Hi, we are going on the Auckland to Sydney cruise in a few weeks. Can anyone tell me some of the best tours at the ports of call on this trip? We wouldn't want to miss out on something great! Thanks.<BR>

If you have a few days before you get on the cruise in Sydney you will need all of that to see the city and its highlights. <BR>Don't do any "booked with the Cruise line" tours in Australia because you are not in most cities long enough to do anything anyway. <BR>Make sure to buy a Sydney explorer bus ticket which takes you around all the places of interest in Sydney and you can get on and off at will and take in what you like. Take a harbour cruise around the harbour and including Middle Harbour. Take the jet boat across to Manley- go to the zoo which is on the harbour and is very nice. Do a bridge climb ( but only if the fires and their subsequent smoke have gone) Visit the Opera House and walk in the Botanic Gardens. Go to Darling Harbour and see the Maritime Museum and whatever they have on at the time. <BR>Melbourne - you have enough time in Melbourne to explore the parks and gardens and go to the aquarium is you didn't get to the one in Sydney. If its a Saturday or Sunday then a trip to the Victorian Markets would be nice. Perhaps you are a cricket fan and there is a game at the MCG. If you are a cricket fan see the museum of cricket there. <BR>Hobart: Rent a car and drive down to Port Arthur for the day, diverting into Richmond on the way back and checking out the lovely little shops and the old gaol there. If its a Saturday then the Salamanca markets are on and they are just lovely to go to. The Antarctic Exhibition is just around the corner from Salamanca and that is an interesting experience too. <BR>Have a nice time<BR>

You don't mention visiting Melbourne but just in case, here are two suggestions. <BR>You can get the ferry across Port Philip Bay to Williamstown (the ferry goes St Kilda which isn't far from the liner arrival area). Williamstown is an older part of Melbourne with lots of little shops and eating places. If it's Sunday, check if the market is on.<BR>Second suggestion is to wander through St Kilda - Acland Street is known for its cakes - you can put on weight just looking in the window. If it's Sunday, the craft market on the Esplanade is worth wandering through. There is a restaurant at the end of St Kilda pier, plus lots of other restaurants.

Thanks so much for the info. I should have been more specific with our itinerary when I posted my subject. We are starting out in Auckland (will stay four days before we cruise). Then we are sailing to the Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart, Melbourne, then Sydney. ( We will also stay in Sydney for four days before return home). Any other info that anyone could provide would be most appreciated. Thanks!

Because I have always had a car when touring in NZ I really don't know what organized tours are available in most cities. I would think though that renting a car if you have got 8 hours to spend would be great and probably cheaper than the ship tours ( everything is) In Dunedin you can go to one of the only 2 land based Albatros colonies in the world and then go down to the penguin colony, tour the little castle there, it is pretty, and just take in the lovely setting of Dunedin. I think there is also a little scenic steam train that goes from there but I can't remember the length of time of the trip - perhaps a Kiwi can tell us that. <BR>Christchurch is a pretty city and a walk through the botanical gardens is a treat. Also take a bus out to Akaroa ( can't spell it) which was a little French colony and still has a French influence about it. If its a Saturday they have a lovely Market in the town.<BR>Although I have been to the other places you mention I really don't know them that well so will leave that info for someone else to fill in for you. <BR>Have a lovely cruise<BR>

What cruise are you going on? We will be on the Regal Princess Jan 24th. Some nice people have sent me real good info, if you like I will forward to you. Let me know.

Hi Karen,<BR>My twin is named Karen also! We are going on the Norwegian Wind, but I<BR> would still like your info if possible. Thank-you!<BR>Karol

Hi Karen:<BR>We are also going on the Norwegian Wind and would appreciate receiving the information you are forwarding to Karol. It would be extremely helpful. Also, in Tasmania what kind of currency do they use and could we use a taxi tour of the island instead of a cruise tour? Look forward to receiving your info. Thanks.

I found this company to be really helpfull.... they may be able to help you. not sure what their phone number is, however their website is www. trekaustralia.com.au or without the .au (I think)