These ports, visited mainly by the smaller cruise ships, still have plenty of things to see and do.  Check out the local tour companies listed below or contact the Information Centre in each Port for ideas. Good idea to make reservations before you arrive, as the resources available are often limited.

Gisborne , the most easterly of all New Zealands cities and the first to see the rising sun, was first visited by Captain Cook in 1769, is now a thriving port and wine growing area.

Bay of Islands .  This famous location at the top of the North Island is a popular destination for the smaller cruise ships.  There is no port here so access to shore is by ships tender. Going ashore would be to either historic Russell, one of the first settlements in New Zealand, or to the main holiday town of Paihia.  Plenty of options to explore the Bay of Islands region by boat or take a land tour.