Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
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small group escapes
for mature travellers
2020/2021
tour programme
small group escapes
for mature travellers
One of the best views of Aoraki/Mt Cook is from Lake Pukaki
2020/2021 Tour Programme
4 Introduction to MoaTours 20 Country Roads & Cross Hills 36 Christmas in Taranaki MARCH
Gardens Fair Thursday 24 Dec – Monday 28 Dec 24 Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman &
6 MoaTours Activities Monday 16 Nov - Sunday 22 Nov Cost: $2,690 per person twin share/ Golden Bay
Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ $2,990 per person single accommodation Thursday 4 Mar – Wednesday 10 Mar
$3,390 per person single accommodation Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
OCTOBER
$3,990 per person single accommodation
8 Taranaki Rhododendron Gardens 38 Christmas in the Bay
Wednesday 14 Oct– Sunday 18 Oct 22
High Country Stations, Thursday 24 Dec – Monday 28 Dec 50 Summertime in Northland
Cost: $2,190 per person twin share/ Gardens & Goldfields Cost: $2,690 per person twin share/ Sunday 7 Mar - Friday 12 Mar
$2,490 per person single accommodation Tuesday 17 Nov – Monday 23 Nov $2,990 per person single accommodation Cost: $2,590 per person twin share/
Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ 40 Queenstown New Year’s Eve & $2,990 per person single accommodation
10 The Bridge to Nowhere & $3,990 per person single accommodation Southern Icons
Forgotten Worlds Wednesday 30 Dec – Monday 4 Jan 52 Early Explorers from Queen Charlotte
Wednesday 28 Oct - Tuesday 3 Nov 24 Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman & Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ Sound to Akaroa
Golden Bay $4,390 per person single accommodation Sunday 14 Mar - Saturday 20 Mar
Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/
Sunday 22 Nov – Saturday 28 Nov Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
$3,390 per person single accommodation $3,990 per person single accommodation
Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ JANUARY
12 Canterbury Springtime Gardens & $3,990 per person single accommodation 42 Wairarapa Wandering 30 Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails
Hanmer Springs Fete Monday 11 Jan – Sunday 17 Jan Friday 19 March – Thursday 25 March
26 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
Wednesday 28 Oct - Tuesday 3 Nov
The Catlins $3,390 per person single accommodation $3,990 per person single accommodation
Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
Monday 23 Nov – Sunday 29 Nov
$3,990 per person single accommodation
Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ FEBRUARY 10 The Bridge to Nowhere &
$4,390 per person single accommodation 44 Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey Forgotten Worlds
NOVEMBER Tuesday 30 Mar - Monday 5 Apr
14 East Cape Caper Monday 1 Feb - Sunday 7 Feb
DECEMBER Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/
Monday 2 Nov – Saturday 7 Nov Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ $3,390 per person single accommodation
28 Great Barrier Island Escape
Cost: $2,490 per person twin share/ $4,490 per person single accommodation
Wednesday 2 Dec – Sunday 6 Dec
$2,790 per person single accommodation Monday 7 December – Friday 11 December APRIL
14 East Cape Caper 54 Kaikoura & Yealands Classic
Cost: $2,590 per person twin share/
16 Coromandel Caper Tuesday 9 Feb – Sunday 14 Feb Fighters Airshow
$2,990 per person single accommodation Thursday 1 April - Monday 5 April
Saturday 7 Nov - Tuesday 10 Nov Cost: $2,490 per person twin share/
$2,790 per person single accommodation Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/
Cost: $1,390 per person twin share/ 30 Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails $3,390 per person single accommodation
$1,690 per person single accommodation Thursday 3 Dec – Wednesday 9 Dec
46 Hawkes Bay Art Deco Festival
Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ 44 Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey
10 The Bridge to Nowhere & Thursday 18 Feb – Monday 22 Feb Sunday 4 April - Saturday 10 April
$3,990 per person single accommodation
Forgotten Worlds Cost: $2,290 per person twin share/ Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
Sunday 8 Nov - Saturday 14 Nov $2,690 per person single accommodation $4,490 per person single accommodation
32 Christmas in Northland
Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Wednesday 23 Dec – Monday 28 Dec
$3,390 per person single accommodation Cost: $2,790 per person twin share/ 26 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & 22 High Country Stations, Gardens &
The Catlins Goldfields
$3,090 per person single accommodation
Monday 22 Feb – Sunday 28 Feb Tuesday 6 April – Monday 12 April
18 Otago Farmhouse Gardens & Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
Victorian Fete 34 Christmas in Marlborough Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
$4,390 per person single accommodation $3,990 per person single accommodation
Wednesday 11 Nov – Tuesday 17 Nov Wednesday 23 Dec – Monday 28 Dec
Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ Cost: $3,190 per person twin share/ 56 How to book with MoaTours
$3,990 per person single accommodation $3,590 per person single accommodation 48 The Far South: Hidden Treasures What to pack
Sunday 28 Feb - Saturday 6 Mar
Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ 58 MoaTours booking conditions
Cover Photograph: Abel Tasman National Park $3,990 per person single accommodation Domestic cancellation insurance
2 3
Our Kiwi Guides on tour: Andrew in Gisborne Sean at Cape Reinga Dianne at Akaunui Farm Matt in Wellington
Kia Ora and welcome to MoaTours MoaTours small group tours are customised
We believe MoaTours is New Zealand’s best small group tour company and it’s for mature travellers
our goal to make your MoaTours holiday your best touring experience ever. We
started in 1971 so we’re highly experienced and have a passion for sharing our MoaTours are designed for discerning, mature travellers who are keen to enjoy
beautiful country with others, including our own favourite places that are well unique experiences. Our 24 carefully crafted itineraries have been developed
off the beaten track. and refined to present the essence of each region’s outstanding attractions,
festivals and hospitality.
Our Kiwi Guides and office team
Our knowledgeable, helpful Kiwi guides are All of our guides are experienced in tour MoaTours are all inclusive
here to make every moment enjoyable and driving and taking care of people, not to The tour price is all inclusive of land transport, meals, entrance fees, activities and
have a lifetime of holiday memories and mention their in-depth knowledge of our Auckland/South Island/Auckland airfares. Many travellers join our tours from
secret spots they love sharing. They are culture, history, flora and fauna. Of course, outside Auckland.
unanimous in our belief that the personal they have a few amusing tales of their own
touch of our small group style travel is the to share too! Small groups of 18 travellers
best way to see our beautiful country. With a maximum of 18 travellers on board, every tour is intimate and flexible so it feels
like travelling with a group of friends.
Our Kiwi guides are fully supported by one
of the most experienced and committed
Wine and dine with friendly locals and meet our specialist guides
teams in New Zealand tourism, Tracy,
Connecting with the locals is one of the best parts of travelling. We offer one-of-a-kind
Tanya, Imke and Alisha. We aim to make
experiences meeting our friendly local hosts over delicious lunches in private homes,
your MoaTours experience relaxed and
gardens and farmhouses. And when we visit galleries, museums and unique places,
enjoyable from start to finish. MoaTours have specialist guides arranged to share their passion and knowledge with us.
