Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - Cruise Connections
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small group escapes
for mature travellers
2020/2021
CRUISE SPECIALIST & TRAVEL BROKER
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 28 Country Roads & Cross Hills Gardens Fair 40 Great Barrier Island Escape 48 Hawkes Bay Art Deco Festival
Wednesday 18 Nov – Tuesday 24 Nov Saturday 9 Jan – Wednesday 13 Jan Thursday 18 Feb – Monday 22 Feb
6 MoaTours Activities Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Thursday 14 Jan – Monday 18 Jan Cost: $2,290 per person twin share/
$3,390 per person single accommodation Cost: $2,590 per person twin share/ $2,690 per person single accommodation
OCTOBER $2,990 per person single accommodation
8 Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook, DECEMBER MARCH
Milford & Franz Josef 8 Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook, 42 Wairarapa Wandering 44 Summertime in Northland
Tuesday 20 Oct – Wednesday 28 Oct Milford & Franz Josef Monday 11 Jan – Sunday 17 Jan Sunday 7 Mar - Friday 12 Mar
Cost: $5,690 per person twin share/ Tuesday 1 Dec – Wednesday 9 Dec Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Cost: $2,590 per person twin share/
$6,290 per person single accommodation Cost: $5,690 per person twin share/ $3,390 per person single accommodation $2,990 per person single accommodation
$6,290 per person single accommodation
10 Taranaki Rhododendron Gardens 8 Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook, 16 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins
Friday 23 Oct – Tuesday 27 Oct 26 The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds Monday 8 Mar – Sunday 14 Mar
Milford & Franz Josef
Cost: $2,190 per person twin share/ Thursday 10 Dec – Wednesday 16 Dec Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
Friday 15 Jan – Saturday 23 Jan
$2,490 per person single accommodation Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ $4,390 per person single accommodation
$3,390 per person single accommodation Cost: $5,690 per person twin share/
$6,290 per person single accommodation
12 Canterbury Springtime Gardens & 46 Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey
Hanmer Springs Fete 14 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins Monday 8 Mar – Sunday 14 Mar
Sunday 13 Dec – Saturday 19 Dec 24 East Cape Caper Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
Wednesday 28 Oct - Tuesday 3 Nov
Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ Monday 18 Jan – Saturday 23 Jan $4,490 per person single accommodation
Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
$4,390 per person single accommodation Cost: $2,490 per person twin share/
$3,990 per person single accommodation
$2,790 per person single accommodation 50 Early Explorers from Queen Charlotte
14 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins 30 Christmas in Northland Sound to Akaroa
Wednesday 23 Dec – Monday 28 Dec 16 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins Sunday 14 Mar - Saturday 20 Mar
Saturday 31 Oct – Friday 6 Nov
Cost: $2,790 per person twin share/ Sunday 24 Jan – Saturday 30 Jan Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
$3,090 per person single accommodation Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ $3,990 per person single accommodation
$4,390 per person single accommodation
$4,390 per person single accommodation
32 Christmas in Marlborough 52 The Far South: Hidden Treasures
NOVEMBER
Wednesday 23 Dec – Monday 28 Dec 18 Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman & Tuesday 16 Mar – Monday 22 Mar
16 Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman &
Cost: $3,190 per person twin share/ Golden Bay Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
Golden Bay
$3,590 per person single accommodation Sunday 24 Jan – Saturday 30 Jan $3,990 per person single accommodation
Thursday 5 Nov – Wednesday 11 Nov
Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
34 Christmas in Taranaki $3,990 per person single accommodation 54 Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails
$3,990 per person single accommodation Wednesday 23 Dec – Sunday 27 Dec Friday 19 March – Thursday 25 March
Cost: $2,690 per person twin share/ Friday 26 Mar – Thursday 1 Apr
18 High Country Stations, Gardens & Goldfields 44 Summertime in Northland
$2,990 per person single accommodation Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
Friday 6 Nov – Thursday 12 Nov Tuesday 26 Jan – Sunday 31 Jan
Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ Cost: $2,590 per person twin share/ $3,990 per person single accommodation
36 Christmas in the Bay
$3,990 per person single accommodation $2,990 per person single accommodation
Thursday 24 Dec – Monday 28 Dec 18 Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman &
Cost: $2,690 per person twin share/ Golden Bay
20 Coromandel Caper $2,990 per person single accommodation FEBRUARY
Saturday 7 Nov - Tuesday 10 Nov 46 Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey Sunday 21 Mar – Saturday 27 Mar
Cost: $1,390 per person twin share/ Monday 1 Feb - Sunday 7 Feb Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
38 Queenstown New Year’s Eve & $3,990 per person single accommodation
$1,690 per person single accommodation Southern Icons Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
Wednesday 30 Dec – Monday 4 Jan $4,490 per person single accommodation
APRIL
22 East Cape Caper Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ 56 Kaikoura & Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow
Sunday 8 Nov – Friday 13 Nov $4,390 per person single accommodation 42 Wairarapa Wandering
Thursday 1 Apr - Monday 5 Apr
Cost: $2,490 per person twin share/ Monday 8 Feb – Sunday 14 Feb
Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/
$2,790 per person single accommodation JANUARY Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ $3,390 per person single accommodation
26 The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds $3,390 per person single accommodation
24 Otago Farmhouse Gardens & Victorian Fete Monday 4 Jan – Sunday 10 Jan
46 Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey
Friday 13 Nov – Thursday 19 Nov Sunday 31 Jan – Saturday 6 Feb 16 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins Tuesday 6 Apr – Monday 12 Apr
Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Friday 12 Feb – Thursday 18 Feb Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
$3,990 per person single accommodation $3,390 per person single accommodation Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ $4,490 per person single accommodation
$4,390 per person single accommodation
26 The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds 18 High Country Stations, Gardens & Goldfields
58 How to book with MoaTours
Sunday 15 Nov – Saturday 21 Nov Wednesday 6 Jan – Tuesday 12 Jan 24 East Cape Caper What to pack
Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ Wednesday 17 Feb – Monday 22 Feb
$3,390 per person single accommodation $3,990 per person single accommodation
Cost: $2,490 per person twin share/ 60 MoaTours booking conditions
$2,790 per person single accommodation Domestic cancellation insurance
Cover Photograph: Abel Tasman National Park
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 26 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: Fly to Christchurch – Akaunui Farm – Aoraki/Mt Cook
From Christchurch, we head to Akaunui Farm to lunch with Di and Ian Mackenzie before
driving through Burkes Pass to the tussock lands of the Mackenzie Country and a
photostop at Lake Tekapo’s church and sheepdog statue and dine in the Panorama Room
where Aoraki/Mt Cook (3,724 metres) dominates the view.
Day 2: Aoraki/Mt Cook – Lindis Pass – Queenstown
Wake up to the beauty of this alpine valley and take a stroll in the Aoraki National Park.
We head down the mountain rimmed Mackenzie Basin to Omarama and over the golden
tussock hillsides of the Lindis Pass. The rugged Kawarau Gorge and the Gibbston valley
vineyards lead on to Queenstown, our home for three nights.
Day 3: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Milford Cruise – Scenic Flight
We take a nature and wildlife cruise on beautiful Milford Sound. Follow the shores of lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau into the mountains, beech forests and
waterfalls of spectacular Fiordland National Park. Cruise beautiful Milford Sound, home to
seals and dolphins and iconic Mitre Peak and take a magnificent scenic flight back over
Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook, Milford the Southern Alps to Queenstown.
& Franz Josef Day 4: Queenstown– sightseeing – Glenorchy
We catch the Gondola up to the Skyline ridge to enjoy the views of The Remarkables and
Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, cruise on Milford Sound and this pretty resort town. We cruise on TSS Earnslaw on the lake and drive to Glenorchy,
take a spectacular flight back over the Alps to Queenstown. From Wanaka, the returning to Queenstown to stroll the shops and waterfront.
