Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours

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Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
small group escapes
for mature travellers

      2020/2021
    tour programme
Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
small group escapes
                                                                                                                                                                                  for mature travellers

                                                                                                                                                                       One of the best views of Aoraki/Mt Cook is from Lake Pukaki
    2020/2021 Tour Programme
    4    Introduction to MoaTours                          28   Country Roads & Cross Hills Gardens Fair         40   Great Barrier Island Escape                        48      Hawkes Bay Art Deco Festival
                                                                Wednesday 18 Nov – Tuesday 24 Nov                     Saturday 9 Jan – Wednesday 13 Jan                          Thursday 18 Feb – Monday 22 Feb
    6    MoaTours Activities                                    Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/                   Thursday 14 Jan – Monday 18 Jan                            Cost: $2,290 per person twin share/
                                                                $3,390 per person single accommodation                Cost: $2,590 per person twin share/                        $2,690 per person single accommodation
         OCTOBER                                                                                                      $2,990 per person single accommodation
    8    Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook,                       DECEMBER                                                                                                         MARCH
         Milford & Franz Josef                             8    Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook,                 42   Wairarapa Wandering                                44      Summertime in Northland
         Tuesday 20 Oct – Wednesday 28 Oct                      Milford & Franz Josef                                 Monday 11 Jan – Sunday 17 Jan                              Sunday 7 Mar - Friday 12 Mar
         Cost: $5,690 per person twin share/                    Tuesday 1 Dec – Wednesday 9 Dec                       Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/                        Cost: $2,590 per person twin share/
         $6,290 per person single accommodation                 Cost: $5,690 per person twin share/                   $3,390 per person single accommodation                     $2,990 per person single accommodation
                                                                $6,290 per person single accommodation
    10   Taranaki Rhododendron Gardens                                                                           8    Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook,                   16      Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins
         Friday 23 Oct – Tuesday 27 Oct                    26   The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds                                                                         Monday 8 Mar – Sunday 14 Mar
                                                                                                                      Milford & Franz Josef
         Cost: $2,190 per person twin share/                    Thursday 10 Dec – Wednesday 16 Dec                                                                               Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
                                                                                                                      Friday 15 Jan – Saturday 23 Jan
         $2,490 per person single accommodation                 Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/                                                                              $4,390 per person single accommodation
                                                                $3,390 per person single accommodation                Cost: $5,690 per person twin share/
                                                                                                                      $6,290 per person single accommodation
    12   Canterbury Springtime Gardens &                                                                                                                                 46      Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey
         Hanmer Springs Fete                               14   Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins                                                                   Monday 8 Mar – Sunday 14 Mar
                                                                Sunday 13 Dec – Saturday 19 Dec                  24   East Cape Caper                                            Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
         Wednesday 28 Oct - Tuesday 3 Nov
                                                                Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/                   Monday 18 Jan – Saturday 23 Jan                            $4,490 per person single accommodation
         Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
                                                                $4,390 per person single accommodation                Cost: $2,490 per person twin share/
         $3,990 per person single accommodation
                                                                                                                      $2,790 per person single accommodation             50      Early Explorers from Queen Charlotte
    14   Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins    30   Christmas in Northland                                                                                           Sound to Akaroa
                                                                Wednesday 23 Dec – Monday 28 Dec                 16   Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins             Sunday 14 Mar - Saturday 20 Mar
         Saturday 31 Oct – Friday 6 Nov
                                                                Cost: $2,790 per person twin share/                   Sunday 24 Jan – Saturday 30 Jan                            Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
         Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
                                                                $3,090 per person single accommodation                Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/                        $3,990 per person single accommodation
         $4,390 per person single accommodation
                                                                                                                      $4,390 per person single accommodation
                                                           32   Christmas in Marlborough                                                                                 52      The Far South: Hidden Treasures
         NOVEMBER
                                                                Wednesday 23 Dec – Monday 28 Dec                 18   Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman & 		                   Tuesday 16 Mar – Monday 22 Mar
    16   Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman &
                                                                Cost: $3,190 per person twin share/                   Golden Bay                                                 Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
         Golden Bay
                                                                $3,590 per person single accommodation                Sunday 24 Jan – Saturday 30 Jan                            $3,990 per person single accommodation
         Thursday 5 Nov – Wednesday 11 Nov
         Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/                                                                          Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
                                                           34   Christmas in Taranaki                                 $3,990 per person single accommodation             54      Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails
         $3,990 per person single accommodation                 Wednesday 23 Dec – Sunday 27 Dec                                                                                 Friday 19 March – Thursday 25 March
                                                                Cost: $2,690 per person twin share/                                                                              Friday 26 Mar – Thursday 1 Apr
    18   High Country Stations, Gardens & Goldfields                                                             44   Summertime in Northland
                                                                $2,990 per person single accommodation                                                                           Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
         Friday 6 Nov – Thursday 12 Nov                                                                               Tuesday 26 Jan – Sunday 31 Jan
         Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/                                                                          Cost: $2,590 per person twin share/                        $3,990 per person single accommodation
                                                           36   Christmas in the Bay
         $3,990 per person single accommodation                                                                       $2,990 per person single accommodation
                                                                Thursday 24 Dec – Monday 28 Dec                                                                          18      Molesworth Station, the Abel Tasman &
                                                                Cost: $2,690 per person twin share/                                                                              Golden Bay
    20   Coromandel Caper                                       $2,990 per person single accommodation                FEBRUARY
         Saturday 7 Nov - Tuesday 10 Nov                                                                         46   Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey                        Sunday 21 Mar – Saturday 27 Mar
         Cost: $1,390 per person twin share/                                                                          Monday 1 Feb - Sunday 7 Feb                                Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/
                                                           38   Queenstown New Year’s Eve &                                                                                      $3,990 per person single accommodation
         $1,690 per person single accommodation                 Southern Icons                                        Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
                                                                Wednesday 30 Dec – Monday 4 Jan                       $4,490 per person single accommodation
                                                                                                                                                                                 APRIL
    22   East Cape Caper                                        Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/                                                                      56      Kaikoura & Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow
         Sunday 8 Nov – Friday 13 Nov                           $4,390 per person single accommodation           42   Wairarapa Wandering
                                                                                                                                                                                 Thursday 1 Apr - Monday 5 Apr
         Cost: $2,490 per person twin share/                                                                          Monday 8 Feb – Sunday 14 Feb
                                                                                                                                                                                 Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/
         $2,790 per person single accommodation                 JANUARY                                               Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/                        $3,390 per person single accommodation
                                                           26   The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds              $3,390 per person single accommodation
    24   Otago Farmhouse Gardens & Victorian Fete               Monday 4 Jan – Sunday 10 Jan
                                                                                                                                                                         46      Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey
         Friday 13 Nov – Thursday 19 Nov                        Sunday 31 Jan – Saturday 6 Feb                   16   Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins             Tuesday 6 Apr – Monday 12 Apr
         Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/                    Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/                   Friday 12 Feb – Thursday 18 Feb                            Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/
         $3,990 per person single accommodation                 $3,390 per person single accommodation                Cost: $3,990 per person twin share/                        $4,490 per person single accommodation
                                                                                                                      $4,390 per person single accommodation
    26   The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds          18   High Country Stations, Gardens & Goldfields
                                                                                                                                                                         58      How to book with MoaTours
         Sunday 15 Nov – Saturday 21 Nov                        Wednesday 6 Jan – Tuesday 12 Jan			              24   East Cape Caper                                            What to pack
         Cost: $2,990 per person twin share/                    Cost: $3,490 per person twin share/                   Wednesday 17 Feb – Monday 22 Feb
         $3,390 per person single accommodation                 $3,990 per person single accommodation
                                                                                                                      Cost: $2,490 per person twin share/                60      MoaTours booking conditions
                                                                                                                      $2,790 per person single accommodation                     Domestic cancellation insurance
                                                                Cover Photograph: Abel Tasman National Park

