I was wondering if anyone knew of a tour group that does off shore excursions in New Zealand and Australia for the cruise ships. Princess is so expensive.
Posted by
toronto
178 posts
You should go to the cruise critic website to the forums there.You need to register to post but it's worth it to get info from seasoned cruisers.
Posted by
Boston
380 posts
Hi, Sara
If you search on-line each of your port of call, you will find listings for tours. There is usually a Chamber of Commerce or Visitor Center with free information. Some places you can tour on your own. Or just book a tour at the site of interests.
In Dunedin, we toured the Otago Museum on our own. I booked a tour of the Olveston Historic House on-line.
In Akaroa, I booked a tour with Pohatu Penguins Tours.
In Wellington, I booked a highlights tour of the Te Papa Museum. Or you could just wander around on your own.
In Tauranga, I booked with Scott Tour Te Puia, but the ship did not dock due to high winds.
But remember, if your independent tour is late and you miss the ship, you have to pay to get to the next destination. Shore excursions booked with the ship is covered. So, there's pros and cons. I personally give myself enough time to return to the ship. I agree the ship excursions are too expensive, but I did book a glow worm tour.
Have fun.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Cruise Critic has a lot of information, but it can be hard to navigate. Here's a direct link to their Australia and New Zealand Ports forum: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=77
Posted by
8322 posts
I use cruise critic a lot.
After you sign up as a member, if you have already booked a cruise, you can find the roll call for that specific cruise. Others are likely to be organizing tours, although it may be too early if the cruise is over a year away. If others are not doing that, you can organize your own tours.
Tours out of Sydney are easy to find on the internet. Gray Line has tours as well as other firms. Also, check Viator tours for Australia and New Zealand.