small group escapes for mature travellers

2020/2021 tour programme small group escapes for mature travellers

2020/2021 Tour Programme One of the best views of Aoraki/Mt Cook is from Lake Pukaki

4 Introduction to MoaTours 20 Country Roads & Cross Hills 36 Christmas in Taranaki MARCH Gardens Fair Thursday 24 Dec – Monday 28 Dec 24 Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman & 6 MoaTours Activities Monday 16 Nov - Sunday 22 Nov Cost: $2,690 per person twin share/ Golden Bay Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ $2,990 per person single accommodation Thursday 4 Mar – Wednesday 10 Mar Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ OCTOBER $3,390 per person single accommodation $3,990 per person single accommodation 8 Taranaki Rhododendron Gardens 38 Christmas in the Bay 22 High Country Stations, Wednesday 14 Oct– Sunday 18 Oct Thursday 24 Dec – Monday 28 Dec 50 Summertime in Northland Cost: $2,190 per person twin share/ Gardens & Goldfields Cost: $2,690 per person twin share/ Sunday 7 Mar - Friday 12 Mar $2,490 per person single accommodation Tuesday 17 Nov – Monday 23 Nov $2,990 per person single accommodation Cost: $2,590 per person twin share/ Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ 40 Queenstown New Year’s Eve & $2,990 per person single accommodation 10 The Bridge to Nowhere & $3,990 per person single accommodation Southern Icons Forgotten Worlds Wednesday 30 Dec – Monday 4 Jan 52 Early Explorers from Queen Charlotte Wednesday 28 Oct - Tuesday 3 Nov 24 Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman & Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ Sound to Akaroa Sunday 14 Mar - Saturday 20 Mar Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Golden Bay $4,390 per person single accommodation Sunday 22 Nov – Saturday 28 Nov Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ $3,390 per person single accommodation $3,990 per person single accommodation Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ JANUARY $3,990 per person single accommodation 12 Canterbury Springtime Gardens & 42 Wairarapa Wandering 30 Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails Hanmer Springs Fete Monday 11 Jan – Sunday 17 Jan Friday 19 March – Thursday 25 March 26 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & Wednesday 28 Oct - Tuesday 3 Nov Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ The Catlins Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ $3,390 per person single accommodation $3,990 per person single accommodation Monday 23 Nov – Sunday 29 Nov $3,990 per person single accommodation Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ FEBRUARY 10 The Bridge to Nowhere & $4,390 per person single accommodation Forgotten Worlds NOVEMBER 44 Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey Tuesday 30 Mar - Monday 5 Apr 14 East Cape Caper Monday 1 Feb - Sunday 7 Feb DECEMBER Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Monday 2 Nov – Saturday 7 Nov Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ $3,390 per person single accommodation 28 Great Barrier Island Escape $4,490 per person single accommodation Cost: $2,490 per person twin share/ Wednesday 2 Dec – Sunday 6 Dec $2,790 per person single accommodation Monday 7 December – Friday 11 December APRIL 14 East Cape Caper 54 Kaikoura & Yealands Classic Cost: $2,590 per person twin share/ Tuesday 9 Feb – Sunday 14 Feb Fighters Airshow 16 Coromandel Caper $2,990 per person single accommodation Saturday 7 Nov - Tuesday 10 Nov Cost: $2,490 per person twin share/ Thursday 1 April - Monday 5 April Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Cost: $1,390 per person twin share/ $2,790 per person single accommodation 30 Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails $3,390 per person single accommodation $1,690 per person single accommodation Thursday 3 Dec – Wednesday 9 Dec 46 Hawkes Bay Art Deco Festival Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ 44 Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey Thursday 18 Feb – Monday 22 Feb 10 The Bridge to Nowhere & $3,990 per person single accommodation Sunday 4 April - Saturday 10 April Forgotten Worlds Cost: $2,290 per person twin share/ Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ $2,690 per person single accommodation Sunday 8 Nov - Saturday 14 Nov 32 Christmas in Northland $4,490 per person single accommodation Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/ Wednesday 23 Dec – Monday 28 Dec $3,390 per person single accommodation Cost: $2,790 per person twin share/ 26 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & 22 High Country Stations, Gardens & Goldfields $3,090 per person single accommodation The Catlins Tuesday 6 April – Monday 12 April 18 Otago Farmhouse Gardens & Monday 22 Feb – Sunday 28 Feb Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/ Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ Victorian Fete 34 Christmas in Marlborough $3,990 per person single accommodation Wednesday 11 Nov – Tuesday 17 Nov Wednesday 23 Dec – Monday 28 Dec $4,390 per person single accommodation Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ Cost: $3,190 per person twin share/ 56 How to book with MoaTours $3,990 per person single accommodation $3,590 per person single accommodation 48 The Far South: Hidden Treasures What to pack Sunday 28 Feb - Saturday 6 Mar Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/ 58 MoaTours booking conditions Cover Photograph: Abel Tasman National Park $3,990 per person single accommodation Domestic cancellation insurance

2 3 Our Kiwi Guides on tour: Andrew in Gisborne Sean at Cape Reinga Dianne at Akaunui Farm Matt in Wellington Kia Ora and welcome to MoaTours MoaTours small group tours are customised

We believe MoaTours is New Zealand’s best small group tour company and it’s for mature travellers our goal to make your MoaTours holiday your best touring experience ever. We started in 1971 so we’re highly experienced and have a passion for sharing our MoaTours are designed for discerning, mature travellers who are keen to enjoy beautiful country with others, including our own favourite places that are well unique experiences. Our 24 carefully crafted itineraries have been developed off the beaten track. and refined to present the essence of each region’s outstanding attractions, festivals and hospitality.

Our Kiwi Guides and office team Our knowledgeable, helpful Kiwi guides are All of our guides are experienced in tour MoaTours are all inclusive here to make every moment enjoyable and driving and taking care of people, not to The tour price is all inclusive of land transport, meals, entrance fees, activities and have a lifetime of holiday memories and mention their in-depth knowledge of our Auckland/South Island/Auckland airfares. Many travellers join our tours from secret spots they love sharing. They are culture, history, flora and fauna. Of course, outside Auckland. unanimous in our belief that the personal they have a few amusing tales of their own touch of our small group style travel is the to share too! Small groups of 18 travellers best way to see our beautiful country. With a maximum of 18 travellers on board, every tour is intimate and flexible so it feels like travelling with a group of friends. Our Kiwi guides are fully supported by one of the most experienced and committed teams in New Zealand tourism, Tracy, Wine and dine with friendly locals and meet our specialist guides Connecting with the locals is one of the best parts of travelling. We offer one-of-a-kind Tanya, Imke and Alisha. We aim to make experiences meeting our friendly local hosts over delicious lunches in private homes, your MoaTours experience relaxed and gardens and farmhouses. And when we visit galleries, museums and unique places, enjoyable from start to finish. MoaTours have specialist guides arranged to share their passion and knowledge with us.

MoaTours is a family business founded by High quality accommodation mother and son team Ena Hutchinson and Our accommodation is chosen for its sense of place. Relax at the end of the day in Miles Clark. They live and breathe New quality, contemporary 4-star hotels, and when we’re off the beaten track, in bespoke Zealand, and are always out and about motels and B&Bs. researching new itineraries and refining existing ones to ensure our travellers' Purpose built coaches experience is unsurpassed in New Zealand We own and operate late model, turbo-diesel midsized coaches. The coaches are small group touring. comfortably appointed with customised interiors and climate control. MoaTours is a family business: Miles and Ena

4 5 MoaTours activities are all inclusive

Our tours visit Cape Reinga and Stewart Island and just about everywhere else in between. Wherever you travel with us everything is included and that means all activities too. Here’s a selection of photos taken on our recent tours and for more details of what activities are included check out the “Tour Highlights” of each itinerary.

Top: The jet boat at Mangapurua Landing, the starting point for The Bridge to Nowhere (right), a 40 minute walk each way. Above: Wagon ride at Erewhon Station. Opposite page top: “Milford Mariner’s” tender on Milford Sound. Centre left: The rainforest train in Paparoa National Park. Centre right: Chaddy’s lifeboat off New Plymouth. Bottom left: On the Forgotten World tracks. Bottom right: The Nikau Walk near Karamea.

6 7 Day 1: Auckland – Piopio – Awakino Gorge – New Plymouth We lunch with Rachel and Denzil Anselmi at Carmel Farm then drive through the Awakino Gorge to visit Diana Montgomery and John Wilmshurst’s beautiful Waiongana riverside garden in New Plymouth. Dine in and stay two nights at the Waterfront Hotel.

Day 2: Hirst Cottage – Te Kainga Marire – Tupare – Len Lye Centre – Pukeiti We visit Judi Gopperth at Hirst Cottage, Valda Poletti at Te Kainga Marire then Tupare House and garden. We see kinetic sculptures at the Len Lye Centre and visit Pukeiti, one of the world’s greatest collections of rhododendrons.

Day 3: Pukekura Park – Cairnhill Garden – Tawhiti Museum – Whanganui We visit Pukekura Park, Cairnhill Garden at the start of the Forgotten World Highway and Pukeiti is nestled in the rainforest on Mt Taranaki Gravetye Garden. We explore Tawhiti museum before visiting Puketarata garden and touring the landmarks of Whanganui. Taranaki Rhododendron Gardens Day 4: Whanganui – Cross Hills Garden – Taihape – Chateau Tongariro We visit family–owned Cross Hills garden renowned for its collection of over 2000 This tour makes the most of New Plymouth while the rhododendrons bloom. rhododendrons and azaleas. We dine and stay this evening at the classic landmark hotel Meet private gardeners, wander magnificent Pukeiti and visit the exhibits in the The Chateau Tongariro at the foot of Mt Ruapehu. unique Tawhiti Museum. Other highlights include visits to Hawera, Whanganui, Cross Hills garden and the Chateau Tongariro. Day 5: Chateau Tongariro – Aramatai Gardens – Crosshills Garden – Auckland Auckland – Pio Pio – New Plymouth – Hawera - Whanganui – Kimbolton – We drive up Mt Ruapehu to enjoy the view from the Top O’ the Bruce and visit Jill and The Chateau Tongariro – Taumarunui – Otorohanga – Auckland Leo Mouat’s Aramatai Gardens. Our lunch is hosted by Debbie and Fraser Robertson at Crosshills Garden farm and we return to Auckland in the late afternoon.

There are many pathways to wander at Cross Hills Gardens in the Manawatu Tour dates Tour Highlights • Lunch at Carmel Farm with Rachel and Denzil Anselmi 4 nights/5 days • Meet John Wilmshurst and Diana Montgomery at Waiongana Wednesday 14 October – • Visit Judi Gopperth at Hirst Cottage and garden Sunday 18 October 2020 • Te Kainga Marire, a native garden of Global Significance • Visit Tupare House and garden now restored to its fomer glory • At Pukeiti see one of the world’s great rhododendron collections • Visit Jenny and John Pease’s formal Gravetye Garden Cost per person • Explore Nigel Ogle’s unique creation, Tawhiti Museum • Wander the Horner’s country garden, Puketarata $2,190 $2,490 • The Wilson family’s Cross Hills garden Twin Share Single • Visit Jill Mouat’s five acre Aramatai Gardens and ponds • Lunch at Crosshills Garden with Debbie and Fraser Robertson

What Tracy loves about this tour: “Enjoy Taranaki’s beauty ahead of the festival crowds when the gardens are fresh and the gardeners too! I especially like having the gardeners and the gardens completely to ourselves. On the first and last day of our travels we enjoy the warmth and hospitality of private farmhouse lunches.”

