Pricing of Viking optional Excursions

[Fieldofdreams]

On 10/17/2022 at 6:35 PM, katlew said:

I’m going with a group of six, so we have booked some private tours as well as Viking ones, it was cheaper than the Viking tours & we can move at our own pace …. (Btw, are going the opposite direction)

Sydney - we are doing the extension, so have two extra days there. We are doing the included Viking tour, a private Southern Alps tour, and a Penfolds Wine dinner cruise.

Melbourne - Train, Wine, & Wildlife. We thought this would be a good mix of different things. We all enjoy wine. We are in port until 11pm, so lots of time for a long tour. My husband works with someone in Melbourne who told us to get out of the city.

Hobart - Richmond & Bongorong Wildlife Sanctuary - Richmond sounds like a cute village to visit & my MIL wants to see a Tasmanian devil.

Dunedin - Moeraki Boulders - we all just thought this would be really interesting to visit, plus going to the village for some regional specialties. We also like the idea of something a little more demanding than being on a bus.

Christchurch - We have booked a private tour that day to Arthur’s Pass and Castle Rock. We thought about doing Land of Lord of the Rings, but we’re told by a local guide that it is a very long bus ride.

Wellington - We are doing Zealandia, but on our own. Since we are 6, I was able to set up a private tour with the reserve. I was on the Wellington Reddit & Zealandia was suggested as a good place to spend a day. We also looked at Seals & Wine. We are there on Boxing Day which is a holiday, so there were fewer choices.

Rotorua - We are doing Hobbiton as a day trip from Auckland before the cruise, so we could do Geothermal Rotorua when there. We have booked it privately, not through Viking. We’ve visited Geothermal areas in other countries & thought this would be interesting.

Auckland - we are doing an extension so are there 2 days before Embarkation, which means we have almost 4 days there. We are doing an Aucky Wally walking tour, a Hobbiton & the Glow Worm Caves, and a private wine tour. We booked all these on our own. We also are going to do the included Viking tour.

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Kathy - I wanted to thank you for weighing in with this information.

Don

[Fieldofdreams]

On 10/17/2022 at 12:55 PM, katlew said:

We are on the New Zealand to Australia cruise in December this year & have just booked our excursions. They run anywhere from $89 for the 4 hours tour to the Richmond & Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to $2000 for a helicopter tour. Most of the excursions seemed to be between $140 and $300, there are a few $99 tours.  Golfing trips were in the $500's. The most expensive one we booked was the Train, Wine, & Wildlife in Melbourne which is 8hrs for $289. We also booked a few tours on our own, for example Zealandia in Wellington cost $99 through Viking, but you can get a ticket on your own for $35 if you a comfortable getting yourself there. If there are any specific excursions you'd like to know about in in NZ/Aus let me know.

Katlew - Just wanted to provide an update to you and everyone else in CC community. We were able to book all of the excursions we wanted except for one. Pricing was the same that you mentioned in you 10/17/2022 post. Actually less stressful a process than I thought it would be. Next up booking restaurant reservations on Dec. 23rd. Will let everyone know how that process goes. Enjoy your cruise if you are currently on the ship.

[Fieldofdreams]

On 10/17/2022 at 7:18 PM, Heidi13 said:

 

Sydney:

 - Opera House - I suggest booking the behind the scenes tour. Starts at 06:45 and includes brekky

 - The Rocks - easy to do on your own, or you can book a guide

 - Parramatta - catch a ferry from Circular Quay for a round trip up river. You can also explore Parramatta before the return.

 - Hunter Valley - full day tour to wine country

 - Blue Mountains - full day tour, suggest using Anderson Tours

 - Darling Harbour - walk around, lots of attractions, cafes and restaurants

 

Melbourne: a spectacular city to visit

 - Investigating the CBD on your own is easy. Assuming you dock at Station Pier and not Geelong, the local trains have a station at the end of the pier. You can take the train to the CBD, where local trams are free. Lots of cafes and restaurants along the river.