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Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
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 26 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.
      If you have any questions about our tours, please phone Tracy on 0800 662
      462 at the MoaTours office.
                                                                                                                  MoaTours are all inclusive
                                                                                                                  The tour price is all inclusive of land transport, meals, entrance fees, activities and
      Our Kiwi Guides and office team                       All of our guides are experienced in tour
                                                                                                                  Auckland/South Island/Auckland airfares. Many travellers join our tours from outside
                                                            driving and taking care of people, not to
                                                                                                                  Auckland. We will book your flight from your closest airport, just contact us for details.
      Our knowledgeable, helpful Kiwi guides are            mention their in-depth knowledge of our
      here to make every moment enjoyable and               culture, history, flora and fauna. Of course,
                                                            they have a few amusing tales of their own
                                                                                                                  Small groups of 18 travellers
      have a lifetime of holiday memories and
                                                                                                                  With a maximum of 18 travellers on board, every tour is intimate and flexible so it feels
      secret spots they love sharing. They are              to share too!
                                                                                                                  like travelling with a group of friends.
      unanimous in our belief that the personal
      touch of our small group style travel is the          Our Kiwi guides are fully supported by one
                                                            of the most experienced and committed                 Wine and dine with friendly locals and meet our specialist guides
      best way to see our beautiful country.
                                                            teams in New Zealand tourism. Tracy,                  Connecting with the locals is one of the best parts of travelling. We offer one-of-a-kind
                                                            Tanya, Imke and Alisha are here to help               experiences meeting our friendly local hosts over delicious lunches in private homes,
                                                            with any queries. We all aim to make                  gardens and farmhouses. And when we visit galleries, museums and unique places,
                                                            your MoaTours experience relaxed and                  MoaTours have specialist guides arranged to share their passion and knowledge with us.
                                                            enjoyable from start to finish.
                                                                                                                  High quality accommodation
                                                            MoaTours is a family business founded by              Our accommodation is chosen for its sense of place. Relax at the end of the day in
                                                            mother and son team Ena Hutchinson and                quality, contemporary 4-star hotels, and when we’re off the beaten track, in bespoke
                                                            Miles Clark. They live and breathe New                motels and B&Bs.
                                                            Zealand, and are always out and about
                                                            researching new itineraries and refining              Purpose built coaches
                                                            existing ones to ensure our travellers'               We own and operate late model, turbo-diesel midsized coaches. The coaches are
                                                            experience is unsurpassed in New Zealand              comfortably appointed with customised interiors and climate control.
             MoaTours is a family business: Miles and Ena
                                                            small group touring.

