OCMD Girl

On 5/1/2023 at 10:35 PM, possum52 said:

1. For one of your stays in Melbourne, I would suggest a trip to Phillip Island for the renowned Penguin Parade. Phillip Island is around a two hour drive from Station Pier where you will dock. The penguins, many hundreds if not thousands, come out of the sea at sunset (8.30pm in February, 8pm March) and make their way up the beach to their burrows. You could hire a vehicle if one of your party is confident driving on the other side of the road (left hand side) or do a tour. I would suggest you google tours for Phillip Island Penguin Parade for more information. Ballarat, which is a historiacal gold rush city could be of interest and can be reached by train, bus/coach or car. 

 

Melbourne itself has plenty of things to do, see and visit -  if you are interested in sport, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Melbourne Park, the home of the Australian Tennis Open both have tours. There is the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG which is really interesting. Melbourne is renowned for its coffee and its cafe culture. You will find fabulous little cafes down laneways and hidden away in 19th century arcades and along Southbank. The State Library is also worth a visit, one of my favourite places in the city. It is a beautiful builiding. 

 

Penguin Parade

Victoria Regional Attractions

Visit Ballarat
Visit Melbourne

Melbourne Cricket Ground
Rod Laver Arena Tour

 

2. Dunedin - last time we were in Dunedin, pre-covid, we went on the Taieri Gorge railway which we thoroughly enjoyed. Post covid, the company has changed the trip and it is shorter. This past cruise season, this particular trip was only available on the days cruise ships were in port and had to be booked through the cruise ship. Of course this may or may not change next summer. There are other train journeys you could do as well. The links below may help.

 

Taieri Gorge Shore Excursion

Dunedin Railways

Dunedin Activities

 

 

3. Christchurch - I haven't been to Christchurch but here are a couple of links which may provide some information.

Christchurch Attractions

Christchurch Activities

 

4. Picton  - haven't been there

5. Wellington - the Te Papa Museum - you could spend hours here. 

                        Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

                        Wellington Botanical Garden and cable car

                        Waterfront

 

Te Papa Museum
Zealandia

Wellington Botanical Garden

Wellington Cable Car

 

6. Gisborne -  We tendered in to the pier and caught the shuttle bus into the town across the river and wandered around. There was a cultural performance by the local Maori community which was really good. 

Gisborne Activities

 

7. Tauranga - we took a private tour to Rotorua which icluded a stop at a kiwi farm. In Rotorua we visited the 

Te Puia for the geothermal and Maori Cultural experiences. We enjoyed our day and would recommend it. 

Te Puia

From Tuaranga you can also visit Hobbiton for the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings experience.

Hobbiton

 

I haven't been to Napier, Whangarei or Bluff but Napier is renowned for its art deco architecture after having to be rebuilt after an earthquake in 1931. 

 

Geelong - Yarramar has given you some suggestions for Geelong, Geelong has a vibrant waterfront so a walk along there is interesting. There are some great cafes and restaurants and wineries in the area too. 

Geelong

 

Enjoy your cruises and if you have any questions please ask.

Which tour group did you use in Tauranga.  thoughts on the best way to combine Rotorua tours with Hobbiton

@PORT ROYAL  Which catamaran cruise did you book with Elegance - group or private?