23 minute read
February 2021
Captivating Catlins
Departure Wednesday 3rd February
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While in the South Island why not extend your holiday, you can add the Stewart Island trip to make it 10 days away or make it a 19 Day South Island Sojourn by further adding on The Southern Scenic – Ask us about this and save on airfares.
DAY ONE
This morning we fly to Christchurch. Upon arrival we’ll hop aboard a Red Shuttle bus which will give us an en route tour of the Christchurch Rebuild before we arrive at our centrally located hotel – Chateau on the Park. Our earlier bus tour may inspire the afternoon’s activities where you are free to roam and take in the highlights of the city’s regeneration and vibrant post-earthquake renaissance. Marvel at the exhibitions of the Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Art Gallery; stroll through nearby Hagley Park, the botanical gardens and along the Avon River; savour the shopping of the new Christchurch Crossing and then head back on foot or by bus to the hotel for dinner at the Garden Court Brasserie tonight.
DAY TWO
After breakfast, it’s all aboard the coach for our ultimate destination of Oamaru – the largest town in North Otago and home to some beautiful Victorian architecture. But first, we’ll be stopping for morning tea and a visual treat at Lushingtons Gardens, Gifts and Café in Ashburton before heading to gather for a sumptuous lunch in the picturesque South Canterbury foothills. The quintessential Kiwi dining experience at Harlau House Café features locally sourced food, fresh seasonal vegetables and warm hospitality. After lunch we are in for something extra special. Riverstone Castle on the outskirts of Oamaru was built by owners Dot and Neil Smith to create their dream fantasy and includes a moat, a tower and even a dungeon. One of a kind and full of surprises, this impressive fortress is unforgettable. From here
we’ll head into Oamaru and get settled at our accommodation where we will dine prior to our trip out tonight to view the famous blue penguin colony. We will be witnessing the world’s smallest penguin in its natural environment at a rock quarry at the head of the harbour. Watch as these aquatic flightless birds arrive home from their days fishing and marvel in the experience of this magical event.
DAY THREE
Today is all about time travel starting with a trip back to the 1880s and the crazy quirky Steampunk HQ experience. Set within Oamaru’s old Grain Elevator building, the museum is a surreal dive into an altered universe of contraptions, bizarre machinery, pipes & gas cylinders, skeletal sculptures, flickering lights and even a full-scale train engine that billows smoke and spits fire. Late morning there will be time to explore the town’s Victorian Quarter before we head off to take in the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Large spherical concretions, these fascinating formations are said to have been growing for over 60 million years with the largest ones reaching over 2 metres wide. More ancient boulders are found at Kataki Beach with the geologically interesting Shag Point another wild and beautiful stop off point where we’re likely to catch sight of seals and penguins if we’re lucky. We then enjoy lunch at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary wildlife refuge and will take a guided tour of this important flagship biodiversity project operating in coastal Otago. A predator fence surrounds the 307-hectare sanctuary where native flora and fauna have been able to thrive. Our final destination today is Dunedin where we’ll be staying at the Scenic Hotel and dining in at the Princes on Dowling restaurant tonight.
DAY FOUR
David Attenborough has described this morning’s destination as “a unique and very special place” that “every visitor to Dunedin should see”. The Royal Albatross Centre houses the only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross in the world. These graceful and majestic birds and their nesting and chick-rearing habits have been thrilling visitors since 1983 when viewing was opened to the public. After our very own guided tour there’s time for a cuppa at the Toroa Café and an opportunity to secure a memento from the gift shop to remind us of our time here. Sticking to the royal theme - straighten your crowns, folks – we’re heading now to Larnach Castle & Gardens on the Otago Peninsula. A rich history dating back to 1871 when merchant baron
and politician William Larnach began building the castle, the estate is magnificently set amidst exquisite grounds ascribed a Garden of International Significance. The current owners have spent decades painstakingly restoring, conserving, and assembling collections so that visitors can appreciate the breath-taking garden spectacle and astonishing craftsmanship held within this national treasure. We’ll be lunching at the Larnach Ballroom Café here before moving on to another very special time capsule - Olveston House. The authentic and original historic home built by the Theomin family was gifted to Dunedin City Council in 1967. The tour also includes the family’s motor car – a 1921 Fiat 510 Tourer. Back to the hotel and dinner at Princes on Dowling again tonight.