 - Yarra River cruise and downtown drive is a great overview, especially if it is your first visit

 - Koalas & Kangaroos - this is planned for our next visit

 - Trains, Wine & Wildlife sounds interesting

 - For private tours, I would consider a full day tour to the great ocean road with Eco Platypus Tours (https://daytourmelbourne.com.au/1-day-great-ocean-road-tour/. They also have a Yarra Valley Wine Tour. Shore Trips & Tours also have wine tours

 

Hobart

 - Another great port for just wandering around the harbour, with a number of cafes and restaurants. Also has a craft brewery across the road from where the ship docks.

 - The included tour is good, giving you an overview.

 - To go further afield, I suggest Tasmanian Sojourn or Historic Tasmania, Countryside & Winery

 

Dunedin

 I suggest a private tour with Back to Nature Tours – https://backtonaturetours.co.nz/

The Royal Peninsula Tour - https://backtonaturetours.co.nz/tour/royal-peninsula/ was more comprehensive than anything Viking offers

 

Christchurch

We did the punting on the Avon

 

Wellington

The dock is a fair distance from the downtown, but Viking do operate a shuttle bus. The included tour is good for an overview.

 

We were considering the Seal Watching, then  getting a taxi to visit a few craft breweries

 

Tauranga

Rotorua is definitely worth visiting. Unfortunately our preferred vendor retired, so we would have to research another option, or use Viking

 

Auckland

An easy city to walk around or take the local harbour ferries.

Heidi - As we get closer to cruise time and re-visit our options in ports this is great information that you provided. Thank you

[deec]

On 10/17/2022 at 4:10 PM, Heidi13 said:

 

Those were our top 2 choices in Napier and we opted for the wine tasting. It was a couple of years ago, so can't remember the reasoning.

 

Just a quick heads up for Napier. It is a tricky port for docking cruise ships, as it has a narrow entrance and is exposed to the winds, which often blow in the 30kt + range. I have only ever docked in Napier in a cargo ship, as none of our cruises managed to get alongside. 

 

In summary, don't be too disappointed if it is too windy for a safe docking in Napier.

We missed Napier on the WC2018

[Fieldofdreams]

59 minutes ago, deec said:

We missed Napier on the WC2018

Heidi - Did you go on one of the Back to Nature tours in Dunedin, Now looking at the Otago Peninsula Tour based upon your suggestion. It is a 9:45 - 4:45 tour. Currently booked with the Viking on their Great Houses tour.  Itineraries for both are below. Recognize that they are entirely two different tours but would like your opinion (and others on CC) for which one to take. Seems to me that we would miss out on the beauty of the Otago peninsula if we did not take the Back to Nature tour. One consideration is how easy it is to get to pick up location for Back to Nature. Have an email in to Back to Nature to see if they pick up at port, otherwise a 20 -25 min taxi ride? Thoughts/Opinions/Comments all welcome.

 

Itinerary for Great Houses:

Scenic Coastal Drive and Standout Architecture of Historic Dunedin

Travel the coast to see this Victorian city’s architectural highlights, and tour an Edwardian mansion and a castle. Departing the port by motor coach, admire the seascapes as you journey to your first stop. You will see the city’s historic architecture, passing an impressive collection of Victorian buildings including the University of Otago, Dunedin Law Courts and Otago Boys’ High School, as well as the magnificent Dunedin Railway Station. Stop at the Olveston House and tour this 35-room Edwardian mansion filled with treasures collected during businessman David Theomin’s travels around the world. Continue on to Larnach Castle, a unique neo-Gothic structure and New Zealand’s only castle, with breathtaking views and an intriguing history. It took over 15 years to complete its construction. Enjoy a guided tour and an afternoon snack of delicious scones in the castle’s ballroom, followed by free time to stroll the gardens before returning to your ship.

 

Itinerary for Otago Peninsula Tours

 

City Highlights
The notable architecture of the historical buildings is equally as impressive as the natural beauty found along the coastline in Dunedin. This tour allows you to admire both!

Dunedin was once the leading industrial and commercial centre of New Zealand and has retained many of its early buildings. Our tour begins with a scenic drive into the city to admire the largest collection of Edwardian and Victorian structures. We also visit Baldwin Street, the ‘steepest street in the world’; the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university; and the Historic Dunedin Railway Station. Before heading farther along the bay, enjoy the city’s central plaza with its octagonal layout.

Otago Peninsula
The journey continues out onto the Otago Peninsula, where the southern rollers pound our coastline and rare wildlife comes ashore regularly throughout the year.

