LEISURE GUIDE January - July 2020 Summer to Winter - Bay Tours
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A beautiful scenic spot in Adelaide, come explore with us! LEISURE GUIDE January – July 2020 Summer to Winter
Welcome to Bay Tours & Charters
Leisure Guide
Hello everyone and welcome to our latest edition of
the Leisure Guide. We’re particularly excited, given the
weather prospects for the next three or four months.
With the very warm spring we’ve had, a long ‘Indian’
summer could be shaping up. All the better for Day
Trips with Bay Tours! By the time you read this we
(Kerren & Ken) will have just returned from a brief visit
to Denver, Colorado to celebrate our grandson
Walker’s first birthday with our son Blair and daughter-
in-law Amanda. Today’s technology allows us to see
and talk to our U.S.A. branch of the family regularly,
but there’s nothing like a proper ‘in person’ cuddle with
our grandson.
What a busy 6 months it’s been since the last edition
was published. Back in the depths of winter a group of
us enjoyed a fabulous few days at a top-flight resort
on the Sunshine Coast with lovely weather and plenty of activities. We also took a group
to cruise the great rivers of Europe for two weeks. Fabulous city stops either side of the
cruise, firstly in Amsterdam, and later Munich made for an amazing experience together.
Back home here Ken recently fulfilled a bucket-list trip when we took an adventurous
group into the Old American West with a day at Mellonsfolly, a complete wild west town.
‘Six-gun’ Ken was in his element as the childhood roleplays came out in all of us. As I write
this the first of our two tours to Great Barrier Island is returning. They’ve had a wonderful
few days I hear. It’s such a special part of New Zealand.
We’re so very excited about the tours and trips in this edition. On the Day Trip front look
out for our Autumn Progressive Lunch in late March when we’ll be visiting 3 new
restaurants and our visit to meet local legend, Brian Hales, on his farm full of exotic
sheep breeds in May. Slightly further afield we return to the majestic Islands Of The
Hauraki Gulf in March, this time visiting 5 islands all together with some tours of ‘Gardens
of International Significance’ as well. In April we explore from New Plymouth to Raglan
and unearth some amazing destinations and unusual locals as well. Also, after comment
over the last few years we’ve created an extended WOW Show Plus trip to Wellington to
take in an extra night allowing some free time in our exciting capital city. These are just
a few of the tantalising array of tours in here to select from.
We feel so lucky to be able to enjoy such a variety of destinations with our wonderful Tour
Clubbers and we never lose our appreciation of your continued support. I know you’ll enjoy
reading this edition of the Leisure Guide over the holiday season and we’re sure you’ll find
some exciting trips and tours that appeal. Bon voyage!
Kerren, Ken & the Bay Tours team
2|
General Information
Payments:
Credit card: We accept credit card payments by Visa or MasterCard but there is a 5%
credit card handling fee. To avoid incurring this bank cost you can pay by;
Cheque, cash or internet banking at no extra cost; Internet banking, please place
your phone number in the particulars field and the tour number with first 4 letters of your
surname in the reference field i.e. 1014WITH. If you are paying for more than one tour,
please place the other tour number in the code field.
This also applies if you visit a Kiwibank branch to make an over-the-counter deposit. You
MUST highlight your reference details on your deposit slip to the teller to ensure they key
them in for your transaction.
Our bank account number to pay into is: Kiwi Bank 38 9014 0316437 00.
Dietary Requirements:
If you have any dietary requirements, please bring this to our attention when you are
booking your trip to enable us to accommodate your needs.
Accommodation Preferences:
If you wish to have a hotel room on a lower level or if you prefer two beds instead of a
double, please let us know at the time of booking so we can accommodate your needs.
Mobility Checkpoint:
Some tours which have an aspect to them that will require a specific level of
mobility will be flagged with this RED MAN sign: This DOESN’T mean you
will be unable to participate. It simply recommends you call the office to
discuss the specific requirement.
Shows:
If you hear about a show that is coming up and it is not in the Leisure Guide, we may not
have been aware of it prior to going to print. Please phone or email us to see if we are
going.
Tour Club membership
It is FREE to join our “Tour Club” – there are no joining fees.
Post to:
PO Box 12221, Ahuriri, Napier 4144
Phone us at:
(06) 845 2736 – EXT 1
E-Mail: Tour Co-ordinator
Kaye Waapu at:
tourclub@baytours.co.nz
Visit us at:
16 Turner Place, Onekawa, Napier 4110
|3
Tour Club Booking Form
Date Day Tour Tour Name Cost
26 – 29 Jan Sun-Wed 126 Bridge to Nowhere $1,395
30 Jan Thur 130 Big Day Out - SOLD OUT $175
5 – 6 Feb Wed-Thur 205 Queen – The Rhapsody Tour – Wellington $795
8 – 14 Feb Sat-Fri 208 Twin Coast Cycle Trail - SOLD OUT $3,125
21 Feb Fri 221 NZ House & Garden: House Tours - Taupō $245
25 Feb Tues 225 Kiwi Creche & Boundary Stream $120
1 – 2 March Sun-Mon 301 Shakespeare at the Globe $575
7 March Sat 307 Martinborough Fair $100
12 March Thur 312 Lunch at Elephant Hill $140
15 – 21 March Sun-Sat 315 South Island High Country Experience $3,995
19 – 20 March Thur-Fri 319 The Book of Mormon - Auckland $585
24 – 31 March Tue-Tue 324 Island & Gardens of the Hauraki Gulf $3,325
25 March Wed 325 Autumn Progressive Lunch $125
1 April Wed 401 Mystery Day Out #1 $125
4 – 5 April Sat-Sun 404 NZ Tattoo – Palmerston North $445
7 April Tue 407 Lunch at Wallingford $155
15 – 20 April Wed-Mon 415 Exploring New Plymouth to Raglan $1,975
23 April Thur 423 Evening Progressive Dinner $155
25 April Sat 425 The Ten Tenors – Napier $240
27 April – 1 May Mon-Fri 427 White Island, Tarawera & Beyond $2,815
6 May Wed 506 Brian Hales & His Exotic Sheep Breeds $115
10 May – 2 June Sun-Tue 510 Canadian Rockies by Train & Alaska Cruise $19,895
13 May Wed 513 Lunch at Cape Kidnappers #1 $155
15 May Fri 515 A Visit to Timahanga Station $125
19 May Tue 519 A Picnic Lunch Beyond Puketitiri $95
20 May – 2 June Wed-Tue 520 Alaska Cruise $9,995
22 – 25 May Fri-Mon 522 Bluff Oyster Festival $1,995
27 May Wed 527 Country Day Out – Mangatainoka & Norsewear $155
6 June Sat 606 Feilding Craft Market $100
11 June Thu 611 Exotic Progressive Lunch $95
16 – 18 June Tue-Thur 616 Mid-Winter at the Chateau $939
23 June Tue 623 Lunch at Cape Kidnappers #2 $155
25 – 27 June Thur-Sat 625 Auckland Winter Cup – Alexandra Park $998
8 July Wed 708 Huka Lodge Lunch & Tour #1 $185
14 July Tue 714 Huka Lodge Lunch & Tour #2 $185
17 July Fri 717 Mystery Day Out #2 $125
13 Aug Thur 813 Winter Progressive Dinner $155
11 – 29 Sep Fri-Mon 911 The Ghan, Darwin and Adelaide $8925
26 – 27 Sep Sat-Sun 926 WOW #1 – Wellington $580
2 – 4 Oct Fri-Sun 1002 WOW #2 with extra day – Wellington $795
13 – 15 Oct Tue-Thur 1013 Rangitikei & Manawatū Homesteads & Gardens $655
30 Oct – 4 Nov Fri-Wed 1030 Marlborough: Mountains to the Sounds $2,585
14 – 20 Jan 2021 Thur-Wed 114 Chatham Islands $4,560
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The Tour Club
Conditions & Important Booking Information
Reservations & Payments
Generally, the price of day trips should be made in one payment, with the exception of
those where a deposit is requested.
