Diamond Princess Ship's Tours - Additional Information

[A.Emgee]

I just returned home from the Diamond Princess January 8, 2006 Sydney to Auckland. I noticed that the order form for the ship's tours had some additional information from that which is provided in the shore excursions booklet and online at Princess.com, so I thought somebody might benefit from my posting it. I suspect the comments on the order form are written by the shore excursions desk.

 

Personally, I did self-tours for all ports so I can't comment on the ship's tours themselves.

 

Note: Terrible grammar and spelling errors are direct from Princess Cruises.

 

Melbourne

Important Notes on Puffy Billy Steam Train: Drive to train is about 1 hour / train is non-air-conditioned and has bench style seats / on total fire ban days, Puffing Billy will be pulled by a diesel engine.

MEL-A Discover Melbourne

Visit Fitzroy Gardens & the Melbourne Observation Deck with a video of Melbourne and Victoria. Photo stop at the Shrine of Remembrance. Will not pass by the Grand Prix site.

MEL-BA Puffing Billy Train & Aussie Homestead

Visit Warrook Homestead, see colonial home, take a hayride, learn how to throw a boomerang, see a sheep dog demonstration and visit the resident kangaroos and wombats / includes 20-minute ride on Puffing Billy / home-style Aussie barbecue lunch.

MEL-BB Puffing Billy Train, Wildlife & Mountain Drive

Visit Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary / 20-minute ride on Puffing Billy Steam Train / lunch at a local winery. Shopping ops at the venues. Great well-rounded day!

MEL-C Puffing Bill Train Ride

Approximately 60-minute train ride on Puffing Billy. A restored narrow gauge steam train / see notes above.

MEL-D Melbourne By Land & River Cruiser

See the sights of Melbourne by both motorcoach and river cruiser, as well as traveling to the top of the Melbourne Observation Deck for spectacular views of the city.

MEL-F In the Australian Bush – Kangaroos & Koalas

Visit Serendip Sanctuary / Experience Australia’s native animals in their natural habitat, explore the native bush land with a naturalist guide.

MEL-G EZ Melbourne

Guided drive through the city / Photo stops at Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

MEL-H Wine & Wildlife Tour

Visit Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary & 2 Yarra Valley Wineries / Includes a brief city drive on your return / shopping ops at venues / includes lunch.

MEL-I Explore Macedon Ranges & Hepburn Spa Resort

Set in the scenic Macedon Ranges 68 miles north of Melbourne, Hepburn Springs and the adjoining town of Daylesford can be considered the spa center of Australia. Together, the towns boast half of Australia’s known mineral springs which arise from a 450-million year-old volcanic basin.

MEL-JA Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Guided Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens / visit the new Melbourne Museum to see the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Exhibit / includes about 1.5 hours of walking and standing.

MEL-JB A Walking Tour of Queen Victoria Markets

Queen Vic Market is a local institution and you will explore the produce areas with emphasis on unusual, unique and local foods. About 2 hours of guided walking and an hour at leisure. Can stay at the Market at end of tour (return to ship on your own). Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays Market closed.

MEL-K Ballarat Wildlife Park & Gold Rush

Visit Ballarat Wildlife Park to see all of Australia’s native animals & Sovereign Hill to experience the Gold Rush Days of 1850 / shopping ops at both venues / lunch is on your own (not included in tour).

MEL-L Healesville Express

Have about 2 hours on your own to explore this premier Wildlife Sanctuary including the highlight of the Sydney Myer World of the Platypus – the most comprehensive exhibit ever constructed. Drive to/from approximately 1.5 hours.

MEL-M Intimate Melbourne

Visit the Old Melbourne Gaol, Cook’s Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens and Rippon Lea Estate built in 1868. Includes morning tea / tour group is small! Tour order may vary.

MEL-O Ghost Towns, Mines & Mountains: A 4WD Safari

Visit Walhalla – a ghost town frozen in time, see an old copper mine and bush scenery. Expert drivers pilot your 4WD vehicle through the Victorian Highlands / Includes picnic-style lunch. Transfer to the 4WD vehicles takes about 2 hours by air-conditioned motorcoach.