We visit Larnach Castle gardens, where a unique collection of specialised gardens can be explored and some of the finest views of the Otago Harbour can be seen. Please note that lunch is not included; however, you will have the opportunity to purchase something from the Larnach Castle Ballroom Café or later on during the tour. If you have any dietary requirements, please let your guide know on the day of the tour.

Portobello & Tidal Inlets
After your Larnach Castle experience, we follow the winding gravel roads towards Portobello, the main township on the Otago Peninsula. On the way, we visit the Tidal Inlets and learn about this fascinating ecosystem and the waders and waterfowl that rely on it. View native birds of New Zealand feeding on rich mudflats and see some of the finest scenery along this rugged coastline.

Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve
Continuing on, we spend the afternoon viewing the unique and treasured penguins and other native wildlife that call the coasts of New Zealand home. We take an adventurous journey through a series of tunnels and hides to get unrivaled viewing of the ‘critically endangered’ yellow-eyed penguin. We also see little blue penguins, NZ sea lions and NZ fur seals who come ashore regularly. Grab your cameras — you can expect to see at least two of these species during the afternoon!

This Dunedin penguin tour provides you with fantastic photographic opportunities and introduces you to arguably the rarest penguin in the world. The 90 steps to climb and 600 meters to trek take approximately 90 minutes, and the rewards are immeasurable.

Taiaroa Head

Our final stop is at Taiaroa Head, where the Northern Royal Albatross can often be seen gliding around the headland. Our guide will tell you the story of a truly amazing bird that spends most of his life at sea and chooses the tip of the Otago Peninsula to breed. The surrounding area is also full of interest, and it’s a perfect way to finish the day before taking the low road back to Port Chalmers.

 

• City Highlights
  The notable architecture of the historical buildings is equally as impressive as the natural beauty found along the coastline in Dunedin. This tour allows you to admire both!

  Dunedin was once the leading industrial and commercial centre of New Zealand and has retained many of its early buildings. Our tour begins with a scenic drive into the city to admire the largest collection of Edwardian and Victorian structures. We also visit Baldwin Street, the ‘steepest street in the world’; the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university; and the Historic Dunedin Railway Station. Before heading farther along the bay, enjoy the city’s central plaza with its octagonal layout.

  Otago Peninsula
  The journey continues out onto the Otago Peninsula, where the southern rollers pound our coastline and rare wildlife comes ashore regularly throughout the year.

  We visit Larnach Castle gardens, where a unique collection of specialised gardens can be explored and some of the finest views of the Otago Harbour can be seen. Please note that lunch is not included; however, you will have the opportunity to purchase something from the Larnach Castle Ballroom Café or later on during the tour. If you have any dietary requirements, please let your guide know on the day of the tour.

  Portobello & Tidal Inlets
  After your Larnach Castle experience, we follow the winding gravel roads towards Portobello, the main township on the Otago Peninsula. On the way, we visit the Tidal Inlets and learn about this fascinating ecosystem and the waders and waterfowl that rely on it. View native birds of New Zealand feeding on rich mudflats and see some of the finest scenery along this rugged coastline.

  Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve
  Continuing on, we spend the afternoon viewing the unique and treasured penguins and other native wildlife that call the coasts of New Zealand home. We take an adventurous journey through a series of tunnels and hides to get unrivaled viewing of the ‘critically endangered’ yellow-eyed penguin. We also see little blue penguins, NZ sea lions and NZ fur seals who come ashore regularly. Grab your cameras — you can expect to see at least two of these species during the afternoon!

  This Dunedin penguin tour provides you with fantastic photographic opportunities and introduces you to arguably the rarest penguin in the world. The 90 steps to climb and 600 meters to trek take approximately 90 minutes, and the rewards are immeasurable.

  Taiaroa Head

  Our final stop is at Taiaroa Head, where the Northern Royal Albatross can often be seen gliding around the headland. Our guide will tell you the story of a truly amazing bird that spends most of his life at sea and chooses the tip of the Otago Peninsula to breed. The surrounding area is also full of interest, and it’s a perfect way to finish the day before taking the low road back to Port Chalmers.