For all overnight or longer trips and tours, a deposit as stated is payable to secure the
booking. The balance must be paid in full by the declared date, we do not send reminders
so please note the date in your diary.
Any reservation made within six (6) weeks of the tour departure must be paid in full.
Cancellations and Refunds
• Cancellations 65 days or more prior to the tour departure will be subject to a fee
of 15% of the tour’s deposit plus any additional charges incurred from contracted
services and/or providers.
• Cancellations less than 65 days but more than 7 days prior to departure will be
subject to a fee of 15% of the total tour cost, up to a maximum of $300 (NZ), plus
any additional charges incurred from contracted services and/or providers.
• Cancellations within 7 days of departures will be subject to a fee of 25% of the
total tour cost, plus any additional charges incurred from contracted services
and/or providers.
• No refunds will be made for cancellations made on the day prior to departure, on
the day of departure or once travel has commenced. Nor will refunds be made on
any unused portions of the tour.
• Ticket costs are non-refundable for all shows or concerts.
Itinerary Variations
The company reserves the right to alter the tour package (including the itinerary) and
substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control
make changes necessary.
Tour Cancellations
Bay Tours & Charters Ltd reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any tour or any booking
made for a traveller. In this event, we will refund the total amount paid to Bay Tours by
the customer but will not have any further liability to the traveller.
Liability
Bay Tours & Charters Ltd are not liable for and deny all responsibility for personal injury
or property damage arising out of these activities.
The arrangement providers, namely the carriers providing land, sea or air travel, the
operators providing transfers, accommodation, tours, meals and other services, all do so
according to their conditions. The traveller accepts the arrangements subject to those
conditions and accepts that their rights may be limited to those conditions as found in
tickets, vouchers, signs, forms, contracts and the like.
The traveller has no right to claim against Bay Tours & Charters Ltd for any loss, damage,
delay or injury caused to the traveller or their baggage whilst under the care or control of
an arrangement provider. A traveller’s baggage and personal effects shall be carried at
owner’s risk as provided for under the Carriage of Goods Act.
Bay Tours & Charters Ltd is not responsible for any losses or additional expenses due to
delays or alterations in air, land or sea travel due to inclement weather, acts of God,
strikes, breakdowns, civil unrest, quarantine, or other circumstances beyond its control.
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Tour Club conditions continued –
Insurance
For international tours, we require the traveller to have current comprehensive travel
insurance to cover against lost or damaged luggage, accident or sickness, loss or theft of
personal belongings and documents, or the need to cancel or curtail your holiday.
Please note that special conditions apply for pre-existing medical conditions with all travel
insurance policies.
Brochure Pricing
The prices that appear in the Leisure Guide are valid at the time of publication. The
Company reserves the right to change pricing at any time after publication should this be
forced upon us. Should changes occur you will be notified.
Photographs
The photographs reproduced in this publication depict typical scenes experienced, but the
subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced whilst visiting that destination
on any given day. Whilst away with Bay Tours you may be included in some photographs
and/or videos taken by our guides and drivers that will be used for future promotional
advertising purposes and by booking on to our tours you authorise the use of any images
you are captured in to be used for this purpose without any further consent or payment.
A Few Notes from your Tour Club Co-ordinator
Kaye Waapu
Kaye is your first point of call for all things Tour Club. When
you call the office make sure you always choose
extension 1 (for Tour Club) so that you are transferred
directly to her.
Even if a tour is fully booked it’s a good idea to put your
name on the waitlist so that if a space becomes available,
we can let you know and see if you are still keen to go.
We love to receive feedback about our tours so feel free to
give me a call on 06 845 2736 EXT 1 or pop me an email
to tourclub@baytours.co.nz . All comments, positive and
constructive criticism, are welcome. If you hear/know of
somewhere you think might be a great tour opportunity,
please do get in touch.
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Tour No. 126
Bridge to Nowhere only a few seats left!
Date Sunday 26th – Wednesday 29th January
Times All collected by 8.45am
Cost $1,395.00 Twin Share Only
Payment Full payment upon booking please
Price includes Door to door transport, breakfast x3, morning tea x4, lunch x3,
afternoon tea x2, dinner x3, accommodation x3, all activities
Bridge to Nowhere is nestled in an isolated valley off the
magnificent Whanganui River. Built in the 1930's, it was
abandoned virtually the day it was completed and the road back
to the river was never finished. Our hosts Joe, Mandy and their
family, have lived and worked in this spectacular wilderness for
over 40 years. The river remains the
only way into their realm, so we
head up the river by jet boat to the
Lodge which sits high above a bend in the river with stunning
views. It's a special part of our country where beautiful high
cliff-like banks tower above this ancient waterway. There's
time during our stay to explore Joe & Mandy's farm with plenty
of bush or river walks to enjoy. Traditional farmhouse cooking
is on the menu as we enjoy the hospitality of the Lodge.
Tour No. 130
Big Day Out Sold Out, put your name on the waitlist!
Date Thursday 30th January
Times All collected by 7.45am
Cost $175.00
Payment As you board, money in an envelope with your name please
Price includes Door to door transport, morning tea, lunch
What a popular annual day out this has become. The
concept is simple, we make an early start allowing us to
go a little further afield than we usually do on our Day
Trips. The title says it all really. This time our feature
destination is the beautiful Pohangina Valley in the
northern Manawatū District. Pohangina is one of the
North Island’s best kept secrets. With crystal-clear
swimmable rivers and streams and unique forest and
native bird life, the valley is a haven for those who enjoy
the Kiwi countryside the way it used to be.
