Small group escapes for mature travellers - 2021/2022 tour programme - MoaTours
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small group escapes
for mature travellers
2021/2022
tour programme
small group escapes
for mature travellers
One of the best views of Aoraki/Mt Cook is from Lake Pukaki
2021/2022 Tour Programme
4 Introduction to MoaTours 26 High Country Stations, Gardens & Goldfields 42 Christmas in Northland 24 East Cape Caper
Tuesday 2 Nov – Monday 8 Nov Thursday 23 Dec – Tuesday 28 Dec Tuesday 8 Feb – Sunday 13 Feb
6 MoaTours Activities Friday 5 Nov – Thursday 11 Nov
44 Christmas in Marlborough 12 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island
2021 8 Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook, Milford Thursday 23 Dec – Tuesday 28 Dec & The Catlins
SEPTEMBER & Franz Josef Friday 11 Feb – Thursday 17 Feb
8 Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook, Milford & Tuesday 9 Nov – Wednesday 17 Nov 46 Christmas in the Bay Monday 21 Feb – Sunday 27 Feb
Franz Josef Friday 24 Dec – Tuesday 28 Dec
Sunday 12 Sept – Monday 20 Sept 28 Coromandel Caper 38 High Country Stations, Gardens & Goldfields
Wednesday 10 Nov – Monday 15 Nov 48 Christmas in Taranaki Saturday 12 Feb – Friday 18 Feb
10 World of WearableArt Awards Show Wednesday 22 Dec – Monday 27 Dec Sunday 20 Feb – Saturday 26 Feb
Thursday 30 Sept – Tuesday 5 Oct 30 Molesworth Station, Abel Tasman
Friday 24 Dec – Wednesday 29 Dec
& Golden Bay
56 Hawkes Bay Art Deco Festival
OCTOBER Wednesday 10 Nov – Tuesday 16 Nov
50 Christmas in Otago: Catlins & Stewart Island Thursday 17 Feb – Tuesday 22 Feb
12 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island Thursday 25 Nov – Wednesday 1 Dec
Friday 24 Dec – Thursday 30 Dec
& The Catlins
58 The Far South: Hidden Treasures
Saturday 2 Oct – Friday 8 Oct 18 Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey
Friday 12 Nov – Thursday 18 Nov 2022 Monday 21 Feb – Sunday 27 Feb
Sunday 31 Oct – Saturday 6 Nov
JANUARY
20 The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds 36 Aotea Great Barrier Island Escape MARCH
14 Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia
Saturday 2 Oct – Friday 8 Oct Sunday 14 Nov – Saturday 20 Nov Monday 3 Jan – Friday 7 Jan 54 Summertime in Northland
Saturday 8 Jan – Wednesday 12 Jan Sunday 6 Mar – Friday 11 Mar
10 World of WearableArt Awards Show 32 Country Roads & Cross Hills Gardens Fair Thursday 13 Jan – Monday 17 Jan
Tuesday 5 Oct – Sunday 10 Oct Monday 15 Nov – Sunday 21 Nov 30 Molesworth Station, Abel Tasman
Thursday 7 Oct – Tuesday 12 Oct 38 High Country Stations, Gardens & Goldfields & Golden Bay
Tuesday 12 Oct – Sunday 17 Oct 34 Otago Farmhouse Gardens & Victorian Fete Monday 3 Jan – Sunday 9 Jan Thursday 10 Mar – Wednesday 16 Mar
Thursday 14 Oct – Tuesday 19 Oct Wednesday 17 Nov – Tuesday 23 Nov Thursday 24 Mar – Wednesday 30 Mar
Friday 19 Nov – Thursday 25 Nov 20 The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds
16 Taranaki Rhododendron Gardens Monday 3 Jan – Sunday 9 Jan 38 Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails
Wednesday 13 Oct – Monday 18 Oct 12 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island Friday 11 Mar – Thursday 17 Mar
Saturday 16 Oct – Thursday 21 Oct & The Catlins 52 Wairarapa Wandering Sunday 27 Mar – Saturday 2 Apr
Tuesday 19 Oct – Sunday 24 Oct Monday 22 Nov – Sunday 28 Nov Monday 10 Jan – Sunday 16 Jan
Thursday 21 Oct – Tuesday 26 Oct 58 The Far South: Hidden Treasures
14 Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia 12 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island Saturday 12 Mar – Friday 18 Mar
18 Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey Tuesday 23 Nov – Monday 29 Nov & The Catlins
Sunday 17 Oct – Saturday 23 Oct Friday 14 Jan – Thursday 20 Jan 18 Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey
DECEMBER Wednesday 16 Mar – Tuesday 22 Mar
8 Southern Beauty: Aoraki/Mt Cook, Milford 36 Aotea Great Barrier Island Escape 14 Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia
& Franz Josef Wednesday 1 Dec – Sunday 5 Dec Monday 22 Jan – Sunday 28 Jan 20 The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds
