21 minute read
November 2020
Mystery Trip
Wednesday 4th November
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Folks have been pining for this one, what one you ask? You just might have to join us to find out; now I guarantee you will be surprised, informed and amazed by days end. We are excited to bring this trip to you, a first for No.8 and I am sure this will be a first for you too. You could call it a No.8 exclusive. We have limited seats due to the nature of today's program. Come dressed tidy casual, wear a smile, a warm jacket and bring with you an appetite for fun and of course food! P.S ladies if you have any blokes that are difficult to get along it would be well worthwhile to hogtie them and drag them along as they will love the day.
Tiritiri Matangi Island & Matakana's New Sculptureum
Departure Friday 6th November
DAY ONE
Today we are venturing north to Whangaparaoa Peninsula one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. We will stop along the way at iconic Pokeno Bacon for lunch. We shall then continue our drive through to Auckland's Award Winning Garden a wonderfully peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Auckland. Wander through the 5.5-acre awardwinning garden on the side of Mt Eden. We will take an hour or two to explore the many plant collections including perennials, vireyas, camellias, bromeliads and native plants. There's always something in bloom. Enjoy the waterfalls, rock formations, resident native birds and fabulous city and harbour views or perhaps just plonk yourself down on one of the many seats and enjoy the tranquillity We will then move on to our accommodation on the North Shore.
DAY TWO
After picking up our picnic lunches we will travel onto Gulf Harbour to meet our big Catamaran for our cruise to Tiritiri Matangi Island with “360 Discovery”. Here we join a 1 ½ hour guided morning experience and learn about one of the worlds greatest conservation projects. View the exquisite bird life, natural surrounds, re-vegetation and history of Tiritiri Matangi. Your guide will highlight the best spots to see various wildlife on the island and will help you to identify birdcalls (try and beat our tally from our last trip of 16 species identified) which echo through the trees. Our guide will escort us to the visitor centre with its Informative exhibits. You are free to wander, look and listen as you make your way back to the vessel. A day on Tiritiri Matangi gets better every time we visit. Once back at our Motel we will freshen up then head out for dinner together.
DAY THREE
This morning we will head to the ever-popular Matakana Village, home to fabulous shops providing visitors with a wide range of fashion, homewares, book, gift and health food shops, cafes and art gallery. We will enjoy morning tea and a wander around before heading to the Morris & James pottery to browse the myriad of colours and creations. The afternoon will be exciting, with a visit to the new Sculptureum, who’s gates have just opened. Inside there are hundreds of works on display in the Gardens and Galleries, all chosen to amuse, inspire and stimulate. A mix of colour, whimsy and wonder for. Returning to our motel we will then gather for dinner.
DAY FOUR
Before we make our way home we will travel to Devonport, enjoying some sights along the way. Our first stop is Torpedo Bay here we take a guided tour of the great new Navy Museum. After our interesting and informative morning, we’ll enjoy a lunch at a cafe of your own choice in Devonport. Then we will get on the road for our short journey back home.
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $1350 Non Member Price: $1929 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $1350 CHRISTCHURCH VIP MEMBER Price: $1550 $250 Deposit required on booking. Balance by 22nd September 2020 Single Supplement $300 Includes: Transport, Entries, Accom, Ferry, Tour, Applicable ChCh Flights, All Meals as Listed
The Sled Dogs – From Siberia to Central Plateau
Wednesday 11th November
Today we will zip down the line stopping along the way for morning tea we will then continue to the tranquil riverside venue of Orakei Korako for lunch. We will arrive early afternoon at Steve and Taniya Coxhead’s property owners of Timberline Kennels. This fun couple has been involved with sled dogs for 24 years and have the largest Siberian Husky Race Kennel in New Zealand. Their central plateau property has the ideal location for us to pursue our passion for running the dogs – with its cold winters and proximity to forest areas for training. We will hear about their vision in creating Timberline kennels as a ‘hands-on’ experience and insight into the world of the Siberian Husky and this purpose-bred sled dog. We will enjoy a live demonstration, Learn the history of the Siberian Husky and get up close with these amazing dogs. Tidy casual ware today folks.