We’ll be gently traversing the full length of this secluded valley from Ashhurst in the
south finishing up with stunning views down the Rangitikei River from Mangaweka at the
northern end. After a splendid lunch we’ll head home over the Gentle Annie road.
This will be a full day exploring as we take the ‘road less travelled’. Join us for a day of
discovery.
|7
Tour No. 205
Queen – The Rhapsody Tour – Wellington
Date Wednesday 5th – Thursday 6th February
Times All collected by 9.00am
Cost $795.00 Twin Share | $1,015.00 Single Room
Payment Full payment upon booking please (ticket is non-refundable)
Price includes Door to door transport, morning tea, dinner, accommodation,
breakfast, ticket to show
The soaring success of the film ‘Bohemian
Rhapsody’ has proven the love for the music of
Queen remains as strong as ever. In February
2020 the band returns to New Zealand with a new
stadium show featuring their long-time vocal
collaborator and former American Idol star, Adam
Lambert. Since Adam first shared the stage with
Queen in 2009, his dynamic performances have reinvigorated the bands’ music and
delighted fans worldwide. Roger Taylor and Brian May’s musical fireworks are matched by
Lambert’s vocal prowess and stage presence and make for an explosive combination to
great critical success.
The Queen + Adam Lambert ‘Rhapsody’ Tour will be their most spectacular yet. An
innovative and interactive celebration of the continued power of Queen’s music. Your Tour
Club crew have, once again, made sure we have excellent COVERED seats.
Don’t miss what promises to be the ultimate concert experience of 2020.
Have tickets to the Mission Concert? Don’t worry, we’ll be back in time!
Tour No. 208
Twin Coast Cycle Trail Sold Out, put your
name on the waitlist
Date Saturday 8th – Friday 14th February
Times All collected by 8.15am
Cost $3,125.00 Twin Share | $3,815.00 Single Room
Price includes Door to door transport, breakfast x6, morning tea x2, lunch x5,
dinner x6, accommodation x6, all activities
We’re very excited to present the Twin Coast Cycle
Trail which stretches from the stunning Hokianga
Harbour in the west to the glorious Bay of Islands
in the east. As in past years we’ll be giving
participants the option to take their own bike.
Alternatively, we can arrange the hire of a bike for you
if you prefer.
There will be four days of gentle riding varying
between 20 and 34 kilometres per day of panoramic coastal, forest and countryside vistas
For a full itinerary please contact Kaye on 06 845 2736 EXT 1
8|
Tour No. 221
NZ House & Garden - House Tours - Taupō
Date Friday 21st February
Times All collected by 7.15am
Cost $245.00
Payment Full payment upon booking please
Price includes Door to door transport, morning tea, lunch, entrance to all homes
For 10 years now, NZ House & Garden magazine
have raised funds for the Breast Cancer
Foundation of NZ by arranging exclusive access to
homes in selected regions of New Zealand. In
2020 one of the regions selected is Taupō with 8
immaculately presented private properties
available to view through the day. This is similar
in style to the Hospice Holly Trail held every two
years in Hawke’s Bay.
With unrivalled contacts NZ House & Garden ensure that the very best private properties
are engaged to assist in this special day. We’ll make a day of it and travel to Taupō to be
part of this special event, including a picnic lunch at the Tour Hub. Tickets for tours of
these venues around the country are snapped up quickly, so don’t delay in reserving your
place.
Tour No. 225
Kiwi Creche & Boundary Stream
Date Tuesday 25th February
Times All collected by 8.45am
Cost $120.00
Payment As you board, money in an envelope with your name please.
Price includes Door to door transport, morning tea, lunch
Behind a predator-proof fence less than an hour
north of Napier lies a special place to which Kiwi
chicks are brought from the wild. The Kiwi safe
haven surrounds the beautiful Lake Opouahi and
we’re returning to meet some of the people helping
raise the chicks and, fingers crossed, some of the
chicks themselves.
Later we head further up the valley to Boundary
Stream for a delicious picnic lunch and the opportunity to walk into the past along
accessible tracks through native bush. Watch the cheeky kaka birds feed and hear and
observe the beautiful bellbird, North Island robin, tomtit, fantail, kereru (native
wood pigeon) and the rare and magnificent kōkako. On our way home, we’ll drop into the
beautiful beach at Waipatiki for an ice cream. Join us for an exciting day amongst the
best our natural region has to offer.
|9
Tour No. 301
Shakespeare at the Globe
Date Sunday 1st – Monday 2nd March
Times All collected by 8.00am
Cost $575.00 Twin Share | $685.00 Single Room
Payment $250.00 upon booking, balance due Friday 10th January
Price includes Door to door transport, accommodation, breakfast, morning tea,
dinner, premium show ticket
After five summer seasons and the attendance of more than 350,000 Kiwis, Auckland’s
stunning Pop-up Globe Theatre will end its life in New Zealand with a performance bound
to live long in the memory.
This will be our third visit to the Pop-up Globe, since it
began in a carpark in central Auckland in 2014. We
experienced fabulous performances of ‘Much Ado About
Nothing’ in 2017 and ‘Richard lll’ a year later. So, as this
amazing portable replica of the theatre in which William
Shakespeare first presented his plays makes its final
curtain call, we’ll be there on the FINAL NIGHT for what
will be a memorable performance of perhaps the
greatest love story in literature – ‘Romeo & Juliet’.
This epic tale of teenage romance amidst bitter family rivalries is well known and bound
to be brought to the Globe stage in a lively and original way whilst respecting the
Shakespearean tradition.
Join us for the ‘last hurrah’ of this theatrical phenomenon that has brought Shakespeare
alive for a new generation. Tickets are very limited so don’t delay.
Tour No. 307
Martinborough Fair
Date Saturday 7th March
Times All collected by 6.45am
Cost $100.00
Payment As you board, money in an envelope with your name please
Price includes Door to door transport, morning tea
The Rotary Martinborough Fair is held in the picturesque
Martinborough Square. This iconic fair, reportedly the largest
in Australasia, comprises over 480 stalls selling artwork,
crafts, clothing, food and other quality products. As usual,
it'll be an early start in order to provide as much time in
Martinborough as possible. We'll stop for morning tea on
the way and plan to arrive around 11.30am. There'll be
plenty of time to wander at your leisure (and plenty of space
on the coach to stash your goodies). We'll depart by 4.00pm
and head home, stopping in Dannevirke for a bite to eat
before the last leg of the journey. This is the fair everyone
talks about so come and experience it for yourself.