Tuesday 19 Oct – Wednesday 27 Oct Monday 6 Dec – Friday 10 Dec
Tuesday 29 Mar – Monday 4 Apr
Saturday 11 Dec – Wednesday 15 Dec
30 Molesworth Station, Abel Tasman
20 The Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten Worlds
& Golden Bay APRIL
Wednesday 27 Oct – Tuesday 2 Nov 38 Karamea & Wild West Coast Trails
Sunday 23 Jan – Saturday 29 Jan 38 High Country Stations, Gardens & Goldfields
Thursday 2 Dec – Wednesday 8 Dec
Tuesday 5 Apr – Monday 11 Apr
22 Canterbury Springtime Gardens &
40 Early Explorers from Queen Charlotte Sound 54 Summertime in Northland
Hanmer Springs Fete
to Akaroa Tuesday 25 Jan – Sunday 30 Jan 60 Wanaka Warbirds and Southern Wheels
Monday 25 Oct – Sunday 31 Oct
Wednesday 27 Oct – Tuesday 2 Nov Friday 3 Dec – Thursday 9 Dec Friday 15 Apr – Thursday 21 Apr
FEBRUARY
NOVEMBER 12 Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island 30 Molesworth Station, Abel Tasman 62 How to book with MoaTours
24 East Cape Caper & The Catlins & Golden Bay
Monday 1 Nov – Saturday 6 Nov Sunday 12 Dec – Saturday 18 Dec Sunday 6 Feb – Saturday 12 Feb 63 MoaTours booking conditions
Cover Photograph: Abel Tasman National Park
2 moatours.co.nz 3
Our Kiwi Guides on tour: Tim in Fiordland’s rainforest Sean at Cape Reinga Nigel on the Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise Matt at Kea Point, Aoraki/Mt Cook
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 27 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
mention their in-depth knowledge of our Auckland. We will book your flight from your closest airport, just contact us for details.
Our knowledgeable, helpful Kiwi guides are
here to make every moment enjoyable and culture, history, flora and fauna. Of course,
have a lifetime of holiday memories and they have a few amusing tales of their own Small groups of 18 travellers
secret spots they love sharing. They are to share too! With a maximum of 18 travellers on board, every tour is intimate and flexible so it feels
unanimous in our belief that the personal like travelling with a group of friends.
touch of our small group style travel is the Our Kiwi guides are fully supported by one
best way to see our beautiful country. of the most experienced and committed Wine and dine with friendly locals and meet our specialist guides
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, Nikita and Alisha are here to experiences meeting our friendly local hosts over delicious lunches in private homes,
help 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.
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
mother and son team Ena Hutchinson and
in quality, contemporary hotels and, when we’re off the beaten track, in the best
Miles Clark. They live and breathe New
Zealand, and are always out and about accommodation available.
researching new itineraries and refining
existing ones to ensure our travellers' Purpose built coaches
experience is unsurpassed in New Zealand We own and operate late model, turbo-diesel midsized coaches. The coaches are
MoaTours is a family business: Miles and Ena comfortably appointed with customised interiors and climate control.
small group touring.
4 moatours.co.nz 5
We visit the Cardona Distillery for a tasting Look out for birdlife on Okarito Lagoon TSS Earnslaw at Walter Peak Station Te Whare Rūnanga, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
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.
On the Forgotten World tracks Fishing off Tryphena Wharf, Aotea Great Barrier Island
At sunset on the beach at Punakaiki Sail across Lake Rotoiti to the Manupirua Hot Pools Discover the beauty of the Whanganui River
6 moatours.co.nz 7
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. Take a
photostop at Lake Tekapo’s church and sheepdog statue and stay at The Hermitage
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 and Scenic Suites, our home for three nights.
Day 3: Queenstown – Milford Sound cruise – Scenic Flight – Queenstown
Follow the shores of lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau into the mountains, beech forests and
We take a nature and wildlife cruise on beautiful Milford Sound
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.