8 Day 1: Auckland – Rangiriri – Otorohanga – Taumarunui Leaving Auckland, we meet a local guide at the Rangiriri Cultural and Heritage Centre for an insight into the 1863 invasion of the Waikato. Further south we stop for lunch with Debbie and Fraser Robertson at Crosshills Farm. Later in the day, we reach Taumarunui, where we stay and dine in at the Forgotten World Motel for two evenings.

Day 2: Forgotten World Rail carts – Whangamomona – Taumarunui We call into Lauren’s Lavender Farm beside the Whanganui River then drive deep into the Forgotten World Highway to Whangamomona for lunch at the iconic and remote hotel. Then climb on the rail carts to travel the track through the bushclad Tangarakau Gorge and on to Tokirima where your coach awaits to return to Taumarunui.

At Pipiriki we hop on the jet boat bound for the Bridge to Nowhere

Day 3: Taumarunui – Pipiriki – Whanganui River – Jerusalem – Whanganui The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds At Pipiriki we meet our jet boat for an hour’s ride upstream in sublime scenery to the Mangapurua Landing. Depending on your level of fitness either walk with your guide to We follow rail, river and walking tracks, once the lifeblood of the Central North The Bridge to Nowhere (40 minutes approximately each way) or continue upstream on Island. Ride rail carts and cruise the Whanganui River by jet boat up to the landing the jet boat. Returning to Pipiriki we drive to Jerusalem and on to Whanganui. to the Bridge to Nowhere. Then the delights of Hawkes Bay await reached by travelling along the “Gentle Annie” road, steeped in history and home to the North Island’s largest sheep farms. Day 4: Whanganui – Putiki – Taihape Auckland – Taumarunui – Whangamomona – Whanganui River – The Bridge to Nowhere – We explore Whanganui this morning, meeting guides at the Regional Museum and Sarjeant Gallery and later at Putiki a local guide tells the stories of the intricate Maori Whanganui – Taihape – “Gentle Annie” Road – Napier – Auckland carvings and wall panels of St Paul’s Memorial church. Turning eastward, we drive to Taihape and stay at The Aspen Court Motel.

Tour dates Tour Highlights • With a local guide visit Rangiriri Cultural & Heritage Centre Lunch with Day 5: Taihape – “Gentle Annie” road – Napier 6 nights/7 days Debbie and Fraser Robertson at Crosshills Farm From Taihape we cross the Central Plateau to explore the Inland Patea Heritage Trail along Wednesday 28 October - • Ride the rail carts on a Forgotten World adventure the “Gentle Annie” travelled by the early Maori and stockmen. There are historic sites, Tuesday 3 November 2020 • Lunch at Whangamomona Hotel in the Forgotten World expansive views, a suspension bridge across the Rangitikei River and the largest sheep Sunday 8 November - • Catch the jet boat from Pipiriki up the Whanganui River stations in the North Island. We stay at Scenic Te Pania on the Napier waterfront two nights. Saturday 14 November 2020 • Either take a 40 minute walk to The Bridge or explore further upstream on the jet boat Tuesday 30 March – • From Pipiriki ride in a jet boat up the Whanganui River Monday 5 April 2021 • Drive the Gentle Annie road over the Central Plateau Day 6: Napier sightseeing – Art Deco touring – Cape Kidnappers gannet colony Cost per person • Follow Napier’s Art Deco Trail with a local guide An Art Deco guide joins our coach as we tour to the National Tobacco Company building • Take a private tour out to the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers and Marewa, the suburb built in Art Deco style after the 1931 earthquake. With a nature $2,990 $3,390 • Lunch with Stephen and Jeanette Williams at Moondance Manor Twin Share Single guide we take a private, three-hour overland safari out to the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Later we drive up Bluff Hill for the views.

What Tracy loves about this tour: Day 7: Napier – Taupo – Tamahere – Auckland "Thanks to the vision and energy of our hosts and their love of back country Leaving Napier after breakfast we drive back northwards to Taupo and continue on to places we have all the fun - tootling along the track on golf carts and riding Tamahere stopping for lunch with Stephen and Jeanette Williams at Moondance Manor a jet boat up the Whanganui River. Then we drive the North Island’s best set in stunning gardens beside the Waikato River. We return to Auckland through the kept secret, the historic “Gentle Annie” route." Waikato farmlands arriving in the late afternoon.

10 11 Day 1: Fly to Christchurch – Flaxmere Farm – Hanmer Springs On arrival in Christchurch we drive to the alpine village of Hanmer stopping for lunch with Penny Zino at beautiful Flaxmere Farm in Hawarden. We stay two nights at Heritage Hanmer Springs Hotel and dine in both evenings.

Day 2: Hanmer Springs – Hurunui Gardens – Hanmer Springs Explore the farm gardens of the Hurunui – Doreen and Michael Dryden at Loch Leven, lunch with Vicki Collett and Andrew Dalzell at Coldstream and meet Anita and Richard Todd at Saddlewood. We return to Hanmer in time to relax in the hot pools.

Day 3: Hanmer Springs Fete – Rakaia Gorge – Mt Somers Stroll across to the Hanmer Springs Fete held in the historic Queen Mary Hospital We join Di and Ian for lunch at Akaunui homestead grounds. Browse the 100 stalls of fine arts, crafts, local wine and food and lunch at the Fete. We head south to Mt Somers for two nights and dine at Stronechrubie. Canterbury Springtime Gardens & Hanmer Day 4: Mt Somers – Rangiatea – Coniston Gardens – Akaunui Farm – Mt Somers Springs Fete We visit Sara and Blair Gallagher’s garden at Rangiatea Farm and Carol and Donald Williamson’s Coniston Gardens with its vintage, classic cars and farm machinery From the Hurunui to Mt Somers and Banks Peninsula country hospitality flows. collections. At Akaunui we lunch and explore the garden with Di and Ian Mackenzie. Numerous highlights include lunch at Flaxmere Farm, the Hanmer Springs Fete, Akaunui Farmhouse, Giant’s House in Akaroa and Ohinetahi at Governor’s Bay. Day 5: Mt Somers – Blythcliffe House – Giant’s House Akaroa We drive to Banks Peninsula to lunch in Akaroa with John and Lesley at Blythcliffe built in Christchurch – Hanmer Springs – Hanmer Springs Fete – Hurunui Gardens – 1857. At Josie Martin’s Giant’s House the garden is alive with sculptural mosaics. We stay Mt Somers – Akaroa – Christchurch two nights at Bruce Apartments on the waterfront.

Day 6: Akaroa – Fisherman’s Bay – Banks Peninsula touring Tour date Tour Highlights We visit Jos and Stew Howden’s Potter’s Croft garden then drive to Fisherman’s Bay • Special lunches: Flaxmere Farm, Hawarden; picnic at Coldstream Farm along a dramatic cliff top to lunch in Richard and Jill Simpson’s garden. We return to 6 nights/7 days Culverden, Akaunui Farm Eiffelton; Blythcliffe, Akaroa and Fisherman’s Akaroa in time to wander this pretty village with its French connections. Wednesday 28 October - Bay clifftop garden on Banks Peninsula Tuesday 3 November 2020 • Attend the Hanmer Springs Fete • Wander the farmhouse gardens of The Hurunui Day 7: Akaroa – French Farm – Ohinetahi – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland • Di and Ian Mackenzie’s hospitality at Akaunui Homestead garden There are wide views from Jendy and Pat Brooks’ garden at French Farm. We call into • Visit Sara and Blair Gallagher’s garden at Rangiatea Farm Barry’s Bay Traditional Cheese shop before returning over the hill to Governor’s Bay for Cost per person • Coniston Gardens’ collection of vintage cars and farm machinery afternoon tea at Miles Warren’s superb Ohinetahi en route to Christchurch airport. • Enjoy the views from your waterfront apartment in Akaroa $3,490 $3,990 • Josie Martin’s astonishing mosaics at Giant’s House Twin Share Single • Fisherman’s Bay and French Farm gardens From Blair and Sara Gallagher’s garden at Rangiatea Farm the Southern Alps are in view • Afternoon tea at Sir Miles Warren’s beautiful Ohinetahi

What Tracy loves about this tour: “I love feeling like a local, not a visitor, and this is what makes this leisurely wander through Canterbury’s stunning farm gardens so much fun. It’s like meeting up with old friends, relaxing with the gardeners over delicious, long lunches in beautiful locations.”

12 Day 1: Auckland – Waihi – Te Puke – Whakatane We’re heading eastwards over the Hauraki Plains to Waihi for a stroll in this historic goldmining town. We drive to Mount Maunganui for lunch and on to a kiwifruit orchard and tour by special transport. We stay at White Island Rendezvous, Whakatane.

Day 2: Whakatane – Te Kaha – Hicks Bay There are stunning views along this dramatic coastal highway leading to Te Kaha where we stop for lunch with Trudy Kar at Tui Lodge. At the East Cape Manuka Company we meet the pioneers of Manuka oil. We stay at Hicks Bay Motel Lodge and dine in.

Day 3: Hicks Bay – Te Araroa – Tikitiki – Anaura Bay – Gisborne Te Araroa’s huge pohutukawa is a landmark and at Tikitiki we visit St Mary’s church built We stop at Anaura Bay for lunch with Judy Newell in 1926 to commemorate local Maori who died in WW1. We lunch in Anaura Bay and enjoy Judy Newell’s hospitality. Stay two nights at Senator Inn and Pacific Harbour Inn, Gisborne. East Cape Caper Day 4: Gisborne sightseeing – Eastwoodhill Arboretum – Tairawhiti Museum We drive in a special vehicle through world–renowned Eastwoodhill Arboretum, 65 Get a taste for New Zealand the way it used to be. Take the road less travelled hectares of trees and shrubs. We lunch at Bushmere Estate and taste their wines before around the stunning East Cape to Hicks Bay and on to Gisborne and Rotorua, visiting Tairawhiti Museum displays and sightsee around Gisborne. enjoying local hospitality along the way. Day 5: Gisborne – Opotiki – Rotorua Auckland – Whakatane – Te Kaha – Hicks Bay – Anaura Bay – Gisborne – Rotorua – We visit Prof Jack Richard’s and Won Gyu Moon’s stunning coastal garden, Tiromoana, at Auckland Wainui Beach then drive through the Waioeka Gorge to lunch in Opotiki. We travel on to Rotorua and stay at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel.

Day 6: Rotorua – Lake Tarawera – The Buried Village – Auckland Tour dates Tour Highlights This morning we sightsee in Rotorua including the Museum’s gardens and the geothermal • Special lunches: Rangimarie homestead, Anaura Bay; Bushmere Estate activity in Kuirau Park. We drive to Lake Tarawera and enjoy lunch with the Walmsley 5 nights/6 days vineyard, Gisborne; Walmsley family, Buried Village, Lake Tarawera family at the Buried Village before returning to Auckland. Monday 2 November – • Visit a kiwifruit orchard and tour on quaint carts Saturday 7 November 2020 • Enjoy ocean views along the dramatic coastal highway Locals have formed a charitable trust to preserve Tologa Bay wharf Tuesday 9 February – • Visit the East Cape Manuka Company Sunday 14 February 2021 • See Te Araroa’s huge pohutakawa tree • At Tikitiki visit historic St Mary’s church Cost per person • Tairawhiti Museum features major Captain Cook displays • Drive through world–renowned Eastwoodhill Arboretum $2,490 $2,790 • Visit beautiful Tiromoana Garden at Wainui Beach Twin Share Single • Tour past the Green Lake and Blue Lake to Lake Tarawera • See the fascinating array of exhibits at the Buried Village Museum

What Tracy loves about this tour: “In this remote region life moves at a gentler pace and you get a feel for earlier times. My favourites are lunching at Judy’s in beautiful Anaura Bay where little has changed since Captain Cook sailed in 250 years ago and visiting Tiromoana Garden overlooking Wainui Beach.”