10 |Tour No. 312
Lunch at Elephant Hill
Date Thursday 12th March
Times All collected by 11.50am
Cost $140.00
Payment Full payment upon booking please
Price includes Door to door transport, 3 course lunch
One of our most popular lunches in 2019 was at
Elephant Hill in Te Awanga. Super-stylish design
and unparalleled views across the bay towards Cape
Kidnappers contribute to a wonderful ambient
experience. But it’s the magnificent presentation and
flavours on the plate that keeps bringing people back.
Head Chef, Punit D’Souza will create an amazing 3
course menu for us and the lovely bright March
weather will also contribute to a fabulous day out. Book your place now.
Creche Update
As we mentioned in the previous Leisure Guide Bay Tours and
Charters are now a Principal sponsor of the Hawkes Bay ‘Kiwi
Creche’ which provides a safe and nurturing haven during the
crucial infant stages of a kiwi. Through your tours, funding goes
towards the maintenance of the creche and ongoing projects
aimed at raising Kiwi numbers in our special region. See below for
an update from Kahori Nakagawa the General Manager at ECOED:
One of our resident Kiwis Makahu E was recently found ‘on the
run’ in the tall ferns at the top of the lake but after a few hours
chase the volunteers managed to catch up with him. At 420g he
had put on 65g in 21 days (10 g under target weight) but
otherwise looking good - we figured he had probably lost some
weight with all the running around! Next, we found Mr Brookes M
quite easily, unfortunately he’s not doing very well only weighing
250g which is 15g less than when he was released 3 weeks ago.
Another resident Kiwi called Hoover was moved to the bush edge
and found an ongaonga bush to hunker down under. He had
gained 105g in 21 days – now 510g. There are now 6 chicks in
the creche, most under 6 weeks old.
Our Kiwi Creche & Boundary Stream Tour is fully booked but put
your name on the waitlist for your chance to meet the team in person!
| 11Tour No. 315
South Island High Country Experience
Date Sunday 15th – Saturday 21st March
Times All collected by 8.30am
Cost $3,995.00 Twin Share | $4,615.00 Single Room
Payment $500.00 upon booking, balance due Friday 24th January
Price includes Door to door transport, flights, breakfast x6, morning tea x5, lunch
x6, afternoon tea x2, dinner x6, accommodation x6, all activities
Four years ago, Bay Tours embarked on what
would become one of our most evocative and
rewarding tours yet. In March 2020 we return
to the South Island high country. We’ll be
immersing ourselves in this epic part of New
Zealand and re-visiting a few of the most
significant high-country stations as well as new
destinations and experiences. We’ll spend time
in the Selwyn, Mid-Canterbury, MacKenzie
Country, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park,
Waitaki Basin, Waimate and historic Oamaru districts.
Day 1: We fly into Christchurch and after a quick lunch make our way to ‘Homebush’,
the seat of Canterbury’s pioneering Deans family. We will be based for the next 3 nights
in the alpine town of Methven.
Day 2: Today we head by 4-wheel drive to the stunning 25,000-acre Glenfalloch Station
perched above the Rakaia River with amazing views of the Southern Alps.
Day 3: A scenic drive past spectacular Mt Sunday to visit our hosts Colin and Erin at
legendary Erewhon Station. They’ll give us an amazing Clydesdale-drawn tour and lunch
at the station before we visit Rangiatea Station with its elegant homestead and
gardens…and a special surprise.
Day 4: Established by Samuel Butler in 1860, Mesopotamia Station is our first
destination today. After a guided 4-wheel drive tour and lunch with our hosts we make
our way south through Geraldine and a visit to a local deer farm renowned for their herds
of majestic Red and White deer. We spend the night in Timaru.
Day 5: It’s into MacKenzie Country and the Waitaki Basin today. We have a cuppa at
the world-famous Mt John Observatory
overlooking beautiful Lake Tekapo before heading
along the turquoise shores of Lake Pūkaki to The
Hermitage in Mt Cook National Park for lunch and
perhaps a glimpse of the iconic mountain. A
wonderful drive over the hydro dams of Benmore
and Aviemore takes us to historic Station Peak
Homestead deep in the Waitaki district. Historic
Oamaru is our host this evening.
Day 6: A visit to the origin of the frozen meat export
trade, Totara Estate in North Otago, is followed by
free time in Oamaru’s beautiful Victorian Precinct with its famous limestone buildings.
We follow the coast road north in the afternoon and spend the night in Ashburton.
Day 7: After a visit to one of the great private gardens of New Zealand, we head towards
Christchurch this morning, stopping for an early lunch at Tai Tapu before arriving at the
airport for our flight back to Hawke’s Bay and home.
The nature of this tour means that places are very limited. Don’t miss out on this wonderful
opportunity. For a detailed itinerary call the Bay Tours office on 845 2736 EXT 1
12 |Tour No. 319
The Book of Mormon - Auckland
Date Thursday 19th – Friday 20th March
Times All collected by 8.30am
Cost $585.00 Twin Share | $695.00 Single Room
Payment $300.00 upon booking, balance due 15th January (ticket cost is non-
refundable)
Price includes Door to door transport, accommodation, breakfast, morning tea,
dinner, Premium show ticket
It has won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has been running on Broadway
for six years. The New York Times describes it as “The best musical of this century” and
industry bible (pun intended) Entertainment Weekly
says “Grade A, the funniest musical of all time!”. Now,
following sold out seasons in Melbourne and Sydney,
The Book Of Mormon musical and its’ international
cast is coming to Auckland in March 2020.
The outrageous musical comedy follows the
misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries,
sent on a mission to a place that’s about as far from Salt Lake City as its possible to be.
Join us as we discover some of the oh so familiar, and hilarious, human foibles exposed
when even the most zealous people struggle to get their message through. We’ll stay
overnight at the wonderful Waipuna Hotel in Auckland and, as always, have premium
seats. Join us if your chuckle muscles can handle it.
Kerren’s Whisper
Just so you know we haven’t forgotten, here’s what’s coming up:
• Steam Train Trips have featured for the last couple of years and
we know they have a keen following. Heritage train providers around the
country are in turmoil at the moment as NZTA and KiwiRail have recently
introduced new certification procedures which virtually all operators are
struggling with. Our friends at Steam Incorporated are keeping us updated
as to their progress. Watch this space.
