Cruises to Auckland, New Zealand
Port description
Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’ since it hosted the America’s Cup Race in 2000. Situated in an area covering seven volcanoes and wrapped around the beautiful Waitemata harbour, which in Maori means ‘sparkling water’. Auckland is also the world’s largest Polynesian city and affords a wealth of opportunities to shop for great Polynesian crafts.
Typical Excursion
Auckland City Tour: Auckland combines modern, Polynesian and cosmopolitan influences and has lot to offer from museums, wine tastings, shopping, cultural tours and fantastic parklands. From the pier we head to Mount Eden, Auckland’s highest point, which gives you chance to take pictures of the stunning city and harbour. Then it’s on to the 200 acre park at the heart of Auckland city comprising tropical glasshouses, and an amazing variety of trees and ponds. This is where you will also find the famous Auckland Museum which houses a fine collection of Pacific and Maori artefacts including a carved meeting house and impressive war canoe. On the 2nd floor you will find the ‘Scars of the Heart’ exhibition which shows New Zealand’s involvement in the wars of the 20th century. From here we head through historic Parnell Village along the scenic Tamaki Drive and take in the impressive beaches of Okahu and Mission Bay. Before returning to the ship we pass the former America’s Yacht Village, where you can look down from Auckland’s Harbour Bridge over the picturesque Westhaven yacht marina.West Auckland Wines and Liqueurs: West Auckland, settled by Yugoslavian immigrants in the early part of the last century, is considered to be the oldest and finest wine growing area and producer of world quality Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Auckland Maori Cultural Walk: Auckland is the ancestral home of the Maori tribe of Ngati Whatua, who first came to New Zealand from Polynesia a 1000 years ago. The best way to understand the Maori history, spiritual beliefs, their medicine, music and food is to go on a city tour with a Ngati Whatua tour guide. This promises to give a cultural insight into these proud and fascinating people.