14 Day 1: Auckland – Thames – Rapaura Watergardens – Coromandel We visit Thames Museum and lunch at the Rapaura Watergardens where you can wander among lily ponds and native trees to a cascading waterfall. We arrive at historic Coromandel with its gold mining past. Overnight at Anchor Lodge.

Day 2: Coromandel – Driving Creek Railway – Matarangi – Whitianga We visit Driving Creek Railway and Potteries to ride the narrow gauge mountain railway train up through the bush to the Eyefull Tower. We lunch near Matarangi and arrive at Admiralty Lodge in Whitianga in the late afternoon.

Day 3: Whitianga – Hahei – Hot Water Beach – Cook’s Beach – Whangamata We visit the popular holiday spots of Hahei, Hot Water Beach and Cook’s Beach. Also At Driving Creek we ride the train up to the Eyefull Tower Mercury Bay lookout and Doug and Jillian Johnson’s Cathedral Cove Macadamias orchard before arriving in Whangamata at the Breakers Motel. Coromandel Caper Day 4: Whangamata – Waihi – Karangahake Gorge – Miranda – Auckland After breakfast we’re bound for Waihi to the Martha Mine site and local craft shops. We The Peninsula is packed tight with great attractions and wonderful views – from drive through the Karangahake Gorge to lunch nearby then continue on to meet our the beauty of Rapaura Watergardens and the quirky Driving Creek railway to guide at the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre and back to Auckland via Clevedon. historic Coromandel township, the sandy eastern beaches and the Miranda Shorebird Centre. Warm your feet in the sands at Hot Water Beach and visit the Cornish Pumphouse in Waihi Auckland –Thames – Coromandel – Matarangi – Whitianga – Hahei – Whangamata – Miranda Shorebird Centre – Auckland

Tour date Tour Highlights • Drive the spectacular coastal road along the Firth of Thames 3 nights/4 days • Visit Thames Museum to hear the town’s stories Saturday 7 November - • Lunch at beautiful Rapaura Watergarden Tuesday 10 November 2020 • Ride the Driving Creek Railway • Coromandel town and its gold mining past • Tour the beautiful beaches of the East Coast • Warm your feet in the sands at Hot Water Beach Cost per person • Panoramic views to the Mercury Islands • Visit Cathedral Cove Macadamia Orchard $1,390 $1,690 • Waihi’s craft shops and Martha Mine site Twin Share Single • Drive the dramatic Karangahake Gorge • Guided visit at Pukorokoro Shorebird Centre, Miranda

What Tracy loves about this tour: “For me Driving Creek Railway represents the uniqueness of the Coromandel Peninsula – it’s creative, original and fun and with a “just do it” attitude. Riding that train up through the bush to the Eyefull Tower is so much fun.”

16 Day 1: Fly to Queenstown – Gibbston Valley – Queenstown On arrival in Queenstown we drive to Annabel and Bruce Russell’s for lunch in the Gibbston Valley property where the first vineyard was planted. Later in the day we check into Hotel Novotel Queenstown Lakeside for two nights and dine in. This afternoon is the ideal time to wander the Botanic Gardens adjacent to the hotel.

Day 2: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Chantecler Garden We visit Stoneridge Estate garden near Lake Hayes and Penny and David Wallace’s garden and lunch nearby in Arrowtown at Provisions. In the afternoon we wander in Mike Henry’s Chantecler of National Significance where themed gardens from around the world are featured along with large plantings of rhododendrons and peonies. November is peony time at Mike Henry’s Chantecler Garden near Queenstown

Day 3: Queenstown – Clyde – Ophir – St Bathans – Naseby - Ranfurly Otago Farmhouse Gardens & Victorian Fete We visit Clyde on the way to the big skies of the Maniototo Plain and lunch at Pitches Store in Ophir. Rayleen McNally’s garden at Poolburn is full of treasures. We call into Bob de Berry’s Cambrian Forest, the Vulcan Hotel in St Bathans and visit Naseby before Wander the beautiful gardens of Queenstown and the station gardens of the reaching Ranfurly, staying at Hawkdun Lodge for two nights. Maniototo Plain’s big sky country. Ranfurly’s Art Deco buildings, Fleur’s famous seafood café at Moeraki, Oamaru’s Victorian Fete and meeting the locals are special highlights. Day 4: Ranfurly – farmhouse gardens – Clachanburn, Patearoa We call into Mary and Mac Wright’s hillside garden and Fay–Ann and Kelvin Thompson’s Queenstown – Arrowtown – Clyde – Ophir – St Bathans – Ranfurly – Patearoa – Naseby – 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 Clachanburn Station, Patearoa; Fleur’s Place, Moeraki; Elderslie Estate, We stop for brunch at the special seafood restaurant, Fleur’s Place in Moeraki. In Oamaru Wednesday 11 November – Oamaru; Te Timata Farm, Carew the Fete is in full swing celebrating the town’s Victorian heritage amid streets of Oamaru Tuesday 17 November 2020 • Stoneridge Estate near Lake Hayes Stone buildings – live music, dance, street theatre and penny farthings. Dine at Portside • Mike Henry’s Chantecler Garden Restaurant and Bar and stay two nights at Highfield Mews. • Rayleen McNally’s garden at Poolburn • Call into the Vulcan Hotel at St Bathans Cost per person • Jane Falconer’s Clachanburn Garden in the Maniototo • Lammermoor Station garden & distillery Day 6: Oamaru sightseeing – Totara Estate – Elderslie Estate – Brookfield House $3,490 $3,990 • The Victorian Fete in Oamaru’s historic Precinct Hear the stories of Totara Estate, where lamb was first frozen and shipped to Britain, as Twin Share Single • Visit historic Totara Estate near Oamaru the billy tea brews. We lunch with Pete and Bev Rodwell at Elderslie Estate which has a • Meet Pete & Bev Rodwell at Elderslie Estate Garden fascinating history and association with Phar Lap. We visit Jen Rendell’s painstakingly restored Brookfield House and Garden. Dine at The Star and Garter Cafe.

What Tracy loves about this tour: Day 7: Oamaru – Rockvale – Carew – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland “I think spring is the best time to travel the wide open spaces of the We have morning tea with Linda Wilson at Rockvale Gardens which features lush, Maniototo when everything is fresh and blooming. Peonies are colourful plantings, a pond and sculptures of Oamaru Stone. We call into Geraldine and budding and our southern gardeners’ hospitality flows. Brunch at Fleur’s lunch at Te Timata, Boo and Hamish Woodhouse’s Canterbury farmhouse. In the mid and Oamaru’s gardens and Fete are memorable too.” afternoon we continue across the plains to Christchurch airport.

18 19 Day 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 We meet Judith Callaghan for morning tea at Dursley garden designed by Alfred Buxton Auckland – Tamahere – Taupo – Napier – Masterton – Feilding – Kairanga – Cross Hills Fair, 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 Greenhaugh Gardens, Palmerston North; Lansdale, Kairanga, Manawatu; In Feilding we visit the Friday morning produce market and a local farmer guides us Monday 16 November - Crosshills Farm Garden, Otorohanga, Waikato through the historic sale yards as the auctions begin. We lunch with Kathryn Wells at the Sunday 22 November 2020 • Wander the farm garden at Braemore in Eketahuna Buxton designed garden, Lansdale in Kairanga featuring ponds and a grotto and later • Guided tour of Brancepeth historic homestead visit Palmerston North gardens. We return to Feilding and dine out in town this evening. • Lunch and tour of Te Parae homestead and stables • Dursley & Lansdale, both Buxton designed gardens Cost per person • Charming Feilding and its historic sale yards • Lynne Atkin’s lovely Greenhaugh Gardens Day 6: Feilding – Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair – ChateauTongariro $2,990 $3,390 • The Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair We visit Heritage Park Rhododendron Garden which is maintained by volunteers. At Cross Twin Share Single • Ailsa & Carey Sanson’s Parkwood Garden Hills Gardens’ Country Fair 180 stalls showcase unique and New Zealand–made products • The unique Tree Church, Ohaupo displayed in Rodney and Faith Wilson’s magnificent 7ha garden of 2000 rhododendrons and azaleas. We stay at The Chateau Tongariro Hotel and dine in this evening.

What Tracy loves about this tour: Day 7: The Chateau Tongariro – Parkwood Garden – Crosshills Farm – Auckland “We’re following a garden trail along country lanes to discover special If it’s a clear day we drive to the Top o’ the Bruce on Mt Ruapehu to enjoy the amazing historic homes and hidden gems. There’s lots of natural beauty to enjoy – view and volcanic landscape. Colourful borders feature in Ailsa and Carey Sanson’s relaxing over a garden lunch with our hosts or wandering the paths at the Parkwood Garden near Otorohanga. We lunch nearby at Debbie and Fraser Robertson’s Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair.” Crosshills Farm and visit the unique Tree Church on the way back to Auckland.

20 21 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 farm to Sutherland’s Hut, built in 1866 it’s the oldest hut in the high country. At Burkes Ranfurly – Macraes Flat – Lawrence – Dunedin 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 Station Peak Homestead, Hakataramea & Linlithgow Farm, Lawrence Travel the Waitaki Valley to Kurow and on to lunch and to hear the history of the Tuesday 17 November – • Homebush museum’s astonishing collection of Kiwi memorabilia Pavletich family who have lived at Station Peak, Hakataramea since 1917. We drive up the Monday 23 November 2020 • Wagon ride at Erewhon pulled by Clydesdales gravel road to Danseys Pass and call in for refreshments at the Danseys Pass Coach Inn, Tuesday 6 April – • Historic Orari Gorge Station, gardens and buildings once at the hub of a thriving goldfield, before reaching Hawkdun Lodge in Ranfurly. Monday 12 April 2021 • At Four Peaks Station we visit a shepherd’s hut built in 1866 • Stay in view rooms at The Hemitage, Aoraki/Mt Cook Cost per person • From Waitaki Valley drive over Danseys Pass • Stop for refreshments at Danseys Pass Coach Inn Day 6: Ranfurly – Macraes Flat – Hyde – Middlemarch – Lawrence $3,490 $3,990 • See Macraes Flat massive opencast mine Visit Art Deco Ranfurly and view Macraes Flat vast opencast gold mine. We lunch nearby Twin Share Single • Meet the locals in lovely Lawrence at Stanley’s Hotel built in 1882 and drive the golden tussocks of the Rock and Pillar range • Visit Gabriel’s Gully and the Chinese settlement to Middlemarch and onto Lawrence to stay the night. We meet the locals who are getting together to restore their pretty town which was the gateway to the goldfields.

What Tracy loves about this tour: Day 7: Lawrence sightseeing – Gabriel’s Gully – Dunedin – Fly to Auckland “Some farms we’re visiting have stayed in the same family with buildings With Barbara, our local guide, we hear about Lawrence’s history, visiting the historic and gardens dating back to the pioneers. At Erewhon Erin and Colin are Chinese Camp which is being restored and Gabriel’s Gully where in 1861 Gabriel passionate about horses and their magnificent Clydesdales plough the Read discovered gold and the gold rush years began. We lunch with Sarah Homer at fields at the foot of the Southern Alps.” Linlithgow Farm on the way to Dunedin Airport.