• Our Molesworth Station Tour is diarised for 2021 and will return
in a slightly different format. It has become more and more difficult to fully drive
through Rainbow Station due to frequent road closures at the northern end. As
entry from the south continues to be reliable, we’ve decided from the next tour
that all days will start at Hanmer Springs and both Rainbow and Molesworth itself
will be there-and-back day trips rather than transiting from Picton. There’ll be other
new day adventures added to the tour as well so one of our most popular
destinations remains most definitely fit and well. Roll on 2021!
• Japan Cherry Blossom Cruise A congested programme for 2020 has forced us to re-
schedule our aims for this wonderful cruise around Japan for April/May 2021. We await
notification of when booking opens and we’ll be all over it. Please register your interest
with us if you haven’t already, so we can contact you as soon as this tour is finalised.
If you’re interested in finding out more about any of these 2021 tours please contact Kaye
by either emailing tourclub@baytours.co.nz or calling 06 845 2736 EXT 1
| 13Tour No. 324
Islands & Gardens of the Hauraki Gulf
Date Tuesday 24th – Tuesday 31st March
Times All collected by 8.00am
Cost $3325.00 Twin Share | $4475.00 Single Room
Payment $1000.00 upon booking, balance due Wednesday 12th February
Price includes Door to door transport, accommodation x7, breakfast x7, morning tea
x2, lunch x6, dinner x7, all activites
Any discussion about the most picturesque areas of New Zealand wouldn’t be complete
without including the Hauraki Gulf – that body of crystal-clear water that lies off the east
coast of Auckland. Framed by Matakana and Whangaparaoa to the north, Auckland’s
Waitemata Harbour to the west, the Firth of Thames to the south and Coromandel
Peninsula in the east, the Hauraki Gulf is blessed with many spectacular islands with
diverse personalities, histories, climate and
geography. From the earliest Maori settlers,
through the threat of invasion of the two World
Wars to today, the islands of ‘the Gulf’ portray a
unique picture of northern New Zealand. Likewise
the many fine gardens of the region. Influenced
by the unique climate of ‘the Gulf’ and the soils
created by thousands of years of volcanic activity,
there are a number of outstanding public and
private gardens to be celebrated.
Most of the islands can be visited within a day and it’s these we’ll be focussed on. We’ll
spend time discovering the distinct characters of five of these islands – Waiheke, Kawau,
Rangitoto, Tiritiri Matangi and Rotoroa. Each with their own story. Here’s a glimpse at
our itinerary;
Day 1: We leave Hawke’s Bay and head north to Auckland where we settle into the
distinguished Heritage Hotel. Our home for the next 3 nights.
Day 2: Today we start with a visit to one of the lower profile public spaces in Auckland.
Nestled up against the foot of Mt Eden in the heart of
the city is Eden Garden, a tranquil sanctuary of
glorious blooms and foliage. Here we’ll enjoy a cuppa
and a talk about the garden before having a wander at
our leisure. Later we return to the waterfront to
downtown Auckland’s historic Ferry Building and
cruise across to the closest island we’ll visit on this trip
– Rangitoto. There we’ll take a guided tour on the
‘Volcanic Explorer’ road train which will take us to the
summit for spectacular 360 degree views of the city
and Gulf.
Day 3: This morning we head to one of the Gulf’s least
visited islands. For more than 100 years Rotoroa
Island, sitting on the ‘far side’ of Waiheke Island, was
a world apart. Off-limits to all but a few souls isolated there for alcohol or drug
rehabilitation with the Salvation Army. Today Rotoroa Island is a wildlife sanctuary
accessible to all and a ferry journey of just over an hour brings us to this haven of beautiful
golden beaches and wildlife free of predators. We’ll be guided around the island by one of
the rangers stationed there who will tell us about the fascinating natural and social history
of the place.
Day 4: Still based in central Auckland, this morning we take the ferry to famed Waiheke
Island for a visit with a twist. We’ll use the Hop-on/Hop-off Bus service to tour the island.
First we trundle through the villages of Surfdale and Ostend to Onetangi for a cuppa and
14 |a walk (or maybe even a swim) on the long, white, pristine sands of Onetangi Beach. Then
we’re back on the bus and heading for Wild Estate next to famous Stonyridge Vineyard
for lunch. After lunch it’s a short hop to the main settlement of Oneroa for a wander to
soak up the legendary island vibe before we return to
Matiatia Wharf and our ferry off the island. This
afternoon we disembark at Devonport and relocate
ourselves to the wonderful Spencer On Byron Hotel in
Takapuna for our visits to the more northerly islands.
Day 5: Our coach takes us north to the Whangaparoa
Peninsular this morning and to Gulf Harbour where we
ferry to one of the most important conservation islands
in New Zealand. Tiritiri Matangi was farmed for more
than 120 years until purchased by the Department of
Conservation in 1984. Volunteers planted nearly
300,000 trees over 10 years and today 60% of the island is back in forest and bush with
the remaining 40% in grasslands for species that prefer open habitat. Today ‘Tiri’ is one
of the most heavily populated bird sanctuaries in the country. Again, the D.o.C. rangers
will guide us and hopefully we’ll be able to spot or at least hear any number of species
including Bellbird, Takahe, Kokako, Kereru, Kingfisher, Paradise Shelduck and
dozens more. Bring your togs for a swim at picturesque Hobbs Beach on the island too.
Day 6: The day starts with a lovely drive north to Sandspit where we join the Royal Mail
Run cruise around Kawau Island, viewing the hidden coves and abundant seabird life as
mail and supplies are dropped to the isolated inhabitants. We’ll have a bbq lunch on board
before disembarking on the island at historic Mansion House – built by Governor George
Grey. With stunning sub-tropical gardens full of
Weka, Wallabies and Peacocks, as well as the
magnificent mansion itself. Upon our return to
Sandspit we head a few minutes north through
Matakana to the magnificent private garden owned
and curated by Liz Morrow at Omaio. Rated 6 Stars
and ‘A Garden Of International Significance’ by the NZ
Gardens Trust, Omaio comprises 18 acres of
predominantly native planting around the family’s
former holiday home. Enjoy the tranquillity and
stunning layout before we head back to Takapuna and
our hotel.
Day 7: Today we begin our journey southward….gradually. Firstly, an opportunity to pick
up a bargain or two at the country’s best outlet store venue – Dressmart in Onehunga.
Every big brand you can think of has an outlet store here so there’s something for
everyone. Lunch at Botany Town Centre is followed by a visit to another outstanding 6
Star private garden. Ayrlies was first begun by Beverley McConnell and her late husband
Malcolm 50 years ago. Inspired by the Hawke’s Bay homestead gardens of her youth,
Beverley has gradually converted 10 acres of scrub into rolling parklands and woodlands
with more formal flower gardens and classical and sub-tropical planting closer to the
house. Renowned Auckland Botanic Gardens curator, Jack Hobbs, says “If you think of
gardening as an art form, Ayrlies is the best expression of that art!”. We spend tonight in
the outstanding Novotel Tainui Hotel in Hamilton.
