Background:
My DH and I love cruising and have been on over 30 cruises together. No cruise is to short and no cruise is to long. We try to see different countries on each trip or cruise, so this time we decided to give New Zealand a try.
Hotel:
Our cabin was like any other cabin on a cruise ship - compact and comfortable - this time we booked an ocean view room at the very front of the ship - we love the rocking and rolling on the high seas, but we warned if you have the tendency to get sea sick stick to mid ship and one of the lower levels. Had a terrific Room Steward - we would leave for breakfast or dinner and when we got back he had been in and made the bed.
We did not take a tour - just met a friend from Dunedin who took as on a tour of her own. Visited the Cadbury Chocolate Factory - for $NZ 20 had a great tour and got lots of free chocolate.
nice spot with great weather. Got of the ship and took a tour with a local guide. Amazing scenery. The tour cost us $NZ80
took the shuttle into town on a cold, windy and wet day, walked to the Tourist Information Center (about 1/2 mile away from where Princess drops you off - directions well marked) and took a bus tour around the town. Fun times, but cold. Cost again around $NZ80
DH loves wine so took the wine tour from the ship - nice scenery and nice wine.
booked the Hobbiton tour from the ship. This was well worth the price. Great scenery and if your a Hobbit fan, a must see…
another wine tasting tour for the DH… 2 wineries and lots of wonderful scenery.
our favorite place, would love to spend more time here. Took a tour from a local man who took us to the Glow Worm Caverns and around the Island. Really enjoyed our time with him and hearing his thoughts on the history of the Maori people.