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Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
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.

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Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
Day 1: Fly to Christchurch – Akaunui Farm – Aoraki/Mt Cook
                                                                                                                        From Christchurch, we head to Akaunui Farm to lunch with Di and Ian Mackenzie before
                                                                                                                        driving through Burkes Pass to the tussock lands of the Mackenzie Country and a
                                                                                                                        photostop at Lake Tekapo’s church and sheepdog statue and dine in the Panorama Room
                                                                                                                        where Aoraki/Mt Cook (3,724 metres) dominates the view.

                                                                                                                        Day 2: Aoraki/Mt Cook – Lindis Pass – Queenstown
                                                                                                                        Wake up to the beauty of this alpine valley and take a stroll in the Aoraki National Park.
                                                                                                                        We head down the mountain rimmed Mackenzie Basin to Omarama and over the golden
                                                                                                                        tussock hillsides of the Lindis Pass. The rugged Kawarau Gorge and the Gibbston valley
                                                                                                                        vineyards lead on to Queenstown, our home for three nights.

                                                                                                                        Day 3: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Milford Cruise – Scenic Flight
                                                     We take a nature and wildlife cruise on beautiful Milford Sound.   Follow the shores of lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau into the mountains, beech forests and
                                                                                                                        waterfalls of spectacular Fiordland National Park. Cruise beautiful Milford Sound, home to
                                                                                                                        seals and dolphins and iconic Mitre Peak and take a magnificent scenic flight back over
    Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook, Milford                                                                            the Southern Alps to Queenstown.

