Shore Trips & Tours
Shore Trips & Tours
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Hop-On Hop-Off ToursSightseeing ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
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About
We offer a range of small group, friendly and professional tours tailored specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving into all the ports of call in New Zealand and Australia. Choose from our standard tours or design your own one. With over 17 years experience our dedicated team of drivers and guides visit the best destinations, provide value for money and pride themselves on giving you the experience of a lifetime. We look forward to sharing New Zealand and Australia with you.
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
590 reviews
Excellent
510
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58
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Terrible
5
lk1915
Parker43 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We used Shore Trips and Tours for ALL of our New Zealand tours with our New Zealand Cruise. We signed up on their site, determined which ones we wanted as they became available and signed up. The detail on where to meet the guides was excellent and exact. There was never a problem. Even when times changed on the cruise and I reached out during the cruise by e-mail, I had a quick response reassuring me of times. Shore Trips and Tours conducted the tour in Taraunga to Hobbiton, guide was Gary who went above and beyond to show us not only a great day but sharing information on everything we were seeing in the city and countryside all the way. The other locations, Shore Trips and Tours arranged with other excelled tour companies that were just as wonderful. I highly recommend turning all your on shore trips over to Shore Trips and Tours in New Zealand. Coming from the U.S. we wanted to see as much of New Zealand as possible, as cost effectively as possible (much less than the ships cost) with no problems. We got it all with Shore Trips and Tours. Thank you for making our trip perfect!!
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa W
Columbia, SC47 contributions
Nov 2019
This was a very nice tour of Tauranga. We had a small bus and great tour guide who showed us the area in a nice pace and we had time to get off the bus and explore the beach, rose gardens, Gate Pa memorial reserve and the countryside. It was a very nice 1/2 day tour and we enjoyed it.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the positive review, we live in a great location and all our guides just loves to show our guests around, hope you enjoyed the free fish and chips lunch we include. Regards Ian
Written 13 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
salt-life-0
38 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We stopped in Tauranga during a cruise and booked the Shore Trips & Tours excursion to Hobbiton, the film set for some of the Lord of the Rings movies.
We couldn’t be happier with that choice. We were met right at the port exit and enjoyed an entertaining and informative drive with Keith (excellent driver) to Hobbiton.
The organization of our Hobbiton visit itself was flawless. Shore Trips & Tours even booked a seat on the Hobbiton golf cart for me as I am walking impaired.
The Hobbiton movie set is simply amazing. They now also have hobbit houses with the ability to tour the inside. An experience better than expected.
We would book with Shore Trips & Tours again and highly recommend them.
We couldn’t be happier with that choice. We were met right at the port exit and enjoyed an entertaining and informative drive with Keith (excellent driver) to Hobbiton.
The organization of our Hobbiton visit itself was flawless. Shore Trips & Tours even booked a seat on the Hobbiton golf cart for me as I am walking impaired.
The Hobbiton movie set is simply amazing. They now also have hobbit houses with the ability to tour the inside. An experience better than expected.
We would book with Shore Trips & Tours again and highly recommend them.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry O
1 contribution
Aug 2022
Twin Harbours Tour with Wildlife Cruise & Lunch CHC-5 Standard Tour. We booked this tour for 2 adults on the 08/09 /2022, unfortunately when we booked we put the incorrect date down as the 05/11/2022 in lieu of 03/11/2022 which is when the ship RC
Ovation of the seas was due to berth at Lyttelton -Christchurch. The Habourmaster closed the port on the 03/11/22 and we informed Shore Trips & Tours by phone and email of this event & received acknowledgement from the Manager ( Ian ) that we would be reimbursed/compensated for this tour AUD $560.However when I contacted Shore Trips & Tours I was told that i was not entitled to a refund as it was marked as a no show and I am not disputing we were at fault However Surely the Tour Operators had a schedule of the Arrival/ Departure dates of ships into Ports and our correspondence reflected we were due in 03/11 in lieu of 05/11/22. We feel robbed.
Ovation of the seas was due to berth at Lyttelton -Christchurch. The Habourmaster closed the port on the 03/11/22 and we informed Shore Trips & Tours by phone and email of this event & received acknowledgement from the Manager ( Ian ) that we would be reimbursed/compensated for this tour AUD $560.However when I contacted Shore Trips & Tours I was told that i was not entitled to a refund as it was marked as a no show and I am not disputing we were at fault However Surely the Tour Operators had a schedule of the Arrival/ Departure dates of ships into Ports and our correspondence reflected we were due in 03/11 in lieu of 05/11/22. We feel robbed.