VIP MEMBER Price: $190 Non Member Price: $271 Includes: Transport, Morning Tea, Lunch, Talk, Tour and Demonstration
Mackenzie Country – Lakes Tekapo, Lake Ohau Lodge, Mount Cook National Park and More
Departure Friday 13th November
DAY ONE
From Tauranga, we fly into the Garden City, we then start our journey across the alluvial plains of the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers making our way closer to the russet brown hills of the “Mackenzie Country” while passing through the rural towns of Geraldine and Fairlie. This country has been the inspiration of many New Zealand landscape artists and we will be arriving in time to see the beautiful colour display of the lakeside Lupins, who's wonderful, pinks, purples and whites all mixed together will provide a special memory. After the wonderful scenic drive, we arrive at the luxurious Star Peppers Bluewater Resort our home for five glorious evenings. This high-end Luxury resort is set at the heart of New Zealand's Mackenzie Country overlooking stunning Lake Tekapo and surrounded by the Southern Alps and Two Thumb Ranges, you won’t want to leave. Tonight, we will gather for a pre-dinner social then dine in the onsite Rakinui Restaurant overlooking the beautiful Tekapo.
DAY TWO
This morning we will head out of town a few kilometres and drive up Godley Peaks road to a couple of hotspots for Lupin spotting great opportunities for photos amongst the vibrant colours and with the turquoise Lake Tekapo and whitecapped mountains as possible backgrounds. We will visit the hidden lake of Alexandria with its variety of lakeside character cribs. Then continue our scenic drive up the valley taking in the great scenery until we reach the Cass River were, we will turn around. We drive up to the Mount John Observatory taking in the panoramic views and stopping to enjoy morning tea on the mountain top Astro Café. We then make our way back to town and visit to a few of the “Mackenzie Country” Icons, including the lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd, the Sheep Dog Statue and Lake Tekapo Canals; We will take a stroll around the village shops, have lunch in a local cafe. After lunch, we will drive out of town to Burkes Corner to check out the vintage shops then return to Tekapo for the night.
DAY THREE
On our journey to Mount Cook Alpine Village, we will make a stop at the Lake Pukaki Information Centre, taking time for a photo alongside the Bronze Himalayan Thar statue. On we head through to Glentanner Station Park Centre, stopping here for morning tea and a look through the Merino Retail shop. Glentanner Station’s 9000 merinos are contracted to supply the world-renowned Ice Breaker brand. The drive to Mount Cook is spectacular with views across Lake Pukaki, eventually we travel parallel to the vast braided Tasman River and up into the Mountains. Arriving in the small Alpine village we arrive at the Mount Cook Visitor Centre for an Introduction talk, a fantastic venue to get an insight into the National Park, it is our intentions to have an officer provide a talk for us. We will enjoy lunch at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, a tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world's greatest explorers. The centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. We will enjoy some fantastic short films on the man himself, the park and a stunning planetarium display. There is an option to relax and enjoy the surroundings or join me on a wee sightseeing tiki tour up to the start of the Hooker & Tasman Glaciers, maybe we can find some Mount Cook Lillie’s in our travels. Returning back to Lake Ohau this afternoon.
DAY FOUR
Bring a warm jacket and gloves. Today’s adventure sees us travelling the beautiful alpine Lindis Pass, hopefully there will still be a little snow about for us to view, this truly is an artist’s inspiration. Climbing the 971m meters to the pass and down to Lake Wanaka. Stopping for morning tea along the way. The township of Wanaka is a pictureperfect gem with a pristine alpine lake at its doorstep and surrounded by the spectacular backdrop of the South Island's Southern Alps. It’s the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park - a World Heritage Area – an alpine paradise of towering peaks, thundering waterfalls, spectacular glaciers, rainforest, rivers and valleys. Enjoy some free time, have lunch in one of the many cafes then wonder the boutique shops or take a stroll along the lake front. After lunch, we are off for a scenic lake cruise to Mou Waho Island. On our return we take a drive through the Wanaka developments then make our way back to Lake Ohau.
