chardonnays are fermented and matured in oak barriques and the red wines are also barrel-aged. They are also widely acknowledged in New Zealand as being an expert producer of methode traditionelle (bottle-fermented) sparkling wines. Enjoy lunch at Soljans Winery restaurant. The winery is built with sunshine in mind and serves Mediterranean-style food with a New Zealand twist, showcasing fresh seasonal produce from around the region. Next you visit a special place where you have the chance to see one of the world's largest seabirds in their natural environment. Your journey takes you to one of the few mainland gannet nesting sites in the world situated on the cliff-tops overlooking the Tasman Sea. Here you get a close-up of gannet behaviour without disturbing their environment. The views extend for miles along the wild, black, iron sand beach of Muriwai. Your final tasting is at West Brook Winery. The West Brook cellar door looks across an idyllic duck pond and terraced picnic area to row after row of vines. The wines reflect true varietal character and their unique regional origins. Without exception they are premium quality and have won numerous awards. Free pick up from inner city accommodation.
Full Day Coast and Rainforest Walk Order code: BBE-CSRAI Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Choose either a regularly-scheduled group tour 10am to 5pm daily (includes pickup/dropoff at your downtown hotel) or a private tour. Our full day excursion goes first to the Arataki Visitor Centre situated within Auckland's largest Regional Park, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park ? just a short drive from Downtown Auckland. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the sweeping decks extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the area's history and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings. Then walk in the regenerating rainforest where our experienced guides will explain about the local flora and fauna with giant tree ferns growing alongside picturesque streams. Unwind by a spectacular cascading waterfall or swim beneath it. Venture on to an awe-inspiring west coast beach where you can stroll along the soft black sand and feel the clear ocean breeze. A kiwi-style picnic lunch is then provided at a scenic location. Your eco-tour ends in an area of untamed original rainforest where mature 1000 year old kauri trees tower over the unique flora and fauna that has developed separately from the rest of the world for millions of years. Moderate level of walking ability required for walks of up to 1hour duration.
Custom Tours from Auckland Order code: BBE-CUSTOM Approx. TBD US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you do not see a tour that fits your needs, just send us an email to let us know your desired itinerary. Some suggestions for Custom Tours are as follows: -City Orientation and Highlights -Rotorua, Waitomo or Northland -Muriwai Gannet Colony Tour
-Half Day Winery Tour
-Local Artists and Galleries
-Corban Estate Arts Centre - Located in the homestead built by this premier wine-making family in 1923, are three galleries. The exhibition programme focuses on stories and people connected with the area and covers art, crafts and social history. Full Day Dunedin City Sights Order code: ITO-DCTS Approx. 9 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private tour. Lunch and entrance fees are not included. Start from ship at Port Chalmers wharf, travel along the harbour road to Dunedin city to enjoy a full day of sightseeing visiting many of Dunedin's great attractions. As our tours are private, you have the ultimate flexibility. Full-Day Cruise Tours include the following: * tour of the University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest and most prestigious university
Full-Day Cruise Tours may include even more attractions listed below: * guided native forest bush walk near Botanical Gardens to examine NZ native trees and plants.
Full Day City Sights plus Larnach Castle Order code: ITO-CTLAR US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private tour. Lunch and entrance fees not included. Includes the Full Day City Sights Tour (see above tour for that itinerary), plus the additional guided tour of Dunedin's iconic Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle! Highlights * Experience breath-taking views along the Otago Peninsula high road with photo stops on-route to the Castle.
Please note: This tour will provide enough time for a full city sights tour and time to fully appreciate the Castle's stunning location on the Otago Peninsula. Due to time constraints some "ADD-ON" attractions may not be able to be included in conjunction with this Larnach Castle tour. Full Day City Sights plus Taieri Gorge Heritage Train Journey Order code: ITO-CTTAI US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private tour. Lunch and entrance fees not included. Start from the ship at Port Chalmers Wharf, travel along the harbour road to Dunedin city for an informative introduction to the day. We then transport you to Dunedin's grand Railway Station where you will board the famous Taieri Gorge Train. After the train journey we continue with a City Sights Tour or choose an optional "ADD-ON" Tour (see the "Full Day Dunedin City Sights" tour above) to enjoy before we head back to the ship. Highlights * Travel along the historic railway built during the Otago gold rush period to Pukerangi Station or Middlemarch.