22 23 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 before dining at the Heritage Hotel, our home for two nights.

Day 2: Hanmer Springs – Molesworth Station – Hanmer Springs Travel with our local guide over Jacks Pass into Molesworth Station and the Clarence Valley. New Zealand’s largest farm has cattle and horses, sparkling rivers, mountain ranges and century old cob buildings and trees. There’s time to uncover the history and explore this land of the real cowboy and our chance to glimpse his way of life. With a local guide we take a day tour on Molesworth Station

Day 3: Hanmer Springs – Lewis Pass – Murchison – Nelson Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman & Golden Bay We drive through the beech forests of the 864m Lewis Pass in the Southern Alps and on to spectacular Maruia Falls. From the Shenandoah Highway we reach the Buller Gorge and continue to Murchison, over the Hope Saddle and onto Nelson. We dine in at Enjoy the unique history of New Zealand’s biggest farm the Molesworth Station, Trailways Hotel, our home for two nights. the world famous Abel Tasman National Park, the charms of sunny Nelson, Farewell Spit and the delights of Golden Bay. Day 4: Nelson – Abel Tasman National Park – Nelson At Kaiteriteri we board a purpose built catamaran to cruise along the Abel Tasman Christchurch – Hanmer Springs – Molesworth Station – Lewis Pass – Nelson – Golden Bay 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 • Enjoy lunch at a Hurunui farmhouse on the way to Hanmer Day 5: Nelson - Anatoki Salmon Farm – Waikoropupu Springs – Pohara Beach 6 nights/7 days • Stay two nights in lovely Hanmer Springs We drive over Takaka Hill into Golden Bay. At beautiful Te Waikoropupu Springs the Sunday 22 November – • Explore historic Molesworth Station with a local guide world’s purest water bubbles up from deep in the earth. We lunch at Anatoki Salmon Saturday 28 November 2020 • Drive over beautiful Lewis Pass and see the Maruia Falls Farm. We stay two nights at the Pohara Beachfront motel and dine nearby in the relaxed Thursday 4 March – • Visit the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum ambience of San Souci Inn. Wednesday 10 March 2021 • Cruise the stunning coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park • See Waikoropupu Springs in Takaka – the world’s purest water Cost per person • Lunch at Anatoki Salmon Farm • Tour with a local guide out along the sands of Farewell Spit Day 6: Golden Bay sightseeing – Collingwood – Farewell Spit tour – Pohara Beach $3,490 $3,990 • Stop at the Spit lighthouse and Cape Farewell We head to Collingwood to join a local tour company to drive in their coach along the Twin Share Single • Have a beer at the quirky Mussel Inn brewery sands of Farewell Spit right out to the lighthouse. We stop at Cape Farewell and call into • Walk the perfect sands or take a dip at Pohara Beach quirky Mussel Inn brewery for refreshments before returning to Pohara Beach and dining out this evening.

What Tracy loves about this tour: “Memories of Molesworth Station will be with you always. It’s a once in Day 7: Pohara Beach – Nelson – Fly to Auckland a lifetime experience to drive this vast farmland on the tracks of early After breakfast there’s time for a swim or a walk on the golden sands of Pohara Beach stockmen and travellers.Then contrast this landlocked region with the and to further explore this stunning region. We lunch at the Woolshed Café on Takaka golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park and Farewell Spit and the Hill where the views are spectacular before driving to Nelson airport in time for your relaxed vibe of Golden Bay.” flight back to Auckland.

24 25 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 and ride the Taieri Gorge train.

Queenstown – Invercargill – Stewart Island –The Catlins – Dunedin – Taieri Gorge Rail – Day 5: Kaka Point – Royal Albatross colony, Otago Peninsula – Dunedin Dunedin Enjoy the spectacular views from Nugget Point Lighthouse. We drive out along the Otago Peninsula to the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland albatross colony in the world. We dine in and stay two nights at The Southern Cross Hotel.

Tour dates Tour Highlights Day 6: Dunedin sightseeing – Olveston House – Signal Hill – Carey’s Bay • Visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Trust Museum We visit Olveston House with its time capsule of treasures and drive the trail of street art 6 nights/7 days • Tour the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Gore in The Warehouse Precinct. The Octagon, steep Baldwin Street, Signal Hill, Carey’s Bay Monday 23 November – • In Invercargill visit Bill Richardson’s Transport World, Classic historic hotel and the Tropical Forest butterfly house are all on the itinerary. Sunday 29 November 2020 Motorcycles and Burt Munro’s Indian Scout Monday 22 February – • Return flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island Sunday 28 February 2021 • Cruise the sheltered waters of beautiful Paterson Inlet Day 7: Dunedin – Taieri Rail – Pukerangi – Dunedin – Fly to Auckland • Land at Ulva Island, teeming with birdlife From Dunedin’s Edwardian railway station we travel by train along the wild Taieri River Cost per person • Visit dramatic Nugget Point lighthouse in the Catlins Gorge through 10 tunnels and across numerous bridges including the unique Wingatui • Have fun at The Lost Gypsy Gallery Viaduct to Pukerangi. We lunch nearby then continue to Dunedin Airport. $3,990 $4,390 • Visit the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head Twin Share Single • Guided tour of historic Olveston House built in 1904 • Catch the Taieri Gorge train from Dunedin to Pukerangi Fly to Stewart Island and cruise across to Ulva Island bird sanctuary

What Tracy loves about this tour: “Kaka on your balcony, fresh seafood at the South Seas Hotel, golden sand beaches and friendly locals are just a few of many reasons to fly over to Stewart Island. The Catlins coast is similar – untouched, raw beauty and a real sense of discovery.”

26 Day 1: Fly to Great Barrier Island – Claris – Puriri Bay – Tryphena We take a scenic flight over the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to Claris. Drive in our coach to Puriri Bay to meet Marion for lunch at her Elephant Craft Gallery and later meet Peter and Fenella at Black Cow Gallery nearby. We stay in relaxed, island style acommodation at Sunset Waterfront Lodge and Shoal Bay Estate for four nights.

Day 2: Tryphena – Okiwi Park – Awana Beach – Claris – Tryphena At Okiwi Park at the northern end of the island a flat trail meanders through mature puriri and totara trees. We call into Awana Beach and visit the Milk, Honey and Grain museum, a treasure trove of stories and memorabilia of the early settlers. After dinner this evening, if the sky is clear, we stargaze with local guides.

We take a stunning scenic flight over the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to Great Barrier Island Day 3: Tryphena – Port FitzRoy – Broken Islands cruise – Tryphena We head over the ranges to FitzRoy Harbour to meet Chris and cruise on his launch around the inlets of the harbour and through the Broken Islands. We lunch at Glenfern Great Barrier Island Escape jetty and meet the custodians of this predator-fenced sanctuary. We return to Tryphena and dine out this evening. Fly over to Great Barrier/Aotea to enjoy a leisurely holiday staying four nights in Shoal Bay, Tryphena Harbour in relaxed, island style accommodation. In our coach explore the bush-lined roads, the coastline and harbours. Stargaze with the Day 4: Typhena – Okupu, Blind Bay – Whangaparapara Harbour – Tryphena locals in this International Dark Sky Sanctuary and cruise out from Port FitzRoy Stroll bush trails and visit Okupu, Blind Bay, on the way to Whangaparapara Harbour to the Broken Islands. to lunch at Great Barrier Lodge. Hear the history of this peaceful harbour which was once home to gold and silver mining, timber milling and the last whaling station. Back at Auckland – Claris – Shoal Bay, Tryphena Harbour – Okiwi – Port FitzRoy – Tryphena we dine at Shoal Bay Estate. Whangaparapara Harbour – Claris – Auckland Day 5: Tryphena – Medlands Beach – Claris – Auckland We breakfast with Val at Shoal Bay Estate and visit Sarah at Shoal Bay Pottery then walk along Medlands Beach, a favourite spot for surfers. We meet Vivienne at her sculpture Tour dates Tour Highlights gallery in Claris and visit the Community Heritage and Art Village. In the mid afternoon • Return scenic flight over the islands of the Hauraki Gulf we catch our flight from Claris back to Auckland. 4 nights/5 days • Lunch with Marion at the Elephant Craft Gallery Wednesday 2 December - • Visit Peter and Fenella at the Black Cow gallery Sunday 6 December 2020 • Dinners are privately hosted by Val at Shoal Bay Estate We visit Peter and Fenella’s Black Cow Gallery in Schooner Bay Road Monday 7 December – • Star gazing with Deb and Hilde in this Dark Sky Sanctuary Friday 11 December 2020 • Cruise with Chris from Port FitzRoy to the Broken Islands • Meet the custodians of Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Park Cost per person • Lunch at Great Barrier Lodge on Whangaparapara Harbour The Milk, Honey & Grain Museum reveals the Island’s history $2,590 $2,990 • Stroll in mature native trees at Okiwi Park Twin Share Single • See the beaches and walk along the bush tracks • Visit the Heritage & Arts Village Trust in Claris

What Tracy loves about this tour: “Great Barrier Island has it all – a stunning coastline and rugged ranges and, best of all, friendly, welcoming locals. It’s so close, just a 30 minute flight from Auckland, yet it’s another world away. The night sky, the bush, the birds, and the beaches – it’s paradise and somewhere you want to return to again and again.”

28 29 Day 1: Fly to Nelson – Buller Gorge – Kawatiri Junction – Denniston – Karamea From Nelson we drive the Buller Gorge to Kawatiri Junction to stroll through a historic railway tunnel and onto Murchison. High on a bleak plateau Denniston stands testament to the resilience of the coalminers and their families who lived in this unforgiving environment. In Karamea The Last Resort Hotel is our home for two nights.

Day 2: Karamea – Heaphy Track – Oparara Basin – Karamea We have a full day to enjoy getting to know this remote and beautiful north–western tip of the Coast between the Tasman Sea and the rainforests. At the start of the Heaphy Track walk in a nikau forest then visit the Oparara Basin in Kahurangi National Park. We dine at historic Village Karamea Hotel this evening. We stay two nights at Karamea at the end of the road

Day 3: Karamea – Reefton – Blackball – Brunner – Punakaiki Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails Explore the back roads to the pretty mining town of Reefton, the first town lit by electric street lights. Blackball, a small town at the foot of the Paparoa Range, is the home of unionism and nearby is the Brunner Mine memorial. We stay two nights at the Punakaiki Discover the byways, history and stories of the West Coast as you travel along Resort Hotel on the edge of the Tasman Sea and dine in this evening. miners’ trails to coal and gold rush towns and to where precious pounamu is found. Karamea, Okarito Lagoon and the TranzAlpine train are special highlights. Day 4: Punakaiki – Nile River Rainforest train – Tauranga Bay – Punakaiki Nelson – Karamea – Reefton – Punakaiki – Charleston – Hokitika – Okarito Lagoon – Franz This morning we take an easy stroll out to the sculptured limestone stacks of Punakaiki’s pancake rocks. At Charleston we ride the Nile River Canyon train through the rainforest Josef – Hokitika – TranzAlpine Train – Christchurch in Paparoa National Park. Later we visit the seal colony in at Tauranga Bay close to Cape Foulwind before returning down the scenic coastal highway to Punakaiki.