Haast Pass leads to lush rainforests, Franz Josef Glacier, Okarito Lagoon and
Punakaiki’s wild coastline. Day 5: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Cardrona Hotel – Wanaka
We call into leafy, picturesque Arrowtown where gold mining history comes alive beside the
Christchurch – Aoraki/Mt Cook – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Wanaka – Franz Josef Arrow River. From the Crown Range we take in the last views of the Wakatipu basin. We
Glacier – Okarito Lagoon – Punakaiki – Denniston – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch lunch at historic Cardrona Hotel and sample at the family owned Distillery nearby before
arriving at our hotel beside the lake at Wanaka.
Day 6: Wanaka – Haast Pass – Lake Matheson – Franz Josef
Tour dates Tour Highlights We drive beside lakes Hawea and Wanaka and through the mountain and river scenery
• On Milford Sound take nature and wildlife cruise out to the Tasman Sea. of the Haast Pass. There are short walks in the beech forests to waterfalls and coastal
8 nights/9 days
• Take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. scenery at Ship Creek to enjoy. Lush rainforest lines the road as we head north to Fox
Tuesday 20 October – • At Akaunui Farm enjoy a private lunch with Di and Ian Mackenzie.
Wednesday 28 October 2020
Glacier, Lake Matheson and on to Franz Josef.
• Walk in the great outdoors in Aoraki/Mt Cook, Fiordland, Mt Aspiring,
Tuesday 1 December – Tai Poutini Westland, Paparoa and Arthur’s Pass National Parks. Day 7: Franz Josef – Okarito Lagoon – Hokitika – Punakaiki
Wednesday 9 December 2020 • Cruise on historic steamboat TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu.
At Okarito we take an hour’s cruise on the lagoon looking out for birdlife in wetlands
• Drive over the Crown Range and lunch at historic Cardrona Hotel.
Friday 15 January – bordered by ancient forests. Our local guide Paula takes us on a walking tour of this tiny
Saturday 23 January 2021 • Enjoy a tipple and a tour of the Cardrona Distillery.
• Stroll in Haast Pass’ mountain beech forests to waterfalls and blue pools. settlement of 30 people. We visit the artists of Hokitika before reaching Paparoa National
Cost per person • Cruise on the Okarito Lagoon in search of birdlife. Park and Punakaiki, our home for two nights.
• Take a walking tour with a local guide around Okarito’s tiny settlement.
$5,690 $6,290 • See the blow holes at the Punakaiki Pancake rocks. Day 8: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – Denniston – Westport – Punakaiki
Twin Share Single • Visit remote Denniston where coal was first mined in 1879. See the Pancake rocks and blowholes, limestone cliffs and karst rock formations and river
valleys of subtropical forest. Further up the coast, Denniston Plateau gives an insight into
the lives of early coal miners and their families. We stroll to the seal colony near Cape
Foulwind before returning down the coast road to Punakaiki.
What Tracy loves about this tour:
"If you've always dreamed of visiting the real South Island icons of Mount Day 9: Punakaiki – Brunner – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland
Cook, Milford Sound, Queenstown and the West Coast then this is the trip
From Lake Brunner we drive up the Otira Viaduct, a spectacular cantilevered road, and
for you. This is the chance for Kiwis to discover what overseas visitors have
stop to photograph the cheeky Kea parrots and enjoy the alpine and river scenery of
known for so long, the South Island is amazing!"
Arthur’s Pass National Park before continuing to Christchurch Airport.
8 9
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
Friday 23 October – • Visit Judi Gopperth at Hirst Cottage and garden
Tuesday 27 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.”
10
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 Hanmer
Springs and dine out 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.”
12 13
Day 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.
Day 5: Kaka Point – Royal Albatross colony, Otago Peninsula – Dunedin
Queenstown – Invercargill – Stewart Island –The Catlins – 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 stop at the bottom of
6 nights/7 days
• Tour the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Gore Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world. Take in the views from Signal Hill, lunch
Sat 31 Oct – Fri 6 Nov 2020 • In Invercargill visit Bill Richardson’s Transport World, Classic at Carey’s Bay historic hotel and visit the Tropical Forest butterfly house.