MoaTours is a family business founded by High quality accommodation
mother and son team Ena Hutchinson and Our accommodation is chosen for its sense of place. Relax at the end of the day in
Miles Clark. They live and breathe New quality, contemporary 4-star hotels, and when we’re off the beaten track, in bespoke
Zealand, and are always out and about motels and B&Bs.
researching new itineraries and refining
existing ones to ensure our travellers' Purpose built coaches
experience is unsurpassed in New Zealand We own and operate late model, turbo-diesel midsized coaches. The coaches are
small group touring. comfortably appointed with customised interiors and climate control.
MoaTours is a family business: Miles and Ena
4 5
MoaTours activities are all inclusive
Our tours visit Cape Reinga and Stewart Island and just about everywhere else
in between. Wherever you travel with us everything is included and that means
all activities too. Here’s a selection of photos taken on our recent tours and for
more details of what activities are included check out the “Tour Highlights” of
each itinerary.
Top: The jet boat at Mangapurua Landing, the starting point for The Bridge to Nowhere (right),
a 40 minute walk each way. Above: Wagon ride at Erewhon Station. Opposite page top: “Milford
Mariner’s” tender on Milford Sound. Centre left: The rainforest train in Paparoa National Park.
Centre right: Chaddy’s lifeboat off New Plymouth. Bottom left: On the Forgotten World tracks.
Bottom right: The Nikau Walk near Karamea.
6 7
Day 1: Auckland – Piopio – Awakino Gorge – New Plymouth
We lunch with Rachel and Denzil Anselmi at Carmel Farm then drive through the
Awakino Gorge to visit Diana Montgomery and John Wilmshurst’s beautiful Waiongana
riverside garden in New Plymouth. Dine in and stay two nights at the Waterfront Hotel.
Day 2: Hirst Cottage – Te Kainga Marire – Tupare – Len Lye Centre – Pukeiti
We visit Judi Gopperth at Hirst Cottage, Valda Poletti at Te Kainga Marire then Tupare
House and garden. We see kinetic sculptures at the Len Lye Centre and visit Pukeiti, one
of the world’s greatest collections of rhododendrons.
Day 3: Pukekura Park – Cairnhill Garden – Tawhiti Museum – Whanganui
We visit Pukekura Park, Cairnhill Garden at the start of the Forgotten World Highway and
Pukeiti is nestled in the rainforest on Mt Taranaki
Gravetye Garden. We explore Tawhiti museum before visiting Puketarata garden and
touring the landmarks of Whanganui.
Taranaki Rhododendron Gardens
Day 4: Whanganui – Cross Hills Garden – Taihape – Chateau Tongariro
We visit family–owned Cross Hills garden renowned for its collection of over 2000
This tour makes the most of New Plymouth while the rhododendrons bloom.
rhododendrons and azaleas. We dine and stay this evening at the classic landmark hotel
Meet private gardeners, wander magnificent Pukeiti and visit the exhibits in the
The Chateau Tongariro at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.
unique Tawhiti Museum. Other highlights include visits to Hawera, Whanganui,
Cross Hills garden and the Chateau Tongariro.
Day 5: Chateau Tongariro – Aramatai Gardens – Crosshills Garden – Auckland
Auckland – Pio Pio – New Plymouth – Hawera - Whanganui – Kimbolton – We drive up Mt Ruapehu to enjoy the view from the Top O’ the Bruce and visit Jill and
The Chateau Tongariro – Taumarunui – Otorohanga – Auckland Leo Mouat’s Aramatai Gardens. Our lunch is hosted by Debbie and Fraser Robertson at
Crosshills Garden farm and we return to Auckland in the late afternoon.
There are many pathways to wander at Cross Hills Gardens in the Manawatu
Tour dates Tour Highlights
• Lunch at Carmel Farm with Rachel and Denzil Anselmi
4 nights/5 days
• Meet John Wilmshurst and Diana Montgomery at Waiongana
Wednesday 14 October – • Visit Judi Gopperth at Hirst Cottage and garden
Sunday 18 October 2020 • Te Kainga Marire, a native garden of Global Significance
• Visit Tupare House and garden now restored to its fomer glory
• At Pukeiti see one of the world’s great rhododendron collections
• Visit Jenny and John Pease’s formal Gravetye Garden
Cost per person • Explore Nigel Ogle’s unique creation, Tawhiti Museum
• Wander the Horner’s country garden, Puketarata
$2,190 $2,490 • The Wilson family’s Cross Hills garden
Twin Share Single • Visit Jill Mouat’s five acre Aramatai Gardens and ponds
• Lunch at Crosshills Garden with Debbie and Fraser Robertson
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“Enjoy Taranaki’s beauty ahead of the festival crowds when the gardens are
fresh and the gardeners too! I especially like having the gardeners and the
gardens completely to ourselves. On the first and last day of our travels we
enjoy the warmth and hospitality of private farmhouse lunches.”
8
Day 1: Auckland – Rangiriri – Otorohanga – Taumarunui
Leaving Auckland, we meet a local guide at the Rangiriri Cultural and Heritage Centre
for an insight into the 1863 invasion of the Waikato. Further south we stop for lunch with
Debbie and Fraser Robertson at Crosshills Farm. Later in the day, we reach Taumarunui,
where we stay and dine in at the Forgotten World Motel for two evenings.
Day 2: Forgotten World Rail carts – Whangamomona – Taumarunui
We call into Lauren’s Lavender Farm beside the Whanganui River then drive deep into
the Forgotten World Highway to Whangamomona for lunch at the iconic and remote
hotel. Then climb on the rail carts to travel the track through the bushclad Tangarakau
Gorge and on to Tokirima where your coach awaits to return to Taumarunui.
At Pipiriki we hop on the jet boat bound for the Bridge to Nowhere
Day 3: Taumarunui – Pipiriki – Whanganui River – Jerusalem – Whanganui
The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds At Pipiriki we meet our jet boat for an hour’s ride upstream in sublime scenery to the
Mangapurua Landing. Depending on your level of fitness either walk with your guide to
We follow rail, river and walking tracks, once the lifeblood of the Central North The Bridge to Nowhere (40 minutes approximately each way) or continue upstream on
Island. Ride rail carts and cruise the Whanganui River by jet boat up to the landing the jet boat. Returning to Pipiriki we drive to Jerusalem and on to Whanganui.
to the Bridge to Nowhere. Then the delights of Hawkes Bay await reached by
travelling along the “Gentle Annie” road, steeped in history and home to the
North Island’s largest sheep farms.
Day 4: Whanganui – Putiki – Taihape
Auckland – Taumarunui – Whangamomona – Whanganui River – The Bridge to Nowhere – We explore Whanganui this morning, meeting guides at the Regional Museum and
Sarjeant Gallery and later at Putiki a local guide tells the stories of the intricate Maori
Whanganui – Taihape – “Gentle Annie” Road – Napier – Auckland
carvings and wall panels of St Paul’s Memorial church. Turning eastward, we drive to
Taihape and stay at The Aspen Court Motel.
