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New Zealand Test Series

Test Holiday Price (Excluding International Flights and match tickets)
Price per person sharing a twin/double room £4,250
Single traveller price £5,550

Pre Tour - Bay of Islands
Price per person sharing a twin/double room £1,490
Single traveller supplement £1,990

Post Tour - Southern Highlights
Price per person sharing a twin/double room £2,850
Single traveller supplement £3,490

Tour Itinerary

Fri 15 Nov      FLY to New Zealand
Contact us with your flight requirements and we will quote for your flights.

Sat 16 Nov     In Flight

Sun 17 Nov    ARRIVE Auckland
Arrive Auckland, complete custom and immigration formalities and then proceed to your hotel by coach. Stay at Stamford Plaza for 3 nights. Remainder of the day is ‘at leisure’ to recover from the long journey

Spectacularly set on a narrow isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, Auckland’s blend of islands, rainforest, Polynesian culture, glistening harbour, acclaimed restaurants and theatres have created a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. 

Mon 18 Nov   Auckland City Tour & Welcome Cocktail Party
This morning enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’. Highlights include the panoramic city and harbour views from Bastion Point; trendy Parnell Village; the lovely bays of the waterfront drive and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area. Enjoy a private guided tour of Auckland Museum. Over a fascinating hour your guide will share their stories of the Museum’s most important and fascinating objects in one of New Zealand’s most outstanding historical buildings. Enjoy lunch at Harbourside Bar and Grill, in the Auckland Ferry Building. The view from the restaurant’s extensive terracotta-tiled terrace of the ferry traffic, passenger liners and yachts is sensational. Harbourside is a spacious restaurant but has an intimate atmosphere ideal for private get-togethers. The classically inspired yet creative menu includes the best of New Zealand seafood. Remainder of afternoon and evening at leisure to explore New Zealand’s largest city.

Tue 19 Nov  Auckland - Waiheke Island
Mid-morning depart Auckland and cruise by ferry across the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour to Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf. The island is a summer holiday retreat, although increasingly many of its permanent residents commute daily to Auckland city. It is well known for arts and crafts, beautiful beaches and boutique wineries.

You will be met at the wharf by your local guide for a wine tour. Since the 1970’s the island’s Mediterranean climate has seen the growth of a flourishing wine industry with low quantities of high-quality fruit. The tour will commence with a drive along the scenic northern route, taking in spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf and beyond to the Coromandel Peninsula. Visit three unique vineyards learning about the wine-making industry and sampling their produce. Enjoy lunch at Stonyridge Vineyard. This is a relaxing location, set amongst vines and an olive grove. The cuisine has an emphasis upon fresh seasonal produce. Beverages not included / pay direct.  Late afternoon transfer back to the ferry terminal and cruise back to Auckland City.

Wed 20 Nov    Drive from Auckland to Tauranga
Today we travel south across the Bombay Hills and cross the Hauraki Plains before ascending over the Kaimai mountain range and dropping into the Bay of Plenty region. Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and is just a 15-minute drive from one of New Zealand’s most popular beach towns, Mount Maunganui. Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk. The Strand waterfront area is modern and always buzzing, and is home to a number of cafés, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs. Trinity Wharf Hotel enjoys a stunning waterfront location and a waterfront restaurant and bar, just minutes from Tauranga city centre.
 

cricket-ball_v2.jpg Thu 21 - Mon 25 Nov   1st TEST  NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND Venue: Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui Daily coach transfers will be provided to the Stadium. During the Test match, we will host a private Cricket Cocktail Party where you will have the opportunity to meet and chat personally with our high profile cricket personality. Canapés and drinks included.

Tue 26 Nov    Tauranga - Rotorua
This morning we say farewell to Tauranga and travel to Rotorua via Lake Rotoiti.  Located in the heart of New Zealand’s famous thermal region, Rotorua forms part of the geologically active ‘Pacific Rim of Fire’. Situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, it is also renowned for Maori cultural activities. 

Visit Te Puia for an exclusive guided tour which provides a premier Maori culture experience combined with an introduction to the magnificent geothermal activity in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Whilst in the valley see the boiling mud pools, steaming silica terraces, hot springs and geysers including the famous Pohutu Geyser which can erupt up to 30 metres high, depending on its mood. Visit the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Maori are learning the traditional carving and weaving skills of their ancestors. Continue to Rainbow Springs. Set amidst beautiful native bush with meandering crystal clear freshwater streams and deep fern fringed pools, Rainbow Springs is a showcase of New Zealand’s natural flora and fauna. Enjoy a guided tour which includes the opportunity to see the rare Tuatara lizard, New Zealand’s only reptile species and the Kiwi bird in the special nocturnal enclosure.
 