Sun 13 Dec – Sat 19 Dec 2020 Motorcycles and Burt Munro’s Indian Scout
• Return flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island
Sun 24 Jan – Sat 30 Jan 2021
• Cruise the sheltered waters of beautiful Paterson Inlet Day 7 – Dunedin sightseeing – Fly to Auckland
Fri 12 Feb – Thur 18 Feb 2021 • Land at Ulva Island, teeming with birdlife There’s time to further check out Dunedin city this morning, visiting Toitu Otago Settlers
Mon 8 Mar – Sun 14 Mar 2021 • Visit dramatic Nugget Point lighthouse in the Catlins
Museum and checking out the inner city where Robbie Burns’ statue takes pride of place
• Have fun at The Lost Gypsy Gallery
Cost per person • Visit the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head in The Octagon. We lunch nearby then continue to Dunedin airport.
• Guided tour of historic Olveston House built in 1904
$3,990 $4,390
Twin Share Single 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.”
14
Day 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. We stay two nights in Hanmer Springs
and dine out both evenings.
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
Thursday 5 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
Wednesday 11 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
Sunday 24 January – • Visit the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum ambience of San Souci Inn.
Saturday 30 January 2021 • Cruise the stunning coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park
• See Waikoropupu Springs in Takaka – the world’s purest water
Sunday 21 March –
Saturday 27 March 2021 • 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
Cost per person • 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
• 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
$3,490 $3,990 • Walk the perfect sands or take a dip at Pohara Beach
Twin Share Single 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.
16 17
Day 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
Friday 6 November – • Homebush museum’s astonishing collection of Kiwi memorabilia Pavletich family who have lived at Station Peak, Hakataramea since 1917. We drive up the
Thursday 12 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,
Wednesday 6 January – • Historic Orari Gorge Station, gardens and buildings once at the hub of a thriving goldfield, before reaching Hawkdun Lodge in Ranfurly.
Tuesday 12 January 2021 • At Four Peaks Station we visit a shepherd’s hut built in 1866
• Stay in view rooms at The Hemitage, Aoraki/Mt Cook
• From Waitaki Valley drive over Danseys Pass
• Stop for refreshments at Danseys Pass Coach Inn Day 6: Ranfurly – Macraes Flat – Hyde – Middlemarch – Lawrence
Cost per person • See Macraes Flat massive opencast mine Visit Art Deco Ranfurly and view Macraes Flat vast opencast gold mine. We lunch nearby
• Meet the locals in lovely Lawrence at Stanley’s Hotel built in 1882 and drive the golden tussocks of the Rock and Pillar range
$3,490 $3,990 • Visit Gabriel’s Gully and the Chinese settlement
Twin Share Single 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.
18 19Day 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.”
20Day 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.
Sunday 8 November – • Visit a kiwifruit orchard and tour on quaint carts
Friday 13 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
Monday 18 January –
Saturday 23 January 2021 • See Te Araroa’s huge pohutakawa tree
• At Tikitiki visit historic St Mary’s church
Wednesday 17 February –
Monday 22 February 2021 • Tairawhiti Museum features major Captain Cook displays
• Drive through world–renowned Eastwoodhill Arboretum
Cost per person • Visit beautiful Tiromoana Garden at Wainui Beach
• Tour past the Green Lake and Blue Lake to Lake Tarawera
$2,490 $2,790 • See the fascinating array of exhibits at the Buried Village Museum
Twin Share Single
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.”
22Day 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,
Friday 13 November – Oamaru; Te Timata Farm, Carew the Fete is in full swing celebrating the town’s Victorian heritage amid streets of Oamaru
Thursday 19 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.
24 25Day 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
Sun 15 Nov – Sat 21 Nov 2020 • Ride the rail carts on a Forgotten World adventure the “Gentle Annie” travelled by the early Maori and stockmen. There are historic sites,
Thur 10 Dec – Wed 16 Dec 2020 • Lunch at Whangamomona Hotel in the Forgotten World expansive views, a suspension bridge across the Rangitikei River and the largest sheep
• 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.
