The ship docked virtually in the centre of the City, right next to the Hilton Hotel and within easy walking distance of the CBD. We took the Hop on Hop off bus and did a lap and also did a harbour cruise. We took advantage of the nearby shops and bought a few items. Out of all the Ports in NZ Auckland is the most con venient to access the City.
Tied up at the "timber wharf" next to the new "biscuit tin" Stadium. Took a shuttle bus to the CBD and walked to the Tourist Information Centre where we booked a city tour. Went to the Botanic Gardens, Lady Norwood Rose Garden where we saw the excellent begonia house. The roses had just about finished their season
Then up to Mount Victoria lookout with spectacular views aver the city and harbour. The bus driver then dropped us back at the ship for a late lunch.
Because of earthquake damage to the port for Christchurch we tendered ashore at Akaroa. We had a walk around the delightful village for an hour or two then returned to the ship. Some people took bus tours to Christchurch.
This was the highlight of our shore excursions with a trip on the Taieri Gorge train trip which we organised independently, online at half the price of the organised ship train trip. The Gorge was stunning and very rugged. It surpassed my expectations. The Railways Shuttle bus driver took us on an hour and a half city tour after the train returned at 3-30pm and had us back at the ship at 5 pm for a 6 pm sailaway.
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