MEL-QA Melbourne Aquarium & Shark Dive

State-of-the-art aquarium provides an interactive environment in which to experience all the wonders of the sea. Before or after your dive, you will have free time to explore on your own – certified divers about 3 hours & non-certified divers about 90 minutes. Dive is approximately 30 minutes with the sharks! Lunch is on your own. Certified divers much have diver card. Medical/liability waivers to be filled out prior to going on tour.

MEL-SA A Day on the Bay

Have an opportunity to swim with wild dolphins and seals / Lunch is not included but can purchase at Sorrento / drive to Sorrento is about 2 hours each way / wetsuits, masks & snorkels provided / sightings/swimming are not guaranteed but success rate is about 90%!

MEL-SB Snorkeling with Sea Dragons

Have an opportunity to explore the wonders of a sea dragon colony / Lunch will be a picnic style lunch in a local park / drive to Sorrento is about 2 hours each way / wetsuits, masks & snorkels provided / sightings/swimming are not guaranteed but success rate is about 90%.

MEL-SC Sea Kayaking Adventure

Travel to the Mornington Peninsula where you meet your instructor-guide. Includes a safety orientation and kayaking lesson. A picnic style lunch is included. A fully trained guide accompanies each party of six kayaks. Before or after your kayak adventure, some free time to explore seaside village of Sorrento, if time permits. Transfer time approximately 2 hours each way.

 

Hobart

For those tours which include Bonorong Wildlife Park, you will see Koalas, Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, and wombats in a “bush” setting (uneven ground). For tours that include Russell Falls, there is a total 40-minute walk to the Falls on a trail (uneven ground).

HBA-A Bonorong Wildlife Park

See wildlife such as Koalas, wombats, feed kangaroos and learn about Australia’s unique animals, including Tasmanian devils!

HBA-AB Richmond, Wine & Wildlife

Visit Bonorong Wildlife Park, guided tour of Richmond Historic Village with free time, and a visit to a winery with tasting. Photo op at Mt. Nelson and Rosny Point / includes a delicious buffet lunch with glass of wine.

HBA-B Hobart City Sights & Wine Tasting

Visit Narryna (an old Georgian home in historic Battery Point) / Moorilla Estate Vineyard & Winery with wine tasting & Taste of Tasmania treat / Anglesea Barracks / photo op at Mt. Nelson.

HBA-C Explore Hhobart’s History

Visit the Maritime Museum (excellent!), Battery Point Historic area, and Mt. Nelson Signal Station (with morning or afternoon tea). Photo op at Rosny Lookout / drive past Angelsea Barracks.

HBA-D Tasmania Heritage & Wildlife Experience

Visit Richmond Old Gaol (1825), and Bonorong Wildlife Park. Photo ops at Rosny Point Lookout, St. John’s Church (oldest Catholic Church in Australia – beautiful!), Richmond Bridge (oldest in Australia). Some free time in Richmond for shopping!

HBA-F Historic Hamilton & Wildlife Park

Visit the Salmon Ponds (oldest trout hatchery in Southern Hemisphere) with tour of hatchery and fishponds, Prospect Villa (from 1830) with tour of the house and its grounds and Something Wild – a fledgling animal park where you can see endangered species such as Eastern Quolls.

HBA-H Port Arthur: The Convict Days

Visit Port Arthur Penal Colony (beautiful scenery) Australia’s last penal settlement with a guided tour. Also visit Tasmanian Devil Park and discover more about this famous native; free time to wander through the park and see wallabies & kangaroos. Please note there are no Koalas at Devil Park.

HBA-I Scenic Huon Vallley & Wildlife Park

Visit Bonorong Wildlife Park, the Huon Valley Apple & Heritage Museum (everything you’ve ever wanted to know about apples) and Stonehouse Gardens (built by convicts in the 1850s). Includes a Tasmanian Feast for lunch as you overlook the lovely Huon River and shopping ops at the venues. Alternate venue may be used for Margate Florist and Craft.