Tour dates Tour Highlights • Stay on the seafront at Punakaiki & Hokitika Hotels Day 5: Punakaiki – Lake Kaniere – Hokitika Gorge – Hokitika 6 nights/7 days • Visit Denniston where coal was first mined in 1879 Follow the pounamu and gold trails of the Arahura River to Blue Spur and onto Lake Thursday 3 December – • Stay two nights at The Last Resort, Karamea Kaniere. Many artisans live in Hokitika and there’s an eclectic mix of galleries and shops Wednesday 9 December 2020 • Visit the Oparara Basin in Kahurangi National Park displaying works in pounamu, gold, glass, paua, copper, stone, ruby rock and even socks. Friday 19 March – • See the Oparara limestone arches We stay at the Beachfront Hotel for two nights and dine in this evening. Thursday 25 March 2021 • Ride the Nile River Canyon train at Charleston • View the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Cost per person • Wander the artisan galleries in Hokitika • Cruise on the Okarito Lagoon in search of birdlife Day 6: Hokitika – Okarito Lagoon – Franz Josef – Ross – Hokitika $3,490 $3,990 • Visit Franz Josef Glacier village We visit Ross, renowned for a 3.09kg gold nugget found there in 1909. At Okarito Twin Share Single • Lunch at Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth we take an hour’s cruise on the lagoon looking out for birdlife in untouched wetlands • Catch the TranzAlpine train from Greymouth bordered by ancient forest giants. A local guide takes us on a walking tour of this tiny settlement of 30 people. In Franz Josef there’s a 15 minute climb to view the glacier.

What Tracy loves about this tour: “Your Kiwi guide will bring to life for you the colourful history of this Day 7: Hokitika – Greymouth – TranzAlpine train – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland isolated region, the setting for two Booker Prizewinning novels – Eleanor Travel along country roads to the old gold mining towns of Stafford, Goldsborough and Catton’s “The Luminaries” and “The Bone People” by Keri Hulme (a former Kumara and onto Monteith’s brewery in Greymouth for lunch. Board the TranzAlpine long time resident of Okarito) and also Jenny Pattrick’s bestsellers, “The train for a spectacular journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch where you are Denniston Rose” and “Heart of Coal”.” transferred to the airport for your flight home.

30 31 Day 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.”

32 Day 1: Fly to Christchurch – Waipara - Kaikoura We head north from Christchurch to Waipara Hills vineyard for lunch and wine tasting. We visit Fyffe House, Kaikoura’s oldest house dating back to the 1840s whaling days, the nearby seal colony and the museum and stay at the White Morph Inn.

Day 2: Kaikoura – Kekerengu – Brancott Estate – Queen Charlotte Sound We drive up the stunning Kaikoura coastline to The Store at Kekerengu. In Blenheim we wine taste and lunch at Brancott Estate and visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Discover the beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound on a private dinner cruise.

Day 3: Picton – Christmas Day – Furneaux Lodge – Picton Starting the day on the Picton waterfront we cruise down Queen Charlotte Sound to Marlborough’s vineyards have put this region on the map Endeavour Inlet for Christmas lunch at Furneaux Lodge reached only by water. We return to Picton in the mid afternoon and dine in this evening. Christmas in Marlborough Day 4: Picton – Havelock – Nelson The “Edwin Fox” was built in 1853 and you will get an idea of life on board when we visit Travel up the Kaikoura Coast, lunch in vineyards and visit Omaka Aviation Heritage this massive restoration project. Later we drive to Havelock for lunch on the edge of Centre. On Christmas Day we cruise down Queen Charlotte Sound to lunch at Pelorus Sound. We check out Nelson’s sights and stay and dine in at Trailways Hotel. Furneaux Lodge. Visit Nelson and ride the rainforest train in Paparoa National Park and stay at Punakaiki on the edge of the Tasman Sea. Day 5: Nelson – Buller Gorge – Tauranga Bay – Charleston – Punakaiki Christchurch – Waipara – Kaikoura – Blenheim – Picton – Queen Charlotte Sound – Nelson We visit the fur seal colony at Tauranga Bay near Cape Foulwind. At Charleston we – Punakaiki – Christchurch hop on the rainforest train to Nile River Canyon in Paparoa National Park. Stroll out to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and stay nearby at Punakaiki Resort Hotel.

Day 6: Punakaiki – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland Tour date Tour Highlights Leaving the coast we call into secluded Lake Brunner before driving up the Otira Viaduct • Special lunches: Brancott Estate vineyard restaurant Blenheim; stopping to photograph cheeky keas at the lookout. From Arthur’s Pass we continue 5 nights/6 days Christmas lunch at Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet through magnificent alpine scenery to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch airport. Wednesday 23 December – • Special dinners: Cruising the bays of beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound; Monday 28 December 2020 Punakaiki Resort Hotel • Drive the dramatic Kaikoura Coast Our hotel is close to the pancake rocks at Punakaiki on the West Coast • Visit historic Fyffe House and Kaikoura’s seal colony • Visit Kaikoura’s excellent museum Cost per person • Lunch and wine taste at Waipara Hills vineyard • Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Exhibitions $3,190 $3,590 • Check out the “Edwin Fox” in the dry dock at Picton Twin Share Single • Take the rainforest train to Nile River Canyon • Stroll out to the Punakaiki Pancake rocks

What Tracy loves about this tour: “I love the variety of land and seascapes. Canterbury farmland gives way to the raw Kaikoura coastline and from Nelson we travel the wild Buller Gorge to the West Coast and Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Cruising Queen Charlotte Sound is a special treat too.”

34 Day 1: Auckland – Piopio – Awakino Gorge – New Plymouth We travel south to the King Country, stopping for lunch in Piopio. Continuing through the scenic Awakino Gorge to the Tasman coast and over bush clad Mt Messenger, we reach the Waterfront Hotel, your home for three nights, in the late afternoon.

Day 2: New Plymouth – Christmas Lunch – Festival of Lights, Pukekura Park After breakfast take a stroll along the boardwalk which stretches along the seafront. We celebrate Christmas with lunch at the Nice Boutique Hotel hosted by Terry Parkes. This evening we see Pukekura Park transformed by the magical Festival of Lights.

Day 3: New Plymouth – sightseeing – Harbour Cruise A specialist guide joins our coach for a tour of the city’s historic places. We visit the Len On Christmas night we visit the Festival of Lights in Pukekura Park, New Plymouth Lye Centre and cruise out with Chaddy on a classic English lifeboat for a one hour cruise around the Sugar Loaf Islands. We dine in this evening. Christmas in Taranaki Day 4: New Plymouth – Cairnhill – Whangamomona – Chateau Tongariro We drive to Stratford and turn onto SH43, the Forgotten World Highway. Hear the Stay three nights at New Plymouth’s Waterfront Hotel and see the Festival of stories of the highway over morning tea at Cairnhill Farm with Colin and June Lees. We Lights at Pukekura Park. Celebrate Christmas with lunch at the Nice Hotel, take lunch at historic Whangamomona Hotel and stay the night at the Chateau Tongariro Chaddy’s lifeboat cruise, drive the Forgotten World Highway and relax at the Hotel. Chateau Tongariro.

Day 5: Chateau Tongariro – Aramatai Gardens – Auckland Auckland – New Plymouth – Whangamomona – Chateau Tongariro – Taumarunui – Auckland If the weather is clear we drive to the Top o’ the Bruce to enjoy the views. Then we’re bound for Taumarunui to visit Jill Mouat’s Aramatai Gardens. We drive north to lunch at Crosshills Garden with Debbie Robertson and continue north to Auckland.

We stop for lunch at the Whangamomona Hotel on the Forgotten World Highway Tour date Tour Highlights • Celebrate Christmas with lunch at the Nice Hotel 4 nights/5 days • See Pukekura Park transformed by the Festival of Lights Thursday 24 December - • Cruise by lifeboat around the Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park Monday 28 December 2020 • Visit the Len Lye Centre at the Govett–Brewster Gallery • Visit Puke Ariki museum • We “drive by” New Plymouth’s historic places with a local guide • June and Colin Lees host morning tea at Cairnhill Farm and Garden Cost per person • Drive the Forgotten World Highway from Stratford to Taumarunui • Lunch in the historic Whangamomona Hotel $2,690 $2,990 • Enjoy the stunning views from The Chateau Tongariro Twin Share Single • Visit Jill Mouat’s Aramatai Gardens • Lunch with Debbie Robertson at Crosshills Farm Garden

What Tracy loves about this tour: “There’s lots to enjoy in New Plymouth. Christmas lunch is hosted by Terry with wit and flair at the Nice Hotel. Pukekura Park comes alive at night and there’s a cruise around the Sugar Loaf Islands on Chaddy’s lifeboat.”

36 Day 1: Auckland – Cambridge –Okawa Bay, Lake Rotoiti We lunch in Cambridge on our way to Lake Rotoiti. Just across the hotel’s lawn the luxury catamaran “Tiua” waits at the jetty. Explore the lake’s secluded reaches on our private Christmas Eve cruise. We stay two nights at VR Lake Resort, Okawa Bay.

Day 2: Rotorua Christmas Day sightseeing Walk through redwoods to Hamurana Spring, the deepest freshwater spring in the North Island. Later we call into Kuirau Park and take a ride on the Skyline gondola for spectacular views of Rotorua. We return to VR Resort for Christmas dinner.

Day 3: Okawa Bay – Paradise Valley – Tauranga This morning at Paradise Valley we watch the native Falcon (Karearea) bird of prey in We stay at Lake Rotoiti and cruise out on the lake action at Wingspan. Then we drive to Tauranga and take a guided tour of a hidden gem, The Elms mission homestead and garden. We stay two nights at Trinity Wharf Hotel. Christmas in the Bay Day 4: Tauranga – Mount Maunganui – Papamoa – Awakeri – Tauranga Leave Auckland for the delights of the Bay of Plenty staying two nights beside Stroll along the beach boardwalk at Mount Maunganui then tour down to Papamoa to Lake Rotoiti with a celebratory special Christmas lunch at the hotel. In Tauranga check out this fast-growing beachside town. At Awakeri Station we meet Paul and hop we stay at Trinity Wharf on the harbour’s edge. Special off-the-beaten-track on board his rail carts for a scenic ride along the tracks towards Taneatua. highlights include a cruise on a luxury catamaran on Lake Rotoiti and riding the rail carts at Awakeri. Day 5: Tauranga – Karangahake Gorge – Waterlily Gardens – Auckland In the Karangahake Gorge at the Victoria Battery, a relic of gold mining days, a local Auckland – Rotorua – Tauranga – Awakeri – Tauranga – Auckland guide shows us the Mining Museum’s collections. A pretty back country road leads to the Waterlily Gardens where we stop for lunch. We return to Auckland in the late afternoon.