Day 4: Queenstown – Lake Wakatipu Cruise – Glenorchy
& Franz Josef We catch the Gondola up Bob’s Peak to the Skyline to enjoy the wide views of The
Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Then we drive beside the lake to Glenorchy returning
Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, cruise on Milford Sound and
to Queenstown in time to catch the cruise out on the veteran steamer TSS Earnslaw and
take a spectacular flight back over the Alps to Queenstown. From Wanaka, the
dine on the lakefront this evening.
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 Edgewater Hotel beside the lake at Wanaka.
Day 6: Wanaka – Haast Pass – Lake Matheson – Franz Josef
Tour Highlights We drive beside lakes Hawea and Wanaka and through the mountain and river scenery
Tour dates
• On Milford Sound take a 1.45 hour nature and wildlife cruise 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
Sun 12 Sept - Mon 20 Sept 2021* • At Akaunui Farm enjoy a private lunch with Di and Ian Mackenzie Glacier, Lake Matheson and on to Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.
Tues 19 Oct - Wed 27 Oct 2021 • Walk in the great outdoors in Aoraki/Mt Cook, Fiordland, Mt Aspiring,
Westland Tai Poutini, Paparoa and Arthur’s Pass National Parks Day 7: Franz Josef – Okarito Lagoon – Hokitika – Punakaiki
Tues 9 Nov - Wed 17 Nov 2021 At Okarito we take an hour’s cruise on the lagoon looking out for birdlife in wetlands
• Cruise on historic steamboat TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu
• Drive over the Crown Range and lunch at historic Cardrona Hotel bordered by ancient forests. Our local guide Paula takes us on a walking tour of this tiny
• Enjoy a tipple and a tour of the Cardrona Distillery settlement of 30 people. We visit the artists of Hokitika before reaching Paparoa National
• Stroll in Haast Pass’ mountain beech forests to waterfalls and blue pools Park and Punakaiki Resort Hotel, our home for two nights.
• Cruise on the Okarito Lagoon in search of birdlife
Cost per person • Take a walking tour with a local guide around Okarito’s tiny settlement Day 8: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – Denniston – Westport – Punakaiki
• See the blow holes at the Punakaiki Pancake rocks See the Pancake rocks and blowholes, limestone cliffs and karst rock formations and river
$5,690 $6,290 • Visit remote Denniston where coal was first mined in 1879
Twin Share Single 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: Day 9: Punakaiki – Brunner – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch – Return flight
"If you've always dreamed of visiting the real South Island icons of Mount From Lake Brunner we drive up the Otira Viaduct, a spectacular cantilevered road, and
Cook, Milford Sound, Queenstown and the West Coast then this is the trip
stop to photograph the cheeky Kea parrots and enjoy the alpine and river scenery of
for you. This is the chance for Kiwis to discover what overseas visitors have
Arthur’s Pass National Park before continuing to Porters Pass and across the Canterbury
known for so long, the South Island is amazing!"
Plains to Christchurch Airport.
*Due to seasonal changes, dates marked with an * will have a slightly different itinerary. Please contact us for more details.
8 moatours.co.nz 9
Day 1: Auckland – Carmel Farm lunch – Tongariro National Park
We depart Auckland and drive to Carmel Farm at Piopio for lunch with Rachel and Denzil
Anselmi. We continue through the King Country landscape to Taumarunui and on to the
Chateau Tongariro Hotel and dine in this evening.
Day 2: Tongariro National Park - Taihape - Wellington
We drive up Mt Ruapehu to the Top O' the Bruce to enjoy the expansive views then head
south to Ohakune and Taihape. We lunch near Marton and continue to Wellington to the
Bolton Hotel, our home for two nights, and dine in this evening.
2016 World of WearableArt Awards Show
Image supplied by World of WearableArt Day 3: Wellington sightseeing – World of WearableArt Awards Show
We visit Te Papa Museum and drive up Mt Victoria for the city and harbour views. We
Experience the magic of the World of WearableArt Awards Show
dine at Dockside Restaurant adjacent to the World of WearableArt Awards Show venue.
Your Platinum ticket to the show includes a copy of the WOW Souvenir Programme.