Mon 4 Jan – Sun 10 Jan 2021
• Either take a 40 minute walk to The Bridge or explore further upstream
Sun 31 Jan – Sat 6 Feb 2021 on the jet boat
• 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.
26 27Day 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;
Wednesday 18 November – Crosshills Farm Garden, Otorohanga, Waikato through the historic sale yards as the auctions begin. We lunch with Kathryn Wells at the
Tuesday 24 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.
28 29Day 1: Auckland – Muriwai Beach – Waipoua Forest – Omapere, Hokianga
At Muriwai Beach we walk to the gannet colony and further north visit the Matakohe
Kauri Museum. Tane Mahuta, the largest kauri tree, is a short walk through Waipoua
Forest. Dine in and stay on the water’s edge at Copthorne Omapere.
Day 2: Omapere – Rawene – Mangonui – Taipa
Take the ferry across the Hokianga Harbour from Rawene to Kohukohu and on to
Mangonui for lunch at the famous fish shop. Visit Win Matthew’s amazing vintage vehicle
collection and stay two nights at Ramada Resort Reia, Taipa Beach.
Day 3: Christmas Day – Taipa – Houhora Harbour – Cape Reinga – Taipa
We drive northwards to the lighthouse at Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and Pacific
At Cape Reinga the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea
Ocean meet and explore along the way, including Houhora Harbour and Tapotupotu Bay,
returning to Taipa for a Christmas buffet.
Christmas in Northland
Day 4: Taipa – Butler Point – Kerikeri – Te Waimate Mission – Waitangi, Bay of Islands
On the historic trail today we first visit the house, garden and whaling museum at Butler
Relax in waterfront hotels at Copthorne Omapere, Ramada Resort, Taipa and
Point, Kerikeri’s Stone Store and Kemp House built in 1822 followed by charming Te
Copthorne Waitangi. On Christmas Day we explore northwards to Cape Reinga
Waimate Mission House. Stay two nights in waterview rooms at Copthorne Waitangi.
and nearby beaches. In the Bay of Islands we catch up on its colourful history and
cruise out to Cape Brett.
Day 5: Bay of Islands cruise to Cape Brett – Russell sightseeing – Waitangi
Auckland – Matakohe – Waipoua Forest – Omapere on the Hokianga – Mangonui – Taipa – Cruise among the islands out to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Lunch at the Duke
Cape Reinga – Kerikeri – Waitangi, Bay of Islands – Auckland of Marlborough, wander Russell’s shops and meet the guide at Pompallier House and
printing press before returning to Opua on the vehicular ferry.
Day 6: Bay of Islands – Kawakawa – Whangarei – Auckland
Tour date Tour Highlights Visit Waitangi Treaty House and museum. At Kawakawa we check out the Hundertwasser
• Visit the gannet colony at Muriwai Beach toilet block. We lunch in Whangarei and visit the Native Bird Recovery Centre to meet
5 nights/6 days
• Matakohe Kauri Museum is dedicated to the mighty Kauri talking tuis and see Sparky the kiwi close–up then return to Auckland.
Wednesday 23 December – • See Tane Mahuta the giant kauri in Waipoua Forest
Monday 28 December 2020 • Lunch at Mangonui Fish Shop
• Visit Win Matthew’s vintage vehicle collection We stay on the water’s edge at Omapere in the Hokianga
• Walk the path to the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse
• Meet Jan Ferguson at Butler Point Whaling Museum & garden
Cost per person • Visit Stone Store, Kemp House, Te Waimate & Waitangi
• Cruise out to Cape Brett, Bay of Islands
$2,790 $3,090 • Lunch at Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell
Twin Share Single • Guided tour of Pompallier House and printing press
• Visit the Native Bird Recovery Centre in Whangarei
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“It’s a great feeling to leave town behind and drive North before Christmas.
Let alone celebrating Christmas Day at Cape Reinga at the top of the North
Island – quite unique. There’s lots to enjoy from Northland’s historic places
to cruising out on the Bay of Islands then lunching at The Duke in Russell.”
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