At Mt Maunganui we stroll the beach boardwalk Tour date Tour Highlights • Private cruise on Lake Rotoiti on “Tiua”, a luxury catamaran 4 nights/5 days • Stay two nights on the shores of tranquil Lake Rotoiti Thursday 24 December - • Stroll through Redwoods to Hamurana, a deep freshwater spring Monday 28 December 2020 • Visit Ohinemutu Village, the Government Gardens and Kuirau Park • Ride the Skyline Gondola up Mt Ngongotaha for panoramic views • At Wingspan see our native birds of prey in action • Guided tour of The Elms historic mission house and gardens Cost per person • Stay on the harbour’s edge at Tauranga, a short stroll from town • Visit Mt Maunganui and walk along the boardwalk $2,690 $2,990 • Take a ride on the Awakeri rail carts for an adventure on the tracks Twin Share Single • Visit the Victoria Battery Museum in the Karangahake Gorge • Lunch at the Waterlily Gardens near Waihi

What Tracy loves about this tour: “Sailing with Matt on his catamaran along the shoreline of Lake Rotoiti, setting forth on a rail cart adventure with Paul at Awakeri, meeting Rachel at the Waterlily Gardens and catching up with George at the Mine Museum. It’s the passion of these people and their special places that makes this holiday unique.”

38 Day 1: Fly to Christchurch – Geraldine – Aoraki/ Mt Cook We head south from Christchurch to Geraldine then drive through Burkes Pass to the tussocklands of the Mackenzie Country stopping at Lake Tekapo to take the classic photos of the church and the sheepdog statue. We stay at The Hermitage and dine in the Panorama Room where Aoraki/Mt Cook dominates the view.

Day 2: Aoraki/Mt Cook – Lindis Pass – Queenstown Wake up to the beauty of this alpine valley before we drive over Lindis Pass and along the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. We cruise out on Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamer TSS Earnslaw to dine at Walter Peak Station returning to Queenstown to celebrate the New Year. Stay two nights at Copthorne Lakeside Hotel.

On the overnight cruise on "Milford Mariner" we have Milford Sound almost to ourselves Day 3: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Skyline Gondola – Glenorchy Take a stroll along the main street of Arrowtown to enjoy the charms of this old Queenstown New Year’s Eve & Southern Icons goldmining town. Catch the Gondola for lunch at the Skyline’s Stratosphere Restaurant. It’s a beautiful drive alongside Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy. We return to Queenstown to stroll the shops and the waterfront and dine back at our hotel this evening. Stay at Mount Cook before celebrating New Year’s Eve in style by dining at Walter Peak Station returning to Queenstown to watch the fireworks. Cruise overnight Day 4: Queenstown – Te Anau – Cruise on “Milford Mariner”, Milford Sound on a summer’s evening at Milford Sound – it’s the ultimate Milford experience. We drive the dramatic road to Milford Sound in the heart of Fiordland National Park Moored in a sheltered cove, the sound is virtually ours alone. where we board the “Milford Mariner”. Cruise by Mitre Peak and out to the Tasman Sea as your nature guide points out waterfalls, seals and sea birds. Moored in a Christchurch – Aoraki/Mt Cook – Queenstown – Arrowtown – Milford Sound – sheltered cove, the sound is virtually ours alone as we dine in the long evening twilight. Te Anau – Queenstown

Day 5: Milford Sound – Gunn’s Camp, Hollyford Valley – Te Anau We breakfast on board and cruise back down the Sound on the “Milford Mariner”. We take our time to check out the beauty spots along the Milford Road and visit Gunn’s Tour date Tour Highlights Camp and museum in the Hollyford Valley. At the wildlife centre in Te Anau the flightless • Special dinners: Panorama Room, The Hermitage, Aoraki/Mt Cook; takahe is the special attraction. We stay at Distinction Te Anau Hotel and dine in. 5 nights/6 days “Milford Mariner”, Milford Sound Wednesday 30 December 2020 • Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to dine at Walter Peak Station – Monday 4 January 2021 • In Queenstown we catch the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak to lunch at Day 6: Te Anau – Upper Waiau River – Queenstown – Fly to Auckland the Stratosphere Restaurant and Bar This morning we take a jet boat ride down the peaceful reaches of the Upper Waiau • Enjoy the views on a scenic drive to Glenorchy • Stay overnight on Milford Sound aboard the “Milford Mariner” River and out onto Lake Manapouri, returning back up the river. We lunch and enjoy the Cost per person • On “Milford Mariner’s” tender cruise close-up to the shoreline hospitality of Paula and Roger Thompson on their farm Five Rivers Retreat then drive • In the Hollyford Valley visit historic Gunn’s Camp and museum to Queenstown Airport. $3,990 $4,390 • From Queens Reach take a scenic jet boat ride down the Upper Waiau Twin Share Single River to Lake Manapouri and return • Lunch with Paula and Roger Thompson on their Five Rivers Retreat farm From The Hermitage Sir Edmund Hillary’s statue looks towards Aoraki/Mt Cook

What Tracy loves about this tour: “This itinerary has some of my favourite views, dining in The Hermitage looking out to Aoraki/Mt Cook and cruising overnight on a summer’s evening with Mitre Peak in view and Milford Sound to ourselves. From both Walter Peak Station and the Skyline Gondola Lake Wakatipu looks stunning.”

40 Day 1: Auckland – Taupo – Napier We depart Auckland and drive into the heart of the Waikato farmland. We lunch at Lava Glass café and visit Lynden Over’s glass blowing studio and sculpture garden. We continue to Taupo and over the ranges to Napier to stay the night at Scenic Te Pania on the waterfront and dine in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2: Napier Art Deco Tour – Havelock – Mt Bruce – Martinborough An expert guide joins our coach as we drive along the Art Deco trail. We drive to Havelock North before heading south through the farming landscape to Pukaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre. We reach Martinborough and Brackenridge Country Retreat, our home for three nights, and dine in this evening. Cape Palliser Lighthouse is the southernmost point of the North Island

Day 3: Wairarapa sightseeing – Cape Palliser – Martinborough Wairarapa Wandering We drive out to Cape Palliser Lighthouse above Cook Strait. The scenery is dramatic at this southernmost tip of the North Island. Near Ngawi fishing village a breeding seal colony lounges on the rocks. We lunch at the classic Lake Ferry Pub and check out From our base in Martinborough we explore the Wairarapa to Cape Palliser, Martinborough village and a vineyard in the afternoon. Greytown, Stonehenge Aotearoa and lovely local gardens. We also stay at the Scenic Te Pania in Napier, Bolton Hotel, Wellington and the Chateau Tongariro. Day 4: Stonehenge Aotearoa – Dursley – Greytown – Kahikatea Gardens Stonehenge Aotearoa is a full scale adaption of the original Stonehenge and has to Auckland – Napier – Martinborough – Cape Palliser – Wellington – be seen to be believed. We wend our way along country roads to lunch with Judith Chateau Tongariro – Auckland Callaghan at Dursley and wander in her lovely garden. Later we check out Greytown’s shops and meet Neil and Greg at leafy Kahikatea Gardens nearby.

Tour date Tour Highlights • Special lunches: farmhouse lunch at Dursley, Pepped Warbeck garden; Day 5: Martinborough – Fell Engine Museum – Pepped Warbeck Garden – Wellington 6 nights/7 days Mairenui Farm near Mangaweka; Aramatai Gardens, Taumarunui We visit a museum where the only Fell Engine in the world has been restored to its glory Monday 11 January – • Drive Napier’s Art Deco trail with a specialist Art Deco guide days of working on the Rimutaka Incline. We drive over the ranges to lunch with Fee Sunday 17 January 2021 • See kiwi, takahe and tuatara at Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre Weaver at Pepped Warbeck. Later we visit Te Papa Museum and take in the views from • Drive out to dramatic Cape Palliser Lighthouse Mt Victoria. Dine and stay overnight at The Bolton Hotel. • Stroll Martinborough’s boutique shops • Stonehenge Aotearoa, built by the NZ Astronomical Society Cost per person • Visit arty Greytown’s picturesque main street • Stroll in leafy Kahikatea Garden and meet the pet farm animals Day 6: Wellington – Mairenui Farm, Mangaweka – The Chateau Tongariro $2,990 $3,390 • Visit a museum with the only Fell Engine in the world There are views along the Kapiti Coast before we head for lunch with Sue and David Twin Share Single • Explore Te Papa Museum in Wellington Sweet at Mairenui Farm, near Mangaweka and enjoy their hospitality. We drive north • Stay and dine in at the classic landmark hotel, The Chateau Tongariro to Ohakune and around the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. We stay the night at the Chateau Tongariro and dine in this classic hotel.

What Tracy loves about this tour: Day 7: The Chateau Tongariro – Top o’ the Bruce – Aramatai Gardens – Auckland “I like this tour’s stay–put holiday feel with three nights to relax and enjoy We have a leisurely start this morning. We drive up to The Top o’ the Bruce to enjoy the Brackenridge Estate in the Martinborough countryside. The coastline out to views before driving to Taumarunui and through the rugged farming landscape where we Cape Palliser lighthouse is like nowhere else and you have to see the most stop for lunch with Jill and Leo Mouat at Aramatai to enjoy this beautiful valley garden incongruous sight in the Wairarapa, Stonehenge Aotearoa, sitting in a field.” before continuing to Auckland.

42 43 Day 1: Fly to Queenstown – Arrowtown – Queenstown From Queenstown Airport we drive over to Arrowtown where we lunch at Provisions Café in a tree-lined street famous for its autumn colours. We visit the Chinese miners’ settlement alongside the Arrow River and check out the shopping street. We stay two nights at Copthorne Lakeside Hotel and dine in this evening.

Day 2: Queenstown sightseeing – Walter Peak Station We have the day to explore Queenstown. We take the Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak to enjoy the magnificent views and drive beside the lake to Glenorchy. This evening we board the coal–fired steamship TSS Earnslaw to cruise across to Walter Peak Station for dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Leave the world behind on a 24 hour excursion to Doubtful Sound

Day 3: Queenstown – Lake Manapouri – Doubtful Sound Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey We drive to Manapouri to cruise by launch to the head of the lake and travel over Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound where “Fiordland Navigator” awaits. Cruise the sheltered arms of this beautiful fiord out to the Tasman Sea where seals bask on the islands. Stay overnight Float amid the untouched beauty of Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise. Stay on “Fiordland Navigator” in a peaceful cove. in stunning Queenstown and Wanaka, see Arrowtown at its autumn best and tour up the West Coast to Franz Josef before returning over Arthur’s Pass. Day 4: Doubtful Sound – Manapouri – Crown Range – Cardrona Queenstown – Arrowtown – Manapouri – Doubtful Sound – Wanaka – Haast Pass – Franz Wake up to the perfect stillness and mirror reflections of this remote wilderness. We disembark at Deep Cove and return over Wilmot Pass and across the lake to Manapouri. Josef Glacier – Arthur's Pass – Christchurch We lunch with Paula and Roger on the farm at Five Rivers Retreat and drive over the Crown Range to dine and stay the night at historic Cardrona Hotel.

Tour date Tour Highlights • Special dinners at: Colonel’s Homestead, Walter Peak Station; historic Day 5: Wanaka sightseeing 6 nights/7 days Cardrona Hotel, Cardrona Enjoy a leisurely start to the day with breakfast at Cardrona before visiting the artisan, Monday 1 February - • Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak family owned Cardrona Distillery & Museum. We lunch with locals in their home with Sunday 7 February 2021 • Cruise by launch to the head of Lake Manapouri views out to the lake and mountains. This afternoon we sightsee around Wanaka and Sunday 4 April - • Doubtful Sound excursion, overnighting on “Fiordland Navigator” dine and stay at the Edgewater Hotel. Saturday 10 April 2021 • On “Fiordland Navigator’s” tender cruise close-up to the shoreline • Lunch on the farm at Five Rivers Retreat Cost per person • Stay at quaint and historic Cardrona Hotel • Guided tour of the artisan Cardrona Distillery & Museum Day 6: Wanaka – Haast Pass – Franz Josef Glacier $3,990 $4,490 • Enjoy the stunning beauty of Haast Pass We drive beside Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka to Makarora and through the superb Twin Share Single • Stay in Franz Josef and dine out at Blue Ice mountain and river scenery of the Haast Pass. There are short walks to waterfalls and the • Drive up the Otira Viaduct cantilevered highway coastal scenery at Ship Creek to enjoy. We continue through lush rainforest to view Fox Glacier and Lake Matheson. Stay at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.