This evening we visit Tamaki Maori Village for a Cultural Experience and Hangi Dinner. Experience the warmth of the Maori people before dining on the traditional hangi buffet dinner (Maori feast) cooked the traditional Maori way in an earth oven. Overnight at the Novotel Lakeside, Rotorua.

Wed 27 Nov     Rotorua - Taupo
Leave Rotorua and drive through Kaingaroa State Forest, one of the largest planted forests in the world, to Wairakei where steam is harnessed to generate electricity at two power stations. Stop at the fascinating geothermal borefield at Wairakei then visit Huka Falls and marvel as the mighty Waikato River thunders through the narrow canyon before taking a thrilling ride on the Hukafalls Jet. This 30-minutes of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and hot water streams. Hold on tight as you experience thrilling 360-degree spins. From your unique vantage point on the jet boat you will have the best water level view of Huka Falls – New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction.

We continue to Taupo. Set on the shores of Lake Taupo, the town is a popular holiday destination for New Zealander’s. The pace of life here is relaxed and laid-back. The pace of life here is relaxed and laid-back. Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest lake and is a world-renowned spot for trout fishing both in the lake and from tributary rivers. Overnight at the Hilton, Lake Taupo.
 

Thu 28 Nov   Taupo - Waitomo - Hamilton
Today we travel north via the small town of Whakamaru before arriving in Te Kuiti in the King Country renowned as the ‘Sheep Shearing Capital of the World’. Stop en-route for lunch. From here it is a short journey to Waitomo – famous for assortment of limestone caves lying beneath the earth. Enter Ruakuri Cave through the spectacular spiral entrance designed to respect the sacred nature of the caves. Tread narrow corridors, stand in vast caverns and hear the distant thunder of subterranean waterfalls on the Huhunui River. Your guide will bring you up close to glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites. 

Depart the limestone country surrounding Waitomo and travel north through rolling countryside featuring dairying and horse breeding into the Waikato district then on to Hamilton City, New Zealand’s largest inland city, which straddles the Waikato River. This evening check in to the Novotel Tanui Hotel for 6 nights
 

cricket-ball_v2.jpg Fri 29 Nov - Tue 03 Dec   2nd TEST  NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton Daily return transfers will be proivided to the stadium.

Tue 03 Dec - Farewell Dinner
Join us this evening for our celebratory Farewell Dinner. After a pre-dinner drink, we will sit down to enjoy a three course dinner, including beer, wine and soft drinks.

Wed 04 Dec    Hamilton - Auckland - London
Please settle any hotel expenses when you check-out. You will be transferred to Auckland Airport in plenty of time to complete check-in formalities for your flight home.  Alternatively depart Hamilton on our Southern Highlights Extension.

Just look what's included:

Excellent 4-5 Star hotels and resorts
Daily Buffet Breakfast
Auckland City Sightseeing & Harbour Cruise
Waiheke Island Wine Tour
Rotorua Tour with Hangi Buffet Dinner
Huka Falls Jet Boat Experience
Waitomo Caves Visit
Welcome cocktail party, cricket forum and/or farewell dinner
Guaranteed official match tickets (invoiced separately)
Private airport transfers on arrival/departure
Cricket transfers
Air-conditioned coach travel, including transfers
Tour Manager
ATOL Protection (where flights are included)

Tour Exclusions:

International flights
All meals & drinks except those speciified
Items of a personal nature
Any passport / visa costs
Travel Insurance (see our web site)
Match tickets and/or hospitality (invoiced separately). 

International Flights:

Prices exclude airfares so that you can choose the date, airline, departure point and class of travel that suits you. Simply contact us with your requirements and we will provide you with a flight quotation. Alternatively, you may like to book your own flights online or use frequent flyer points.  New Zealand is well served by International airlines allowing you a wide choice of stopover possibilities should you wish to break your journey.  Popular airlines include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, British Airways and Qatar Airways. 

 

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Enjoy more of New Zealand

While our featured tour focuses on the two Test's in North Island, there is so much to see and do in New Zealand that we have created a Pre & Post Tour option to show you more of this fascinating country.

The natural beauty of the Bay of Islands has to be seen to be believed. It’s an aquatic playground lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myriad of secluded beaches; wherever you are in the Bay of Islands, it is impossible to escape the lure of the sea. The region is considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand as a bi-cultural nation and the townships of this historic bay are alive with memories of the area’s colourful history – both Maori and European.