Day 8: A late, relaxed departure from our hotel this morning to start our return journey.
Lunch in Taupō and back to the Bay in the afternoon.
For many, a trip to the islands of the Hauraki Gulf is a ‘bucket-list’ item. The opportunity
to visit so many parts of this iconic maritime region of New Zealand is rare and coupled
with the addition of some truly world-class gardens to view simply adds to the experience.
This is the tour you’ve been waiting for, encompassing all the levels of Bay Tours service
you’ve come to expect. Join us for an unforgettable odyssey around these island
wonderlands.
| 15Tour No. 325
Autumn Progressive Lunch
Date Wednesday 25th March
Times All collected by 11.20am
Cost $125.00
Payment Full payment upon booking please
Price includes Door to door transport, 3 course lunch
A theme of rejuvenation and rebirth runs through our three
deliciously diverse lunch destinations today.
Over the years many a lunch has been enjoyed at what used to
be called The Clifton Café. But it had become rather run down
and the menu wasn’t what it once was. Well it has re-opened
with dynamic new ownership and a new name – Hygge. This is
a Danish word meaning the essence of what is good in life.
Happiness, enjoyment and comfort are encompassed by this
word. And reviews since it opened certainly reflect this. We’ll
enjoy our Entrée here. Then we’re off into Napier and the new
restaurant opened in November whose name also says it all –
Central Fire Station. Head Chef Sam Clark and his Argentinian
wife, Florencia who’s also a chef, are new arrivals in Hawke’s Bay. Sam’s pedigree is first
class having been Head Chef at Cable Bay restaurant on Waiheke Island and more recently
at renowned Auckland eatery Clooney. Our Main Course here should be something
special. It’s a short jump down to Market St, the new restaurant and bar in what was the
old Criterion Hotel. Owners, Steve and Sarah Kelly, already operate two successful
hospitality premises in Palmerston North and they’ve certainly brought vision and
originality to the grand space. Our Dessert here promises to be a memorable end to an
incredible lunch.
Tour No. 401 & 717
Mystery Day Out #1 & #2
Date Wednesday 1st April & Friday 17th July
Times All collected by 8.45am
Cost $125.00
Payment As you board, money in an envelope with your name please
Price includes Door to door transport, morning tea, lunch, all activities
Shhh we’re not saying anything about this iconic
regular tour. NOTHING! The tours will be different
to each other so book onto both tours for double the
excitement!
It’s a mystery. You will remember that they’re
always interesting trips, with great sights and
destinations so come and join the fun. Trust us, we
know what we’re doing!
16 |Tour No. 404
NZ Tattoo – Palmerston North
Date Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th April
Times All collected by 9.30am
Cost $445.00 Twin Share | $545.00 Single Room
Payment $250.00 upon booking, balance due Wednesday 26th February
Price includes Door to door transport, accommodation, lunch, pre-show drink &
nibbles, premium show ticket
Given New Zealand’s strong international reputation earned by our military bands, pipes
and drums and Marching teams, it was no surprise when Wellington was chosen to host
the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for their first
performances outside Scotland in 2000. Their return in 2016
inspired the planning for our own military tattoo celebrating
our armed services and their achievements in a uniquely Kiwi
way. Situated between two of New Zealand’s most prominent
military bases, Palmerston North was the natural venue for
this one-off spectacular.
The marching band tradition of our armed services goes back
to their very beginnings. Bringing together the bands of all
three armed services along with five further marching
bands will make for a stunning sight as they entertain us as
part of a variety of ceremonies and military manoeuvres. Add to this the Massed Pipes
and Drums of five superb pipe bands, highland dancers and various military and police
display teams and you have a truly memorable evening of exhilarating music and visual
precision. And all narrated by the incomparable Judy Bailey.
As always, Bay Tours have premium tickets as part of this exciting overnight visit to
Palmerston North. Book now for this unique experience.
Even More Value For Multi Day Tours
We’re bringing even greater value to tours you
take with the Tour Club.
To recognise your enthusiasm and support for
the tours we create, we want to make them
even more attractive. With effect from 1st July
2019 each overnight trip, or longer, that you
take with us will count towards achieving a
credit.
If you take 3 tours with us, of 1 night or
longer, within a 12-month period from 1st July
to 30th June, you’ll receive a $100 credit against the price of your 4th tour.
It couldn’t be simpler. For every 3 tours you take with us of overnight duration or longer,
between now and 30 June 2020, we’ll credit $100 against the price of your 4th booking.
PLEASE NOTE: This scheme applies only to our tours that are for one or more nights
duration. No Day Trips apply. 4th trip must be taken within the same 12-month period
| 17Tour No. 407
Lunch at Wallingford
Date Tuesday 7th April
Times All collected by 9.45am
Cost $155.00
Payment Full payment upon booking please
Price includes Door to door transport, morning tea, lunch with a glass of wine or
juice
In 2017, after 160 years and four generations of Ormond family ownership, Wallingford
Estate in CHB was sold. Named by founder J.D. Ormond after his hometown in England,
at its height in the first couple of decades of the 20 th century the property encompassed
34,000 acres and the homestead was over 10,000 square feet and, very unusually, all on
one level. The Ormonds’ were prominent in almost every facet of Hawke’s Bay life over
the first 100 years of European settlement of the province.
Wallingford became a centre of the farming communities east of Waipukurau and out to
the coast. It seems all those who grew up in the district have their own memories of visits
to Wallingford.
That spirit of community, history and hospitality
strongly drives acclaimed Sydney chef, Chris
Stockdale, originally a Tararua boy, and his wife,
Jeanette, as they now offer luxury stays and events
at the historic property. Join us for what is always a
wonderful drive to Wallingford, particularly with the
autumn colours out in April, and a stunning lunch
created by Chris followed by a talk and tour by fifth
generation Mick Ormond who grew up on the property. What a wonderful day out awaits
us.
Tour No. 415
Exploring New Plymouth to Raglan
Date Wednesday 15th – Monday 20th April
Times All collected by 8.15am
Cost $1975.00 Twin Share | $2625.00 Single Room
Payment $750.00 upon booking, balance due Thursday 20th February
Price includes Door to door transport, accommodation x5, breakfast x5, morning tea
x2, lunch x5, dinner x5, all activities
The section of State Highway 3 which follows the west coast of the North Island from
New Plymouth up to Hamilton is rarely explored by those of us here in the east. Initially
clinging to the coast and following the North Taranaki Bight before turning inland at Mokau
to avoid Mt Messenger and head into King Country. Following the Waipa River through
Otorohanga to Te Awamutu and the prosperous rolling dairy country of the Waikato it
makes it’s way into Hamilton itself where it morphs into SH23 out to Raglan back on the
18 |west coast. So we’re going to spend a number of days wandering this area with plenty of
reminders of classic New Zealand.