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leigh W
Sydney, Australia50 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
The tour was meant to be from 9am till 4pm, but we didn't leave until 920 and we were back by 330 - so dudded out of almost an hour and we were rushed through Te Puia for no apparent reason. Two of the seats in the small coaster style bus (seats 15) were mega uncomfortable due to the wheel hump. Half the time we couldn't hear the tour commentary because rather than speakers in the bus they rely on a headset/mike worn by the driver. As I said the visit to the centre was rushed and if I hadn't reminded the centre guide we would not have seen the mud pools at all. We did get to see two kiwis, which was great. Can't say I would recommend the tour as for $219 each it really didn't represent good value for money.
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil G
Greater Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Outstanding tour from Tauranga port, very informative, funny and professional tour guide (Keith), an excellent driver. Hobbiton Movie set was such an amazing experience which started from the time you get on the big green bus. The tour guide on the set, was so helpful in taking photos, as well as his knowledge. It was a nice touch to finish at the Green Dragon with an ale. I can totally recommend this Excursion by Shore Trips and Tours a very enjoyable day.
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scfamily
Orange County, ca57 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We were picked up quickly in a comfortable air conditioned bus. We were warned the drive was about 75 minutes, but it didn’t seem that long. Our driver, Brian, gave us an excellent commentary the whole way there.
We had a tour of the Māori cultural legacy, saw how they helped the Kiwi birds, saw the geothermal area, and watched a Māori show. On the way out he showed us some special places in Rotorua and the Redwoods that grow there.
We had a tour of the Māori cultural legacy, saw how they helped the Kiwi birds, saw the geothermal area, and watched a Māori show. On the way out he showed us some special places in Rotorua and the Redwoods that grow there.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
moozieman
Perth, Australia648 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Shore Trips and Tours have an efficient website, easy booking, good pricing. We did the Akaroa to Christchurch full day tour. Scheduled arrival back to Akaroa was 4.30 and we did not arrive back until 5.30. Just made the last tender back to the boat. Did not allow own free time to walk in Akaroa. Be aware of this with day tours and it has happened elsewhere .
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi David, yes we understand you did not have any spare time in Akaroa after the tour to Christchurch as we have already had email feedback from you. The drive to and from Christchurch takes at least 90 minutes so does not leave a lot of spare time given the ship has to tender passengers to and from shore.
We try and keep to the tour itinerary as much as possible and give all the clients as best a day as possible.
We know from experience [19 years] that the ships own tours in Akaroa arrive back at the wharf way after the posted "last tender" and we are usually at port around 4.30pm. So sorry that you missed out on the walk around Akaroa after the tour. Some clients get off the ship early and do that before the tour starts at 10am.
You said this also happened at other ports, as those tours were run by other companies we will follow up to see what the reason was.
Most of the clients we have actually want us to extend the tour time so they can see and do more! Can't win them all i suppose. Regards Ian
Written 13 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pat K
1 contribution
Mar 2023
My wife and I did the Hobbiton tour. Hobbiton transports you to a magical land filled with lovely flowers, thousands of fluttering butterflies, lush green landscapes and towering trees. The tour guide ITiberius) was friendly and humorous. The entire experience was enchanting. Highly Recommended.
Pat & Candida from the USA
Pat & Candida from the USA
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan L
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Family
We just finished the most amazing day at Hobbiton. Shore Trips & Tours was able to accommodate our group of 14 to pick us up from our cruise harbor and take us to Hobbiton and return us back safely at our harbor. We were so fortunate to have Gary as our driver and guide. He was kind, informative, efficient, generous and overall just the best. I wish every tour could be this easy and lovely. Thank you Gary for one of our best days in New Zealand!