DAY FIVE
Our second to last day will see us heading to historic Duntroon. Our first stop will be the impressive and largest of the South Island's manmade lakes Lake Benmore Dam. The color of the lakes in the Waitaki Valley (Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore) alone are worth the visit. We make our way around the Northern shores of Benmore to arrive at the second dam Aviemore. Morning tea in Kurow then
onto St Albans Chapel and Vicarage built in 1893 listed as category one with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, meaning it is a place of "special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value". Down the road we continue to recently restored Nichols Blacksmith. Another category one historic building. It was named after the last working Duntroon blacksmith, Nicol Muirden. The Blacksmiths is restored as if the founders had walked out and left it as it. The Nicol Blacksmith trust fire up the forge as often as possible for demonstrations. We will then continue onto the famous Elephant Rocks for a wander around these amazing limestone formations. By now we are sure to have an appetite so we will return to Omarama and the one and only Wrinkly Ram for a bite to eat and look at the merino garments on offer. After our lunch we will take a drive to the shores of Lake Ohau for some free time to wander around this special area.
DAY SIX
Alas this morning we head home, taking in the scenery and stopping for morning tea and look around Geraldine, then travelling to Christchurch for our flight home.
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $2690 Non Member Price: $3843 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $2890 CHRISTCHURCH VIP MEMBER Price: $2690 $404 Deposit required on booking. Balance by 29th of September 2020 Single Supplement $585 Includes: Flights, Door to Door pickups, Transport, Local Guided Tours and entries, Meals as listed.
Charming Chatham Islands
Departure Thursday 19th November
The order of activities listed may change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather This is the nature of being on an Island but half the fun of course.
DAY ONE
Flying to New Zealand’s easternmost outpost, Chatham Islands will be via the Auckland airport. Our Air Chathams flight will touch down on the island late afternoon. As we descend, you’ll be struck by the rich diversity of scenery below, with rolling farmlands, white sandy beaches, volcanic peaks and dramatic rocky outcrops. The Chatham Islands consist of two main inhabited islands, Chatham Island (90,000 ha) and Pitt Island (6,300ha) surrounded by smaller islands. We disembark and head to the Hotel Chatham to check in. Built in the 1860s on the waterfront at Waitangi our accommodation has a delightful vintage charm with all the facilities of a modern hotel. Here we’ll be treated to a sumptuous seafood buffet tonight with fresh bounty such as crayfish, grouper and blue cod, harvested from the seas surrounding the islands.
DAY TWO
After breakfast we head west to Splatter Rock to take in the spectacular pillow lava-flow formations and marvel at the layered olivine basalt cliffs of Cape Young. This location is an opportunity for plant enthusiasts to view the famously huge Chatham Island forget
me-nots, thriving just above the high tide mark. We will be stopping for a picnic lunch and visiting Helen who is our host at her historic Maunganui sandstone cottage nestled in a flourishing garden. Built for missionaries between 1866-1868 it’s full of historical artefacts and old photographs each with a story to tell. After lunch we head to Waitangi West - home to the Chatham Island Oyster Catchers – travelling through a diverse landscape of coastal sand dunes, past lakes and spectacular views of large sand blow outs and remnant kopi stands. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.
DAY THREE
Some may opt to head out on a fishing charter from the settlement of Owenga but for the rest, the day centres around land-based activities. After breakfast we head to the Kopinga Marae. Built for its panoramic views of the islands and opened in 2005 it pays tribute to the Chathams Moriori ancestors. A fish factory tour at Owenga is scheduled this morning – our deeper dive into the island’s primary industry. Amazing views are all around us at our next stop at Rangaiki Cliffs and Shelley Beach where we’ll find a pretty spot to have a picnic lunch. While we are in the neighbourhood, we’ll drop in to visit Eva Cherie Tuck. Her art gallery displays an array of colourful artworks depicting the diversity of flora and fauna of the local landscape. As we set out for the journey back to the hotel, we’ll stop to pay our respects to Tommy Solomon who died in 1933. His commemorative statue marks his place in history as the last full-blooded Moriori – the indigenous people of the islands.
DAY FOUR
Bird-watching is on the agenda this morning as we head to the south coast after breakfast to visit the Albatross colony breeding programme set up by Taiko Trust at a protected site at Point Gap. We then move on to visit a local farm to learn more of the special challenges farming on New Zealand’s remotest islands. We’ll head back to a fish and chip lunch at the hotel before a visit to the museum where ancient and modern history of the islands is on show. A walk up Tikitiki hill and around the town will be a good way to get your bearings, take photos and enjoy the fresh air before dinner tonight at the hotel.