Day 1: We head west with lunch in Whanganui and a stop at the southern terminus of
SH3 at Hawera then on to New Plymouth and the lovely Devon Hotel, our base for the
next couple of nights.
Day 2: Begins with an opportunity to explore the city at leisure with destinations such as
Puke Ariki Museum, the amazing Len Lye Gallery or the City Shopping Centre mall.
Then it’s off to the magnificent Pukeiti
Garden, in the shadow of Taranaki/Mt
Egmont, for lunch and a guided tour.
Taranaki must be amongst the best regions
in the country for gardens and Pukeiti
together with its sibling property, Tupare,
closer to town and with its Chapman-Taylor
homestead, are two of the best. We enjoy
both today.
Day 3: We start heading north following
the coast to the little fishing settlement of
Mokau which is a mecca for whitebaiters during the season. Who knows what might be
on the lunch menu at the Whitebait Inn? After lunch we divert off SH3 to visit Nevalea
Alpacas, New Zealand’s largest Alpaca farm with nearly 900 animals, including baby cria.
We’ll walk among these calm, graceful beasts with owners Leonie and Neville and learn
about shearing them and the final fibre product.
After a brief stop in Kiwiana capital,
Otorohanga, we spend the night in ‘Rose Town’,
Te Awamutu.
Day 4: Today sees us initially head further inland
to stunning Sanctuary Mountain at
Mangatautari for a guided tour around this bird,
animal and plant reserve before we can resist the
call of the coast no longer and turn west for the
historic settlement of Kawhia and the beautiful
inlet it overlooks. A special lunch at the Boating
& Angling Club will be followed (weather & tides willing) with a little jaunt to Kawhia’s
Hot Water Beach for a paddle and brief soak. From here it’s up through Pirongia Forest
Park and Ngahinapouri to Hamilton and our hotel, the wonderful Novotel Tainui right
on the Waikato River.
A day trip to Raglan is the focus of Day 5: A cruise on the tranquil Raglan Harbour is
followed by a fish & chips lunch at The Wharf and a look around town. A view of the
stunning Bridal Veil Falls is a must before a complete change of pace with a visit to the
Classics Museum, a temple of homage to the American cars of the past with more than
100 on display. What a day!
Day 6: is home day but not before we visit the world-class Hamilton Gardens and, in
particular their just opened Picturesque Garden themed on the story from Mozart’s
Magic Flute opera. This glorious new garden, together with all the other themed gardens
at this most impressive venue, is bound to amaze and entertain. After morning tea here
we begin our journey south towards home this afternoon and our own beds.
The Taranaki, King Country and Waikato regions are choc-full of hidden gems we’ll be
discovering on this tour. Join us to gain a greater appreciation of one of the North Islands
least travelled highways.
| 19Tour No. 423
Evening Progressive Dinner
Date Thursday 23rd April
Times All collected by 5.50pm
Cost $155.00
Payment Full payment upon booking please
Price includes Door to door transport, 3 course dinner
On this edition we visit three of our favourite lunch venues
for ‘the main gig’ of dinner. An Entrée start is at beautiful
Mangapapa Hotel. What a sight this historic homestead
and gardens will be as the sun is going down in the early
evening. Head Chef Norka Mella Murnoz has wowed us with
her lunch offerings before and no doubt tonight will be no
different. Then it’s out to Te Awanga and the super-stylish
Elephant Hill for our Main Course. Awarded ‘Two Hats’
(NZ equivalent of Michelin Stars) by Cuisine magazine in 2018 as well as ‘NZ Winery
Restaurant Of The Year’, Elephant Hill continues to present stunning dishes that showcase
Hawke’s Bay’s superb diversity of produce. And what surroundings. Chef Francky Godinho,
at St Georges restaurant between Havelock North and Hastings, has long been one of
our favourites and many a lunch has been enjoyed there. His Desserts are always
memorable and the charming venue will be an ideal finishing point for our exciting dinner.
Tour No. 425
The Ten Tenors - Napier
Date Saturday 25th April
Times All collected by 6.30pm
Cost $240.00
Payment Full payment upon booking please
Price includes Door to door transport, dinner, premium ticket to show
The legendary Classical Crossover
vocal group are touring New
Zealand in 2020. Renowned for
their spectacular 10-part harmonies
and their irresistible repertoire of
romantic pop songs, ballads and
arias. With now more than 2400
sold-out shows and 1.25 million
album sales, The Ten Tenors will charm you with their soaring vocals interpreting a wide
variety of magnificent melodies. With dinner at Breakers before the show and, as always,
premium tickets at the Municipal Theatre, this will be a night to savour. Secure your
seat now.
20 |Tour No. 427
White Island, Tarawera & Beyond
Date Monday 27th April – Friday 1st May
Times All collected by 8.15am
Cost $2,815.00 Twin Share | $3,325.00 Single Room
Payment $500.00 upon booking, balance due Friday 21st February
Price includes Door to door transport, breakfast x4, morning tea x2, lunch x3,
dinner x3, accommodation x4, helicopter flight and all activities
Following the fabulous success of our initial tour two years ago, we’re delighted to once
again offer you the rare opportunity to visit an active volcano – White Island which is
privately owned – as well as cruising the lakes on both sides of Mt Tarawera that were
so dramatically altered by the eruption. Here’s a brief summary of our planned visit;
Day 1: We head towards Taupō in the usual way, but we
turn south and follow the lake to Turangi and the new
Volcanic Activity Centre. A great way to set the scene
for the days ahead. Lunch is right on the southern shores
of Lake Taupo at Braxmere Resort at the ancient village
of Waihi near Tokaanu. Then we follow the western side
of the lake north to Rotorua and our base at the lovely
Novotel Lakeside Hotel.
Day 2: After a leisurely start to the morning we’re taken on a walking tour of the lakeside
village of Ohinemutu, the first settlement of what would become Rotorua City. After lunch
we’re collected from our hotel for an amphibious ‘Duck Tour’ out to Lake Tarawera in
modified WWII landing craft. This will be a unique perspective on both road and water as
we begin the amazing story of the Tarawera Eruption. Huge fun!
Day 3: This morning we complete our Tarawera odyssey with a visit to the Waimangu
Volcanic Valley on the other side of the volcano culminating in a guided cruise across
Lake Rotomahana where it’s now believed part of the Pink Terraces still exist below
the water. After lunch, we return to town and there’ll be
the option for a hot pool soak at the Polynesian Spa.
