5 Unique Land Experiences with Crystal Cruises in Australia & New Zealand

Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises has been providing guests with an elevated world of service, inclusion, and immersion for many years. Crystal carefully curates each voyage to deliver the most relaxing and culturally enriching experiences around the globe, featuring distinct and unique shore excursions that stand out in the industry. From culinary discoveries to UNESCO World Heritage sites, each port stop with Crystal offers a wide array of incredible excursion options.

Crystal travels to every corner of the globe, and each destination presents guests with the opportunity to delve deeper into the region through various activities and experiences. The countries of Australia and New Zealand are no exception. Here are five unique shore excursions offered by Crystal in this part of the world:

AUSSIE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER | Duration: Half-Day

Departing from the pier, travel through Sydney's suburbs to Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to over 2,200 native Australian animals and birds. After a light morning tea, explore the sanctuary at your own pace, spotting iconic wildlife like kangaroos and koalas, before enjoying a photo stop at Milsons Point for views of the Opera House and city on your return to the ship.

TAURANGA CRUISE, HOT POOLS & ZIPLINE | Duration: Full-Day

Guests will experience an adventure that includes zipping over waterfalls, crossing a swing bridge, and exploring the Okere Falls forest before boarding a boat on the Kaituna River to the exclusive Rotoiti Hot Pools. These geothermal pools, surrounded by nature, offer varying temperatures and a beach, allowing for relaxation, swimming, or a nature walk. After enjoying the hot pools, guests will return by boat to their coach and back to the ship.

REEF & RAINFOREST BY AIR | Duration: 2 hrs

Your adventure begins with a pre-flight briefing at the helipad, followed by a helicopter tour over Cairns' beaches, Barron Gorge, and the Kuranda rainforest, showcasing the stunning colors of the outer reef. Enjoy the sights of Green Island and small reefs while communicating with the pilot via radio headsets, creating unforgettable memories of this natural marvel.

TRUFFLE TREASURES | Duration: Full Day

Guests will explore downtown Tauranga along the waterfront and into the hinterland, learning about kiwifruit cultivation from their guide. At the truffiere, Maureen and Colin will explain truffle cultivation and lead a walk through the oak and hazel trees, followed by a demonstration of the dogs' hunting abilities. The experience concludes with tastings of truffle-infused delicacies and wine.

VIP SECOND BREAKFAST EXPERIENCE | Duration: Half Day

Upon arrival at The Shires Rest, your guide will take you through the Alexander family's farm to the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you'll enjoy a Hobbit-style breakfast at The Millhouse. The breakfast includes a variety of seasonal fruits, breads, and a hot selection, accompanied by coffee and tea in the rustic Old Mill. After breakfast, you'll tour the 12-acre movie set with your guide, concluding at The Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary drink and time to relax by the fireplace.

Booking Your Cruise

Now that you are ready to book your cruise and experience these incredible shore excursions for yourself, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the ships inside-and-out, and have an amazing relationship with Crystal Cruises. Our advisors will craft the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.

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