After pickup from your cruise ship, you'll head to the Puketi forest to start your rainforest adventure. Follow your friendly local guide along well-marked paths as you explore this subtropical forest. You'll learn about the flora and fauna and walk among towering kauri trees. Kauri trees are found only in New Zealand’s North Island and are among the world’s most ancient forests, with ancestors in the Jurassic period. Your guide will share legends of the Maori people and stories from European colonial history as you stroll by thundering waterfalls and magnificent trees, including two of the largest kauri in New Zealand. Keep an eye out for native birds such as the rare kokako, which was only recently reintroduced to the forest. You'll marvel at the variety of the 370 recorded species of plants – some not found anywhere else in the world! You’ll witness conservation efforts in the forest, learn the Maori names for some tree species and come to understand the ecology and legends of the kauri tree. Also enjoy a stop for refreshments around the halfway point of your walk. At the end of the tour, you will be returned to your ship with great memories from this excursion into the lush Puketi forest. Worry-free Shore Excursion: We will ensure your timely return to the Bay of Islands port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transport to the next port-of call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.