Private & Small-Group Cruise Excursions in Auckland

Premium Shore Tours for 2–16 Guests | Kiwi Coaches

Discover Auckland your way with a private or small-group excursion designed exclusively for cruise passengers. Whether you're travelling as a couple, a family, or a small group of friends, Kiwi Coaches offers flexible, personalised tours that let you avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxed, authentic New Zealand experience.

We operate minibuses, premium vans, and mid-size coaches ideal for groups from 2 to 16 guests, with options for larger private groups on request.

All tours depart directly from Queens Wharf or Princes Wharf, only minutes from where your cruise ship docks.

Why Choose a Private Cruise Excursion?

✔ Your own driver-guide

Enjoy a personalised experience with commentary tailored to your interests.

✔ Choose where you want to go

Visit Auckland’s iconic highlights or design a completely custom itinerary.

✔ Avoid the large crowds of ship-operated tours

Travel in comfort, with flexibility to stop for photos, food, or hidden gems.

✔ Perfect for families & small groups

A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace — ideal for mixed ages.

✔ Transport-only or full-service options

We can provide transport only, or handle ticket bookings for Hobbiton, Waitomo, Waiheke ferries, Auckland Museum, wineries, and more.

✔ Cruise-timed scheduling

Your tour is planned around your ship’s arrival and departure, with guaranteed on-time return.

Our Most Popular Private Excursions

All tours below can be customised, shortened, extended, or combined.
Available for 2–6 pax (premium van) or 7–16 pax (minibus).

Private Auckland City Highlights Tour

Duration: 3–4 hours

See the best of Auckland in one relaxed, scenic journey.
Highlights include:
• Viaduct Harbour & Waterfront
• Mission Bay & Tamaki Drive
• Parnell & Auckland Domain
• Optional Auckland Museum entry
• Mount Eden summit (optional)
• Ponsonby & heritage suburbs

A perfect introduction to the City of Sails.

Private Hobbiton Movie Set Experience

Duration: 7–8 hours

Your group enjoys private transport to Hobbiton, with the option for us to handle ticketing.
Includes:
• Return transport
• Flexibility with photo stops
• Optional café or scenic stop along the route

Ideal for LOTR & Hobbit fans seeking a premium, relaxed experience.

Private Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Duration: 7–8 hours

Travel south through rolling farmland to the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
We can arrange tickets and timing to ensure seamless entry.

Private Rotorua Geothermal Adventure

Duration: 8–9 hours

Choose from:
• Te Puia geothermal valley
• Māori cultural performances
• Redwood Forest walk
• Rotorua Lakefront
• Polynesian Spa soak
• Scenic countryside add-ons

A personalised geothermal & cultural experience.

Private West Coast Beaches & Rainforest Tour

Duration: 4–7 hours

Explore Auckland’s dramatic natural landscape at your own pace:
• Piha Beach
• Karekare waterfalls
• Bethells / Te Henga
• Scenic viewpoints in the Waitākere Ranges

Ideal for photographers, hikers, and returning cruise guests.

Private Wine & Food Tour

Duration: Half or full day

Enjoy a private tasting journey through West Auckland or Matakana wineries.
Optional additions:
• Lunch reservations
• Scenic coastal stops
• Chocolate or craft-beer tastings

Build Your Own Custom Private Tour

Tell us what you want to see, and we'll build a perfect tour for your group. Popular requests include:
• Art galleries & museums
• Shopping + scenic combo
• Māori cultural experiences
• Black-sand beach walks
• Food-lover itineraries
• Photography tours
• Local markets
• Gardens & parks

Private Pre- & Post-Cruise Transfers

Combine transport with sightseeing for the perfect start or end to your cruise.
Services include:
• Airport transfers
• Hotel transfers
• Luggage handling
• Half-day city tours
• One-way scenic tours to your next destination

Vehicle Options for Private Groups

2–6 Guests

Premium van or executive minibus with driver-guide.

7–16 Guests

Comfortable minibuses with PA system, air-conditioning & luggage space.

17–37 Guests (Private Groups)

Mid-size touring coaches for families, clubs, and private groups.

38–53 Guests

Full-size luxury coaches available for large private charters.

Cruise Lines We Frequently Welcome

Princess • Celebrity • Royal Caribbean • Norwegian
Carnival • Cunard • Holland America • Oceania
Regent Seven Seas • P&O • Disney • Expedition ships

Book Your Private Shore Excursion

For a personalised Auckland experience tailored to your group, contact our team today.

📧 info@kiwicoaches.co.nz
🌐 www.kiwicoaches.co.nz

Let us know your ship name, arrival time, group size, and preferred tour — we’ll handle everything else.