Extend your stay in South Island and join our escorted luxury coach tour to the indescribably beautiful lakes and mountains, for which the region is famed. No picture or video will do this area justice – this truly is a ‘must see’ destination! The first glimpse of Aoraki/Mount Cook across the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki is one that will last you a lifetime. As will the majesty of Milford Sound, which was once described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘8th Wonder of the World’. And if the scenery in Queenstown isn’t enough to take your breath away how about a ride on the famous Shotover Jet boat or a even a bungee jump?
 

Pre Tour - Bay of Islands

Mon 11 November – Sun 17 November (4 nights)
* 1 night in Auckland
* 3 nights in Bay of Islands
 

Mon 11 Nov    FLY TO NEW ZEALAND
Contact us with your flight requirements and we will provide you with a flight quote.

Tue 12 Nov     IN FLIGHT

Wed 13 Nov   ARRIVE AUCKLAND
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Stamford Plaza Hotel for check-in. Remainder of day at leisure to explore downtown Auckland from your centrally located hotel.

Thu 14  Nov   AUCKLAND / PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
Today travel north across Auckland Harbour Bridge and the North Shore. Continue north through picturesque farmlands stopping at Matakohe for a visit to the excellent Matakohe Kauri Museum. This award winning Museum records the timber milling and gum digging pioneering days of the Northland region. The Kauri is the largest tree in New Zealand’s forests, and grows to a huge size. The kauri industry formed the basis upon which much of Northland’s history and economy rested in the early days. Travel through to Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands. This region is renowned as the birthplace of the nation of New Zealand as well as for its beautiful beaches and wildlife. This evening, check in to the Paihia Beach Resort for 3 nights.

Fri 15 Nov      PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
This morning visit the Waitangi Treaty House for a guided tour. It was here on 6 February 1840 that Maori and British settlers signed an historic agreement which gave birth to the nation of New Zealand. The Maori Meeting House in the grounds is a superb example of the skills of Maori wood carvers and flax weavers. This afternoon join a Fullers Great Sights Dolphin Cruise Hole in Rock cruise. On the way to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, the boat seeks out the playful dolphins. Bottlenose and common dolphins take great delight in racing alongside and showing off their aerobic flips!  Further out see beautiful Motukokako Island and the famous Hole in the Rock. Hold your breath as the skipper skilfully navigates his way through the hole and into Grand Cathedral Cave (sea conditions permitting). On the return to Paihia pass several remote islands, fringed with golden sand beaches.  You may choose to disembark at the delightful seaside village of Russell and take a later ferry back to Paihia.

Sat 16 Nov     PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
Day at leisure for your own choice of activities in the Bay of Islands.

Sun 17 Nov     PAHIA – AUCKLAND
Leisurely start this morning then farewell to the Bay of Islands and travel south through undulating farmlands and the small settlements of Kawakawa and Hikurangi to the city of Whangarei. Stop for lunch included in central Whangarei. 
Continue south to arrive in Auckland City and join our New Zealand Test Tour.
 

Post Tour - Southern Highlights

Wed 04 – Wed 11 December (7 nights)
* 2 nights Crowne Plaza, Christchurch – B&B
* 1 night Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef - B&B
* 4 nights The Rees Hotel, Queenstown – B&B 

Wed 04 Dec     HAMILTON / CHRISTCHURCH
This morning transfer to Hamilton Airport for your flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival at Christchurch transfer to your hotel and check in to the Crown Plaza hotel for 2 nights

Thu 05 Dec      CHRISTCHURCH
This morning enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch. Since the devastating earthquakes of 2011, the city of Christchurch’s rebuilding programme is in full swing and there will be the opportunity to view a variety of innovative architectural projects, such as the temporary ‘Cardboard Cathedral’, and the reconstruction of the main arts buildings. Other tour highlights include the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery; the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial; Bridge of Remembrance; and the Spanish Mission inspired New Regent Street.  Stop at the Botanic Gardens and enjoy Punting on the Avon River.  Travel from the historic Antigua Boat sheds, through the Botanic Gardens, and enjoy the spectacular flora for which Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’ is famous. Enjoy lunch at The Curators House situated in a heritage building in the lovely Botanic Gardens. With its own kitchen garden, fresh regional produce is served, with a Spanish influence. Afternoon at leisure.