World of WearableArt Awards Show
Day 4: Wellington – Greytown – Gwavas homestead lunch, Tikokino – Napier
Enjoy the best of the World of WearableArt Awards Show in Wellington with We drive over the Rimutaka Ranges to visit Greytown. We lunch at Gwavas and tour the
dinner at Dockside, Platinum tickets to the show and accommodation at the 5 historic homestead and gardens with Stuart and Phyllida Gibson to hear the stories of 150
star Bolton Hotel. Then travel through the Wairarapa to Hawkes Bay for two years of family history. We stay two nights at Scenic Te Pania Hotel, Napier.
nights on Napier’s waterfront. Meeting our hosts at homestead lunches out in the
spring countryside is a special highlight.
Day 5: Driving the Art Deco Trail – Havelock North – Te Awanga
Accompanied by a specialist Art Deco guide we drive along the Art Deco trail. We explore
Auckland – The Chateau Tongariro – Wellington – Greytown – Napier – Tamahere – Auckland the region, visiting Havelock North, wine taste and lunch at Te Awa Winery & Restaurant
then drive the picturesque Tukituki Road to Clive and Te Awanga. We dine in at our hotel.
Day 6: Napier – Moondance Manor lunch, Tamahere – Auckland
Tour dates Tour Highlights We leave Napier and drive north to Tamahere where our farewell lunch is hosted by
• Platinum tickets to the World of WearableArt Awards Show Stephen and Jeanette Williams at lovely Moondance Manor and garden. We drive back to
5 nights/6 days
• Special lunches: Carmel Farm; Gwavas homestead; Moondance Manor Auckland arriving in the early evening.
Thurs 30 Sept - Tues 5 Oct 2021 • Stay at the classic landmark Chateau Tongariro Hotel
Tues 5 Oct - Sun 10 Oct 2021 • Drive to the Top O' the Bruce, Mt Ruapehu for expansive views
• Stay two nights at the Bolton, Wellington’s 5-star boutique hotel We visit Gwavas Homestead in Hawkes Bay when the bluebells are blooming
Thurs 7 Oct – Tues 12 Oct 2021
• Pre-show dinner at Dockside Restaurant on Wellington’s waterfront
Tues 12 Oct - Sun 17 Oct 2021 • Stroll Greytown’s boutique shopping street
Thurs 14 Oct - Tues 19 Oct 2021 • Stay two nights on the Napier waterfront at Scenic Te Pania Hotel
• Drive Napier’s Art Deco trail with a specialist Art Deco guide
Cost per person • Explore the Hawkes Bay region
• Wine tasting and lunch at Te Awa Winery & Restaurant
$3,190 $3,790 • Enjoy the beauty of springtime in our lunch hosts’ gardens
Twin Share Single
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“With some of the best seats in the house to enjoy the World of WearableArt
Awards Show from and private lunches with wonderful hosts along the way, I
can't think of a better way to celebrate spring.”
10 moatours.co.nz
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 Sea Hotel.
Day 3: Stewart Island sightseeing – Rakiura National Park – Ulva Island
From Nugget Point/Tokata Lighthouse there are close-up views of the wild Catlins coastline We tour Oban and the surrounding bays including the gateway to Rakiura National Park.
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
Visit Invercargill’s transport museums then fly to Stewart Island for two nights. We fly back to Invercargill and drive the Catlins to Waipapa Point, Curio Bay’s petrified
Cruise across to Ulva Island bird sanctuary, a nature lover’s playground. See forest and Porpoise Bay. We lunch at Niagara Café and have fun winding “rustic
the stunning Catlins coastline and Nugget Point/Tokata Lighthouse. Visit the automata” at The Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai. Overnight at Nugget View Motels.
mainland albatross colony near Dunedin and Larnach Castle.
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 drive the trail of street art
6 nights/7 days
• Tour the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Gore in The Warehouse Precinct. The Octagon, steep Baldwin Street, Signal Hill, Carey’s Bay
Sat 2 Oct – Fri 8 Oct 2021 • In Invercargill visit Bill Richardson’s Transport World, Classic historic hotel and the Tropical Forest butterfly house are all on the itinerary.
Sun 31 Oct - Sat 6 Nov 2021 Motorcycles and Burt Munro’s Indian Scout
Mon 22 Nov - Sun 28 Nov 2021 • Return flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island
Sun 12 Dec – Sat 18 Dec 2021 • Cruise the sheltered waters of beautiful Paterson Inlet
Fri 14 Jan - Thurs 20 Jan 2022
Day 7: Dunedin sightseeing - Return flight
• Land at Ulva Island, teeming with birdlife
Fri 11 Feb - Thurs 17 Feb 2022 We drive along the Otago Peninsula this morning to visit Larnach Castle and find out
• Visit dramatic Nugget Point lighthouse in the Catlins
Mon 21 Feb – Sun 27 Feb 2022
• Have fun at The Lost Gypsy Gallery
about the chequered early history of this local landmark. We visit Toitu Otago Settlers
Cost per person • Visit the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head Museum, lunch nearby, and sightsee further in the city before heading for the airport.