Tour dates Tour Highlights
• With a local guide visit Rangiriri Cultural & Heritage Centre Lunch with
Day 5: Taihape – “Gentle Annie” road – Napier
6 nights/7 days From Taihape we cross the Central Plateau to explore the Inland Patea Heritage Trail along
Debbie and Fraser Robertson at Crosshills Farm
Wednesday 28 October - • Ride the rail carts on a Forgotten World adventure the “Gentle Annie” travelled by the early Maori and stockmen. There are historic sites,
Tuesday 3 November 2020 • Lunch at Whangamomona Hotel in the Forgotten World expansive views, a suspension bridge across the Rangitikei River and the largest sheep
Sunday 8 November - • Catch the jet boat from Pipiriki up the Whanganui River stations in the North Island. We stay at Scenic Te Pania on the Napier waterfront two nights.
Saturday 14 November 2020 • Either take a 40 minute walk to The Bridge or explore further upstream
on the jet boat
Tuesday 30 March –
Monday 5 April 2021 • From Pipiriki ride in a jet boat up the Whanganui River
• Drive the Gentle Annie road over the Central Plateau Day 6: Napier sightseeing – Art Deco touring – Cape Kidnappers gannet colony
Cost per person • Follow Napier’s Art Deco Trail with a local guide An Art Deco guide joins our coach as we tour to the National Tobacco Company building
• Take a private tour out to the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers and Marewa, the suburb built in Art Deco style after the 1931 earthquake. With a nature
$2,990 $3,390 • Lunch with Stephen and Jeanette Williams at Moondance Manor
Twin Share Single guide we take a private, three-hour overland safari out to the gannet colony at Cape
Kidnappers. Later we drive up Bluff Hill for the views.
What Tracy loves about this tour:
Day 7: Napier – Taupo – Tamahere – Auckland
"Thanks to the vision and energy of our hosts and their love of back country Leaving Napier after breakfast we drive back northwards to Taupo and continue on to
places we have all the fun - tootling along the track on golf carts and riding
Tamahere stopping for lunch with Stephen and Jeanette Williams at Moondance Manor
a jet boat up the Whanganui River. Then we drive the North Island’s best
set in stunning gardens beside the Waikato River. We return to Auckland through the
kept secret, the historic “Gentle Annie” route."
Waikato farmlands arriving in the late afternoon.
10 11
Day 1: Fly to Christchurch – Flaxmere Farm – Hanmer Springs
On arrival in Christchurch we drive to the alpine village of Hanmer stopping for lunch
with Penny Zino at beautiful Flaxmere Farm in Hawarden. We stay two nights at Heritage
Hanmer Springs Hotel and dine in both evenings.
Day 2: Hanmer Springs – Hurunui Gardens – Hanmer Springs
Explore the farm gardens of the Hurunui – Doreen and Michael Dryden at Loch Leven,
lunch with Vicki Collett and Andrew Dalzell at Coldstream and meet Anita and Richard
Todd at Saddlewood. We return to Hanmer in time to relax in the hot pools.
Day 3: Hanmer Springs Fete – Rakaia Gorge – Mt Somers
Stroll across to the Hanmer Springs Fete held in the historic Queen Mary Hospital
We join Di and Ian for lunch at Akaunui homestead
grounds. Browse the 100 stalls of fine arts, crafts, local wine and food and lunch at the
Fete. We head south to Mt Somers for two nights and dine at Stronechrubie.
Canterbury Springtime Gardens & Hanmer
Day 4: Mt Somers – Rangiatea – Coniston Gardens – Akaunui Farm – Mt Somers
Springs Fete We visit Sara and Blair Gallagher’s garden at Rangiatea Farm and Carol and Donald
Williamson’s Coniston Gardens with its vintage, classic cars and farm machinery
From the Hurunui to Mt Somers and Banks Peninsula country hospitality flows. collections. At Akaunui we lunch and explore the garden with Di and Ian Mackenzie.
Numerous highlights include lunch at Flaxmere Farm, the Hanmer Springs Fete,
Akaunui Farmhouse, Giant’s House in Akaroa and Ohinetahi at Governor’s Bay.
Day 5: Mt Somers – Blythcliffe House – Giant’s House Akaroa
We drive to Banks Peninsula to lunch in Akaroa with John and Lesley at Blythcliffe built in
Christchurch – Hanmer Springs – Hanmer Springs Fete – Hurunui Gardens – 1857. At Josie Martin’s Giant’s House the garden is alive with sculptural mosaics. We stay
Mt Somers – Akaroa – Christchurch two nights at Bruce Apartments on the waterfront.
Day 6: Akaroa – Fisherman’s Bay – Banks Peninsula touring
Tour date Tour Highlights We visit Jos and Stew Howden’s Potter’s Croft garden then drive to Fisherman’s Bay
• Special lunches: Flaxmere Farm, Hawarden; picnic at Coldstream Farm along a dramatic cliff top to lunch in Richard and Jill Simpson’s garden. We return to
6 nights/7 days
Culverden, Akaunui Farm Eiffelton; Blythcliffe, Akaroa and Fisherman’s Akaroa in time to wander this pretty village with its French connections.
Wednesday 28 October - Bay clifftop garden on Banks Peninsula
Tuesday 3 November 2020 • Attend the Hanmer Springs Fete
• Wander the farmhouse gardens of The Hurunui Day 7: Akaroa – French Farm – Ohinetahi – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland
• Di and Ian Mackenzie’s hospitality at Akaunui Homestead garden There are wide views from Jendy and Pat Brooks’ garden at French Farm. We call into
• Visit Sara and Blair Gallagher’s garden at Rangiatea Farm Barry’s Bay Traditional Cheese shop before returning over the hill to Governor’s Bay for
Cost per person • Coniston Gardens’ collection of vintage cars and farm machinery
afternoon tea at Miles Warren’s superb Ohinetahi en route to Christchurch airport.
• Enjoy the views from your waterfront apartment in Akaroa
$3,490 $3,990 • Josie Martin’s astonishing mosaics at Giant’s House
Twin Share Single • Fisherman’s Bay and French Farm gardens From Blair and Sara Gallagher’s garden at Rangiatea Farm the Southern Alps are in view
• Afternoon tea at Sir Miles Warren’s beautiful Ohinetahi
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“I love feeling like a local, not a visitor, and this is what makes this leisurely
wander through Canterbury’s stunning farm gardens so much fun. It’s like
meeting up with old friends, relaxing with the gardeners over delicious, long
lunches in beautiful locations.”
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Day 1: Auckland – Waihi – Te Puke – Whakatane
We’re heading eastwards over the Hauraki Plains to Waihi for a stroll in this historic
goldmining town. We drive to Mount Maunganui for lunch and on to a kiwifruit orchard
and tour by special transport. We stay at White Island Rendezvous, Whakatane.
Day 2: Whakatane – Te Kaha – Hicks Bay
There are stunning views along this dramatic coastal highway leading to Te Kaha where
we stop for lunch with Trudy Kar at Tui Lodge. At the East Cape Manuka Company we
meet the pioneers of Manuka oil. We stay at Hicks Bay Motel Lodge and dine in.