Day 4: Today, in what will probably be the highlight of
the tour, we’ll fly by helicopter leaving from close to our
hotel, out to White Island 48 kilometres off the Bay Of
Plenty coast. As we approach the island the aerial view of
New Zealand’s only permanently active volcano will be
breath-taking. Once we land on the crater floor our
pilot will guide us around the crater to steam vents, hot streams, sulphur formations and
to the steaming crater itself. We’ll see the crumbling ruins of the sulphur factory that
was abandoned in 1933 and learn how the landscape is constantly changing. This is a
once-in-a-lifetime experience and on many peoples ‘bucket-list’. Tonight, back in Rotorua,
we’ll enjoy a truly sumptuous buffet (and sunset) at the restaurant at the top of the
Skyline Gondola. What a day for the memory.
Day 5: After yesterday’s excitement, we can enjoy a relaxed start to the day. Relax in
your room or go for a final wander along the Rotorua lakefront. We stop at Taupō for
lunch before heading home.
This tour is a chance to experience what precious few Kiwis will. A visit and walk on an
active volcano. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience them up close.
| 21Tour No. 506
Brian Hales & His Exotic Sheep Breeds
Date Wednesday 6th May
Times All collected by 8.30am
Cost $115.00
Payment As you board, money in an envelope with your name please
Price includes Door to door transport, morning tea, lunch
Many will have heard of Wimbledon (that’s southern
Hawke’s Bay, not SW19) farmer, amateur archaeologist
and philanthropist, Brian Hales, and his accumulation
of exotic sheep breeds – said to be the largest in New
Zealand. Some will recall seeing Brian feature on an
episode of Country Calendar in 2017 where his volunteer
work with local Weber School was also part of the item.
Every year, at Labour Weekend, Brian opens his farm to
the public and exhibits his sheep breeds, offers tastings
straight from the bbq of the variety of meat cuts they
produce, gives away free wool from their fleeces, hosts exotic breeds of other animals etc.
And all for free!
Pupils at Weber and other local schools have benefited from field trips to Brian’s farm for
many years and we’ve been invited for a private visit ourselves.
Brian will host us and show us around his property, introduce us to some of his rare sheep
breeds - including the Jacob from Scotland, thought to have been introduced there by the
Vikings - and we’ll enjoy lunch with him as well.
Brian is a past nominee for NZ Person Of The Year for his generous volunteer work with
schools and is widely considered in the area to be an all round ‘Good Bloke’.
Join us for a day spent in the highly entertaining and edifying company of a local legend.
Tour No. 510
Canadian Rockies by Train & Alaska Cruise
Date Sunday 10th May – Tuesday 2nd June
Times All collected by 12.30pm
Cost $19,895.00 Twin Share | $26,895.00 Single Room
Payment $10,000.00 upon booking, balance due Friday 21st February
Price includes Door to door transport, breakfast x10, lunch x5, dinner x9,
accommodation x13, all flights ex Napier return, Rocky Mountaineer,
Cruise including all meals & entertainment, all transfers and activities
The rather over-used moniker ‘Bucket-List’ is right on the mark for many when we think
of the Rocky Mountains and Alaska’s mighty coastal glacier region. These are parts of the
world where humans have never managed to impose
themselves upon the nature of things as they have in most
other parts of this planet.
In May Bay Tours are heading into the impossibly magnificent
Rocky Mountains of Canada followed by a spectacular cruise
from Vancouver up Alaska’s southern coast and into the
22 |famous Inside Passage. Never has there been the opportunity to explore the jaw-
dropping natural wonders of this part of North America all in one tour – together with time
in two of the most gracious cities in that part of the world, Vancouver and Seattle. In
total you’ll spend 24 days in opulent comfort, scarcely believing the sights and sounds
your senses are absorbing. The word ‘memorable’ doesn’t even begin to do it justice.
Here’s a taste of what’s in store:
Days 1-3: Hawke’s Bay to Vancouver We fly to
Auckland in the afternoon to link with our
international flight to Vancouver which departs that
evening. We arrive the same day we left courtesy of
the dateline with time to stretch our legs. There’s
free time to wander and explore Vancouver at your
leisure and we’ll have plenty of info on where to start.
Days 4 & 5: Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver to Jasper Your Rockies adventure starts
this morning as we board at the Vancouver Railroad Station. From the comfort of your
luxury seat you’ll watch, over these two days, the scenery change from coastal plains to
river gorges and through the Cascade Mountains to the town of Kamloops for the first
night where we’re transferred to our hotel for the evening. This is, perhaps, the perfect
mix of premium travel by rail and the secure generosity of a great
night’s sleep. We re-board the train for breakfast in the Canadian Rockies themselves and
the province of Alberta. We climb even higher towards Mount Robson, at over 12,000
feet (higher than Mt Cook), Pyramid Falls and Yellowhead Pass. We make our way to
the resort town of Jasper for the evening.
Days 6-8: Jasper to Banff (by coach): We leave our train for a few days and travel by
luxury coach on one of the most scenic highways in the world visiting the Columbia
Icefield before arriving at the impossibly beautiful Lake Louise for the night. The
following day features a visit to Yoho National Park including stops at the Emerald Lake
and Kicking Horse River. The tour ends at our hotel in the city of Banff. A day off
travelling begins with a half-day sightseeing tour plus Banff National Park viewed by
gondola. The afternoon is free time to explore.
Days 9 & 10: Rocky Mountaineer Banff to Vancouver: This morning we re-join our
train. Enjoy breakfast onboard as we now take a different
route towards the western side of the Continental
Divide. The Spiral Tunnels and Craigellachie, where
the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven,
feature today. We arrive back in Kamloops this evening.
In the morning we continue west and gradually descend
the steep slopes along the Thompson River and the
rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon with an afternoon arrival back to
Vancouver.
Days 11 & 12: Vancouver A day and a bit to relax and explore this wonderful, vibrant
city before we embark on our Alaska cruise. Maybe a visit to world-class Butchart
Gardens on Victoria Island, or perhaps take a shuttle to Grouse Mountain and
Vancouver Peak to view the Grizzly Bears and birds of prey. This evening we have dinner
with our Tour Club friends who are joining us for the Alaska cruise. The following morning
there’s enough time to wander or re-pack before Vancouver Cruise Terminal beckons and
we embark the magnificent Celebrity Solstice that will be our home for the next 7 days.
Recipient of many awards for its clever design and elegant interiors since its launch in
2012, the ship’s extensive daily activity schedule delivered to your stateroom each evening
will make for some hard choices in what to fit into the following day. With both outdoor
| 23You can also read