    & Franz Josef                                                                                                       Day 4: Queenstown– sightseeing – Glenorchy
                                                                                                                        We catch the Gondola up to the Skyline ridge to enjoy the views of The Remarkables and
    Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, cruise on Milford Sound and                                      this pretty resort town. We cruise on TSS Earnslaw on the lake and drive to Glenorchy,
    take a spectacular flight back over the Alps to Queenstown. From Wanaka, the                                        returning to Queenstown to stroll the shops and waterfront.
    Haast Pass leads to lush rainforests, Franz Josef Glacier, Okarito Lagoon and
    Punakaiki’s wild coastline.                                                                                         Day 5: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Cardrona Hotel – Wanaka
                                                                                                                        We call into leafy, picturesque Arrowtown where gold mining history comes alive beside the
    Christchurch – Aoraki/Mt Cook – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Wanaka – Franz Josef                                   Arrow River. From the Crown Range we take in the last views of the Wakatipu basin. We
    Glacier – Okarito Lagoon – Punakaiki – Denniston – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch                                     lunch at historic Cardrona Hotel and sample at the family owned Distillery nearby before
                                                                                                                        arriving at our hotel beside the lake at Wanaka.

                                                                                                                        Day 6: Wanaka – Haast Pass – Lake Matheson – Franz Josef
    Tour dates                     Tour Highlights                                                                      We drive beside lakes Hawea and Wanaka and through the mountain and river scenery
                                   • On Milford Sound take nature and wildlife cruise out to the Tasman Sea.            of the Haast Pass. There are short walks in the beech forests to waterfalls and coastal
    8 nights/9 days
                                   • Take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu.                     scenery at Ship Creek to enjoy. Lush rainforest lines the road as we head north to Fox
    Tuesday 20 October –           • At Akaunui Farm enjoy a private lunch with Di and Ian Mackenzie.
    Wednesday 28 October 2020
                                                                                                                        Glacier, Lake Matheson and on to Franz Josef.
                                   • Walk in the great outdoors in Aoraki/Mt Cook, Fiordland, Mt Aspiring,
    Tuesday 1 December –            Tai Poutini Westland, Paparoa and Arthur’s Pass National Parks.                     Day 7: Franz Josef – Okarito Lagoon – Hokitika – Punakaiki
    Wednesday 9 December 2020      • Cruise on historic steamboat TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu.
                                                                                                                        At Okarito we take an hour’s cruise on the lagoon looking out for birdlife in wetlands
                                   • Drive over the Crown Range and lunch at historic Cardrona Hotel.
    Friday 15 January –                                                                                                 bordered by ancient forests. Our local guide Paula takes us on a walking tour of this tiny
    Saturday 23 January 2021       • Enjoy a tipple and a tour of the Cardrona Distillery.
                                   • Stroll in Haast Pass’ mountain beech forests to waterfalls and blue pools.         settlement of 30 people. We visit the artists of Hokitika before reaching Paparoa National
    Cost per person                • Cruise on the Okarito Lagoon in search of birdlife.                                Park and Punakaiki, our home for two nights.
                                   • Take a walking tour with a local guide around Okarito’s tiny settlement.
    $5,690         $6,290          • See the blow holes at the Punakaiki Pancake rocks.                                 Day 8: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – Denniston – Westport – Punakaiki
    Twin Share     Single          • Visit remote Denniston where coal was first mined in 1879.                         See the Pancake rocks and blowholes, limestone cliffs and karst rock formations and river
                                                                                                                        valleys of subtropical forest. Further up the coast, Denniston Plateau gives an insight into
                                                                                                                        the lives of early coal miners and their families. We stroll to the seal colony near Cape
                                                                                                                        Foulwind before returning down the coast road to Punakaiki.
                          What Tracy loves about this tour:
                          "If you've always dreamed of visiting the real South Island icons of Mount                    Day 9: Punakaiki – Brunner – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch – Fly to Auckland
                          Cook, Milford Sound, Queenstown and the West Coast then this is the trip
                                                                                                                        From Lake Brunner we drive up the Otira Viaduct, a spectacular cantilevered road, and
                          for you. This is the chance for Kiwis to discover what overseas visitors have
                                                                                                                        stop to photograph the cheeky Kea parrots and enjoy the alpine and river scenery of
                          known for so long, the South Island is amazing!"
                                                                                                                        Arthur’s Pass National Park before continuing to Christchurch Airport.

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Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
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
     Friday 23 October –           • Visit Judi Gopperth at Hirst Cottage and garden
     Tuesday 27 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.”