• Guided tour of historic Olveston House built in 1904
$4,390 $4,990 • Visit local landmark, Larnach Castle
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 Sea 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.”
12 moatours.co.nz
Day 1: Auckland – Tauranga – Whakatane
Heading eastwards across farmlands, through the Karangahake Gorge to Waihi and
Tauranga. In Whakatane at Mataatua Wharenui, the carved ancestral house of the Ngati
Awa people, we hear the story of how it travelled the world for over a century before
returning home. We stay two nights at White Island Rendezvous Motel.
Day 2: Whakatane – Whirinaki – Kohutapu Lodge – Whakatane
At Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane our guide welcomes us with a karakia and relates the legends
of this primeval, podocarp rainforest. We see the Te Ana a Tokowaru rock carvings and,
over a hangi dinner with owners Nadine and Karl Toe Toe at Kohutapu Lodge, Lake
Tourism Eastland Aniwhenua, hear how tourism and their lodge brings benefits to the Murupara community.
Primeval forests surround Lake Waikaremoana at the heart of Te Urewera
Day 3: Whakatane – Ruatahuna – Waikaremoana – Wairoa
Te Urewera, Waikaremoana & Mahia Atamira, our guide meets us in Ruatahuna in the heart of Te Urewera and introduces us
to Manawa honey and our lunch hosts at Black House. Then the road descends through
rainforest with glimpses of Lake Waikaremoana. See beautiful Aniwaniwa Falls and stop
Travelling an eastward trail to the remote and primeval forests of Te Urewera along the lakefront before continuing to Wairoa Motor Lodge.
to meet local guides and hear their stories. Mahia Peninsula is famous for surf
breaks and rockets and Awakeri for rail carts to ride along the tracks.
Day 4: Wairoa – Mahia Penininsula – Gisborne
Auckland – Whakatane – Whirinaki Forest – Lake Aniwhenua – Whakatane – Ruatahuna – We visit Wairoa’s outstanding Museum and drive out to the Wairoa River mouth and
Whakamahia Beach. Further north we tour Mahia Peninsula, always a magnet for surfers,
Lake Waikaremoana – Wairoa – Mahia – Gisborne – Rotorua – Auckland
and now the launching site of Rocket Lab’s space programme. We continue up the Coast
to Gisborne to stay two nights at The Senator Inn and Pacific Harbour Inn.
Tour dates Tour Highlights
Day 5: Gisborne – Tatapouri Bay – Waikereru Ecosanctuary – Tairawhiti Museum
• Hear the story of Mataatua, the wharenui that came home
6 nights/7 days A day to explore Gisborne and its natural and historic places including a guided visit to the
• Walk with our local guide in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park
Saturday 2 October – • See Te Ana a Tokowaru, the oldest rock carvings reef at Tatapouri Bay and Waikereru Ecosanctuary, an Ark in the Bush. The Ecosanctuary is
Friday 8 October 2021 • Hangi dinner with Nadine & Karl at Kohutapu Lodge, Lake Aniwhenua a haven for rare and endangered species. We meet our guide at the Tairawhiti Museum and
Tuesday 23 November – • Meet our Tuhoe guide Atamira Nuku at Ruatahuna in Te Urewera dine out at The Works Restaurant this evening.
Monday 29 November 2021 • Meet the beekeepers and sample their Manawa honey in Ruatahuna
Saturday 22 January – • Lunch at Black House at Ruatahuna
Friday 28 January 2022 • Stroll to Aniwaniwa Falls and see Lake Waikaremoana
• Visit the settlements and beaches of Mahia Peninsula Day 6: Gisborne – Waioeka Gorge – Awakeri rail carts – Rotorua
Cost per person • Visit Dive Tatapouri to discover the children of Tangaroa, god of the sea Leaving Gisborne we head through rugged Waioeka Gorge bound for Awakeri to meet
• At Awakeri take a ride on the rail carts for an adventure on the tracks up with Paul and board his rail carts for a scenic ride and picnic lunch along the tracks.