Day 3: Hicks Bay – Te Araroa – Tikitiki – Anaura Bay – Gisborne
Te Araroa’s huge pohutukawa is a landmark and at Tikitiki we visit St Mary’s church built
We stop at Anaura Bay for lunch with Judy Newell
in 1926 to commemorate local Maori who died in WW1. We lunch in Anaura Bay and enjoy
Judy Newell’s hospitality. Stay two nights at Senator Inn and Pacific Harbour Inn, Gisborne.
East Cape Caper
Day 4: Gisborne sightseeing – Eastwoodhill Arboretum – Tairawhiti Museum
We drive in a special vehicle through world–renowned Eastwoodhill Arboretum, 65
Get a taste for New Zealand the way it used to be. Take the road less travelled hectares of trees and shrubs. We lunch at Bushmere Estate and taste their wines before
around the stunning East Cape to Hicks Bay and on to Gisborne and Rotorua, visiting Tairawhiti Museum displays and sightsee around Gisborne.
enjoying local hospitality along the way.
Day 5: Gisborne – Opotiki – Rotorua
Auckland – Whakatane – Te Kaha – Hicks Bay – Anaura Bay – Gisborne – Rotorua – We visit Prof Jack Richard’s and Won Gyu Moon’s stunning coastal garden, Tiromoana, at
Auckland Wainui Beach then drive through the Waioeka Gorge to lunch in Opotiki. We travel on to
Rotorua and stay at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel.
Day 6: Rotorua – Lake Tarawera – The Buried Village – Auckland
Tour dates Tour Highlights This morning we sightsee in Rotorua including the Museum’s gardens and the geothermal
• Special lunches: Rangimarie homestead, Anaura Bay; Bushmere Estate activity in Kuirau Park. We drive to Lake Tarawera and enjoy lunch with the Walmsley
5 nights/6 days
vineyard, Gisborne; Walmsley family, Buried Village, Lake Tarawera family at the Buried Village before returning to Auckland.
Monday 2 November – • Visit a kiwifruit orchard and tour on quaint carts
Saturday 7 November 2020 • Enjoy ocean views along the dramatic coastal highway
• Visit the East Cape Manuka Company Locals have formed a charitable trust to preserve Tologa Bay wharf
Tuesday 9 February –
Sunday 14 February 2021 • See Te Araroa’s huge pohutakawa tree
• At Tikitiki visit historic St Mary’s church
Cost per person • Tairawhiti Museum features major Captain Cook displays
• Drive through world–renowned Eastwoodhill Arboretum
$2,490 $2,790 • Visit beautiful Tiromoana Garden at Wainui Beach
Twin Share Single • Tour past the Green Lake and Blue Lake to Lake Tarawera
• See the fascinating array of exhibits at the Buried Village Museum
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“In this remote region life moves at a gentler pace and you get a feel for
earlier times. My favourites are lunching at Judy’s in beautiful Anaura Bay
where little has changed since Captain Cook sailed in 250 years ago and
visiting Tiromoana Garden overlooking Wainui Beach.”
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Day 1: Auckland – Thames – Rapaura Watergardens – Coromandel
We visit Thames Museum and lunch at the Rapaura Watergardens where you can
wander among lily ponds and native trees to a cascading waterfall. We arrive at historic
Coromandel with its gold mining past. Overnight at Anchor Lodge.
Day 2: Coromandel – Driving Creek Railway – Matarangi – Whitianga
We visit Driving Creek Railway and Potteries to ride the narrow gauge mountain railway
train up through the bush to the Eyefull Tower. We lunch near Matarangi and arrive at
Admiralty Lodge in Whitianga in the late afternoon.
Day 3: Whitianga – Hahei – Hot Water Beach – Cook’s Beach – Whangamata
We visit the popular holiday spots of Hahei, Hot Water Beach and Cook’s Beach. Also
At Driving Creek we ride the train up to the Eyefull Tower
Mercury Bay lookout and Doug and Jillian Johnson’s Cathedral Cove Macadamias orchard
before arriving in Whangamata at the Breakers Motel.
Coromandel Caper
Day 4: Whangamata – Waihi – Karangahake Gorge – Miranda – Auckland
After breakfast we’re bound for Waihi to the Martha Mine site and local craft shops. We
The Peninsula is packed tight with great attractions and wonderful views – from
drive through the Karangahake Gorge to lunch nearby then continue on to meet our
the beauty of Rapaura Watergardens and the quirky Driving Creek railway to
guide at the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre and back to Auckland via Clevedon.
historic Coromandel township, the sandy eastern beaches and the Miranda
Shorebird Centre.
Warm your feet in the sands at Hot Water Beach and visit the Cornish Pumphouse in Waihi
Auckland –Thames – Coromandel – Matarangi – Whitianga – Hahei – Whangamata –
Miranda Shorebird Centre – Auckland
Tour date Tour Highlights
3 nights/4 days • Drive the spectacular coastal road along the Firth of Thames
• Visit Thames Museum to hear the town’s stories
Saturday 7 November - • Lunch at beautiful Rapaura Watergarden
Tuesday 10 November 2020 • Ride the Driving Creek Railway
• Coromandel town and its gold mining past
• Tour the beautiful beaches of the East Coast
• Warm your feet in the sands at Hot Water Beach
Cost per person • Panoramic views to the Mercury Islands
• Visit Cathedral Cove Macadamia Orchard
$1,390 $1,690 • Waihi’s craft shops and Martha Mine site
Twin Share Single • Drive the dramatic Karangahake Gorge
• Guided visit at Pukorokoro Shorebird Centre, Miranda
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“For me Driving Creek Railway represents the uniqueness of the
Coromandel Peninsula – it’s creative, original and fun and with a “just do
it” attitude. Riding that train up through the bush to the Eyefull Tower is so
much fun.”
16
Day 1: Fly to Queenstown – Gibbston Valley – Queenstown
On arrival in Queenstown we drive to Annabel and Bruce Russell’s for lunch in the
Gibbston Valley property where the first vineyard was planted. Later in the day we check
into Hotel Novotel Queenstown Lakeside for two nights and dine in. This afternoon is the
ideal time to wander the Botanic Gardens adjacent to the hotel.
Day 2: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Chantecler Garden
We visit Stoneridge Estate garden near Lake Hayes and Penny and David Wallace’s
garden and lunch nearby in Arrowtown at Provisions. In the afternoon we wander in
Mike Henry’s Chantecler of National Significance where themed gardens from around the
world are featured along with large plantings of rhododendrons and peonies.
November is peony time at Mike Henry’s Chantecler Garden near Queenstown
Day 3: Queenstown – Clyde – Ophir – St Bathans – Naseby - Ranfurly
Otago Farmhouse Gardens & Victorian Fete We visit Clyde on the way to the big skies of the Maniototo Plain and lunch at Pitches
Store in Ophir. Rayleen McNally’s garden at Poolburn is full of treasures. We call into
Bob de Berry’s Cambrian Forest, the Vulcan Hotel in St Bathans and visit Naseby before
Wander the beautiful gardens of Queenstown and the station gardens of the
reaching Ranfurly, staying at Hawkdun Lodge for two nights.
