Napier, New Zealand - Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Captain Cook named Cape Kidnappers after Maori warriors tried to kidnap his Tahitian interpreter. This southern promontory in Hawke’s Bay is home to over 1,000 nesting pairs of gannets, which may be viewed at the Plateau colony. Your walk takes you within ten feet of the colony. A second colony may also be viewed at nearby Black Reef. In addition to the gannets, Cape Kidnappers offers sweeping views of Hawke’s Bay.

Refreshments are served at a local farm, before you head back towards Napier for a narrated drive through Napier’s Art Deco District.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by 4WD. The tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under twelve may not participate.

Be entertained during a visit to The Clifton Woolshed, a historic woolshed farm with demonstrations of sheep-shearing and sheep-dog trials. The old woolshed is set on a large station that has remained in the same family for generations. Explore the Woolshed Museum and view its displays of family history and memorabilia. Before you leave, there will be the opportunity to browse the high quality woollens on sale at the Wool World Shop.

Devonshire tea will be served at a local café, before heading up to Mt Te Mata Peak. The Maoris’ claim the peak is the body of a sleeping giant, chieftain Te Mata O Rongokako. Enjoy sweeping views of the Tukituki River Valley, the Heretaunga Plains and twin cities of Napier and Hastings before returning to the port via the Bridge-Pa district.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is approximately 30 minutes’ total walking over flat ground. The journey involves a winding mountain road.

Hawke’s Bay is noted for its wide range of microclimates and its deposits of gravelly soils resembling Graves or the Northern Rhone. While the district produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, the latest focus has been on Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah.

Enjoy visiting three of Hawke’s Bay’s acclaimed vineyards for wine tasting. The Sileni Estate lies in the famed Gimblett Gravel appellation where gravelly soils produce superb Bordeaux varietals including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Semillon. You’ll be taken on a tour of the winery before enjoying wine tasting in the specially designed tasting room.

Ngatarawa is among New Zealand's most picturesque wineries. Driving down the long tree-lined driveway, you will discover the historic racing stables, large lily pond and timeless ambience, making this an excellent backdrop for wine tasting.

The Mission Estate is one of the most sustainable wineries in the country and is housed in an elegantly restored historic seminary building with sweeping views of Napier. Taste their award-winning wines and learn about their advanced viticultural practices.

During your journey to the countryside you will see a variety of scenery as well as travelling along Marine Parade, Napier’s shoreline esplanade and past well-kept suburbs with Art Deco buildings.


This excursion will operate by coach. Guests must be over 18 years old to participate in the wine tasting. There is approximately 45 minutes of total walking over flat ground.

Join a specialist guide as they bring Napier’s fascinating architectural history to life during a stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre.

The Art Deco Trust was established in 1985 to preserve Napier’s architectural heritage. At the Art Deco Centre watch a slide show on the devastating 1931 earthquake that registered 7.8 on the Richter Scale and lasted 2½ minutes. After the slide show, enjoy a guided walk through Napier’s Art Deco district. Many of Napier’s Art Deco buildings were designed by Louis Hay, an admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright, and feature Maori motifs.

There are a number of architectural highlights both on your walk and during a narrated drive around town. There will be time to browse for souvenirs, art work and books at the Art Deco Centre.

Boarding your coach, you will drive through Napier’s suburbs for views of the city and Hawke’s Bay, before passing through the Marewa District, noted for its many Art Deco homes and superb gardens.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking on flat footpaths.

As you head out of the port and along Marine Parade you’ll hear all about the local area, including the earthquake which devastated Napier in 1931. During your drive you will see many interesting and unusual Art Deco buildings which the area is renowned for.

Your Duck will then enter the water to enable you to see the historical area of Port Ahuriri from the sea. The preserved design features of this port, such as the distinctive saw-tooth roof lines and the subdued colour scheme, add to its special character.

Back on land the Duck will drive around Ahuriri to show you how the area has developed in the last few years before heading out past Pandora to the west shore. From here you will be able to see your ship across the bay whilst you discover what the area was like before the earthquake hit.

Near the port the Duck will briefly enter the water again before returning to land for a drive past the iconic building of the National Tobacco Company and around the base of Napier Hill before returning to the ship.





This excursion will operate by amphibious vehicle. There are a few steep steps to board the Duck