HBA-O Tassie Treetops & Valleys

Visit Tahune Forest Airwalk and take a walk through the trees on the longest tree-top walk in the world and Huon Valley Apple & Heritage Museum, and Stonehouse Gardens (from the 1850s). Includes hearty morning tea. Lunch is on your own at the Airwalk. Please note: take Australian dollars for lunch.

HBA-Q A Visit to the Tasmanian Midlands

Travel to the rural estate of Fonthill in the Tasmania Midlands, tour the historic Georgian manor and see traditional sheep farming skills and try a shearer’s smoko.

HBA-R Over the Back: A Tasmanian Eco-tour & Wildlife Park

Visit Something Wild – a fledgling animal park, Mt. Field National park with walk to Russell Falls, Hamilton Sheep Station for sheep-shearing demo with sheep dogs, and Over the Back for a short guided walk to learn about this Landcare area that overlooks Meadowbank Dam. Lunch is a Tasmanian barbecue at the Waterfall Café in Mt. Field National Park.

HBA-RB Natural Wonders of Tasmania

Visit Something Wild – a fledgling animal park where you can actually see wombats, grey kangaroos and even a chance to see platypus in the river, Mt. Field National park with walk to Russell Falls and Hamilton Sheep Station for Tasmanian barbeque lunch with sheep-shearing demo with those amazing sheep dogs!

HBA-T Taz Trek Adventure

4-wheel drive mini-bus / Visit Bonorong Wildlife Park and Mt. Field National Park with walk to Russell Falls / See Lake Dobson and Mt. Tim Shea / Includes lunch at a café in Maydena. Ride can be rough.

HBA-TB Soft Wilderness Adventure

Visit Mt. Field National Park with walk to Russell Falls, Bonorong Wildlife Park and Meadowbank for afternoon tea, sheep shearing demo and wine tasting. Home-style lunch prepared by the local ladies of Maydena.

HBA-2 Tasmanian Eco Cruise & Wildlife Adventure

3-hour eco cruise along the coast of the South Bruny National Park – a chance to see dolphins, fur seals, white bellied sea eagles, albatrosses and shearwaters. Lunch served at a restaurant at Adventure Bay.

HBA-4 A Pub Hop Round Hobart

Visit 3 local pubs (choice of beer, wine or fruit juice) and learn about the history of these “public houses”.

HBA-5 Russell Falls, Meadowbank & Wildlife

Visit Mt. Field National Park with walk to Russell Falls & Bonorong Wildlife Park. Includes lunch and visit at Meadowbank with wine tasting and sheep shearing demonstration.

HBA-6 Forest Nature Walk & Wildlife park

Visit Wielanta State Forest (Tasmania’s oldest), Bonorong Wildlife Park and at Sandpit River have a 15-minute rainforest walk with picnic morning tea afterwards. Includes buffet lunch at Oyster Bay.

 

Port Chalmers for Dunedin

Important Note: The Taieri Gorge Train is exclusive to Diamond Princess.

PC3-A Historic Dunedin & Olveston House

Visit Olveston House (stairs and wailking) – a great venue! Also includes stop at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens and a photo-op at the Dunedin Train Station.

PC3-B Dunedin City Drive / Larnach Castle

Visit Larnach Castle (stairs and walking) with a drive around the Otago Peninsula with stunning scenery. Buses are not air conditioned.

PC3-C Town & Country by Train

All aboard for a trip back in time reserved exclusively for Princess passengers! Your train excursion will travel along a spectacular railway line passing through country villages and along the magnificent coastline north of Dunedin. Vintage and modern carriages are used, and you board the train right on the pier. Afternoon tea is served on the train, along with a variety of refreshments throughout the trip. Train is not air conditioned.

PC3-D Taieri Gorge by Train

Includes dramatic scenery / photo stops along the way / Morning tea / light picnic-style lunch / refreshments throughout the journey / Board the train at the pier – vintage and modern carriages / can disembark downtown (return is on your own) or return to the pier by train at the end of the tour. Please note the Taieri Gorge Train is not air conditioned.