Maniototo Plain’s big sky country. Ranfurly’s Art Deco buildings, Fleur’s famous
seafood café at Moeraki, Oamaru’s Victorian Fete and meeting the locals are
special highlights.
Day 4: Ranfurly – farmhouse gardens – Clachanburn, Patearoa
Queenstown – Arrowtown – Clyde – Ophir – St Bathans – Ranfurly – Patearoa – Naseby – We call into Mary and Mac Wright’s hillside garden and Fay–Ann and Kelvin Thompson’s
Glen Eden Station before enjoying a tour and tasting at John and Susie Elliott’s Lammermoor
Moeraki – Oamaru – Carew – Christchurch
Station distillery and garden. We lunch with Jane Falconer in her garden of National
Significance at Clachanburn Station and visit the Art Deco Gallery in Ranfurly on our return.
Tour date Tour Highlights
• Special lunches: Gibbston Valley, Queenstown; Pitches Café, Ophir; Day 5: Ranfurly – Fleur’s Place, Moeraki – Victorian Fete, Oamaru
6 nights/7 days We stop for brunch at the special seafood restaurant, Fleur’s Place in Moeraki. In Oamaru
Clachanburn Station, Patearoa; Fleur’s Place, Moeraki; Elderslie Estate,
Wednesday 11 November – Oamaru; Te Timata Farm, Carew the Fete is in full swing celebrating the town’s Victorian heritage amid streets of Oamaru
Tuesday 17 November 2020 • Stoneridge Estate near Lake Hayes Stone buildings – live music, dance, street theatre and penny farthings. Dine at Portside
• Mike Henry’s Chantecler Garden Restaurant and Bar and stay two nights at Highfield Mews.
• Rayleen McNally’s garden at Poolburn
• Call into the Vulcan Hotel at St Bathans
Cost per person • Jane Falconer’s Clachanburn Garden in the Maniototo
• Lammermoor Station garden & distillery Day 6: Oamaru sightseeing – Totara Estate – Elderslie Estate – Brookfield House
$3,490 $3,990 • The Victorian Fete in Oamaru’s historic Precinct Hear the stories of Totara Estate, where lamb was first frozen and shipped to Britain, as
Twin Share Single • Visit historic Totara Estate near Oamaru the billy tea brews. We lunch with Pete and Bev Rodwell at Elderslie Estate which has a
• Meet Pete & Bev Rodwell at Elderslie Estate Garden
fascinating history and association with Phar Lap. We visit Jen Rendell’s painstakingly
restored Brookfield House and Garden. Dine at The Star and Garter Cafe.
What Tracy loves about this tour:
Day 7: Oamaru – Rockvale – Carew – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland
“I think spring is the best time to travel the wide open spaces of the We have morning tea with Linda Wilson at Rockvale Gardens which features lush,
Maniototo when everything is fresh and blooming. Peonies are
colourful plantings, a pond and sculptures of Oamaru Stone. We call into Geraldine and
budding and our southern gardeners’ hospitality flows. Brunch at Fleur’s
lunch at Te Timata, Boo and Hamish Woodhouse’s Canterbury farmhouse. In the mid
and Oamaru’s gardens and Fete are memorable too.”
afternoon we continue across the plains to Christchurch airport.
18 19Day 1: Auckland – Hamilton Gardens – Moondance Manor, Tamahere – Taupo
We visit renowned Hamilton Gardens and lunch with Jeanette and Stephen Williams at
Moondance Manor and enjoy their expansive garden. Near Wairakei we call into Linda
Peat and Tim Birdsall’s Tullamore Garden where miniature Galloway cattle graze. We stay
at the Millennium Hotel & Resort, Manuels on Taupo’s lakeside and dine in tonight.
Day 2: Taupo – Napier – Tirokino – Eketahuna – Masterton
From Taupo we drive through Hawkes Bay to lunch with Phyllida and Stuart Gibson at
historic Gwavas Homestead and gardens in Tirokino. In Eketahuna rhododendrons bloom
in Warren and Robyn Walker’s Braemore Farm Garden. We stay two nights in Masterton
at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Solway Park and dine in this evening.
At Brancepeth we hear the stories of the family’s history
Day 3: Masterton – Brancepeth & Te Parae Homesteads, Wainuioru – Masterton
Country Roads & Cross Hills Gardens Fair We visit the Wool Museum then meet Edward Beetham for morning tea. He guides us
through Brancepeth his family’s homestead, gardens and farm buildings dating back to
the 1850s. We lunch nearby with Angela Williams at Te Parae homestead which shares
Discover the beautiful country gardens of the Waikato, Hawkes Bay, Northern family history with Brancepeth.
Wairarapa and Manawatu. Stay in Masterton and Feilding, both winners of town
beauty contests, and enjoy the fun of the fair at Cross Hills Gardens.
Day 4: Masterton – Dursley Garden – Greenhaugh Gardens – Feilding
Auckland – Tamahere – Taupo – Napier – Masterton – Feilding – Kairanga – Cross Hills Fair, We meet Judith Callaghan for morning tea at Dursley garden designed by Alfred Buxton
in 1916. On the Saddle Road we view Te Apiti wind farm’s turbines stretching along
Kimbolton – Chateau Tongariro – Otorohanga – Auckland
the ridge. We lunch in Lynne Atkin’s Greenhaugh Gardens which surround the 1874
homestead. We stay at South Street West Motel, Feilding for two nights.
Tour date Tour Highlights
• Special lunches: Gwavas Homestead, Tirokino, Hawkes Bay; Day 5: Feilding Saleyards – Lansdale – Palmerston North
6 nights/7 days In Feilding we visit the Friday morning produce market and a local farmer guides us
Greenhaugh Gardens, Palmerston North; Lansdale, Kairanga, Manawatu;
Monday 16 November - Crosshills Farm Garden, Otorohanga, Waikato through the historic sale yards as the auctions begin. We lunch with Kathryn Wells at the
Sunday 22 November 2020 • Wander the farm garden at Braemore in Eketahuna Buxton designed garden, Lansdale in Kairanga featuring ponds and a grotto and later
• Guided tour of Brancepeth historic homestead visit Palmerston North gardens. We return to Feilding and dine out in town this evening.
• Lunch and tour of Te Parae homestead and stables
• Dursley & Lansdale, both Buxton designed gardens
Cost per person • Charming Feilding and its historic sale yards
• Lynne Atkin’s lovely Greenhaugh Gardens Day 6: Feilding – Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair – ChateauTongariro
$2,990 $3,390 • The Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair We visit Heritage Park Rhododendron Garden which is maintained by volunteers. At Cross
Twin Share Single • Ailsa & Carey Sanson’s Parkwood Garden Hills Gardens’ Country Fair 180 stalls showcase unique and New Zealand–made products
• The unique Tree Church, Ohaupo
displayed in Rodney and Faith Wilson’s magnificent 7ha garden of 2000 rhododendrons
and azaleas. We stay at The Chateau Tongariro Hotel and dine in this evening.
