SydneyCruisingFamily

On Easter Sunday I would think that some shops might be closed or have reduced trading hours. Tourist attractions would probably still operate as normal. New Zealand does have some strict rules about Easter Sunday trading The bus operator was Pacific Tourways. I think the tour operator could have been Leisure Tours New Zealand. It would be a good idea to try and obtain definite information about what would be open. Otherwise I agree with you about cancelling. Hopefully Royal wouldn’t operate the tour if they realize that most attractions would be closed - maybe not thinking that far in advance though. Good luck and I hope you find some answers.

Hi billyboy41 There was no need for any hiking gear as all walking was on pavement or level surfaces. Nothing really like a hike. Most people just used a backpack or small overnight bag for their luggage - so packed the minimum. At the end there was no time to explore Dunedin ( except for the quick city tour on the coach with a photo stop - the tour guide did talk about the city). We had to arrive back at the port between 5pm and 5.30pm - the tour guide said Royal Carribean are strict on that time - for the 6.30pm all aboard at Port Chalmers which is around 14 kilometres (20 minutes drive) from Dunedin Most of the ports are working cargo ports and need a shuttle or bus transfer to enter and exit the port. If you have any more questions please ask

We have just returned from our New Zealand Cruise and we took this shore tour: Day 1: We had 22 passengers in our group on this tour. Getting off the ship in Milford Sound is spectacular- sit out the back of the transfer boat to take some amazing photos. Then at the Milford Sound dock you meet your tour guide and driver and board a coach to drive towards Queenstown. Stopping along the way for comfort stops and photo opportunities. Also the lunch stop is a small pub called The Ranch - the food and included drink were good. There’s also some time to take a quick look around. We arrived in Queenstown around 3pm and went straight into our accommodation for the night at the Ramada. Our room had a water view. We walked into the centre of town (about 10 minutes downhill) and had time to explore the shops and have a beverage at one of the many restaurants around the waters edge. At 5pm we boarded the TSS Earnslaw (a long line formed about 30 minutes prior to this) for our sail to the Sheep Station for dinner. The dinner was buffet style and delicious - and was followed by a sheep shearing and sheep herding demonstration. You can explore the area if these don’t interest you. Returning to Queenstown the coach was waiting for us - avoiding an uphill walk or you can stay in town and enjoy the nightlife. Day 2: 7am breakfast at the Ramada and an 8am departure on the coach headed to Arrowtown. The only problem being mostly everything is still closed including the included museum which eventually did open before our scheduled departure time. The museum is very interesting for a history of the area. Wine tasting is next - maybe a bit early in the day for some but it was very good and they have a wine club which some in our group joined. Next stop was the famous Kawarau Suspension Bridge - we went inside to view the bungee jumpers but there was not enough time to participate in any of the activities offered - some of our group were keen so that was unfortunate. Lunch at The Packing Shed followed. It was very relaxing sitting outdoors in the garden under the trees. The food was great here too. Next was a drive through the ever changing countryside on our way to Dunedin. There was a brief city tour of the city included and a stop at a lookout before we made our way back to the ship. Overall a great Shore excursion showing much more of the New Zealand National Park and countryside. Maybe the timing of a couple of activities could be reviewed but it was still worthwhile.