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Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
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 Hanmer
                                                                                                                     Springs and dine out 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.”

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Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
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.

                                                                                                                           Day 5: Kaka Point – Royal Albatross colony, Otago Peninsula – Dunedin
     Queenstown – Invercargill – Stewart Island –The Catlins – 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 stop at the bottom of
     6 nights/7 days
                                       • Tour the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Gore                                           Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world. Take in the views from Signal Hill, lunch
     Sat 31 Oct – Fri 6 Nov 2020       • In Invercargill visit Bill Richardson’s Transport World, Classic                  at Carey’s Bay historic hotel and visit the Tropical Forest butterfly house.
     Sun 13 Dec – Sat 19 Dec 2020       Motorcycles and Burt Munro’s Indian Scout
                                       • Return flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island
     Sun 24 Jan – Sat 30 Jan 2021
                                       • Cruise the sheltered waters of beautiful Paterson Inlet                           Day 7 – Dunedin sightseeing – Fly to Auckland
     Fri 12 Feb – Thur 18 Feb 2021     • Land at Ulva Island, teeming with birdlife                                        There’s time to further check out Dunedin city this morning, visiting Toitu Otago Settlers
     Mon 8 Mar – Sun 14 Mar 2021       • Visit dramatic Nugget Point lighthouse in the Catlins
                                                                                                                           Museum and checking out the inner city where Robbie Burns’ statue takes pride of place
                                       • Have fun at The Lost Gypsy Gallery
     Cost per person                   • Visit the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head                                  in The Octagon. We lunch nearby then continue to Dunedin airport.
                                       • Guided tour of historic Olveston House built in 1904
     $3,990          $4,390
     Twin Share      Single                                                                                                                                       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.”

14                                              moatours.co.nz
Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
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. We stay two nights in Hanmer Springs
                                                                                                                          and dine out both evenings.

                                                                                                                          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
     Christchurch – Hanmer Springs – Molesworth Station – Lewis Pass – Nelson – Golden Bay                                At Kaiteriteri we board a purpose built catamaran to cruise along the Abel Tasman
                                                                                                                          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
                                                                                                                          Day 5: Nelson - Anatoki Salmon Farm – Waikoropupu Springs – Pohara Beach
                                       • Enjoy lunch at a Hurunui farmhouse on the way to Hanmer
     6 nights/7 days                                                                                                      We drive over Takaka Hill into Golden Bay. At beautiful Te Waikoropupu Springs the
                                       • Stay two nights in lovely Hanmer Springs
     Thursday 5 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
     Wednesday 11 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
     Sunday 24 January –               • Visit the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum                           ambience of San Souci Inn.
     Saturday 30 January 2021          • Cruise the stunning coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park
                                       • See Waikoropupu Springs in Takaka – the world’s purest water
     Sunday 21 March –
     Saturday 27 March 2021            • 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
     Cost per person                   • 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
                                       • 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
     $3,490         $3,990             • Walk the perfect sands or take a dip at Pohara Beach
     Twin Share     Single                                                                                                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.

16                                             moatours.co.nz                                                                                                                                                          17
Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2020/2021 tour programme - MoaTours
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
     Ranfurly – Macraes Flat – Lawrence – Dunedin                                                                      farm to Sutherland’s Hut, built in 1866 it’s the oldest hut in the high country. At Burkes
                                                                                                                       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                                                                                                   Travel the Waitaki Valley to Kurow and on to lunch and to hear the history of the
                                      Station Peak Homestead, Hakataramea & Linlithgow Farm, Lawrence
     Friday 6 November –             • Homebush museum’s astonishing collection of Kiwi memorabilia                    Pavletich family who have lived at Station Peak, Hakataramea since 1917. We drive up the
     Thursday 12 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,
     Wednesday 6 January –           • Historic Orari Gorge Station, gardens and buildings                             once at the hub of a thriving goldfield, before reaching Hawkdun Lodge in Ranfurly.
     Tuesday 12 January 2021         • At Four Peaks Station we visit a shepherd’s hut built in 1866
                                     • Stay in view rooms at The Hemitage, Aoraki/Mt Cook
                                     • From Waitaki Valley drive over Danseys Pass
                                     • Stop for refreshments at Danseys Pass Coach Inn                                 Day 6: Ranfurly – Macraes Flat – Hyde – Middlemarch – Lawrence
     Cost per person                 • See Macraes Flat massive opencast mine                                          Visit Art Deco Ranfurly and view Macraes Flat vast opencast gold mine. We lunch nearby
                                     • Meet the locals in lovely Lawrence                                              at Stanley’s Hotel built in 1882 and drive the golden tussocks of the Rock and Pillar range
     $3,490         $3,990           • Visit Gabriel’s Gully and the Chinese settlement
     Twin Share     Single                                                                                             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.