DAY FIVE
Our journey today covers the scenic route from Dunedin to Invercargill diverting through the famous Catlins Forest Park region to encounter arguably the most pristine coast in New Zealand. A comfort stop in Balclutha is followed by morning tea along the way. Have your walking shoes at the ready because we’re going to visit the iconic landform of Nugget Point, say hello to the lighthouse and later marvel at the splendour of the tiered 20-metre-high Purakaunui Falls – the most photographed waterfall in the country. This region is home to many seabirds including penguins, gannets and royal spoonbills and is also the habitat for a large breeding colony of fur seals. A late lunch at the award-winning Whistling Frog café in Papatowai will be a yummy stopover in a pretty setting and from here we get a chance to learn more of the local history at our visit to the Waikawa Museum and Information Centre. It will be worth stopping next at the spectacular Curio Bay to stretch our legs. It’s home to a colony of rare yellow-eyed penguins, a pod of Hector’s Dolphins and when the tide goes out a 180-million-year-old Jurassic fossil forest is revealed. First lit on the 1st January 1884, the Waipapa Point lighthouse has been a popular location with photographers seeking the perfect shot and is flanked by golden beaches and is often the spot for snoozing sea lions. We’ll be stopping for around an hour and then heading to New Zealand’s southernmost city, Invercargill for the night. Accommodation is at the Ascot Park Hotel with dinner onsite tonight at the Emberz Restaurant.
DAY SIX
Early departure this morning takes place after a delicious breakfast . Our flight back to Tauranga is sure to be accompanied by a feeling of wistfulness about the ending of our travels and wonderful memories of the thrilling adventures experienced amid the unique beauty in this spectacular part of the South Island. TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $ 3020 Non-Member Price: $4314 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $3220 HAMILTON VIP MEMBER Price: $3220 $558 Deposit required on booking. Balance by 18th December 2020 Single Supplement $565 Includes: Door to Door pickups, Flights, Transport, Accommodation, All Tours, Meals as listed (B breakfast, MT Morning tea, L lunch, D dinner)
Catlins & Stewart Island Save $300
Combo 10 Days
Departure Wednesday 3rd February Extend your time in the south by combining these two great trips and save on airfares. Ask us for the complete itinerary.
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $5195 Non-Member Price: $7421 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $5495 HAMILTON VIP MEMBER Price: $5495 $870 Deposit required on booking. Balance by Balance by 18th December 2020 Single Supplement $1050. Includes: Door to Door pickups, Flights, Transport, Accommodation, All Tours, Meals as listed (B breakfast, MT Morning tea, L lunch, D dinner).
South of the South, Stunning Stewart Island
Departure Monday 8th February
DAY ONE
Discover Stewart Island. Leaving from Tauranga we fly as a group to Invercargill, arriving in the afternoon, we will book into our accommodation, meet for a drink then enjoy a lovely meal as a group ready for our exciting day to come.
DAY TWO
This morning we make our way to Bluff for our ferry crossing to Stewart Island. On arrival, we will book into accommodation then the time is yours to have lunch at the Southsea's Hotel or the quirky French Cafe. We will gather in the afternoon to board the bus for an informative tour of the village and surrounding bays, including the unique flora and fauna of Lee Bay, the beautiful Horseshoe Bay and observation Rock. Keep your eyes peeled for the Rakiura Grey Ghost or even a Kiwi mooching along one of the secluded beaches. Returning to the South Seas Hotel, we will have time to take in a short, hard case movie called a “Dogs Tail” which is a local dog’s perspective of life on Stewart Island. Then it’s time for a drink with the locals followed by a yummy meal of Blue Cod perhaps. Optional Evening island road exploration, Virginian Whitetail Deer & Kiwi spotting.
DAY THREE
Enjoy some free time after breakfast for a wander on nearby short walk tracks and or spend a moment to look through the brand new Rakiura Museum located right beside the DOC Information Centre. Later that morning we will Discover Stewart Island from the water on a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and a guided walk in Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary. The journey will showcase some of Paterson Inlet’s stunning scenery with its hidden coves and unspoilt beaches. You’ll hear fascinating stories of early Maori history and European settlement from your guide as we pass various landmarks. Our guide
is passionate about the area, providing informative commentary and will be more than happy to answer questions. While on board, keep a lookout for fur seals and penguins – we see a lot of them around this area. Paterson inlet is home to renowned wildlife sanctuary Ulva Island, and we’ll stop there for a 45-minute guided walk. The island is home to Weka (native wooden), bush robins, rare saddlebacks and yellow heads amongst other species. It is also a protected habitat for some of New Zealand’s unique plant species. A regular highlight is to encounter an inquisitive Weka on the beach. For the remainder of the cruise around Paterson Inlet, relax on board our modern catamaran and enjoy the coastal scenery before heading back to base. Optional Evening island road exploration, Whitetail Deer & Kiwi spotting.