The Taieri Gorge Train journey takes around 4 hours leaving enough time for more sightseeing or one more ADD-ON city attraction before we head back to the ship. Otago Peninsula Tours are not possible in conjunction with the Taieri Gorge Train Add-on. Full Day City Sights plus Olveston Order code: ITO-CTOLV US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private tour. Lunch and entrance fees not included. Includes a Full Day Dunedin City Sights tour (see itinerary above) with the additional guided tour of Olveston Historic Homestead. Highlights
Olveston Tour Add-on is available with other add-on attractions which you can include on your full-day Dunedin cruise ship tour itinerary. Full Day City Sights plus Gardens Spectacular Order code: ITO-CTGAR US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private tour. Lunch and entrance fees not included. Includes a Full Day Dunedin City Sights tour (see itinerary for this tour above) with additional guided tours of Dunedin's authentic Chinese Garden, Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and Larnach Castle Gardens. Highlights * Fully guided tours of three significant gardens in the Dunedin area, each one with its own special and unique features.
This tour may be conducted at a pace that suits you. The gardens are large and diverse and many people find there is enough to see within the featured three main gardens to keep one occupied for the whole day. However we endeavor to tailor a garden tour around your interests. Full Day City Sights plus Cadbury Chocolate Factory and Speight's Brewery Order code: ITO-CTCDS US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Lunch and entrance fees not included. Dunedin is home to an enormous chocolate factory (Cadburys Chocolate) as well as a historic and legendary brewery (Speight's Ales). Both places offer excellent guided tours of their facilities, sampling and tasting is of course included as part of the tours... so why not do both?! We offer these two great tours as optional ADD-ON tours to our Full Day Dunedin City Sights Tour. Highlights (Cadburys Chocolate Factory) * A fun filled and fascinating guided tour around the Cadbury Dunedin chocolate factory.
Note: The Cadbury Chocolate Factory Tour Add-on is not generally available with Otago Peninsula Tours. Highlights (Speight's Brewery) * A fully guided tour through New Zealand's famous Speight's Brewery - sample the ingredients that go into Speight's Ales.
Note: The Speight's Brewery Tour Add-on is available with the Full Day Dunedin City Sights Tour. Choosing to do both the Cadbury and Speight's Tour ADD-ON is recommended with a full-day City Sights tour. Full Day Otago Peninsula Tours Order code: ITO-OTAPE US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private tour. Lunch and entrance fees not included. Start from the ship at Port Chalmers wharf, travel along the harbour road to Dunedin and head to the Otago Peninsula, home to the rare Yellow Eyed Penguins and majestic Royal Albatross. Experience the pristine views of Otago Harbour from high up on the Otago Peninsula. View rugged beaches, quaint townships, tranquil islands and abundant bird-life on our full-day and half-day Otago Peninsula Tours. Photo opportunities galore as we tour through a number of interesting and beautiful areas within this special part of Dunedin's landscape. Visit locally operated arts and crafts shops and galleries, see plenty of sheep on the small farms. Learn about local Maori who lived on the Peninsula many centuries before European arrival. Take a Full Day Otago Peninsula Tour and add-on one or both of the following wildlife tours: Highlights (Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve) * View up close the extremely rare and endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin.
Note: Penguin Place Tour ADD-ON only available with the Full Day Otago Peninsula Tours Highlights (Royal Albatross Colony) * Visit the only mainland breeding colony of the huge Northern Royal Albatross right at the headland of the Otago Peninsula.
