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.

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Award-winning guided ecotours in the Marlborough Sounds. Dolphin Watch Ecotours strives to provide a high quality informative wildlife experience to all of our guests. We are fully permitted by the Dept. of Conservation for dolphin viewing and guiding on Motuara Island bird sanctuary. Our focus is experiencing the wildlife and making sure our guests are enjoying the stunning scenery and the comfortable cruise aboard our spacious 13 metre catamaran. Our most popular tour includes viewing of dolphins, fur seals and a variety of seabirds from the vessel. After cruising Queen Charlotte Sound, we'll step ashore on Motuara Island bird sanctuary for a guided walk to the top. The fearless native birds like blue penguins and S.I. saddleback, as well as the spectacular view across Cook Strait is sure to please. Choose to visit Ship Cove, of Capt. Cook fame, full of history that your knowledgeable skipper will be happy to share.

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Private Tours in comfortable minibus visiting the many attractions Marlborough has to offer. The area is well known for wineries but I can customise tours to include scenic attractions/boutique food producers/art & craft. Check my web site for options of wineries/scenic attractions to visit. Tours can be as short as two hours or as long as full day depending on your requirements and cruise boat-visiting itinerary.

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Welcome to Picton the picturesque port set in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island of New Zealand! We have put together a special cruise ship tour to give guests a look at the sights and enjoy the tastes of Marlborough We will meet you off the ship and take you on a scenic tour around the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive, past native bush with glimpses of the many pristine bays, on our way to the quaint seaside township of Havelock also known as the Muscle Capital of the World. Here you will have time to stroll around the main street and look through the museum or curio shops. Then we'll take you past farm country to the Wairau Valley, famous for growing great Sauvignon Blanc wine. We will take you to a great complex where you can taste and purchase wines, olive oils, fruit brandies, and liqueurs, all locally grown and made. Enjoy afternoon tea here and explore the Quilters Barn if you enjoy being creative. We will return to Picton through more Marlborough wine country and lovely scenery.

Myths & Legends Eco-Tours

Spend a delightful day on a personalised ecotour with locals Pete and Takutai on their 76 year old classic launch, ,Tutanekai,. Interact with a Maori family and hear the untold stories, learn about their culture, their history and their environment.  Experience wildlife, birds, seals and dolphins and beautiful scenery.  Let Takutai take you on a guided walk on an island bird sanctuary.  You might like to meet their friend Betty Rowe at her island wildlife sanctuary for rare breeds. 
We visit remote bays & inlets far from the usual tourist beat, using local knowledge we visit dolphins, seals, bird colonies a shipwreck, Island bird Sanctuary, Wildlife Sanctuary, Derelict Whaling Station, Captain Cooks Monument, (the lonely Planet have stated that Ship cove is so beautiful that it is one of the 6 must see tourism destinations in the world) & Guided Bush walks through native forests. A tour tailored to your interests can be arranged.

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Go Birdz Rentals will happily have a CAR or a SCOOTER waiting for you directly at the Wharf, where you disembark from your cruise ship. In our cars you can leisurely explore in comfort the "Bay of Islands" and discover a taste of Northland. Maybe a visit to Cape Reinga or make a Northland Wine trail visiting Marsden Estate, Cottle Hill Winery and Longview Estate. You may decide to visit the famous Kauri Cliffs Golf course or the Kauri Museum. The choices are endless! We can help you plan your independent trip so you can set your own pace. SCOOTER HIRE is available for those wanting a simple and fun way to discover all that the "Bay of Islands" has to offer. Feel the freedom of riding a scooter; cruise with the wind on your face and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin! Visit hidden beaches for a lazy swim and an afternoon picnic or visit tranquil harbors. Maybe you would like to visit our local Cotttle Hill Winery for lunch taking a swim at the beautiful Harruru Falls on your way back before joining your ship. Whatever you chose enjoyment is assured! All scooters are 2007 models and are very easy to ride. Simply twist and go.

Gisborne Visitor Information Centre

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