DAY FOUR
After breakfast, we board the ferry for the 1hr crossing back to Bluff. Once we land and meet our local guide, we then travel to a café for morning tea before departing on our exploration of Bluff, Invercargill and its surrounds. We will be taking in some of the historical points of interest as well as some of the country towns and their people. A full day tour stopping for lunch along the way to explore the new huge Transport World. Returning to our accommodation mid-afternoon to relax and meet for our last dinner together.
DAY FIVE
Sadly, we farewell our newfound southern friends today, we’ll be making our way to the airport before flying back up the country to our homes.
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $2475 Non Member Price: $3536 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $2675 HAMILTON VIP MEMBER Price: $2675 $371 Deposit required on booking. Balance by 18th December 2020 Single Supplement $400 Includes: Flights, Transport, Ferry, Accommodation, Local Guided Tours, Permits, Meals as listed
Combo 14 Days Departure Monday 8th February
Extend your time in the south by combining these two great trips and save on airfares. Ask us for the complete itinerary.
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $5895 Non-Member Price: $ 8421 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $6095 HAMILTON VIP MEMBER Price: $6095 $885 Deposit required on booking. Balance by 18th December 2020 Single Supplement $1445 Includes: Door to Door pickups, Flights, Transport, Accommodation, All Tours, Meals as listed (B breakfast, MT Morning tea, L lunch, D dinner).
Summer Cruising Lake Okataina Cruising
Wednesday 10th of February
We haven't cruised Lake Okataina for many years now, and we are thrilled to be returning to this picture postcard-worthy location. Step onboard the stable MV Waiora and let's go cruising the crystal-clear waters. The lake edge is bush-clad and rises steeply. This extinct volcano is now the home to many trophy-sized rainbow trout and is a popular destination for fisherman. Come and Feel the raw beauty and tranquillity of Lake Okataina as you fall under its captivating spell. Along with its elegant beauty, Okataina has a rich history, sure to intrigue. Enjoy a great cruise and BBQ lunch on the boat. A sunhat, flat shoes and sunglasses recommended.
The Southern Circuit and Westland Mountain Country
Departure Saturday 13th February DAY ONE
This morning we fly high above the Southern Alps all the way to the deep south, landing at Queenstown Airport nestled amongst the snow-capped mountains. From here we will take the scenic lakeside drive through the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, along the edge of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy Village. Along the way, time permitting we will enjoy the 10min Beech Forest Walk to Bob’s Cove and a photo stop at Bennett’s Bluff. On our return to Queenstown we will check into our hotel and enjoy a lovely meal at the onsite restaurant.
DAY TWO
With our cooked breakfast energising us for the day we set sail. A scenic drive up onto the alpine landscape of Coronet Peak offers superb views. We spend the rest of our morning exploring the magical Arrowtown streets and historic Chinese gold mining camps. Have lunch at a café of your fancy. After lunch, we will continue on through the tussock clad mountains, stopping in at the Historic Cardrona Hotel before arriving at Lake Wanaka and our accommodation. Time permitting a drive around to view some of the many new building developments taking shape. There will be plenty to discuss as we gather for a social evening and dinner.
DAY THREE
By now we will be getting quite used to these cooked breakfasts. Today, weather permitting we plan to take our morning tea with us and boat cruise to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve, which is predator–free and home to the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920). Sit back, relax and enjoy the birdlife at the beach and shelter at the island base with your own morning tea. Drink in the vibrant birdsong and the panorama of the Southern Alps spread out before. Plant a native tree as part of your eco-experience. This is a unique opportunity to give back to this special island and New Zealand’s environment. We will cruise further up the Lake enjoy mountain views only a few get to enjoy. Lunch will be taken at a café of your own choosing on our return to Wanaka. Time for a stroll around the lovely shops before we meet again and travel to Warbirds & Wheels Museum which houses New Zealand’s best collection of luxury American Classic cars and Vintage vehicles. The extensive upgrade showcases how classic cars, warbirds and people’s lives have changed through the major conflicts of the 20th century through to modern times. The attraction also boasts six fighter aircraft from World War 1, World War 2 through to the impressive Skyhawk and more modern jets. Included is a display on local aviation legend Sir Tim Wallis, Ralph Watson Workshop and Grahame Sydney lithographs. After a lot of fun, it will be time for us to head back to our accommodation.