DAY FIVE
Don your hiking shoes as we are off after breakfast to explore the peaceful track of the Nikau Bush Conservation area. 19 hectares of regenerating forest are home to the native Nikau palm – usually in full bloom at this time of year. Following this, we stop at DOC’s Ocean Mail Reserve where we will have a picnic lunch and enjoy fantastic ocean views and seabirds. Onwards then to Muirson’s Farm to see a Sunderland flying boat restoration project. The Point Munning fur seal colony is our next stopover – over 200 years ago the processing of their skins and oil was a thriving industry in the Chathams. Still regarded as a sacred treasure by the Moriori, the incredibly rare tree carvings at Hapupu are set to be a highlight of our entire stay. We stop here as our final activity for the day. Tonight’s dinner is the famous seafood buffet dinner at the Kaingaroa Sports and Social Club.
Day SIX
This morning we explore the private reserve of Te Matarae before marvelling at the ancient Moriori carvings on the limestone walls of Nunuku’s Cave. At our next stop Te Whanga Lagoon, the sands conceal buried treasure that you may be lucky to unearth this morning: fossilized shark’s teeth millions of years old. We will be lunching here with a picnic before heading to the regenerating coastal forest of Henga Scenic Reserve. Featuring cheeky weka, fantails and other native birds, the spectacular limestone formations deep in the bush are breath-taking. There will be an opportunity for keen botanists to purchase native plants at Sylvia’s Native Plant Nursery at Henga Lodge. Dinner tonight is back at the hotel in Waitangi.
Day SEVEN
The penultimate day on the Chatham Islands is underscored with a highly recommended flight to Pitt Island - a fully escorted tour for those who want to explore further afield. If you decide to stick to the main island, we have a visit to the massive olivine Basalt Columns this morning – an unusual lava rock field created out of lava flows dating back 80 million years. We’ll be finding a pleasant spot for a picnic lunch at Port Hutt, previously a main harbour for the Chathams where several vessels have run aground. Following this we will be taking a stroll through the utterly beautiful Admiral Gardens. Established by the Croon family, the garden boasts, in addition to a plethora of native and exotic plantings, vast swathes of the Chatham Island forget-me-not, a botanical mecca for bees, birds and butterflies. We’ll be lingering here after our garden tour to enjoy the Admiral Gardens hospitality with a buffet barbecue dinner before returning to Hotel Chatham for our last night on the island.
Day EIGHT
Sadly, we say goodbye after breakfast to the friendly and welcoming Chatham Islanders. We depart late morning on Air Chathams bound for Auckland arriving early afternoon and connecting shortly thereafter for our Tauranga flight. Drop off to home will be late afternoon.
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $4900 Non Member Price: $7000 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $4900 CHRISTCHURCH VIP MEMBER Price: $5100 $735 Deposit required on booking. Balance by 20th September 2020 Single Supplement $1050 Includes: Door to Door pickups, Transport, Chatham Island Bus Tours, Accommodation, Flights All entries, Meals as listed (B breakfast, MT Morning tea, L lunch, D dinner) Optional Extras: Fishing Charter $195pp & Pitt Island Day Tour $400pp if 4-5 people (Return Flight Included)
See the Wild Horses at Home in the Tussock Lands of the Kaimanawa Ranges
***DATES TO BE ADVISED*** Register Now
DAY ONE
This morning we head south. Enjoy the scenery through to Taupo stopping in for morning tea along the way then arriving at Huka Prawn Park, one of NZ’s aquaculture success stories. After years of perfecting farming techniques by trial and error, New Zealand’s only prawn farm has developed a winning business formula incorporating farming, tourism and hi-tech innovation. We are to have an informative guided tour of the complex and then lunch at Taupo’s only ‘Riverside Restaurant’ as its namesake suggests. Dont worry there are other yummy dishes available if Prawns aren't your thing. We will then continue our way along the shores of Lake Taupo then across the Desert Road arriving at our destination and accommodation for the next two nights in Ohakune. Dinner onsite
DAY TWO
Away by 8am we head to Waiouru and enter the Defence Force land, unfamiliar to most. Here we will meet our hosts for the day and board our Tour Coach for the next leg of the journey. Each year Kaimanawa Heritage Horses arrange a guided bus trip through the Waiouru Army Base land. This region is normally closed to the public and we are privileged to be able to take this experience. See foals, mares, yearlings, and stallions in their family bands. There will also be a stop at the yards where the horses are mustered, and you will see the spectacular scenery where these horses run. The bus trip includes: A talk and slide show on army activities and safety. A stopover at a scenic spot with an address by a DOC representative to talk about the land and its history and Lunch at the yards where the horses are mustered, along with an insight into the muster process. There will be Merchandise stall at the muster yards, an opportunity to help with fundraising for the ongoing management of the horses if you so wish.