PC3-DA Taieri Gorge by Train & Larnach Castle

Combines all of Tour D with a visit of Larnach Castle

PC3-DB Taieri Gorge by Train & Olveston House

Combines all of Tour D with a visit to Olveston House – great!

PC3-F Great Houses of Dunedin

Visit Olveston House, Larnach Castle & Fletcher House / Includes lunch at one of Dunedin’s historic locales / Time permitting, some free time for shopping will be included.

PC3-H Otago Goldfields Heritage

Experience the scenic coastal waters north of Dunedin as you head into the area which was transformed by forty years of goldmining, be treated to a traditional lunch, and visit a trout hatchery where you may hand-feed the fish.

PC3-K Bonnie Dunedin

Enjoy a wee taste of Scotland on this tour as you discover Dunedin’s Scottish Heritage. Visit Otago Settler’s Museum (excellent) and First Church with a photo op at the Robert Burns statue. Also visit Glenfalloch Gardens where you will see traditional Scottish dancing, have tea and scones, followed by the time-honored Haggis Ceremony. Please note on Sundays the First Church will not be visited, similar venue will be visited.

PC3-O Ghost & Graves

Experience the paranormal on a walking tour that visits Dunedin’s North Cemetery and discover the supernatural secrets haunting the city streets. Can remain in the city after your tour then the return to the ship is then on your own. Buses not air conditioned.

PC3-P Golfing in Dunedin

St. Clair Golf Course – 6,427-yard, par 71 course features spectacular coastal views and the 15th hole was honored as one of the top 18 golf holes in New Zealand. Includes roundtrip transport buses not air conditioned, green fees, rental clubs, pull-cart and a light lunch. Golf carts available for additional fee. Please note: Alternative golf course can be used.

PC3-R Taieri Gorge Silver Peaks Rafting

The Taieri River has its genesis in the spectacular and rugged Central Otago hills before winding its way through many small towns to the coast. Join the river near its coastal end to raft the Taieri Gorge.

PC3-S Sea Kayaking Eco Tour

Picture yourself paddling in a kayak to view Otago Peninsula’s coastal wildlife and venturing out in the wild blue Pacific – observe marine wildlife at close quarters, and awaken a new sense of wonder and respect for those special animals and their unique environment.

PC3-T Natural Wonders of Dunedin

Transport is by 8-wheel drive Argos / see the Otago Peninsula, Penguin Beach and visit Westpac Trust Aquarium. Includes light picnic-style lunch. Lunch venue may vary, may not be at Natural Wonders. Transfer to Natural Wonders is by bus. Dress in layers and non slip shoes.

PC3-V Dunedin by Classic Car

Vintage Jaguar or Daimler limousine / Visit Olveston House, Otago Settlers Museum (amazing!) and Speight’s Brewery for a tour and tasting. Note: 4 to 5 passengers per car / stairs at Olveston and Brewery.

PC3-Y Dunedin Ciy Sights & Chocolate

Visit Cadbury Chocolate Factory for an exclusive tour and shopping ops, photo stops at the Dunedin Train Station and city drive. Buses not air conditioned.

PC3-2 Wildlife Discovery Cruise

Sights include the Royal Albatross Colony and the dramatic scenery of the Otago Peninsula. Short walk of about 300 yards to board your motor launch. The motor launch cannot accommodate a wheelchair.

PC3-4 Dunedin Pub Hop

Visit 3 or 4 pubs (beer, wine or fruit juice at each) and a tour of Speight’s Brewery / includes traditional pub lunch and some shopping ops.

Lyttleton for Christchurch

Important Note: Some motorcoaches used here are non-air-conditioned. However, it is usually not needed, as Christchurch can be quite “fresh”, as they say in New Zealand!

CHC-A Christchurch City Sightseeing

City drive / Time at Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Arts Center and Victoria Square is self guided.

CHC-B Christchurch Town & Country

Visit Waitangi Farm and meet the owners Lorne and Pamela and see alpacas, cattle, miniature horses and rare breeds of sheep. Learn about their mission to preserve rare breeds. Limited selections of wool and woolen products available for purchase. Enjoy tea at the farm and some real New Zealand hospitality.

