Page 9 of New Zealand Island Discoveries Shore Tours by P&O Cruises

auckland muriwai gannet colony rainforest approximate duration 5 hours auckland akl-m auckland city maritime highlights approximate duration 4 hours akl-n combine a visit to one of auckland s truly spectacular black sand beaches with the chance to see one of the world s largest seabirds in their natural environment and a walk amongst untouched mature rainforest what you visit muriwai gannet colony departing the pier your journey takes you to one of only notes three mainland gannet nesting sites in the world situated high on the cliff-tops the breeding season overlooking the tasman sea west of auckland here you can gain a close-up perspective of gannet behaviour without disturbing their environment this for gannets is between the months ocean-dwelling bird will have at maturity a wingspan of between 1.4 and 2 of september and metres and can reach speeds of around 140 kilometres per hour when diving for april each year food to make your day as enjoyable as possible please ensure that you wear comfortable flat-soled shoes clothing suited to the weather conditions a jacket and hat and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water experience auckland with an overview of the city a visit to new zealand s national maritime museum and a guided stroll along the viaduct harbour before cruising the waitemata harbour on a sailing yacht notes what you visit order of tour stops new zealand national maritime museum the museum celebrates new zealand s may vary maritime heritage with galleries and displays highlighting immigration whaling motorcoach portion navigation and polynesian exploration of the pacific workshops display the art of the tour operates of boat builders wood turners and model makers you will receive a fully-guided with a driver/guide tour of this venue to make your day viaduct harbour your guide will take you on a brief orientation of the viaduct harbour purpose built to support the america s cup regatta in 1999 and 2003 the viaduct is new zealand s largest superyacht marina and is now the heart of auckland s vibrant restaurant and entertainment scene your auckland harbour sail board your 50-foot yacht at a berth adjacent to the maritime museum for an approximate 45-minute outing cruise to westhaven the main mooring of auckland s luxury yachts sail past the harbour bridge and the inner harbour where you ll have the opportunity to steer the yacht if you wish photo opportunity mount eden walk approximately 65 feet to auckland s highest natural point for stunning city and harbour views as well as a vista of the distant waitakere ranges what you see along the way you ll pass many of auckland s major points of interest on this city drive downtown auckland s shopping and office complexes contrast with the restored victorian buildings of its suburbs the quaint colonial parnell village and the gardens and victorian buildings of auckland s domain continue driving past the auckland war memorial museum en route back to the ship as enjoyable as possible please ensure that you wear comfortable flat-soled shoes clothing suited to the weather conditions a hat and jacket and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water wet weather gear is provided on the boat should it be required west coast beaches travelling the short distance to muriwai here you ll enjoy some light refreshments before visiting the west coast s famous black sand beaches feel the soft sand beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer cascades kauri park reserve an area of untouched original rainforest with mature 1000-year-old kauri trees this part of the rainforest is particularly rich in bird life due to a successful project undertaken to eradicate pests new zealand has existed separate from the rest of the world for millions of years and in doing so has evolved in isolation to produce its own unique flora and fauna 70 of new zealand s native plants are found nowhere else in the world during your visit to this unique part of the new zealand your specialist guide will explain all there is to know about the native flora species as you walk amongst the country s famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns refreshments light refreshments will be provided in muriwai what you see along the way departing auckland and travelling into the surrounding countryside you will pass through the wine growing areas of kumeu and huapai to muriwai beach on the rugged west coast the return journey to auckland is scenic passing through wine growing areas and many of auckland s suburbs auckland 14 15 auckland

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