Note: Royal Albatross Tour ADD-ON only available with the Full Day Otago Peninsula Tours Huon Valley and Bonorong Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Centre Order code: ESE-HUBON Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Experience one of our major fruit producing areas of Tasmania. We follow the spectacular Derwent River and on to the Huon Valley where you will have a short presentation on our apple industry and heritage at the Huon Valley Apple Museum. You get to sample some of our famous Huon apples. Depending on the weather it may be possible to take a trip to the top of the majestic Mount Wellington to admire the incredible views of Hobart. (An alternative to Mount Wellington is Mount Nelson Signal Station which also has spectacular views of our city.) After a Tasmanian lunch of local and homemade produce it is possible to take a short tour to Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Park. A personalised tour is included. You will have the opportunity to get up close to wombats, Tasmanian devils, koalas and feed the kangaroos and emus, all of which will all create lifelong memories. Bonorong is where you can see all our iconic and endangered Australian Animals in one place. Mount Field and Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Centre Order code: ESE-MFBON Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 6 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) Travel through the beautiful Derwent Valley on the way to Mount Field National Park. We follow the Derwent River northwards past the famous Cadbury Chocolate Factory. Then, go through Westbury and have the chance to purchase fresh raspberries, in raspberry season. At Mount Field there is a short easy bush walk to the base of the majestic Russell Falls and for the more energetic it is possible to walk to the top of the Russell Falls and Horseshoe falls. The fresh mountain air will leave you totally energised. While on the walk to the falls there is a chance you may catch a glimpse of a very shy platypus. You may also have the opportunity to take a photo of a kangaroo or perhaps one of Tasmania?s little pademelons, which all make up our unique wildlife. After a Tasmanian lunch of local and homemade produce, we travel to Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Park. A personalised tour is included. You will have the opportunity to get up close to wombats, Tasmanian devils, koalas and feed the kangaroos and emus, all of which will all create lifelong memories. Bonorong is where you can see all our iconic and endangered Australian animals in one place. Port Arthur/Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Park Order code: ESE-PABON Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 6 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) Take a condensed version of our World Heritage Historic Port Arthur Site with your guide taking you around the site and explaining all of our convict history within the time frame of your shore time. Learn about the penal system that shaped Tasmania?s early history. Enjoy a Tasmanian lunch of local and homemade produce. After a Tasmanian lunch of local and homemade produce, it is possible to take a short tour to Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Park. A personalised tour is included. You will have the opportunity to get up close to wombats, Tasmanian devils, koalas and feed the kangaroos and emus, all of which will all create lifelong memories. Bonorong is where you can see all our iconic and endangered Australian Animals in one place. Melbourne City Sights, Dandenongs and Indigenous Culture Order code: ANC-MCTDR Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private tour. Entrance fees and lunch not included. Melbourne is Australia's second largest city. It is a city of parks, precincts, grand buildings and stylish terrace houses. The city prospered from the gold rush era 1850s. Mark Twain called it "Marvellous Melbourne" when he visited the international exhibition of 1888. At this time there were millionaires here than New York and the cost of living was higher than in London. The city is loved by locals for its fashion, theatre, bistros and live music venues (it is Australia?s Jazz capital); sporting stadiums and festivals. Everyone loves the outdoor entertainments. The tour travels the in and around the city and into neighbourhoods. Your guide is a local with an in-depth knowledge and who gives an entertaining commentary with insights into its history and present day life-style. Indigenous Art (*By appointment): A private visit a private Art Gallery to see modern and traditional fine art. Aboriginal art is acknowledged as the greatest art movement of the 20th Century! Melbourne is the centre of FINE ART. This is a unique opportunity to see genuine art by traditional masters. The Blue Dandenong Ranges: Just one hour from Melbourne visitors see the lush ferns and dense forests of the Dandenong Ranges. There stop in a national parkland to see flocks of Australia's unique parrots that come to feed a t the edge of the forsest. The tour also stops for lunch at a small village nearby where visitors are free to wander among the small shops. William Ricketts Sanctuary Garden (optional): For lovers