CHC-BA Akaroa, Canterbury Farm & Christchurch

Visit Canterbury Farm with sheep dogs and sheep shearing & see Akaroa (old French settlement and whaling station). Includes city drive and buffet lunch with a glass of wine.

CHC-C Canterbury & Countryside Attractions

Visit Homebush Stables & Museum (one of the historic farms of the area), the International Antarctic Center (great) and a local knitwear factory for woolens / shopping ops also available at venues. Includes barbecue lunch and local wines at Homebush Stables and city drive.

CHC-D Punt, Tram, Shopping & Tea Tour

This tour includes some of the attractions that make the inner city of Christchurch so special and unique – view the inner city on a historic tram, meander along the Avon in a punt, browse for a keepsake in the Arts Centre and sit down to tea in elegant surroundings within the Botanical gardens.

CHC-DA Christchurch Sights & Shopping

The ultimate shopping tour! Stops include Craft World, Knitwear Factory & Shop, Larcombs Winery with a tasting and the Christchurch Arts Centre. Lunch is at a local pub.

CHC-E Heritage Train Ride, Winery & Antarctic Centre

Drive to Waipara and board your train, depending on fire season it can be either a steam or diesel locomotive after your train trip visit a winery, have lunch and see the International Antarctic Centre.

CHC-F Attractions of Christchurch

Visit International Antarctic Center (great!) & Willowbank Native Bird Reserve (to see kiwi birds!). Please note flash photography not permitted at Willowbank.

CHC-G EZ Tranz Alpine Adventure

One-way train journey to Aurthur’s Pass National park (2 hours) with some free time at Arthur’s Pass. Visit Sandown and meet descendents of Christchurch’s first settlers with sheep shearing, tea and shopping op. Lunch is picnic-style box lunch on train – one way is by motorcoach. Tour may operate in reverse order.

CHC-H Air & Ice

Visit Air Force World with WWII veteran guides, flight simulators and hands-on-exhibits and the International Antarctic Center for a fascinating look at this icy continent. Two great attractions!

CHC-HA Wings & Wine

Visit Air Force World (excellent!) and a family-owned winery for a tasting / Includes city drive.

CHC-I Christchurch Heritage

Travel over the Port Hills to Christchurch and enjoy views of the Canterbury Plains. Visit Riccarton House, Christ Collage and Christchurch Arts Centre. A light Devonshire tea will be served at Riccarton house.

CHC-K Explore Christchurch

Travel past historic sites, parkland and then cross the Avon for a multifaceted view of the city. Visit the International Antarctic Centre, Canterbury Museum and ride Christchurch Tramway.

CHC-P Golfing in Christchurch (Russley Course – 18 holes)

Includes green fees, clubs & round-trip transport. Golf carts and caddies not available, lunch is on your own. Please note Russley Golf Course is used subject to availability, an alternative golf course may be substituted without notice.

CHC-Q A Hands-On History Tour & Sail Expedition

Travel to the historic whaling port of Akaroa and take a sail on an 80-year old ketch. Please note: must be in good physical condition.

CHC-R Whitewater Rafting *Active Excursion*

Raft through the Rangitata Gorge with two sections of Class 5 rapids. Time for swimming and a chance to leap off famous Jump Rock. Enjoy a barbecue lunch and a hot shower before returning to the ship. Travel time is approximately 2 hours each way to Rangitata Gorge. Minimum age 15 years.

CHC-S Kiwi Jet Boat Safari

Board your jet boat and ascend the river rapids on a thrilling cruise that navigates shallow water and narrow gorges with 360-degree spins. Please note: note recommended for pregnant women, minimum age is 3 years old. You will get wet.

CHC-T Horse Trekking

Ride along the beach or explore a forest trail on a horse trek that’s customized for the group's level of riding experience. Time of the trek is about 2.5 hours. Please note: minimum age 7 years, maximum weight 300lbs, English style saddles.

