Auckland, New Zealand

After leaving your ship, this four-hour excursion takes you on a relaxed city sightseeing tour, a visit to Kelly Tarlton¿s Underwater World, and to the top of the famous Sky Tower. Your adventure begins with a short 15-minute drive along Auckland¿s lively waterfront on the way to the Sky Tower. Standing proudly above the skyline, the tower - the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere - offers stunning views from coast to coast. Glass-fronted lifts whisk you up to the main observation deck, where you have one hour of free time to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. From this height, Auckland spreads out like a map, with your ship clearly visible in the harbour below. Next, a quick 15-minute transfer takes you along the shoreline to Kelly Tarlton¿s Sea Life Aquarium, one of Auckland¿s most popular attractions. Here, you can enjoy 90 minutes of free time to explore. Walk through clear underwater tunnels as sharks, rays and colourful fish glide quietly around you. Step inside the chilly replica of Captain Scott¿s 1911 Antarctic hut and then meet the lively King and Gentoo penguins as they swim through their icy pools. Your journey back to the port includes a gentle one-hour city sightseeing drive, passing through a mix of modern buildings, green parks and bustling neighbourhoods. It¿s a relaxing end to a day filled with some of Auckland¿s best highlights.

Important Information: This tour may have multiple departures throughout the ship s time in port. You will receive all information about your specific departure the day before the excursion. Participants will visit both venues independently during their free time, and the order of the visits may vary. This excursion is offered on both days. If you wish to take part on the first day, please select code AKL06. If you prefer to join on the second day, please select code AKL20.<-p>

Brace yourself for a guided and interactive journey through the New Zealand Rugby heritage, achievements, and culture. Learn the story, feel the passion, and experience the All Blacks story close and personal. The All Blacks Experience is a state-of-the-art guided encounter that showcases the All Blacks, and our national teams in Black, through exceptional innovation and technology. Visitors will experience first-hand the excitement and emotion of game day. You will feel awe-inspired by the full force of the haka as it takes place centre stage in a crowded stadium. But this isn t just any haka - it s a four-metre-high screen experience that draws you in from the first moment. You will learn how the game has become so closely tied to our national identity and follow the journey those skilled players make from club rugby to wearing the legendary Black jersey. You will then head up to Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere and offers unparalleled views coast to coast. Glass-fronted lifts will whisk you to the main observation deck where you will see Auckland right under your feet and great views of your ship. The short transfer back to the port concludes this three-hour experience.

Important Information: This tour may have multiple departures throughout the ship s time in port. You will receive all information about your specific departure the day before the excursion. This excursion takes place on both days. If you wish to participate on the first day, please select the code AKL15. If you wish to participate on the second day, please select the code AKL21.<-p>

This four-and-a-half-hour experience offers New Zealand s most unique whale and dolphin watching safari departing direct from downtown Auckland after a 15-minute short walk from your ship. Enjoy a 4-hour cruise on board the luxurious "Dolphin Explorer" and explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of encounters with its amazing and diverse marine wildlife. As you venture out onto the open water, enjoy views of famous Auckland landmarks like the Harbour Bridge, North Head and Devonport, and volcanic Rangitoto Island, as you watch out for orca and dolphins known to frequent the inner Waitemata Harbour. As the crew provides knowledgeable commentary, the onboard marine science experts conduct biological studies and invite you to join interactive research activities. You will meet some of the many marine wildlife including Bryde s whales and dolphins, pygmy blue whales, New Zealand fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles and up to 26 species of seabirds - including the little blue penguin. An optional research presentation is available onboard if you would like to learn more about the wildlife you ve encountered during your safari.

Important Information: Participants will receive information and commentary in English only. Wildlife sightseeing cannot be guaranteed. The boat is private for MSC guests. This excursion takes place on both days. If you wish to participate on the first day, please select the code AKL16. If you wish to participate on the second day, please select the code AKL22.<-p>