Fri 06 Dec       CHRISTCHURCH / FRANZ JOSEF
Board the Tranz Alpine rail service for a scenic rail journey across the fertile Canterbury Plains and into the heart of the mighty Southern Alps. Travel across towering viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys and into the lush forest of Arthurs Pass National Park. Leave the train at Arthurs Pass and reboard your coach. From the valleys of the snow-capped mountains, descend into the lush rainforests of Westland and travel south along the West Coast to Hokitika. Visit one of the greenstone factories where a local jade-like stone highly prized by pre-European Maori is crafted into exquisite jewellery. Continue south through forests and farmland, with views of the Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, to the village of Franz Josef. The huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps almost to sea level which is unusual in a temperate climate.  Time for optional helicopter flights – recommend pre-booking (extra cost – not included).  This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat in The Canopy Restaurant.

Sat 07 Dec      FRANZ JOSEF / QUEENSTOWN
Driving towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road, there is a strong sense of entering a primeval land, and a feeling of total isolation. Arriving at Haast, you are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, and dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. From the Westland National Park, travel through the Haast River valleys and over the Haast Pass to Makaroa and onto the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka. Travelling past Lake Hawea, reaching the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. Continue past stone fruit orchards and through the rock hewn Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. 

Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the Queenstown region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. As well as the proclaimed ‘adventure capital of NZ’, the resort town of Queenstown is sophisticated and fantastically scenic. Its lake and mountain landscape is suited to almost any kind of adventure; but Queenstown is just as well-known as a place for indulgence, for wine and cuisine and for gold-mining history. This evening, check in to your Lakeview room at The Rees Hotel for 4 nights.

Sun 08 Dec    QUEENSTOWN / MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN
Early this morning enjoy a tour highlight – a light aircraft flight over Fiordland National Park landing at Milford Sound (if you prefer, you can go by road in a coach). During the 35-minute flight, take in panoramic views of spectacular alpine scenery including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest before landing at Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area which is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Once on the ground at Milford airport, there is a coach transfer to the Real Journeys Visitor Centre.  Here you will board comfortable vessel for a Scenic Cruise of Milford Sound which runs out to the Tasman Sea. Sheer mountain walls tower above the tranquil waters of the Sound, carved out by Ice Age glaciers and waterfalls tumble into the fiord from mountain-locked lakes. The Sound is dominated by unforgettable Mitre Peak, the focal point of this majestic wonderland. Complimentary tea and coffee is available. On returning to the Milford Wharf, there is a coach transfer to the Milford airport for the return scenic flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival in Queenstown you will be transferred to your hotel by Real Journeys vehicle.   Please naote – all flights operate weather and conditions permitting. If the flights are cancelled due to weather, group will have a day at leisure.

Mon 09 Dec     QUEENSTOWN
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Queenstown. Highlights include a visit to historic Arrowtown, a quaint village set on the banks of the Arrow River which was once a rip-roaring gold rush town. Time here to sample some of the cafés, galleries and boutiques or you may wish to take a walk to the historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This partially restored settlement is a reminder and tribute to the contribution made by the Chinese goldminers and business people to the region’s goldmining, cultural and business history.  See the Edith Cavall Bridge spanning the narrow canyon of the rugged Shotover River; and pretty Lake Hayes. Ride the aerial gondola to Bob’s Peak to see the stunning panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.  Afternoon at leisure.

Tue 10 Dec      QUEENSTOWN
Day at leisure. Queenstown has a plethora of optional sightseeing activities available from jet-boating on the thrilling Shotover Jet; winery tours to the premier Central Otago wineries; 4WD tours into unforgettable Skippers Canyon; scenic flights; fly-fishing or if you dare – bungy jumping or tandem sky-diving! Extra cost for optional sightseeing excursions. 

This evening we have a taste of rural life in New Zealand. Steeped in Queenstown’s pioneering history, our experience commences with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the first farms set up in the region and still a working farm. In the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner. After dinner enjoy an entertaining brief farm experience including a sheep shearing demonstration. On the magical night-time cruise home, enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Wed 11 Dec     DEPART QUEENSTOWN
TIme to leave Queenstown by air on you journey back to the UK.

How to book

When you have chosen the holiday you wish to book please call our sales team on 01737 244398 to check the availability of the tour. 

To confirm your booking we need to collect a deposit payment equivalent to 30% of the total holiday price plus the cost of flights if you would like us to arrange your flight reservation.  Our preferred method of payment is by bank transfer, quoting your invoice number (TSTXXXX) on all payments. Credit and debit cards are also accepted for deposit payments.   

Your final balance payment will be due 60 days prior to departure. The person signing the booking form will be treated as doing so on behalf of, and with the consent of, all the persons for whom the booking is made and is responsible for ensuring due payment of all monies.  Please ensure you return your signed booking form, together with a copy of the photograph page of all passports. 

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