What Tracy loves about this tour:
Day 7: The Chateau Tongariro – Parkwood Garden – Crosshills Farm – Auckland
“We’re following a garden trail along country lanes to discover special If it’s a clear day we drive to the Top o’ the Bruce on Mt Ruapehu to enjoy the amazing
historic homes and hidden gems. There’s lots of natural beauty to enjoy –
view and volcanic landscape. Colourful borders feature in Ailsa and Carey Sanson’s
relaxing over a garden lunch with our hosts or wandering the paths at the
Parkwood Garden near Otorohanga. We lunch nearby at Debbie and Fraser Robertson’s
Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair.”
Crosshills Farm and visit the unique Tree Church on the way back to Auckland.
20 21Day 1: Fly to Christchurch – Homebush Station, Darfield – Mt Somers
From Christchurch we drive to Louise Deans’ Homebush Station, Darfield for lunch and
visit their museum, heritage farm buildings and garden developed by the family since
the 1850s. We continue on to the Rakaia River Gorge and stay in Mt Somers village at
Stronechrubie and nearby B&Bs. We dine at Stronechrubie this evening.
Day 2: Mt Somers – Erewhon Station – Geraldine
Erewhon Station is at the top of the Rangitata Gorge in Lord of the Rings scenery. Colin
Drummond and Erin Cassie use horses for their station work and hitch up their team of
Clydesdales to take us for a wagon ride. Later we drive to Geraldine to stay two nights at
the Scenic Route Motor Lodge.
Horses are used for station work at Erewhon
Day 3: Geraldine – Orari Gorge Station – Orari Estate Station – Geraldine
High Country Stations, Gardens & Goldfields At Woodbury Rhododendrons we meet Bernie and Joy O’Keefe and at Rosa Peacock’s
Orari Gorge Station there are historic farm buildings and an expansive garden. We lunch
with Rosie Morten at Orari Estate Station, a lovely garden set around a pond, and return
Come and explore the back roads from Canterbury to Central Otago visiting
to Geraldine in time to stroll around the artisan shops.
historic sheep stations and meeting the gardeners. From Aoraki/Mt Cook we
head down the Waitaki Valley to Danseys Pass following the old route taken by
stockmen and miners over to the Maniototo and the goldfields.
Day 4: Geraldine – Four Peaks Station – Lake Tekapo – Aoraki/Mt Cook
Christchurch – Mt Somers – Geraldine – Aoraki/Mt Cook – Hakataramea – Danseys Pass – At Four Peaks Station we meet Jo and Steve McAtamney and drive out the back of their
Ranfurly – Macraes Flat – Lawrence – Dunedin farm to Sutherland’s Hut, built in 1866 it’s the oldest hut in the high country. At Burkes
Pass we enter the Mackenzie Country and stop to enjoy the views at Lake Tekapo and
Lake Pukaki. We stay at The Hermitage and dine in the Panorama Room.
Tour dates Tour Highlights
• Special lunches: Homebush Station, Darfield; Orari Estate Station; Day 5: Aoraki/Mt Cook – Hakataramea – Duntroon – Danseys Pass – Ranfurly
6 nights/7 days Travel the Waitaki Valley to Kurow and on to lunch and to hear the history of the
Station Peak Homestead, Hakataramea & Linlithgow Farm, Lawrence
Tuesday 17 November – • Homebush museum’s astonishing collection of Kiwi memorabilia Pavletich family who have lived at Station Peak, Hakataramea since 1917. We drive up the
Monday 23 November 2020 • Wagon ride at Erewhon pulled by Clydesdales gravel road to Danseys Pass and call in for refreshments at the Danseys Pass Coach Inn,
Tuesday 6 April – • Historic Orari Gorge Station, gardens and buildings once at the hub of a thriving goldfield, before reaching Hawkdun Lodge in Ranfurly.
Monday 12 April 2021 • At Four Peaks Station we visit a shepherd’s hut built in 1866
• Stay in view rooms at The Hemitage, Aoraki/Mt Cook
Cost per person • From Waitaki Valley drive over Danseys Pass
• Stop for refreshments at Danseys Pass Coach Inn Day 6: Ranfurly – Macraes Flat – Hyde – Middlemarch – Lawrence
$3,490 $3,990 • See Macraes Flat massive opencast mine Visit Art Deco Ranfurly and view Macraes Flat vast opencast gold mine. We lunch nearby
Twin Share Single • Meet the locals in lovely Lawrence at Stanley’s Hotel built in 1882 and drive the golden tussocks of the Rock and Pillar range
• Visit Gabriel’s Gully and the Chinese settlement
to Middlemarch and onto Lawrence to stay the night. We meet the locals who are getting
together to restore their pretty town which was the gateway to the goldfields.
What Tracy loves about this tour:
Day 7: Lawrence sightseeing – Gabriel’s Gully – Dunedin – Fly to Auckland
“Some farms we’re visiting have stayed in the same family with buildings With Barbara, our local guide, we hear about Lawrence’s history, visiting the historic
and gardens dating back to the pioneers. At Erewhon Erin and Colin are
Chinese Camp which is being restored and Gabriel’s Gully where in 1861 Gabriel
passionate about horses and their magnificent Clydesdales plough the
Read discovered gold and the gold rush years began. We lunch with Sarah Homer at
fields at the foot of the Southern Alps.”
Linlithgow Farm on the way to Dunedin Airport.
22 23Day 1: Fly to Christchurch – Waipara – Hanmer Springs
You are met on arrival in Christchurch airport. We drive north up the Canterbury Plains to
the pretty alpine village of Hanmer Springs. We enjoy a private lunch at a farmhouse and
arrive at Hanmer in time to soak in the hot pools before dining at the Heritage Hotel, our
home for two nights.
Day 2: Hanmer Springs – Molesworth Station – Hanmer Springs
Travel with our local guide over Jacks Pass into Molesworth Station and the Clarence
Valley. New Zealand’s largest farm has cattle and horses, sparkling rivers, mountain
ranges and century old cob buildings and trees. There’s time to uncover the history and
explore this land of the real cowboy and our chance to glimpse his way of life.
With a local guide we take a day tour on Molesworth Station
Day 3: Hanmer Springs – Lewis Pass – Murchison – Nelson
Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman & Golden Bay We drive through the beech forests of the 864m Lewis Pass in the Southern Alps and
on to spectacular Maruia Falls. From the Shenandoah Highway we reach the Buller
Gorge and continue to Murchison, over the Hope Saddle and onto Nelson. We dine in at
Enjoy the unique history of New Zealand’s biggest farm the Molesworth Station, Trailways Hotel, our home for two nights.
the world famous Abel Tasman National Park, the charms of sunny Nelson,
Farewell Spit and the delights of Golden Bay.
Day 4: Nelson – Abel Tasman National Park – Nelson
Christchurch – Hanmer Springs – Molesworth Station – Lewis Pass – Nelson – Golden Bay At Kaiteriteri we board a purpose built catamaran to cruise along the Abel Tasman
National Park, a stunning coastline of golden sandy beaches, bush clad headlands and
– Farewell Spit – Nelson
islands. We sightsee on the way back to Nelson, visiting the World of WearableArt and
Classic Cars Museum at Annesbrook.
