8 minute read
September 2020
Mystery Trip
Wednesday 2nd September
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Spring has arrived, complete with its energetic lambs, daffodils, Rhodo’s, Cherry blossoms and Azaleas. A beautiful season for a mystery trip. We begin by making our way to the land of the many Cabbage trees. Enjoy morning tea along the way at a quirky café before ironing some kinks out of steely looks. You will be relieved to know that dinner will not be required this evening as lunch will surely float your boat, a feast fit for royalty. Join us for what will be a social and scenic day amongst newly acquainted friends and a celebration of springtime New Zealand.
Finlay Park And Lake Karapiro Cruising
Friday 4th September
As we head across country from Tauranga to the Waikato this morning the words of that old song “What a Difference a Day Makes” may be ringing in our ears as we anticipate today’s adventure. After morning tea and a comfort stop, we head to the valuable community resource of Finlay Park Adventure Camp basking on the banks of Lake Karapiro. With an interesting history dating back to 1927 when it was a run-down wasteland covered in gorse, weeds and overrun by rabbits, the present-day estate is a multi-purpose campus of water sports and adventure activities. Our tour will include an historical film and a fascinating model of the transformation of this picturesque valley, created after Waihi Gold Mine’s Horahora hydroelectric power station closed in 1947. It’s all aboard for a barge cruise on the lake to appreciate the natural beauty before we proceed for our lunch at The Boatshed. Spacious and tranquil with a divine outlook across Lake Karapiro, The Boatshed serves delicious freshly sourced local fare. After lunch we’ll be heading into the quaint township of Cambridge – a “town of trees and champions” – thoroughbred champions, that is. At this VIP MEMBER PRICE: $190 Non Member Price: $271 Includes: Transport, Morning Tea, Lunch, Cruise & Guided Tour
Springtime in NELSON - Beaches, Lakes and Mountains
Departure Wednesday 16th September
DAY ONE
Today will see us departing to Nelson. Once we arrive, we’ll visit the world-famous WOW museum. The World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum is an iconic ‘must see’ Nelson NZ visitor attraction that celebrates two distinctly different passions. A world-class collection of classic cars can be viewed alongside incredible wearable works of art from all around the globe. After this wonderful experience, we will make our way to our accommodation at Trailways Hotel, where we will be based whilst in Nelson. Happy hour and dinner in the onsite restaurant.
DAY TWO
This morning we travel to the stunning golden beaches & coastline of the Abel Tasman. We will be exploring the glorious Abel Tasman coastal waters on their comfortable vessel with comfortable seating. Your Skipper provides interpretative commentary throughout your cruise to introduce you to the natural highlights and fascinating history of the area. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch onboard soaking in the pristine views in a bay of choice by the Captain. This will be a wonderful, relaxing day out in one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastlines. On our return by bus, we will take a scenic drive and walk along Motueka Quay viewing what's left of the Shipwreck Jane Seddon. We then continue onto Port Motueka, the Mapua Wharf Shops and haggle with the local craft people, before heading back. Happy hour and dinner in the onsite restaurant.
DAY THREE
Today we head to the mountains visiting alpine village St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes. Reaching Lake Rotoiti we stop to stretch the legs and enjoy a mountain morning tea. The lake attracts nectar-feeding birds
such as tui and bellbirds to the large red beech trees that dominate this area. After morning tea, we return to Nelson stopping for lunch at Pics Peanuts. We will savour a warm welcome and join a group of peanut butter enthusiasts from all around the world to hear the Pic's story, learn all about their peanuts and watch as nuts tumble out of Roasting Matilda and feed into the grinder before being squirted into jars!. With lunch and tour complete we will travel back to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon and some free time to relax with. We will be meeting again in the evening for a catch up and dinner.