DAY FOUR
This morning, pointing the compass west we head back into the mountains. Driving alongside the many spectacular kilometres of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka to arrive at Makarora Lodge, a great place for a cuppa and very informative stop covering this awe-inspiring landscape. After lunch, we continue up the Makarora Valley to Haast, passing along and over famous rivers Makarora, Haast and Landsborough. As an option we will enjoy some lovely 5-minute short walks, through beech forest (please note they are optional). These short walks will visit the Fantail and Thunder Falls along the way as we drive our way to the Roaring Billy Falls and as every holiday should include a jet boating experience. We take a jet boat tour in a fully enclosed riverboat. Great visibility is ensured, yet you remain warm, dry and comfortable, making this a unique and safe experience suitable for anyone of any age to participate in and enjoy. We will ride down the Haast River through the South Westland World Heritage area. Learn from our local and highly experienced jet boat driver/ guides about the physical attributes of this remarkable glacial valley, where temperate rainforest thrives. Hear stories of the Kiwi spirit that enabled the Haast community to survive on the edge of the wilderness. We'll stop so you can get out of the boat so that you can reflect on the fact you are in one of our last frontiers. While the scenic value is terrific on a sunny day, the valley is equally awesome during rain with mist shrouding the forest, waterfalls in full flow and light reflecting the multiple shades of green. Arriving at Haast we will book into our accommodation. Before dinner we meet once again around the crackling fire to relive the highlights from the day.
DAY FIVE
Sleeping in a little longer today. We have a little of South Westland to explore. The plan will be hatched over breakfast and at a civilised time we will depart for our destination of Jackson Bay. This rugged coastline, which is covered in driftwood, lined with flaxy swamps and
backed up against rain forest clad mountains certainly makes for a marvellous setting and lives up to the name of the “Wild West Coast”. After a bit of beach combing and lunch, we will be qualified to post judgement on Jackson Bay’s iconic cuisine. We will then head back to Haast paying a visit to the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre before returning to our Hotel for the evening.
DAY SIX
Today we start our journey up the West Coast, stopping in at Ship Creek Lookout, taking a lovely short walk through wetlands, moving onto Knights Point and then to the shores of the inky black waters of Lake Paringa. We will enjoy morning tea at South Westland Salmon and Café nestled up against podocarp forest and offering great views off the deck across the salmon ponds and mountains in the distance. We travel onto Fox Glacier Village with some free time to look around the village, find a place to sit down for some lunch at one of the many cafes before a drive-up Glacier View Road, for a peak of the Fox Glacier. Time permitting, we will travel to the Fox Glacier carpark, and for those wanting a little exercise they can take the walk to the base lookout. We will then book into our lodgings for the evening and enjoy another lovely meal together.
DAY SEVEN
Hokitika is the destination today but first we stop in Whataroa, where we will take a boat tour to the only known nesting site for White Herons in New Zealand. Situated along the banks of the Waitangiroto River. It’s thought the first White Herons were windblown across the Tasman Sea from Australia and why the White Herons have only one nesting site or why in this location, remains a mystery of nature. We will experience the untouched beauty of the prehistoric Kahikatea Rainforest and the natural Flora in one of our country’s special places. Our afternoon will see us visiting the new Treetop Walk. A safe, exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Life with the birds, high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20 meters high and over 450 meters long. We will enjoy a leisurely 45 minute to one-hour stroll through the beautiful rainforest treetops. Walk complete we travel through to Hokitika for the night.
DAY EIGHT
This morning will see us travelling to the wonderful Hokitika Gorge, a fine example of nature’s power in water. We will then make our way by road back to the East Coast traversing the Southern Alps mountain road up and over Arthur’s Pass, stopping for lunch in the pass. We will wind our way back down to the green flat plains of Canterbury time permitting we will have some free time in the CBD area then on to our hotel in Christchurch. Tonight, our last night together, we will meet before dinner and relive the great few days away and celebrate the new friendships formed. “ Andy is an excellent driver, considering some of the tight places we went in all the passengers got on very well. And we're friendly. Thank you No.8, enjoyed every moment. Shirley Hanley ”
DAY NINE
After breakfast, we will make our way to the Airport and catch our flight home, say our farewells and be delivered home, another adventure complete and lots of new experiences to share with friends and family.
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $ 3720 Non-Member Price: $5314 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $3920 HAMILTON VIP MEMBER Price: $3920 $558 Deposit required on booking. Balance by 18th December 2020 Single Supplement $880 Includes: Door to Door pickups, Flights, Transport, Accommodation, All Tours, Meals as listed (B breakfast, MT Morning tea, L lunch, D dinner).
Catlins & Stewart Island & Southern Circuit - Save $600
Combo 19 Days Departure Wednesday 3rd February
Extend your time in the south by combining these three great trips and save on airfares. Ask us for the complete itinerary.