What Tracy loves about this tour: “Twenty hours cruising the empty, bushclad arms of Doubtful Sound stays Day 7: Franz Josef – Hokitika – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland with you forever. Leaving the world behind at Manapouri, crossing the lake, The Coast scenery is stunning – mirror lakes, boulder–laden rivers and glimpses of the coaching over Wilmot Pass it’s an adventure. Then there’s the pleasure of Alps as we head north to visit Hokitika’s craft galleries. We drive up the Otira gorge staying at the Cardrona Hotel and the stunning mountainscapes of Haast on the cantilevered highway to the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass. Continue through and Arthur’s Pass.” magnificent scenery across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch Airport.

44 45 Day 1: Auckland- Taupo – Napier We drive into the heart of the Waikato farmland continuing on to Taupo where we stop for lunch. In the mid afternoon we drive over the hills to Napier where the Festival is getting underway. We stay at Scenic Te Pania, our home for three nights. and dine in this evening.

Day 2: Art Deco Festival Events – Mission Vineyard – Napier We receive a firsthand introduction to the festival events from a specialist Art Deco guide. We lunch at Mission’s acclaimed restaurant above the vines and in the afternoon explore the Antique Fair before attending events at The Soundshell.

Day 3: Art Deco Festival Events – Automobilia Vintage Car Parade We enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in Napier – Art Deco dressed revellers and the fun Everyone dresses up for the Festival of the Vintage Car parade. Limos and coupes drive through the town at midday to the Soundshell. There’s everything from bathing belle parades to big bands and jazz. Hawkes Bay Art Deco Festival Day 4: Napier – Hawkes Bay Farmers’ Market – Taupo We drive over to Hastings to breakfast at the Hawkes Bay Farmers’ Market. We lunch Stay at Scenic Te Pania Hotel in the heart of the action to enjoy all that this at Ahuriri and drive up Bluff Hill for the views before travelling back to Taupo and the renowned festival has to offer – parades, big bands, jazz bands, fairs and lunch lakeside Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels where we dine in this evening. at the acclaimed Mission Vineyard. Everyone dresses up so to get in the swing of the festival, pack some clothes that are reminiscent of this era! Day 5: Taupo – Lake Taupo cruise – Lava Glass – Auckland After enjoying a leisurely breakfast we take a launch cruise out on Lake Taupo to see the Auckland – Napier, Hawkes Bay – Taupo – Lake Taupo Cruise – Auckland Maori rock carvings. We lunch at Lava Glass café and visit Lynden Over’s glass blowing studio and sculpture garden. We continue to Auckland returning in the early evening.

The Automobilia vintage car parade is held on Saturday Tour date Tour Highlights • Art Deco Festival events; Automobilia Vintage Car Parade, evening 4 nights/5 days events at the Soundshell, Bathing Belle parades, Big Bands and live jazz Thursday 18 February – • Stay on the waterfront at Scenic Te Pania Hotel close to the Soundshell Monday 22 February 2021 • Drive Napier’s Art Deco trail with a specialist Art Deco guide • Special lunch and wine tasting at Mission Estate's acclaimed restaurant above the vines • Browse the Antique Fair Cost per person • Breakfast at Hawkes Bay Farmers’ market • View the spectacular Waipunga Falls $2,290 $2,690 • Enjoy a cruise on Lake Taupo to the Maori rock carvings Twin Share Single • Lunch at Lava Glass Cafe and visit Lynden Over's glass blowing studio and sculpture garden.

What Tracy loves about this tour: “New Zealand’s most popular festival is well worth attending and we can make it easy for you. Our group stays in the best spot, the Scenic Te Pania Hotel, at the heart of the action. The Sound Shell and the festivities are just a couple of minutes stroll along the waterfront.”

46 Day 1: Fly to Dunedin – Otago Peninsula – Larnach’s Castle – Dunedin On arrival in Dunedin we explore along the Peninsula road waterfront to Portobello returning to Company Bay and on to the local landmark, Larnach’s Castle. Built in 1871 for William Larnach, the castle has been owned and restored by the Barker family for over 50 years. Dunedin’s Southern Cross Hotel is our home for two nights.

Day 2: Aramoana – Orokonui Ecosanctuary – Karitane – Matanaka We call into Port Chalmers and Aramoana at the entrance to the harbour. At Orokonui Ecosanctuary walk a short trail to see bellbirds, takahe and kaka. Truby King’s house is nearby at picturesque Karitane, a favourite holiday spot. At Waikouaiti Johnny Jones’ Matanaka, built in the 1840s, is the South Island’s first European settler’s home.

At Lake Hauroko we cruise out on this hidden treasure of Fiordland National Park

Day 3: Dunedin – Balclutha – Bluff – Invercargill The Far South: Hidden Treasures We head to Brighton and the Taieri Mouth and lunch in Balclutha. At Bluff the famous sign at Stirling Point is an irresistible photo stop. The Maritime Museum tells the stories Exploring the country roads, seaside settlements and undiscovered places of of this wild coastline and prize exhibit, the speedy fishing boat “Monica” built in 1909 and Otago and Southland. Cruise out on Lake Hauroko and hear the stories of the the first to bring back oysters on opening day. We stay at Ascot Hotel for two nights. lake and mysterious Mary Island. Another special highlight - the secluded Mavora Lakes and the back road leading to Mt Nicholas Station and our boat ride across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. Day 4: Invercargill – Winton – Nightcaps – Otautau – Nightcaps Auckland – Dunedin – Karitane – Balclutha – Bluff – Invercargill – Lake Hauroko – At Bill Richardson’s Transport World there’s an incredible collection to browse. Then we explore the country roads of Southland’s heartland including the century old, and still Te Anau – Mavora Lakes – Mt Nicholas Station – Queenstown – Auckland productive, Templeton Flax Mill. In Otautau we meet Allan and Beverley and check out Allan’s Kiwiana collection of vintage gear and model railway.

Tour dates Tour Highlights • Take a wander through Larnach’s Castle and its gardens Day 5: Invercargill – Riverton - Orepuke – Tuatapere – Lake Hauroko – Te Anau 6 nights/7 days • Enjoy the birdlife at Orokonui Ecosanctuary We visit Riverton on the coast and lunch in Orepuke. From Tuatapere farmlands give way to Sunday 28 February - • Connect to Truby King and Plunket’s history at Karitane native forest surrounding Lake Hauroko, a hidden treasure deep in Fiordland National Park. Saturday 6 March 2021 • At Bluff see the famous sign at Stirling Point With Johann and Joyce we cruise out on the deep, crystal clear lake and around Mary Island. • It’s all about the wheels at Bill Richardson’s Transport World At Clifden there’s an historic suspension bridge. We stay at Distinction Hotel, Te Anau. • At Otautau meet Allan Stearne and see his collection of Kiwiana and vintage gear Cost per person • Cruise out on untouched Lake Hauroko in South West Fiordland • Drive the back country road to the secluded Mavora Lakes Day 6: Te Anau – Mavora Lakes – Mt Nicholas Station - Queenstown $3,490 $3,990 • Call into Mt Nicholas Station on the edge of Lake Wakatipu From Te Anau we head into the back country to Mavora Lakes nestled in the mountains Twin Share Single • From Mt Nicholas Station cruise across the lake to Queenstown of Wahipounamu/South-West World Heritage area. We leave Southland for Otago on the • Check out Queenstown’s sights and visit leafy Arrowtown stunning drive along the Von River to Mt Nicholas Station on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Cruise across the lake to Queenstown where we stay at Novotel Lakeside Hotel.

What Tracy loves about this tour: Day 7: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Fly to Auckland "It takes commitment to reach the south western corner of the South Island, There’s time to relax this morning and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lakefront to an isolated region with a rugged charm and a fascinating history, that’s well the Botanic Gardens and perhaps check out the boutique shops. Later we drive up worth the journey. Special treasures along the way are Dunedin’s Orokonui Coronet Peak for the spectacular views and call into Arrowtown and the Chinese miners’ Ecosanctuary and Lake Hauroko and the Mavora Lakes." settlement along the banks of the Arrow River. We fly back to Auckland in the afternoon.

48 49 Day 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: Taipa – Houhora Harbour – Cape Reinga – Taipa We drive northwards to the lighthouse at Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Stay two nights in the Bay of Islands and cruise out to the Hole in the Rock Ocean meet and explore along the way, including Houhora Harbour and Tapotupotu Bay, returning to Taipa for dinner. Summertime 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. Visit Cape Reinga and explore nearby beaches. In the Bay Waimate Mission House. Stay two nights in waterview rooms at Copthorne Waitangi. 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 – 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. Sunday 7 March - • See Tane Mahuta the giant kauri in Waipoua Forest Friday 12 March 2021 • Lunch at Mangonui Fish Shop • Visit Win Matthew’s vintage vehicle collection Kemp House built in 1822 is New Zealand's oldest building • Walk the path to the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse • Visit Butler Point Whaling Museum, the Stone Store, Kemp House, Te Cost per person Waimate Mission House and Waitangi Treaty House • Cruise out to Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands $2,590 $2,990 • 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: “There’s our favourite tree, Tane Mahuta in Waipoua Forest, Cape Reinga lighthouse and some great birds. Gannets at Muriwai, seagulls hovering around your lunch at Mangonui and a wide awake kiwi resident at the Bird Recovery Centre. On the water dolphins leap around the boat on your way to the Hole in the Rock.”

50 Day 1: Fly to Blenheim – Brancott Estate – Omaka Aviation Centre – Picton We celebrate arriving in Blenheim with a wine tasting and lunch at Brancott Estate restaurant overlooking the vineyards. Later we visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre to see Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of WW1 and WW2 aircraft and memorabilia. We drive to Picton for three nights at Picton Yacht Club Hotel and dine in this evening.

Day 2: Picton – Queen Charlotte Sound, Ship Cove – Picton We take a private discovery cruise out on magnificent Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove near the entrance to the Sound. Maori valued its sheltered waters and it’s easy to see why Captain Cook did too, returning four times to drop anchor in this idyllic cove. We cruise back to port in the mid afternoon.

Idyllic Ship Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound gave shelter to early Maori and Cook who visited five times

Day 3: Picton – Blenheim – Picton Early Explorers from Queen Charlotte Sound We visit the “Edwin Fox” sitting in a dry dock on the Picton waterfront. Built in 1853 it’s a massive and fascinating restoration project. Later we meet our private guide at to Akaroa Marlborough Museum for insights into the early history of the Wairau Bar Boulder Bank which in 1250 was the home of the first Polynesian settlers. We explore Queen Charlotte Sound on our private cruise to Ship Cove, Meretoto, Hear the stories of the Polynesian voyagers’ settlement at Wairau Boulder Bank and discover the Maori and colonial history of the eastern coastline at Kaikoura and Akaroa. Day 4: Picton – Seaview Vineyard – Kekerangu – Kaikoura We drive around the perimeter of Yealands vineyard to enjoy the expansive views to Blenheim – Picton – Ship Cove, Queen Charlotte Sound – Seddon – Kaikoura – Akaroa – Cook Strait. We call into The Store before heading down the dramatically changed Christchurch coastline. At Kaikoura the museum tells the story of the earthquake and we take a guided tour of historic Fyffe House and visit the seal colony. We stay at The White Morph Inn.

