New Zealand in January

[lvnc327]

Need to know what to see at our port stops during our cruise in New Zealand. Stops are Christchurch, Wellington, Napier Tauranga, Bay of Islands, and Auckland. Do we need taxis to get to the cities? Any help appreciated.

[kuldalai]

Christchurch - City Tour, Canterbury Plains & Tranz Alpine train as ships tour.

 

Wellington - City tour and cable car . Ships tour.

 

Tauranga - Either rotorua or White Water rafting . Ships tours.

 

Auckland - Waitomo Gloworm Caves as ships tour .

 

 

[moyaroo]

Need to know what to see at our port stops during our cruise in New Zealand. Stops are Christchurch, Wellington, Napier Tauranga, Bay of Islands, and Auckland. Do we need taxis to get to the cities? Any help appreciated.

 

To get into Christchurch from Lyttleton (if you go there) take a city bus, but from what I gather Christchurch center is rather distressed at the moment and foreseeable future so opting for anything in the Canterbury region out of town would be the way to go.

 

Wellington is a walkable city and you will be walking distance from the center. Botanical gardens are very nice (cable car up (long queue but worth the wait) and walk down) Te Papa museum is a must. If you are wine lovers and there is a tour to Martinborough excellent wines with less exposure internationally than other NZ.

 

Tauranga, if you do Maori things elsewhere you might just want to walk around Mount Maunganui and the town of same name. (you can walk to Mount Maunganui in less than 15 minutes.)

 

Auckland if stopping here plan on several days and see the area. If one day- Waiheke island is popular, it is hardto say without knowing your tastes. Auckland is a walk off and be in the heart of things city.

[erewhon]

On which ship will you be sailing?

It is likely that your ship will visit Akaroa (tender port)instead of Lyttelton ( Christchurch)

 

Napier, a shuttle bus will transport passengers to and from shipside/town.

 

Tauranga, the ship berths at Mount Maunganui, it is probably a 5 minute walk into the shopping area, or take a walk up or around the Mount.

 

Bay of Islands, another tender port. A shuttle bus is available to travel to Paihia township.

 

Wellington, easy walk to the CBD.

[Bruin Steve]

On which ship will you be sailing?

It is likely that your ship will visit Akaroa (tender port)instead of Lyttelton ( Christchurch)...

 

On our cruise--Celebrity Century, December 24-January 6, the Christchurch stop has officially been changed to Akaroa due to earthquake damage to the facilities at Christchurch.

[erewhon]

On our cruise--Celebrity Century, December 24-January 6, the Christchurch stop has officially been changed to Akaroa due to earthquake damage to the facilities at Christchurch.

 

Thank you for your reply.

Christchurch and surrounding areas continue to experience aftershocks from the major quakes.

[room010]

The city of Christchurch is nowhere near "back to normal" after the terrible earthquake earlier this year with continued aftershocks which are hindering clean up and rebuilding efforts. So yes, I'd stay clear of the city altogether. Akaroa (if that's where you ship will be stopping rather than Christchurch/Lyttleton) is a delightful destination in itself with magnificent scenary and enjoyable boat excursions to explore the bay and dolphin watching if you're lucky.