CHC-V Uniquely Christchurch

Private car and driver / Visit Mona Vale Homestead, Christchurch Arts Center & Victorian Square / Includes punt (boat) ride on the Avon River and a traditional morning tea.

CHC-Y Delicious Christchurch

Fun with food!! Visit a meat pie plant, Oxford on Avon and the Fudge Cottage for demonstrations and tastings at all locations. Yum!!!

CHC-2 Christchurch Wildlife Cruise

2-hour cruise on Lyttleton Harbor / Chance to see the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, seal and marine birds along with dramatic scenery. Wildlife sightings not guaranteed.

CHC-3 New Zealand Flora & Fauna

Meet some of New Zealand’s unique native fauna at Orana Park Wildlife Trust and explore Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens.

 

Mt. Maunganui for Tauranga

TRG-A Rotorua Maori Experience & Thermal Reserve *Highly Recommended*

Explore a Thermal Reserve with geysers and hot springs, Maori Arts and Craft Institute and the Agrodome & Sheep Show (truly great!). Also includes a Maori Concert and buffet lunch with shopping at the venues. Note: Your walk at the thermal reserve is approximately 650-yards over worn walkways.

TRG-B Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Travel to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Valley featuring geysers, mud pools, and volcanic lakes. Enjoy lunch accompanied by a Maori Concert and a visit to Rainbow Springs. Please note: photos may be restricted and passengers may be asked to remove hats during Maori ceremonies.

TRG-C Waimangu Volcanic Valley Tour

Visit geothermal wonders of Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Rainbow Springs, 45-minute cruise on Lake Rotohana, New Zealand’s youngest naturally-formed lake. Includes buffet lunch with Maori entertainment. Please note: photos may be restricted and passengers may be asked to remove hats during Maori ceremonies.

TRG-G EZ Tauranga

Skirt the shoreline of this popular seaside resort; take a firsthand look at kiwifruit cultivation and tour Tauranga’s sites.

TRG-H Maori Culture and Tauranga Highlight

Visit a local marae with Maori guides and have morning tea after learning about this culture. Includes city drive. Please note: photos may be restricted and passengers may be asked to remove hats during Maori ceremonies.

TRG-I Waikato Valley – Deer, Diary, Horses

Enjoy the vistas of the Waikato Valley with its fertile farmlands. Visit this 56 hectare deer park including superb plantations and beautiful gardens.

TRG-J Katikati Heritage / Haiku Path Walk

Visit the picturesque town of Katikati, set on the banks of the Uretara River, it is a haven for local artists and renowned in new Zealand as the only “mural” town.

TRG-Q Trout Fishing

Fish for Rainbow and German brown trout. Includes gear, license, guide and picnic lunch. Remember, it is fishing not catching! Please note: A minimum of 2 fisherman per boat is required to operate. You may visit Rotorua but neither the township nor the Thermal Reserve is part of this excursion.

TRG-R Rangitaiki River Adventure

Paddle down the Rangitaiki River through native bush, sheer rock walls and planted forest for approximately 1.25 hours of rafting adventure. Please note: very active tour and must be able to swim to participate.

TRG-S Volcanic History / Tarawera Crater

Board 4WD vehicle on the journey to the actual Mt. Tarawera crater, sit back and view the rural scenery. Have an educational adventure at Rotorua Museum and enjoy a picnic-style lunch during the course of the day.

TRG-T Longridge Farm and Jet Boat Ride

Visit Longridge Farm with a farm tour and have a jet boat ride to the upper reaches of the Kaituna River and Stottle Ball Rapids includes morning tea. Please note: This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or passengers with bad backs. Take a T-shirt – you will get wet.

TRG-V Tauranga Highlights by Vintage American Car

Explore Tauranga region by vintage 1920’s to 1930’s American cars. Visit Elms Mission Station, founded in 1835 and Convita Bee Products, New Zealand’s leading bee product manufacturer.

[KiwiIan]

The TRG-V tour in Tauranga is actually now provided by a different company and they use Rolls Royce and Daimlers from the period 1951 to 1985, not the older American cars [that was last season]. The tour is a hlaf day morning or afternoon. Regards ian @Tauranga NZ