DAY FOUR
Today we board our coach, relax whilst taking in the lovely scenery of the coastal plains of Motueka and the mountain vistas of the Kahurangi Range. We stop at the fantastic Hawkes Lookout. To get there is a short but flat walk of approximately 10minutes passing through dramatic water sculpted marble rock formations. For morning tea, we visit Canaan Woolshed a traditional NZ woolshed which has been converted into a coffee and craft shop. We then continue down into Golden Bay and onto the Te Waikoropupū “Pupu” Springs. The largest freshwater springs in the Southern Hemisphere and some of the clearest water ever measured. Enjoy an easy stroll over the boardwalks, the informative panels and take in this natural treasure. We then head to the coastal village of Pohara for lunch and drive along the coast. On our way home, we pop into the Labyrinth Rocks, which consists of a maze-like pathway through limestone rock formations. Pick up a brochure at the entrance, try to find formations that to someone look like, The Kissing Pigs, a Troll Bridge, Stegosaurus and plenty more. You will be wondering if the person who identified the formations was high on something other than life at the time. Returning to Nelson late afternoon. Happy hour and dinner in the onsite restaurant
DAY FIVE
After breakfast, we ride the coach along the scenic drive through the mountains arriving at the quaint fishing village of Havelock, situated at the head of Mahau Sound. Here we’ll board the Pelorus Water Boat Taxi. an exclusive chartered cruise through to the Iconic Portage Hotel Resort. On the way as we travel through the bays our captain will provide us with an informative commentary of the area. Once we arrive and disembark our vessel, you can enjoy a walk around this beautiful tranquil cove nestled in the Marlborough Sounds or maybe just put your feet up and let nature wash over you. We will gather for a wonderful lunch in the Portage Restaurant, we may even be joined by some International visitors passing through on their way along the famous Queen Charlotte trail. Later that the afternoon we re-board our boat and cruise home.
DAY SIX
Well time has flown by it is time to head for home, but not before visiting a great couple, who had a vision to build and live in their own castle. Hand made by the owners from local mud bricks, the Mudcastle is an intimate yet grand space. We will have a great morning tea and tour through this amazing property. After our tour, we will make our way back to Nelson then out to the airport to then return to our respective homes.
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $2999.00 Non Member Price: $4284.00 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $3199.00 CHRISTCHURCH VIP MEMBER Price: $3199.00 $450 Deposit required on booking. Balance by 2nd of August 2020. Single Supplement $400. Includes: Flights, Accommodation, Kenepuru Sound Cruise, Able Tasman Cruise, All Transport, All Activities & Entries As Listed, All Meals as listed.
Willowbrook Private Country Estate
Thursday 17th September
WOW we have been waiting for an opportunity to visit this unforgettable property, we have watched its progression from plans posted online, to now having the privilege to be guided through this Private Country Estate with Georgian Manor House. Beginning with the purchase of 30acres which had once been an apple orchard. Owners Peter and David, together set to work drafting plans for the house and architectural features as well as creating a plan for the landscape gardens which were designed in the manner of the 18th century English style. For 7 years, they spent all their spare time setting out the gardens and landscaping, with the help of devoted friends. They have created a collection of stunning themed gardens and outdoor rooms, blended harmoniously with the surrounding countryside. After 3 years of construction, the jewel of Willowbrook - The Manor - was finally completed in 2016. We will enjoy a lunch and guided tour of this Private Estate.
VIP MEMBER PRICE: $ 205 Non Member Price: $ 292 Includes: Transport, Lunch, Guided Tour and Talk
Lunch at Farty Flowers Fawlty Towers!
Thursday 24th September
Recently relocated from England, Basil, Sybil and Manuel will host us for lunch in their new Boutique Hotel, Fawlty Towers. This lunch show is performed in true Fawlty Towers and Monty Python fashion and is as good as it gets so much so we can confidently state without a doubt that this is the most outrageous, hilarious Fawlty Towers Lunch Theatre show ever to be performed in NZ for that matter the world! The show follows a storyline with a beginning, middle and very satisfying suspenseful ending. Your hosts today, the “manic, misanthrope” Basil Fawlty and his “languid little nest of vipers” Sybil (his wife), along with their “lovable, confused and tormented” Spanish waiter Manuel will go above and beyond the call of duty. They guarantee their guests are treated to a whirlwind of classic Fawlty Towers comedy, with played out scenarios full of entertaining confusion and chaotic hilarity. A sell out last year we have limited seats so be quick. Venue destination Ohaupo.
