GOLD MINE TOUR


Passengers Specials 2010- 2011 season

Mount Maunganui through the Kiwi-fruit farm region to KARANGAHAKE GORGE - Waihi township.

New Zealand NEW! (Lunch and guided tours included, no additional entry fees)

This fun and spectacular tour takes you on a journey of gold mines of old and new. Taste the spender of New Zealand's native bush whilst being guided through history in amazing Karangahake Gorge and then on to visit one of the most efficient gold mines in the world today.

Picking you up from your cruise ship at the port, we journey out to Karangahake Gorge a short 45 minute drive taking you through New Zealand's premier Kiwi Fruit regions and beautiful rural views. On arriving at Karangahake Gorge you will be met by one of our talented and experienced guides who will take you on a tour of the part of the old mine known as

"The Windows Walk". A 40 -045 minute walk through some amazing tunnels and walkways. With over 500m of tunnels which at points are free of natural light. A perfect environment for New Zealand's famous "Glow worms". Torches are provided and yours to keep as a memento of your experience with us. The Department of Conservation has developed the tunnels allowing easy access, ample height and safe passage.

Your experience is further enhanced by our guides who are bulging with passion for the history, geology and nature. You shall be immersed into entertaining and interesting stories of miners and their way of live in the gorge.

This is one of New Zealand's best kept secrets with plenty of incredible photo opportunities, so bring the camera(s).

Mining can make you hungry. We travel a short distance to the Waikino Train Station to enjoy a lite lunch and rest stop, in the beautifully renovated station. Decorated with original photos of the township and mining practices along with artefacts and furnishings that will help complete your trip back to the 1800's.

We then move onto Waihi Town have a look at the Martha Pit, the largest open gold mining pit in New Zealand for a look at the modern gold mine operation in motion. Get up close to an actual 777 mine truck weighing in excess of 5 Tonnes standing 30.5 ft in, 9300 mm. The open pit will change your definition of the words "Big and Deep". After a visit to the mine information centre we make our way back to the ship.

Rest-rooms are available at all points we stop at for your comfort. See you when you arrive.

A medium level of fitness is required. There are steps involved but usually we are proceeding down them with gradual inclines.

Includes:
Pick up/drop off
Guided tour of "The Windows Walk"
Torch and information map for you to keep.
Lite lunch.
Guided tour Martha mine.

Pick up Cruise Ship Terminal Mount Mauanganui wharf or Tauranga I-Site
Return: Cruise Ship Terminal Mount Maunganui (Return on Ship: with at least one hour before Ship's departure)
Duration: 4 - 4.5 hours
Age: any age
You will need: Comfortable shoes, your camera and a smile:-)

Please note:
This walk is not suitable for pushchairs but baby backpacks are fine!
People are reminded the tour crosses three swing bridges, travels through old mining tunnels, has steps and soft soled shoes are recommended.

Bookings essential please see the shore excursions manager on board for more details.