Tour dates Tour Highlights
Day 5: Nelson - Anatoki Salmon Farm – Waikoropupu Springs – Pohara Beach
• Enjoy lunch at a Hurunui farmhouse on the way to Hanmer
6 nights/7 days We drive over Takaka Hill into Golden Bay. At beautiful Te Waikoropupu Springs the
• Stay two nights in lovely Hanmer Springs
Sunday 22 November – • Explore historic Molesworth Station with a local guide world’s purest water bubbles up from deep in the earth. We lunch at Anatoki Salmon
Saturday 28 November 2020 • Drive over beautiful Lewis Pass and see the Maruia Falls Farm. We stay two nights at the Pohara Beachfront motel and dine nearby in the relaxed
Thursday 4 March – • Visit the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum ambience of San Souci Inn.
Wednesday 10 March 2021 • Cruise the stunning coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park
• See Waikoropupu Springs in Takaka – the world’s purest water
Cost per person • Lunch at Anatoki Salmon Farm
• Tour with a local guide out along the sands of Farewell Spit Day 6: Golden Bay sightseeing – Collingwood – Farewell Spit tour – Pohara Beach
$3,490 $3,990 • Stop at the Spit lighthouse and Cape Farewell We head to Collingwood to join a local tour company to drive in their coach along the
Twin Share Single • Have a beer at the quirky Mussel Inn brewery sands of Farewell Spit right out to the lighthouse. We stop at Cape Farewell and call into
• Walk the perfect sands or take a dip at Pohara Beach
quirky Mussel Inn brewery for refreshments before returning to Pohara Beach and dining
out this evening.
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“Memories of Molesworth Station will be with you always. It’s a once in Day 7: Pohara Beach – Nelson – Fly to Auckland
a lifetime experience to drive this vast farmland on the tracks of early After breakfast there’s time for a swim or a walk on the golden sands of Pohara Beach
stockmen and travellers.Then contrast this landlocked region with the and to further explore this stunning region. We lunch at the Woolshed Café on Takaka
golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park and Farewell Spit and the Hill where the views are spectacular before driving to Nelson airport in time for your
relaxed vibe of Golden Bay.” flight back to Auckland.
24 25Day 1: Fly to Queenstown – Mandeville – Gore – Invercargill
From Queenstown we drive to the Croydon Heritage Trust factory and museum at
Mandeville. In Gore enjoy a dram of whisky at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum and visit
the Eastern Southland Gallery. Stay at Ascot Hotel, Invercargill.
Day 2: Invercargill – Transport World – Indian Scout – Fly to Stewart Island
It’s all about wheels at Bill Richardson’s Transport World, Classic Motorcycles and Burt
Munro’s Indian Scout on display at E. Hayes & Son. We fly across Foveaux Strait to
Stewart Island where we stay two nights at Bay Motel and dine at the South Seas Hotel.
Day 3: Stewart Island sightseeing – Rakiura National Park – Ulva Island
We tour Oban and the surrounding bays including the gateway to Rakiura National Park.
From Nugget Point Lighthouse there are close-up views of the wild Catlins coastline
We cruise the sheltered waters of beautiful Paterson Inlet and land at Ulva Island, a world
acclaimed sanctuary teeming with birdlife before returning to Oban.
Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins
Day 4: Stewart Island – Invercargill – Catlins – Kaka Point
We fly back to Invercargill and drive the Catlins to Waipapa Point, Curio Bay’s petrified
Visit Invercargill’s transport museums then fly to Stewart Island for two nights.
forest and Porpoise Bay. We lunch at Niagara Café and have fun winding “rustic
Cruise across to Ulva Island bird sanctuary, a nature lover’s playground. See
automata” at The Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai. Overnight at Nugget View Motel and
the stunning Catlins coastline and Nugget Point Lighthouse. Visit the mainland
nearby B&Bs.
albatross colony near Dunedin and ride the Taieri Gorge train.
Queenstown – Invercargill – Stewart Island –The Catlins – Dunedin – Taieri Gorge Rail – Day 5: Kaka Point – Royal Albatross colony, Otago Peninsula – Dunedin
Dunedin Enjoy the spectacular views from Nugget Point Lighthouse. We drive out along the
Otago Peninsula to the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland albatross colony in the
world. We dine in and stay two nights at The Southern Cross Hotel.
Tour dates Tour Highlights Day 6: Dunedin sightseeing – Olveston House – Signal Hill – Carey’s Bay
• Visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Trust Museum We visit Olveston House with its time capsule of treasures and drive the trail of street art
6 nights/7 days
• Tour the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Gore in The Warehouse Precinct. The Octagon, steep Baldwin Street, Signal Hill, Carey’s Bay
Monday 23 November – • In Invercargill visit Bill Richardson’s Transport World, Classic historic hotel and the Tropical Forest butterfly house are all on the itinerary.
Sunday 29 November 2020 Motorcycles and Burt Munro’s Indian Scout
Monday 22 February – • Return flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island
Sunday 28 February 2021 • Cruise the sheltered waters of beautiful Paterson Inlet Day 7: Dunedin – Taieri Rail – Pukerangi – Dunedin – Fly to Auckland
• Land at Ulva Island, teeming with birdlife From Dunedin’s Edwardian railway station we travel by train along the wild Taieri River
Cost per person • Visit dramatic Nugget Point lighthouse in the Catlins
Gorge through 10 tunnels and across numerous bridges including the unique Wingatui
• Have fun at The Lost Gypsy Gallery
$3,990 $4,390 • Visit the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head Viaduct to Pukerangi. We lunch nearby then continue to Dunedin Airport.
Twin Share Single • Guided tour of historic Olveston House built in 1904
• Catch the Taieri Gorge train from Dunedin to Pukerangi Fly to Stewart Island and cruise across to Ulva Island bird sanctuary
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“Kaka on your balcony, fresh seafood at the South Seas Hotel, golden sand
beaches and friendly locals are just a few of many reasons to fly over to
Stewart Island. The Catlins coast is similar – untouched, raw beauty and a
real sense of discovery.”
26Day 1: Fly to Great Barrier Island – Claris – Puriri Bay – Tryphena
We take a scenic flight over the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to Claris. Drive in our coach to
Puriri Bay to meet Marion for lunch at her Elephant Craft Gallery and later meet Peter and
Fenella at Black Cow Gallery nearby. We stay in relaxed, island style acommodation at
Sunset Waterfront Lodge and Shoal Bay Estate for four nights.
Day 2: Tryphena – Okiwi Park – Awana Beach – Claris – Tryphena
At Okiwi Park at the northern end of the island a flat trail meanders through mature puriri
and totara trees. We call into Awana Beach and visit the Milk, Honey and Grain museum,
a treasure trove of stories and memorabilia of the early settlers. After dinner this evening,
if the sky is clear, we stargaze with local guides.
