josiemartinez Posted December 5, 2014 #1 Share Posted December 5, 2014 Are there any beaches near any of the cruise ports in New Zealand? Am cruising on January 25th and going to Auckland, Picton, Tauranga, Rotorua (more ports but can't remember). I know NZ is cooler than Australia but I would like to have at least one beach day, if its doable. I did look at the ship's excursions but its kayaking, surfing, white water rafting, etc. I just like a lazy day on the sand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskanb Posted December 5, 2014 #2 Share Posted December 5, 2014 Hi fellow New Mexican! We will be in Auckland three days pre-cruise and have a day planned to Waiheke Island -- lots of beaches there. We also have a half-beach-day planned in Melbourne. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celle Posted December 5, 2014 #3 Share Posted December 5, 2014 Tauranga is probably your best bet for a beach day. You ship will berth at Mount Maunganui, and you will be within walking distance of a fine surf beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruize Posted December 12, 2014 #4 Share Posted December 12, 2014 (edited) "The Mount" will be the most easily accessible beach. It is a beautiful surf beach BUT if you swim there remember to swim between the flags. It has surf lifesavers over the summer period. It's about a 15 minute walk from the pier. We always walk around the Mount to the beach which takes over an hour but it's a lovely walk. The town is very nice also with lots of places to eat. Auckland has some fantastic west coast surf beaches, all are black sand. Problem is they are quite a distance from the ship. Orakie and Mission Bay are white sand and are a short bus ride from the wharf. And yes you could catch the ferry, which departs right next to the ship, and travel accross to Waiheke. Personally, if I was going to Waiheke Island it wouldn't be for the beaches but i'd be sampling the extremely good wine. We depart on the Dawn Princess on the 20th Dec (one week today) from Auckland on a Christmas New Year cruise. Must go and start packing. This will be our 3rd cruise around NZ and enjoy relaxing...no driving and NO flying as the ship returns to Auckland:) I'm sure you'll enjoy your time in NZ, the weather is generally more settled toward the end of January and all of February. A side note, loved New Mexico, especially Albuquerque and Sante Fe. Paul Edited December 12, 2014 by Tickle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Nomad Posted December 16, 2014 #5 Share Posted December 16, 2014 (edited) We stayed at Mt Maunganui in a campervan last April and had the best time. The beach is beautiful and is where the Cruise Ships come in. The Mount itself is a great walk, we did it every morning. What a great way to start the day. A perfect place to have a lazy day on the sand. Edited December 16, 2014 by Grey Nomad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josiemartinez Posted December 18, 2014 Author #6 Share Posted December 18, 2014 Thanks to all of you for the input on NZ beaches. It's cold and a bit snowy in ABQ so am looking forward to the long journey to Australia and New Zealand. Greetings to my fellow New Mexican. Er....I'm originally from NYC but have been living in NM for 23 yrs. Happy Holidays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blairknill Posted January 15, 2015 #7 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Good advice here I concur!! And I live here "The Mount" will be the most easily accessible beach. It is a beautiful surf beach BUT if you swim there remember to swim between the flags. It has surf lifesavers over the summer period. It's about a 15 minute walk from the pier. We always walk around the Mount to the beach which takes over an hour but it's a lovely walk. The town is very nice also with lots of places to eat.Auckland has some fantastic west coast surf beaches, all are black sand. Problem is they are quite a distance from the ship. Orakie and Mission Bay are white sand and are a short bus ride from the wharf. And yes you could catch the ferry, which departs right next to the ship, and travel accross to Waiheke. Personally, if I was going to Waiheke Island it wouldn't be for the beaches but i'd be sampling the extremely good wine. We depart on the Dawn Princess on the 20th Dec (one week today) from Auckland on a Christmas New Year cruise. Must go and start packing. This will be our 3rd cruise around NZ and enjoy relaxing...no driving and NO flying as the ship returns to Auckland:) I'm sure you'll enjoy your time in NZ, the weather is generally more settled toward the end of January and all of February. A side note, loved New Mexico, especially Albuquerque and Sante Fe. Paul Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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