DAY THREE
Alas all to soon it will be time to head home, armed with lovely photos and fond memories of wild places visited. On our way we will stop for morning tea at the Chateau Tongariro enjoy the mountain views then travel over the hill through to Taupo and onto Rotorua for a buffet lunch at the new Farmside Buffet Restaurant. That should reduce any desire to cook dinner tonight... then after it's a short drive through to Tauranga.
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $1090 Non Member Price: $1557 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $ n/a CHRISTCHURCH VIP MEMBER Price: $ n/a $250 Deposit required on booking. Balance by 8th of October 2020 Single Supplement $160 Includes: Door to Door pickups, Transport, Kaimanawa Guided Bus Tour, Accommodation, All entries, Meals as listed (B breakfast, MT Morning tea, L lunch, D dinner)
Notting Hill of Tirau & The Red Barn Wedding Venue
Tuesday 24th November
Today we’re off to explore the corrugated-iron renaissance town of Tirau and south Waikato. A long-established farming service hub, 20 years ago Tirau began reinventing itself from a “drive through” to a “drive to” town. We’ll start with a delicious morning tea under the giant orange teapot at Heidi’s on the Hill. Our next port of call is to hear an interesting talk and explore the classically sophisticated Notting Hill Interiors. This iconic design mecca has been serving its customers since 2004 and is the favourite destination for many who make regular pilgrimages to be inspired by the stylish homewares within. They have a great story, and our hosts will be sharing this insight into how they have become such a successful business and staying ahead of the pack. After a browse of the shops, we board the coach and continue to our lunch at The Red Barn, Hinuera. One of the unique venues in the Waikato the converted turn-of-the-century livery stables are set in lovely grounds. With views to savour and food to match, the day concludes having satisfied three of our favourite subjects: great people, delicious food and beautiful scenery.
Whanganui River & Heritage Homes.
Departure Friday 27th November
DAY ONE
Today we will be heading down the line to Whanganui a wonderful heritage town of New Zealand, we’ll journey through the central plateau stopping for morning tea and lunch along the way there’s no rush, so we’ll take our time and enjoy the scenery.
DAY TWO
This morning will be spent cruising the Whanganui River in the faithfully restored heritage vessel the Waimarie Paddle Steamer. Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River where she sat for around 50 years, the Waimarie Paddle Steamer was restored to her former glory and re-launched in 2000 to make her New Zealand’s only authentic coal-fired paddle steamer in operation. We’ll enjoy a yummy lunch on board and after this we will make our way back to the thriving metropolis of Whanganui. To end the day, taking the opportunity to view Pretty Virginia Park, then head back to our Hotel.
DAY THREE
For our tour of Whanganui, we’ll be looking at some of the iconic and historic homes of the region with our local tour guide John Vickers. John is a fifth-generation New Zealander with a lifetime interest in New Zealand Heritage. The homesteads are from the 1870-1915 period and are fine examples of their type nestled in beautiful settings. We’ll enjoy a catered lunch along the way. This will be an informative inspiring day out.
DAY FOUR
Today heading home via the Whanganui River Road, we are joined by a new guide with an extensive knowledge of the river and the history it is steeped in. Our stops will include Aramoana, Koriniti. A stop at Jerusalem for lunch and tour of the church will be a highlight. From here we’ll travel to Pipiriki, following onto Raetihi, then heading to National Park for our last night together at the Chateau Tongariro.
DAY FIVE
Today we will be making our way back to Tauranga stopping for lunch along the way.
MEMBER Price: $1650. Non Member Price: $2357 Single Supplement $325 $ 250 Deposit required on booking. Balance Due By 13th October 2020 Includes: Door to Door pickups, Transport, Accommodation, All Tours, Meals as listed.