18                                           moatours.co.nz                                                                                                                                                          19
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
     3 nights/4 days               • Drive the spectacular coastal road along the Firth of Thames
                                   • 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.”

20                                         moatours.co.nz
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.
     Sunday 8 November –            • Visit a kiwifruit orchard and tour on quaint carts
     Friday 13 November 2020        • Enjoy ocean views along the dramatic coastal highway
                                    • Visit the East Cape Manuka Company                                                                                    Locals have formed a charitable trust to preserve Tologa Bay wharf
     Monday 18 January –
     Saturday 23 January 2021       • See Te Araroa’s huge pohutakawa tree
                                    • At Tikitiki visit historic St Mary’s church
     Wednesday 17 February –
     Monday 22 February 2021        • Tairawhiti Museum features major Captain Cook displays
                                    • Drive through world–renowned Eastwoodhill Arboretum
     Cost per person                • Visit beautiful Tiromoana Garden at Wainui Beach
                                    • Tour past the Green Lake and Blue Lake to Lake Tarawera
     $2,490         $2,790          • See the fascinating array of exhibits at the Buried Village Museum
     Twin Share     Single

                           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.”

22                                          moatours.co.nz
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
     Queenstown – Arrowtown – Clyde – Ophir – St Bathans – Ranfurly – Patearoa – Naseby –                       We call into Mary and Mac Wright’s hillside garden and Fay–Ann and Kelvin Thompson’s
                                                                                                                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                                                                                            We stop for brunch at the special seafood restaurant, Fleur’s Place in Moeraki. In Oamaru
                                   Clachanburn Station, Patearoa; Fleur’s Place, Moeraki; Elderslie Estate,
     Friday 13 November –          Oamaru; Te Timata Farm, Carew                                                the Fete is in full swing celebrating the town’s Victorian heritage amid streets of Oamaru
     Thursday 19 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.

24                                        moatours.co.nz                                                                                                                                                        25
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                                                                                                    From Taihape we cross the Central Plateau to explore the Inland Patea Heritage Trail along
                                      Debbie and Fraser Robertson at Crosshills Farm
     Sun 15 Nov – Sat 21 Nov 2020    • Ride the rail carts on a Forgotten World adventure                               the “Gentle Annie” travelled by the early Maori and stockmen. There are historic sites,
     Thur 10 Dec – Wed 16 Dec 2020   • Lunch at Whangamomona Hotel in the Forgotten World                               expansive views, a suspension bridge across the Rangitikei River and the largest sheep
                                     • 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.
     Mon 4 Jan – Sun 10 Jan 2021
                                     • Either take a 40 minute walk to The Bridge or explore further upstream
     Sun 31 Jan – Sat 6 Feb 2021      on the jet boat
                                     • From Pipiriki ride in a jet boat up the Whanganui River
                                     • 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.

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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
     Auckland – Tamahere – Taupo – Napier – Masterton – Feilding – Kairanga – Cross Hills Fair,                      We meet Judith Callaghan for morning tea at Dursley garden designed by Alfred Buxton
                                                                                                                     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                                                                                                 In Feilding we visit the Friday morning produce market and a local farmer guides us
                                   Greenhaugh Gardens, Palmerston North; Lansdale, Kairanga, Manawatu;
     Wednesday 18 November –       Crosshills Farm Garden, Otorohanga, Waikato                                       through the historic sale yards as the auctions begin. We lunch with Kathryn Wells at the
     Tuesday 24 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.

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