Discover how imaginary worlds are brought to life by visiting the WETA Unleashed Workshop at the Auckland s Sky City precinct. WETA Workshop is the creative mastermind behind many much-loved films and TV series, such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, King Kong, and District 9. The 90-minute visit to the workshop offers all participants up-close personal experiences into the artistry and craftsmanship that happens in the worlds of horror, fantasy and sci-fi. It s your chance to get up-close and hands-on with enchanting environments, resident creatures, one hyper-realistic giant, a galactic robot, and much more. You will be on a journey through 3 different experiences: Horror - The animatronics and prosthetics department are working on the horror film Fauna. Walk through the workshop and see this 1980 s style horror movie in the making. And if you dare to, you may enter the claustrophobic horror film set, where something lingers in the shadows. Fantasy - Enter WETA very own Artists Shed, a peaceful haven that shows the process of fantasy world-building through the imaginations of concept artists, who dream up a world designed for the epic movie Age of the Ever-Clan. Sci-fi - Take a walk onto a film set of the science fiction adventure movie Origins. Projected light plays across the stage and a stunning light display with an epic sci-fi soundtrack begins. A gigantic robot and epic spaceship immerse you in an atmospheric sci-fi wonder. After the workshop, you will take a short 15-minute transfer to the Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, where you will have one hour of free time to enjoy its unrivalled coast-to-coast views. Glass-fronted lifts will whisk you to the main observation deck where you will see Auckland right under your feet and great views of your ship. The short transfer to the ship concludes this three-hour and 15-minute experience.

Important Information: This tour includes some horror elements which may be disturbing and unsuitable for guests with medical conditions aggravated by fright, stress, or lights. Guides available in English only. This excursion takes place on both days. If you wish to participate on the first day, please select the code AKL17. If you wish to participate on the second day, please select the code AKL23.<-p>

Embark on a delightful four-hour journey to historic Devonport and the picturesque north shore of central Auckland. Begin your adventure with a 45-minute scenic drive from central Auckland to the charming suburb of Devonport, accompanied by an English-speaking driver who doubles as your guide. Marvel at the stunning views of Auckland City and its iconic landmarks as you travel towards Takapuna. Your first stop is North Head, part of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, where you ll enjoy a 30-minute photo opportunity. From this vantage point atop an ancient volcanic formation, take in the panoramic views of Auckland and its bustling harbour, dotted with yachts and colourful sailboats. This historic site, once a 19th-century harbour fortification, still features military tunnels and bunkers. Next, a half-hour drive takes you to Mount Victoria, the tallest volcano on Auckland s North Shore and a former Maori settlement. Spend 75 minutes exploring the site, which includes the MK VII eight-inch disappearing gun, and absorb the breathtaking 360-degree vistas over the north Peninsula, Devonport, and Auckland. After leaving Mount Victoria, head to the quaint village of Devonport, a 30-minute drive away. Step back in time as you wander through one of New Zealand s oldest settlements, known for its charming wooden colonial architecture. Upon arrival, take a guided orientation tour before enjoying some free time to explore the village. Stroll the streets, browse galleries and boutiques, or relax at a café (refreshments at your own expense). At the conclusion of your tour, your driver will provide you with ferry tickets for your return journey. You may choose to return directly to the ship or stay longer in Devonport to shop and explore at your leisure, returning to the ship by ferry at your convenience. The final leg from the ferry to the ship is on foot.

Important Information: This tour may have multiple departures throughout the ship s time in port. You will receive all information about your specific departure the day before the excursion. It is unsuitable for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair. This excursion takes place on both days. If you wish to participate on the first day, please select the code AKL18. If you wish to participate on the second day, please select the code AKL24.<-p>

Discover the picturesque beauty, rich history, and vibrant sights of Auckland, also known as the "City of Sails", on this fascinating 3-hour walking tour. With an itinerary that combines a classic stroll through the city s tourist areas with places where Aucklanders like to spend their leisure time, including shops and restaurants, this tour gives you a double insight into the "City of Sails". Auckland is celebrated by world-renowned chefs and is famous for shopping for luxury brands- your English-speaking guide will take you along an itinerary past the best shopping and dining venues. A break at a local café is a pleasant opportunity for conviviality and to enjoy a snack accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea. Continuing along the promenade, admire the breathtaking views of the city skyline and the spectacle of luxury yachts and charter boats moored in the harbour. Venture to the side less explored by tourists but much loved by city dwellers and discover the Viaduct Basin and the Wynyard Quarter. Auckland also boasts New Zealand s leading contemporary artists, with their inspiring public artworks waiting to be discovered. The tour ends with a return to the port.

Important Information This tour is completely performed on foot and is unsuitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. This tour may have multiple departures throughout the ship s time in port. You will receive all information about your specific departure the day before the excursion. Minimum age to participate: 12 years old. This excursion takes place on both days. If you wish to participate on the first day, please select the code AKL19. If you wish to participate on the second day, please select the code AKL25.<-p>