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $8615 Non-Member Price: $12,307 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $8815 HAMILTON VIP MEMBER Price: $8815 $1383 Deposit required on booking. Balance by Balance by 18th December 2020 Single Supplement $ 2095 Includes: Door to Door pickups, Flights, Transport, Accommodation, All Tours, Meals as listed. (B breakfast, MT Morning tea, L lunch, D dinner).
Tuesday 16th February
I have to tell you won't want to miss this one we have some neat surprises install for you today. To begin with, we will be coasting toward our past. Stopping for morning tea and squeeze of warm buns!! Then onto our first attraction were the walls don't have ears but talk instead, with so much to tell we will have to wrestle you away for time waits for no one they say, nor will our lunch in this case. We travel onto our next mysterious location. One of the highlights will be meeting a fantastic talent. We get to share her home and property. Additionally, and most importantly, she will share her story and gift with us. This will be an intriguing day away from the city.
Napier Art Deco Festival
Departure Friday 19th February
• Please note order of Festival activities listed are subject to change once they have been publicly released by the organisers.
DAY ONE
Celebrate a fabulous era at the Art Deco Festival in our very own Art Deco Capital, Napier. This annual festival in February gets the people revelling in the 1930s-atmosphere created in the heart of the city giving you the feeling of time travel back to the romance of glitz and glamour! Leaving Tauranga, we will stop along the way for morning tea then onto the café in the wild mountains of Tarawera perched above the Waipunga River. With lunch behind us, we will complete the journey to our accommodation in Havelock North. Tonight, we drive to the lovely “Off The Tracks” Restaurant to dine.
DAY TWO
Dress up vintage day Our first stop will be at ‘Blackbarn Vineyard Growers Market’ and wander around this vibrant community. We’ll continue through to another local gem ‘Birdwood Gallery’, a must-see for all visitors and locals, offering a gallery, sculpture garden, café & old-fashioned sweet shop. After our pleasurable morning, we’ll continue through to Gwavas Garden Homestead for a tour of the property, award-winning woodland garden and finishing with a tasty catered lunch. With full bellies, we will head to the Vintage Car Display at Sound Shell. (There is the option to return to Harvest Lodge to refresh for those who would like to before concert & meal). Opportunity to attend the Ritz Street Party at 5pm for those who would like to stay in Napier. This evening we’ll dine out, close to the action in Napier and if you are interested in joining in, the sound shell has a free concert to swing the night away.
DAY THREE
Dress up vintage day Dust off that Vintage attire this morning. This morning we’ll start the day by taking a tour around Napier’s historic prison located on Napier’s Bluff Hill. From here we will make our way back into town to find a good viewing point for the Soap Box Derby Parade. Following on this fun-filled event, we shall have some free time to indulge in the Napier Cafe scene. After lunch, there are several events at the Sound Shell and also along the Marine Parade - Veronica Bell Parade / Gazebo Picnic/ Memorial Flying display / Art Deco Best-Dressed show. The afternoon you will board the coach again for a private guided art deco tour of Napier’s period Architecture. Time permitting, we visit the Art Deco centre to view a short film covering Napiers traumatic earthquake. We will return to our Havelock accommodation and then out for a lovely dinner at St George restaurant.
DAY FOUR
Time to farewell Napier, however before we leave, we will stop at Te Mata Figs, which was established by a couple out of their passion for growing amazing figs in the warm Mediterranean Climate of Hawkes Bay. After a talk and a tasting, we drive up Te Mata Peak, which offers the best panoramic views over Hawkes Bay. As we leave Napier, we will stop for lunch at the quirky Crab Farm Winery and Restaurant, a relaxed festive atmosphere with delicious snacks and meals. After our fun and informative time away, we’ll continue our journey back home
TAURANGA VIP MEMBER Price: $1800 Non Member Price: $2751 AUCKLAND VIP MEMBER Price: $2450 $270 Deposit required on booking. Balance by 5th January 2021 Single Supplement $420 Includes: Door to Door Pickups, Transport, Accommodation, all Entries, Local Guide, Meals as listed
Canopy Walk Amongst the Gentle Giants
Wednesday 24th February
Walk high amongst Rotorua's gentle giants, feel the spirit of Rotorua's iconic Redwood Forest from above and up close amongst these old gentle giants. This suspended 30-minute ecological walk provides a unique birds eye perspective of the forest, capturing its picturesque beauty. Enjoy this walk at your own pace as long and you will leave the forest feeling inspired and rejuvenated. This is a great opportunity for both young and old who can walk un-aided to feel a sense of freedom at height without the need to wear harnesses or protective gear. If the heights put you off enjoy a stroll through the woods from the ground whilst the group is in the canopy. Flat shoes and a jacket would be good idea to bring.