Tour date Tour Highlights • Wine tasting and lunch at Brancott Estate vineyard restaurant Day 5: Kaikoura – Waipara – Christchurch – Akaroa 6 nights/7 days • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre’s WW1 & WW2 exhibitions We continue down the Kaikoura Coast and the Canterbury Plains to lunch and wine taste Sunday 14 March - • Private cruise out on Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove at Waipara Hills Winery & Café. In Christchurch we tour the inner city rebuild zone and Saturday 20 March 2021 • Lunch at Ship Cove and explore the bays drive around Lyttelton Harbour and over Gebbes Pass to Akaroa. We stay at the Bruce • Visit the “Edwin Fox” on the Picton waterfront Apartments for two nights and dine out this evening. • Hear the history of the Wairau Bar at Marlborough Museum • From Yealand’s Vineyard enjoy the panoramic views of Cook Strait Cost per person • Guided tour of Fyffe House and Kaikoura Museum • Drive over Banks Peninsula to stay two nights in Akaroa Day 6: Banks Peninsula sightseeing – Okains Bay Museum – Akaroa $3,490 $3,990 • Discover the treasures at Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum At Okains Bay the Maori and Colonial Museum has a diverse collection of special Twin Share Single • Lunch with Judy and Kerry Thacker at Kawatea Farm treasures. We lunch nearby with Judy and Kerry Thacker at Kawatea Farm. This • See Josie Martin’s mosaic sculptures at Giant’s House afternoon we continue on the trail of the peninsula’s history and take in the panoramic views along the Summit Road. We dine out in Akaroa this evening.

What Tracy loves about this tour: Day 7: Akaroa – Little River – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland “It takes an hour to cruise down stunning Queen Charlotte Sound to the After breakfast at Bully Hayes, named for an early American “pirate” visitor and a stroll jetty at Ship Cove and it’s always a treat. It’s the perfect way to start our in the village, we visit Akaroa Museum where exhibits tell the stories of the Ngai Tahu, coastline odyssey in the wake of the first visitors and settlers. Each night we whalers and French settlers. We visit Josie Martin’s Giant’s House garden with her stay close to the sea and each day we connect with our early history.” amazing, quirky sculptures and lunch at Little River on the way to Christchurch airport.

52 53 Day 1: Fly to Christchurch – Coldstream Farm, Hurunui – Kaikoura On arrival in Christchurch we drive to Coldstream Farm near Culverden to lunch with Vicki Collett and Andrew Dalzell. In Kaikoura we visit Fyffe House, built in the 1840s on whalebones and Kaikoura Museum. We stay at The White Morph on the waterfront.

Day 2: Kaikoura – Blenheim – Opening Night Airshow, Omaka – Picton We visit the seal colony and sightsee in Kaikoura then drive the coast road to lunch at the Store at Kekerangu. We attend the opening Twilight Extravaganza and fireworks at the airfield and stay three nights at the Picton Yacht Club.

Day 3: PIcton – Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow, Omaka – Picton Enjoy a full day at the Airshow from 10am to 4pm. Your Gold Pass provides grandstand Classy vintage machines at Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow seating and access to the Gold Pass Marquee where lunch is served. Complimentary entrance to the Knights of the Sky exhibition is included. Kaikoura & Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow Day 4: Picton – Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow, Omaka – Picton Watch the aerial displays on the final day at the Airshow featuring First World War and Our Easter escape heads north from Christchurch to lunch with Vicki and Andrew Second World War aircraft and the world’s only air worthy Avro Anson Mk1 along with at Coldstream Farm on the way to Kaikoura. Drive the transformed coastal highway other classy vintage machines. We return to the hotel for dinner. to Blenheim where we have Three Day Gold Passes to the Airshow. Discover the beauty of Pelorus Sound and Kenepuru Sound on a cruise to a mussel farm. Day 5: Picton – Havelock – Kenepuru Sound – Blenheim – Fly to Auckland Christchurch – Hurunui – Kaikoura – Blenheim – Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow, Omaka We cruise from Havelock through the inner Pelorus Sound and out into Kenepuru Sound - Havelock – Kenepuru Sound – Blenheim to a Greenshell mussel farm. Later in the afternoon we transfer to Blenheim Airport for your flight to Auckland.

Cruise out on the Sounds to a Greenshell mussel farm Tour date Tour Highlights • Lunch at Coldstream Farm with Vicki and Andrew 4 nights/5 days • Take a guided tour of historic Fyffe House in Kaikoura Thursday 1 April - • See the Kaikoura seal colony at Keene Point Monday 5 April 2021 • Visit the Kaikoura Museum Earthquake exhibition • Drive the Kaikoura Coast highway • Stay three nights in Picton • Three Day Gold Pass to Classic Fighters Airshow Cost per person • Lunch in the Gold Pass Marquee at the Airshow • Opening night Twilight Extravaganza and fireworks $2,990 $3,390 • See the Knights of the Sky exhibition at Omaka Twin Share Single • Cruise out on lovely Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds • Taste freshly steamed Greenshell mussels

What Tracy loves about this tour: “It’s exciting and heart stopping to see Omaka’s Heritage Centre’s vintage aircraft leave the hangars and take to the skies. With mock airfield attacks, ground theatre and pyrotechnics just for starters, the organisers are promising more than a few extra tricks up their sleeve.”

54 55 At the Tree Church in Ohaupo Himalayan birches line the pathway At Houhora Harbour, Northland on Christmas Day The sailing ship "Edwin Fox" in her dry dock in Picton

How to book with MoaTours Where do we stay each night? We’ve personally handpicked all our accommodation. We stay in four star hotels wherever There are 24 different tour itineraries to choose from please talk to your travel available but sometimes we go off the beaten track. On these occasions we stay in the best agent to find the right one for you. available motels and B&Bs with en suite bathrooms.

What’s included in your MoaTours cost? All meals are included Your tour is fully inclusive of all land travel and domestic air fares (Auckland/South Island/ A main point of difference is that all meals are included, breakfast, lunch and dinner each Auckland), accommodation, meals, activities and entrance fees plus the care of your day. You'll love wining and dining in private homes and lodges in unique locations – a great guide. For specific inclusions check the “Tour Highlights” on each itinerary page. Many opportunity to meet the locals as well as enjoy a delicious meal. We cater for all dietary travellers join our tours from outside Auckland. requirements, just let us know in advance if you have allergies or a particular diet.

What level of mobility is required? What to pack You will enjoy our tours if you have average health and mobility. It’s important for Health • Pack comfortable clothing you can wear in layers. Include a sun hat or beanie, & Safety reasons that you can use the steps to get on and off our coach with minimal weather proof jacket, walking shoes, sunglasses, suntan lotion and insect repellent. or no assistance. All our tours require a certain amount of walking and you need to be • Please limit your luggage to two clearly named items – one easily managed suitcase comfortable walking on uneven ground. We strongly recommend bringing a walking stick weighing no more than 23kg which your guide will lift for you and a soft carry bag to or a hiking style walking pole for extra stability and to help prevent tripping. store anything you may need on the coach during the day.

Look out for birdlife on Okarito Lagoon At the Rangiriri Cultural & Heritage Centre Bluff's famous sign A Tiger Moth flight is an option at Mandeville

56 57 MoaTours booking conditions for MoaTrek New Zealand Limited trading as MoaTours

Special Covid-19 Booking Conditions: valid until 1 August 2020 • No deposit is required to confirm your reservation on our October 2020 to April 2021 tour departures until 1 August 2020. • On 1 August 2020 the 20% non-refundable tour deposit payment is due depending on New Zealand Government travel advice at the time. • If a tour departure is cancelled due to a Covid-19 lockdown MoaTours provides the option to either transfer your deposit to another tour departure or receive a full refund of the deposit. • On all tour departures not affected by Covid-19, if you cancel your tour the 20% deposit is not refundable. (Cover-More insurance is recommended.) • The balance of your fare is due 60 days before your tour departs. • Tour reservations can, of course, be made within 60 days provided full payment is made at time of booking. • MoaTours reserves the right to amend/alter an itinerary where necessary. Tour prices were correct at time of publication but may be subject to change at the time of booking.

Cancellations and amendments Cancellation fees depend on when we receive notice of your cancellation: • Bookings cancelled between 59 days and 45 days incur 50% of tour cost. Miles and Ena at Windy Canyon researching the new Great Barrier Island Escape itinerary • Bookings cancelled between 44 days and 31 days incur 75% of tour cost. • Bookings cancelled within 30 days or less of tour departure incur 100% of tour cost. • No refunds will be made after travel has commenced.

Important: Domestic cancellation insurance! • To safeguard your tour payment in the event of your having to cancel your reservation or curtail your tour we highly recommend you take out domestic cancellation insurance at the same time as you make your booking as any cancellations received will be charged according to our terms and conditions. • Age or a pre–existing condition is generally no barrier to insurance cover.

The mosaic sculpture garden at Jose Martin's Giant's House in Akaroa

Office team: Alisha, Miles, Tanya, Tracy, Ena, Imke, Kiwi Guides: Brent, Paul, Matt, Andrew, Miles, Charlie and Andrew Graeme, Mike and Marilyn

Our MoaTours coach on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour MoaTours travellers say

“This was just my type of holiday with the World of WearableArt Awards as our destination and very good seats to a wonderful show. Good hotels plus interesting activities and a great guide. Fabulous food was provided by our lunch hosts, it was a privilege to visit these houses. This was my first MoaTour and I will definitely be back to do another.”

Jenni Wilson, World of WearableArt Awards Show Tour, September 2019

“Without a doubt one of the best tours I have been on and that includes 14 tours throughout Europe. Our guide was top of the pops, he was so willing at all times and considerate. I loved every moment, the pace of the tour and the age of the other guests (similar to me). You must be commended for the staging and planning of such an outstanding tour. I very much look forward to further MoaTours.”

Judith Buckeridge, Canterbury Springtime Gardens & Hanmer Springs Fete, October 2019

“This was my second trip with Moa Tours, love your trips! It was a lovely walk to The Bridge to Nowhere, the bush was beautiful. Driving up to the gannets at Cape Kidnappers was great and Laurens Lavender Farm was gorgeous. The surprise was the museum and gallery at Whanganui, far more interesting than I had anticipated. Thank you for a great trip and organising the interesting itinerary.”

Paddy Sheriff, The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds, December 2019

“This was my fifth MoaTour and I enjoyed every moment. We had a great tour leader and everyone in the group mixed well. Our accommodation and meals were top class. I was delighted to visit Cape Palliser, Pukaha Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre and Stonehenge. Lake Ferry and the Fell Museum were interesting additions. The gardens were lovely and I felt the balance of activities was just right. A great trip.”

Margaret Smith, Wairarapa Wandering, January 2020

“It was a wonderful holiday with good accommodation and food. Our guide was an excellent driver with a sense of humour and great knowledge. We had an absolutely awesome time on Stewart Island, an almost untouched part of New Zealand. Ulva Island and the very nearly tame birds made for great photography. The Catlins, the albatross colony, the trip around the Otago Peninsula all added to this magical holiday. Thank you MoaTours.”

Lynne Revell, Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins, March 2020