Bay of Islands vs Akoroa vs Auckland

[BoopTennis]

Hi.  We are doing a cruise around New Zealand (first time to New Zealand) and considering several different cruise options.  Regarding ports, all of them do Fiordland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, and Dunedin.  But for any additional ports, here are where the choices come in:

 

1) Bay of Islands

 

2) Bay of Islands and Akoroa

 

3) Akoroa and Auckland

 

any opinions on the better choice?  My husband and I are mid 60s but active, not really into museums and city tours but like outdoorsy wildlife and hiking and more along those lines. thank you for any recommendations

 

 

[Chiliburn]

They are all good,even as you don’t like cities Auckland is a lovely city.

But as you like the outdoors Bay of Islands and Akaroa 

[OzKiwiJJ]

I agree with Chiliburn. The Bay of Islands and Akaroa are both beautiful places.

[BoopTennis]

thank you

[mr walker]

For Akaroa, we would recommend booking a tour with https://www.pohatu.co.nz/

 

We did the 4WD Scenic Nature Tour on our Jan visit there & enjoyed it immensely - the Little Penguins are extra cute.

[BoopTennis]

Than you I will look into that

[Barwick Cruiser]

We toured with Akaroa Dolphins and had a great time with them.  Saw heaps of dolphins, very comfortable and clean boat, commentary of surrounding landmarks and history and even snacks and bevvies on board!  Highly recommend them. Can't go wrong!  Have fun whatever you do!

[tsutt35]

I would probably recommend Bay of Islands and Akaroa from what you have mentioned. I blogged about our cruise around NZ with the visits to each port if you want some ideas. I somehow managed to delete the Bay of Islands blog though.

https://tanyastravelblog.wordpress.com/cruises-2/december-2017/

 

[krigaren1]

Bay of Islands is magic,as is Tauranga and Akaroa

[BoopTennis]

Thanks. We settled in on a cruise that takes us to dunedin, akaroa, wellington, napier, tauranga and auckland. Any recommendations appreciated. So excited!