$3,290 $3,890 • Meet our guide at Sanctuary Mountain, Maungatautari Scenic Reserve
Twin Share Single The drive onwards to Rotorua passes Lakes Rotoma, Rotoehu and Rotoiti and we stay at
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel and dine in this evening.
What Tracy loves about this tour: Day 7: Rotorua – Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari – Auckland
"Meeting Nadine and Karl at Kohutapu Lodge with their commitment to From Rotorua we drive northwards to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, a mainland
the community. With Atamira at Ruatahuna in Te Urewera meeting Tuhoe
ecological island of ancient forest, to meet our guide and walk in the enclosure
creating sustainable businesses on ancestral land. And the beauty of
surrounded by one of the world’s longest pest-proof fences. We return to Auckland
Mataatua Wharenui, Whirinaki and Lake Waikaremoana."
through the Waikato farmlands arriving in the late afternoon.
14 moatours.co.nz 15
Day 1: Auckland – Piopio – Awakino Gorge – New Plymouth
We lunch with Rachel Anselmi at Carmel Farm then drive through the Awakino Gorge to
visit Diana Montgomery and John Wilmshursts’ Waiongana garden. Dine in and stay three
nights at the Millennium Hotel New Plymouth Waterfront.
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: Farmhouse gardens - Hikurangi - Openlands
On the slopes of Mt Taranaki we visit expansive farmhouse gardens - Maureen Brophy's
Pukeiti is nestled in the rainforest on Mt Taranaki
Hikurangi and Maria van der Poel's and Elaine Sanderson's gardens. At Openlands we
lunch with Marie Mills in a garden that includes a church, museum and an aviary.
Taranaki Rhododendron Gardens
Day 4: Pukekura Park - Cairnhill Garden - Whanganui
We stroll in Pukekura Park and have morning tea with June and Colin Lees at Cairnhill
Make the most of New Plymouth while the rhododendrons bloom. Enjoy the Garden at the start of the Forgotten World Highway. Near Hawera we visit Gravetye
endless variety of individual gardens and meet the welcoming gardeners. Wander Garden and Puketarata. We stay at Aotea Lodge in Whanganui and dine out.
in magnificent Pukeiti and Cross Hills gardens in the Manawatu.
Day 5: Whanganui – Cross Hills Garden – Taihape – Chateau Tongariro
Auckland – Piopio – New Plymouth – Hawera - Whanganui – Kimbolton – We visit family–owned Cross Hills garden renowned for its collection of over 2000
The Chateau Tongariro – Taumarunui – Otorohanga – Auckland rhododendrons and azaleas. We dine and stay this evening at the classic landmark hotel
The Chateau Tongariro at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.
Day 6: Chateau Tongariro – Aramatai Gardens – Crosshills Garden – Auckland
Tour dates Tour Highlights We drive up Mt Ruapehu to enjoy the view from the Top O’ the Bruce and visit Jill
• Lunch at Carmel Farm with Rachel and Denzil Anselmi Mouat’s Aramatai Gardens. Our lunch is hosted by Debbie and Fraser Robertson at
5 nights / 6 days
• Meet John Wilmshurst and Diana Montgomery at Waiongana Crosshills Garden farm and we return to Auckland in the late afternoon.
Wed 13 Oct - Mon 18 Oct 2021 • Visit Judi Gopperth at Hirst Cottage and garden
Sat 16 Oct - Thurs 21 Oct 2021 • Te Kainga Marire, a native garden of Global Significance
• Visit Tupare House and garden now restored to its fomer glory There are many pathways to wander at Cross Hills Gardens in the Manawatu
Tues 19 Oct – Sun 24 Oct 2021
• At Pukeiti see one of the world’s great rhododendron collections
Thurs 21 Oct – Tues 26 Oct 2021 • Lunch at Openlands garden with the Mills Family
• Visit Jenny and John Pease’s formal Gravetye Garden
• Wander the Horner’s country garden, Puketarata
Cost per person • The Wilson family’s Cross Hills garden
• Visit Jill Mouat’s five acre Aramatai Gardens and ponds
$2,990 $3,390 • Lunch at Crosshills Garden with Debbie and Fraser Robertson
Twin Share Single
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. Enjoy the variety of gardens and the
leisurely pace with time to relax over morning tea or lunch with our hosts.”