We take a stunning scenic flight over the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to Great Barrier Island Day 3: Tryphena – Port FitzRoy – Broken Islands cruise – Tryphena
We head over the ranges to FitzRoy Harbour to meet Chris and cruise on his launch
Great Barrier Island Escape around the inlets of the harbour and through the Broken Islands. We lunch at Glenfern
jetty and meet the custodians of this predator-fenced sanctuary. We return to Tryphena
and dine out this evening.
Fly over to Great Barrier/Aotea to enjoy a leisurely holiday staying four nights
in Shoal Bay, Tryphena Harbour in relaxed, island style accommodation. In our
coach explore the bush-lined roads, the coastline and harbours. Stargaze with the Day 4: Typhena – Okupu, Blind Bay – Whangaparapara Harbour – Tryphena
locals in this International Dark Sky Sanctuary and cruise out from Port FitzRoy Stroll bush trails and visit Okupu, Blind Bay, on the way to Whangaparapara Harbour
to the Broken Islands. to lunch at Great Barrier Lodge. Hear the history of this peaceful harbour which was
once home to gold and silver mining, timber milling and the last whaling station. Back at
Auckland – Claris – Shoal Bay, Tryphena Harbour – Okiwi – Port FitzRoy – Tryphena we dine at Shoal Bay Estate.
Whangaparapara Harbour – Claris – Auckland
Day 5: Tryphena – Medlands Beach – Claris – Auckland
We breakfast with Val at Shoal Bay Estate and visit Sarah at Shoal Bay Pottery then walk
along Medlands Beach, a favourite spot for surfers. We meet Vivienne at her sculpture
Tour dates Tour Highlights gallery in Claris and visit the Community Heritage and Art Village. In the mid afternoon
• Return scenic flight over the islands of the Hauraki Gulf we catch our flight from Claris back to Auckland.
4 nights/5 days
• Lunch with Marion at the Elephant Craft Gallery
Wednesday 2 December - • Visit Peter and Fenella at the Black Cow gallery
Sunday 6 December 2020 • Dinners are privately hosted by Val at Shoal Bay Estate We visit Peter and Fenella’s Black Cow Gallery in Schooner Bay Road
Monday 7 December – • Star gazing with Deb and Hilde in this Dark Sky Sanctuary
Friday 11 December 2020 • Cruise with Chris from Port FitzRoy to the Broken Islands
• Meet the custodians of Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Park
Cost per person • Lunch at Great Barrier Lodge on Whangaparapara Harbour The Milk,
Honey & Grain Museum reveals the Island’s history
$2,590 $2,990 • Stroll in mature native trees at Okiwi Park
Twin Share Single • See the beaches and walk along the bush tracks
• Visit the Heritage & Arts Village Trust in Claris
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“Great Barrier Island has it all – a stunning coastline and rugged ranges and,
best of all, friendly, welcoming locals. It’s so close, just a 30 minute flight
from Auckland, yet it’s another world away. The night sky, the bush, the
birds, and the beaches – it’s paradise and somewhere you want to return to
again and again.”
28 29Day 1: Fly to Nelson – Buller Gorge – Kawatiri Junction – Denniston – Karamea
From Nelson we drive the Buller Gorge to Kawatiri Junction to stroll through a historic
railway tunnel and onto Murchison. High on a bleak plateau Denniston stands testament
to the resilience of the coalminers and their families who lived in this unforgiving
environment. In Karamea The Last Resort Hotel is our home for two nights.
Day 2: Karamea – Heaphy Track – Oparara Basin – Karamea
We have a full day to enjoy getting to know this remote and beautiful north–western tip
of the Coast between the Tasman Sea and the rainforests. At the start of the Heaphy
Track walk in a nikau forest then visit the Oparara Basin in Kahurangi National Park. We
dine at historic Village Karamea Hotel this evening.
We stay two nights at Karamea at the end of the road
Day 3: Karamea – Reefton – Blackball – Brunner – Punakaiki
Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails Explore the back roads to the pretty mining town of Reefton, the first town lit by electric
street lights. Blackball, a small town at the foot of the Paparoa Range, is the home of
unionism and nearby is the Brunner Mine memorial. We stay two nights at the Punakaiki
Discover the byways, history and stories of the West Coast as you travel along Resort Hotel on the edge of the Tasman Sea and dine in this evening.
miners’ trails to coal and gold rush towns and to where precious pounamu is
found. Karamea, Okarito Lagoon and the TranzAlpine train are special highlights.
Day 4: Punakaiki – Nile River Rainforest train – Tauranga Bay – Punakaiki
Nelson – Karamea – Reefton – Punakaiki – Charleston – Hokitika – Okarito Lagoon – Franz This morning we take an easy stroll out to the sculptured limestone stacks of Punakaiki’s
Josef – Hokitika – TranzAlpine Train – Christchurch pancake rocks. At Charleston we ride the Nile River Canyon train through the rainforest
in Paparoa National Park. Later we visit the seal colony in at Tauranga Bay close to Cape
Foulwind before returning down the scenic coastal highway to Punakaiki.
Tour dates Tour Highlights
• Stay on the seafront at Punakaiki & Hokitika Hotels
Day 5: Punakaiki – Lake Kaniere – Hokitika Gorge – Hokitika
6 nights/7 days Follow the pounamu and gold trails of the Arahura River to Blue Spur and onto Lake
• Visit Denniston where coal was first mined in 1879
Thursday 3 December – • Stay two nights at The Last Resort, Karamea Kaniere. Many artisans live in Hokitika and there’s an eclectic mix of galleries and shops
Wednesday 9 December 2020 • Visit the Oparara Basin in Kahurangi National Park displaying works in pounamu, gold, glass, paua, copper, stone, ruby rock and even socks.
Friday 19 March – • See the Oparara limestone arches We stay at the Beachfront Hotel for two nights and dine in this evening.
Thursday 25 March 2021 • Ride the Nile River Canyon train at Charleston
• View the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Cost per person • Wander the artisan galleries in Hokitika
• Cruise on the Okarito Lagoon in search of birdlife Day 6: Hokitika – Okarito Lagoon – Franz Josef – Ross – Hokitika
$3,490 $3,990 • Visit Franz Josef Glacier village We visit Ross, renowned for a 3.09kg gold nugget found there in 1909. At Okarito
Twin Share Single • Lunch at Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth we take an hour’s cruise on the lagoon looking out for birdlife in untouched wetlands
• Catch the TranzAlpine train from Greymouth
bordered by ancient forest giants. A local guide takes us on a walking tour of this tiny
settlement of 30 people. In Franz Josef there’s a 15 minute climb to view the glacier.
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“Your Kiwi guide will bring to life for you the colourful history of this Day 7: Hokitika – Greymouth – TranzAlpine train – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland
isolated region, the setting for two Booker Prizewinning novels – Eleanor Travel along country roads to the old gold mining towns of Stafford, Goldsborough and
Catton’s “The Luminaries” and “The Bone People” by Keri Hulme (a former Kumara and onto Monteith’s brewery in Greymouth for lunch. Board the TranzAlpine
long time resident of Okarito) and also Jenny Pattrick’s bestsellers, “The train for a spectacular journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch where you are
Denniston Rose” and “Heart of Coal”.” transferred to the airport for your flight home.
30 31You can also read
