Kerikeri Heritage & Wine Escape – Paihia Private Shore Tour

Discover the best of the Bay of Islands on this private 5–6-hour shore tour combining local history, scenic countryside, and a premium wine-tasting experience. Your personal driver-guide will take you from Paihia Cruise Port through rolling farmland to Kerikeri, one of New Zealand’s most culturally significant settlements. Enjoy a relaxed day exploring historic landmarks, charming riverside scenery, and a hosted tasting of award-winning wines at Marsden Estate. This tour offers an ideal mix of culture, flavour, and natural beauty for cruise visitors seeking an elegant yet comfortable experience.

Itinerary

1. Meet your private driver-guide and begin your journey into the Bay of Islands region. (15 min)
2. Scenic Drive to Kerikeri: Enjoy views of native forest, orchards, and rural landscapes while learning about the area’s early Maori and European history. (30 min)
3. Explore one of New Zealand’s most important heritage sites. Visit the Stone Store, the country’s oldest surviving stone building, and Kemp House, the oldest wooden house in New Zealand. Enjoy riverside paths, small craft shops, and stories of early settlement life. (1h 30min)
4. Experience a guided tasting of up to six wines, including whites, reds, rose, ports, and liqueurs. Learn about local grape varieties and the estate’s award-winning production. (1h 30min)
5. Local Shopping and Artisan Stops – 45 min Visit boutique stores offering handmade crafts, local produce, and authentic Bay of Islands souvenirs. Return Drive to Paihia Cruise Port – 30 min Relax on the scenic return drive as your guide shares recommendations for the rest of your stay. Return comfortably to the cruise terminal on time for boarding. (1h 15min)