of gardens and those interested in Indigenous culture, this is a place of beauty and tranquility. See clay sculptures of Aboriginal figures half-hidden among the rock, ferns and Mountain Ash trees. The deep connections to the earth and the spirit of the land are explored in 92 sculptures of people and Australian animals. Melbourne City Sights, Yarra Valley, Healseville Sanctuary (or Puffing Billy Steam Train) Order code: ANC-YRHSP Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private tour. Lunch and entrance fees not included. Melbourne is Australia's second largest city. It is a city of parks, precincts, grand buildings and stylish terrace houses. The city prospered from the gold rush era 1850?s. Mark Twain called it "Marvellous Melbourne" when he visited the international exhibition of 1888. At this time there were millionaires here than New York and the cost of living was higher than in London. The city is loved by locals for its fashion, theatre, bistros and live music venues (it is Australia's Jazz capital); sporting stadiums and festivals. Everyone loves the outdoor entertainment. The tour travels the in and around the city and into neighbourhoods. Your guide is a local with an in-depth knowledge and who gives an entertaining commentary with insights into its history and present day life-style. Indigenous Art (by appointment): A private visit a private Art Gallery to see modern and traditional fine art. Aboriginal art is acknowledged as the greatest art movement of the 20th Century! Melbourne is the centre of FINE ART. This is a unique opportunity to see genuine art by traditional masters. Healesville Township & Healesville Sanctuary: Enjoy a scenic drive to the beautiful Yarra Valley just one hour from Melbourne. See vineyards, horse studs, farmlands and small towns. Healesville Sanctuary is home to over 200 species of Australian Birds and mammals. This is the best place to see kangaroos, wallabies, colourful parrots and cuddly koalas up close. Other interesting animals include Platypus (only seen here), Dingoes, Tasmanian Devil, colourful parrots and tiny, tiny mammals. A specialist guide will host your visit and answer questions. Photo opportunities:
Melbourne City Sights , Blue Dandenong Ranges and Puffing Billy Steam Train Order code: ANC-CTBDP Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private tour. Lunch and entrance fees not included. Melbourne is Australia's second largest city. It is a city of parks, precincts, grand buildings and stylish terrace houses. The city prospered from the gold rush era 1850?s. Mark Twain called it "Marvellous Melbourne" when he visited the international exhibition of 1888. At this time there were millionaires here than New York and the cost of living was higher than in London. The city is loved by locals for its fashion, theatre, bistros and live music venues (it is Australia's Jazz capital); sporting stadiums and festivals. Everyone loves the outdoor entertainment. The tour travels the in and around the city and into neighbourhoods. Your guide is a local with an in-depth knowledge and who gives an entertaining commentary with insights into its history and present day life-style. Just one hour from Melbourne visitors see the lush ferns and dense forests of the Dandenong Ranges. There's a coffee stop to see Australia?s unique parrots where visitors are free to wander among in the natural bushland at the edge of a rain forest. Enjoy a 45 minute fun ride that travels 13 kilometres. Puffing Billy Steam Train is Australia?s most notable narrow gauge railway and century old steam train that is still running on its original mountain track. Puffing Billy carries 23,000 tourists each year. The train is entirely maintained by volunteers who have an immense pride and love of steam trains and travel. Napiers, Hastings, Winery with Tuki Tuki Valley Order code: BRL-4HRTO Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a small group tour. Our shore excursion consists of pickup at a designated meeting point, travel up Bluff Hill to the Port lookout, showing a different perspective of your cruise ship. Then we proceed along Marine Parade, passing important Art Deco buildings and statues toward Havelock North, some 18kms south of Napier. We head along the beautiful TukiTuki Valley to Craggy Range Winery and enjoy tasting wines produced from the internationally recognised Gimblett Gravels area. A great place for a photo opportunity as we are directly below the Giant Te Mata Peak. This is our next stop and at 399m above sea level and offering a 360 degree panoramic view. Te Mata Peak is most visitor's highlight of the tour. We then descend the Peak and travel through the village of Havelock North to The Strawberry Patch where we offer you FREE Strawberries while you have an option of sampling NZ?s best real fruit icecream from the kiosk. We then take you through the vibrant city of Hastings, pointing out some important Art Deco Buildings and the beautiful petunia pots adorning the shop verandahs. With the tour coming to an end, we head the 20km back to the Port of Napier via the horticultural areas of Pakowhai and back along Marine Parade and the Norfolk Pines to drop you off shipside. |
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