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi we arrive on a princess cruise on 29/2 but leave port at 5:45. Is there time for 2_of us to do the ultimate tour. What time do you start and how close to port is pick up and drop off ? Thank you Gill
Written 1 February 2020
Gill, We were on a different cruise line but we also left port at 5:45 and we had no problems. We found that this company had a good pickup and drop off schedule and a very nice tour. We enjoyed the variety of the tour and the guide was great. I would not hesitate to use this company. The ship's tours on the cruise we were on were overpriced to we had our travel agent book excursions for us with different vendors and we were happy with all of them. Have fun. New Zealand was one of our favorite places we've ever visited. Lisa
Written 2 February 2020
My family and I are going on a Norwegian cruise. We will be arriving in Tauranga at 9 am on Dec 12th 2019 (thursday). Our departure time is 15h45 at the same date. We would like to know, if it is possible for us to do the Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings Movie Set Tour and be back on the cruise on time. Thanks
Written 23 November 2019
Hello there, thank you for your enquiry. Norwegian Jewel is due in to the Port of Tauranga on the 10th December. We are operating our Ultimate Hobbiton tour on this day. Regards the Shore Trips and Tours Team
Written 23 November 2019
Hi, Do Shore Trips & Tours pick you up from your cruise ship & drop you back guaranteed for sailing times?
Written 25 October 2019
Hi there, yes we pick up and drop off at the port for 95% of our tours and yes we guarantee to get you back to the ship on time. We have been touring for 18 years and no one has missed a ship. Kind regards Kim
Written 28 October 2019
I booked a tour on the 18th November 2019 for Dunedin at 10:00am now the cruise has changed the docking time to 10:45 am could i please change the time until 11:15am Booking Ref no PB40815
Written 2 September 2019
Shores trips & tours will automatically change the time. They work with the cruise ships
Written 2 September 2019
Hola necesito contratar todos los servicios de los días de crucero en todos los puesto que atraca el crucero princesss que comienza el 2 de marzo desde Auckland y termina en Sidney el 13 de marzo, nosotros somos tres adultos padre madre e hijo.
Si pueden organizar.
Atentamente:
Raquel Ramírez
Written 6 February 2019
Hola necesito contratar todos los servicios de los días de crucero en todos los puesto que atraca el crucero princesss que comienza el 2 de marzo desde Auckland y termina en Sidney el 13 de marzo, nosotros somos tres adultos padre madre e hijo.
Si pueden organizar.
Atentamente:
Raquel Ramírez
Written 6 February 2019
Hello Raquel, yes we can assist you. Please visit our website where you can choose from a wide variety of tours in all the ports your cruiseship will visit. You can book and pay for them online. Most tours we pick up and drop off at the cruiseship and we adjust the start times of our tours to fit with the ships arrival time. Kind regards Kim
Written 6 February 2019
Hi Shore Trips & Tours Miss. Kim Scanlen
3 people interested in this tour, Arriving 7 Jan '19 on Majestic Princess at 5 am and back on board at 4 pm. Can we pick up this tour near the cruise port and Can your tour start early (9 am in possible)? Will we be back in time? 2018年12月12日| Machiko
Written 12 December 2018
Hi Alex, thank you for your message. I presume you are enquirying about our Hobbiton Express tour that departs from the Port of Tauranga? If so then all our tours pickup and drop off at the cruiseship. Yes we guarantee to have you back at your ship in time. We have been doing this 18 years and no one has missed a ship. We adjust our tour start times to coincide with the ships arrival and departure times. This tour on 7 January will commence at 10am and we'll have you back to the port at 3.30pm. Kind regards Kim
Written 13 December 2018
May I have your company contact information. I cannot find your website.
Thanks.
Written 6 June 2018
I am struggling, because Trip Adviser won't allow me to provide you their contact information. I just googled them and found them ...they are not the first listing, but they are listed if you google Shoretripsandtours. Ian is the owner, and he will be extremely helpful.
Written 7 June 2018
Hello,
My wife and I will be arriving in Tauranga on May 18 on the Insignia Cruise Ship at 8AM and would like to take a private tour of the Hobbiton Movie set.
Could you take us and if so what would be the cost in US dollars?
Thank you.
Brian ODell
Written 10 May 2018
We did not do the tour of the Hobbiton Movie set. However, we did use this company while on our cruise in December. We found the cost to be so much better than thru the cruise ship and were able to do the arrangements while still in the US. I would recommend them.
Written 10 May 2018
what happens if there is bad weather and we cannot take the tour
Written 27 February 2018
On our cruise, we were scheduled to go to South New Zealand, but the cruise ship didn't go to Wellington due to a cyclone and we were re-routed. I emailed Ian and advised him of the problem, and all of our pre-paid tour fees were refunded.
Written 7 June 2018
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