 

• City Highlights
  The notable architecture of the historical buildings is equally as impressive as the natural beauty found along the coastline in Dunedin. This tour allows you to admire both!

  Dunedin was once the leading industrial and commercial centre of New Zealand and has retained many of its early buildings. Our tour begins with a scenic drive into the city to admire the largest collection of Edwardian and Victorian structures. We also visit Baldwin Street, the ‘steepest street in the world’; the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university; and the Historic Dunedin Railway Station. Before heading farther along the bay, enjoy the city’s central plaza with its octagonal layout.

  Otago Peninsula
  The journey continues out onto the Otago Peninsula, where the southern rollers pound our coastline and rare wildlife comes ashore regularly throughout the year.

  We visit Larnach Castle gardens, where a unique collection of specialised gardens can be explored and some of the finest views of the Otago Harbour can be seen. Please note that lunch is not included; however, you will have the opportunity to purchase something from the Larnach Castle Ballroom Café or later on during the tour. If you have any dietary requirements, please let your guide know on the day of the tour.

  Portobello & Tidal Inlets
  After your Larnach Castle experience, we follow the winding gravel roads towards Portobello, the main township on the Otago Peninsula. On the way, we visit the Tidal Inlets and learn about this fascinating ecosystem and the waders and waterfowl that rely on it. View native birds of New Zealand feeding on rich mudflats and see some of the finest scenery along this rugged coastline.

  Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve
  Continuing on, we spend the afternoon viewing the unique and treasured penguins and other native wildlife that call the coasts of New Zealand home. We take an adventurous journey through a series of tunnels and hides to get unrivaled viewing of the ‘critically endangered’ yellow-eyed penguin. We also see little blue penguins, NZ sea lions and NZ fur seals who come ashore regularly. Grab your cameras — you can expect to see at least two of these species during the afternoon!

  This Dunedin penguin tour provides you with fantastic photographic opportunities and introduces you to arguably the rarest penguin in the world. The 90 steps to climb and 600 meters to trek take approximately 90 minutes, and the rewards are immeasurable.

  Taiaroa Head

  Our final stop is at Taiaroa Head, where the Northern Royal Albatross can often be seen gliding around the headland. Our guide will tell you the story of a truly amazing bird that spends most of his life at sea and chooses the tip of the Otago Peninsula to breed. The surrounding area is also full of interest, and it’s a perfect way to finish the day before taking the low road back to Port Chalmers.

[Heidi13]

1 hour ago, Fieldofdreams said:

Heidi - Did you go on one of the Back to Nature tours in Dunedin, Now looking at the Otago Peninsula Tour based upon your suggestion. It is a 9:45 - 4:45 tour. Currently booked with the Viking on their Great Houses tour.  Itineraries for both are below. Recognize that they are entirely two different tours but would like your opinion (and others on CC) for which one to take. Seems to me that we would miss out on the beauty of the Otago peninsula if we did not take the Back to Nature tour. One consideration is how easy it is to get to pick up location for Back to Nature. Have an email in to Back to Nature to see if they pick up at port, otherwise a 20 -25 min taxi ride? Thoughts/Opinions/Comments all welcome.

 

 

In 2020 it was called the Royal Peninsula Tour, but the itinerary you posted sounds familiar. We found this tour to be the most comprehensive of all available ship and private tours.

 

Rather than steaming down to Dunedin, most cruise ships dock at Port Chalmers, which has a terminal building between the 2 normal cruise ship berths. We talked into the terminal and quickly found the vendor - who either had a desk or sign. Once the group arrived our guide walked us to the car and we set-off.

[Fieldofdreams]

2 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

In 2020 it was called the Royal Peninsula Tour, but the itinerary you posted sounds familiar. We found this tour to be the most comprehensive of all available ship and private tours.

 

Rather than steaming down to Dunedin, most cruise ships dock at Port Chalmers, which has a terminal building between the 2 normal cruise ship berths. We talked into the terminal and quickly found the vendor - who either had a desk or sign. Once the group arrived our guide walked us to the car and we set-off.

Thanks Heidi - Just had some email exchanges with Chris the owner. Tour name changed but all else seems the same, and yes meeting location at cruise terminal is a 3-4 minute walk from ship. About to book. Thanks for sharing, incredibly helpful.