16 moatours.co.nz
Day 1: Fly to Queenstown – Arrowtown – Queenstown
From Queenstown Airport we drive over to Arrowtown where we lunch at Provisions
Café in a tree-lined street famous for its autumn colours. We visit the Chinese miners’
settlement alongside the Arrow River and check out the shopping street. We stay two
nights in this resort town.
Day 2: Queenstown sightseeing
We have the day to explore Queenstown. We take the Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak to
enjoy the magnificent views and drive beside the lake to Glenorchy. This afternoon we
board the coal-fired steamship TSS Earnslaw to cruise on Lake Wakatipu returning to
stroll the shops and the Botanic Gardens.
Leave the world behind on a 24 hour excursion to Doubtful Sound
Day 3: Queenstown – Lake Manapouri – Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey We drive to Manapouri to cruise by launch to the head of the lake and travel over Wilmot
Pass to Doubtful Sound where “Fiordland Navigator” awaits. Cruise the sheltered arms of
Float amid the untouched beauty of Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise. this beautiful fiord out to the Tasman Sea where seals bask on the islands. Stay overnight
Stay in stunning Queenstown and Wanaka, see Arrowtown and stay at historic on “Fiordland Navigator” in a peaceful cove.
Cardrona Hotel. Tour up the West Coast to Franz Josef before returning over
Arthur’s Pass.
Day 4: Doubtful Sound – Manapouri – Crown Range – Cardrona
Queenstown – Arrowtown – Manapouri – Doubtful Sound – Cardrona – Wanaka – Haast Wake up to the perfect stillness and mirror reflections of this remote wilderness. We
Pass – Franz Josef Glacier – Arthur's Pass – Christchurch disembark at Deep Cove and return over Wilmot Pass and across the lake to Manapouri.
We lunch with Paula and Roger on the farm at Five Rivers Retreat and drive over the
Crown Range to dine and stay the night at historic Cardrona Hotel.
Tour dates Tour Highlights
• Special dinner: Historic Cardrona Hotel, Cardrona
Day 5: Wanaka sightseeing
6 nights/7 days Enjoy a leisurely start to the day with breakfast at Cardrona Hotel before visiting the
• Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu
Sun 17 Oct – Sat 23 Oct 2021 • In Queenstown catch the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak artisan, family owned Cardrona Distillery & Museum for a tour and tasting. This afternoon
Fri 12 Nov – Thurs 18 Nov 2021 • Cruise by launch to the head of Lake Manapouri we sightsee around Wanaka and stay and dine in at the Edgewater Hotel on the
• Doubtful Sound excursion, overnighting on “Fiordland Navigator” lakefront, not far from that famous willow tree growing in the lake.
Wed 16 Mar - Tues 22 Mar 2022
• On “Fiordland Navigator’s” tender cruise close-up to the shoreline
• Lunch on the farm at Five Rivers Retreat
• Stay at quaint and historic Cardrona Hotel
• Guided tour of the artisan Cardrona Distillery & Museum Day 6: Wanaka – Haast Pass – Franz Josef Glacier
Cost per person • Enjoy the stunning beauty of Haast Pass We drive beside Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka to Makarora and through the superb
• Stay in Franz Josef village mountain and river scenery of the Haast Pass. There are short walks to waterfalls and the
$4,590 $5,290 • Drive up the Otira Viaduct cantilevered highway
Twin Share Single coastal scenery at Ship Creek to enjoy. We continue through lush rainforest to view Fox
Glacier and Lake Matheson. We stay and dine in at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef.
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“Twenty hours cruising the empty, bushclad arms of Doubtful Sound stays Day 7: Franz Josef – Hokitika – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch – Return flight
with you forever. Leaving the world behind at Manapouri, crossing the lake, The Coast scenery is stunning – mirror lakes, boulder–laden rivers and glimpses of the
coaching over Wilmot Pass it’s an adventure. Then there’s the pleasure of Alps as we head north to visit Hokitika’s craft galleries. We drive up the Otira gorge
staying at the Cardrona Hotel and the stunning mountainscapes of Haast on the cantilevered highway to the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass. Continue through
and Arthur’s Pass.” magnificent scenery across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch Airport.
18 moatours.co.nz 19Day 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 (1.4 km/40 minutes each way) or continue upstream on the jet
Island. Ride rail carts and cruise the Whanganui River by jet boat up to the landing 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
• Lunch with Debbie and Fraser Robertson at Crosshills Farm
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
• Lunch at Whangamomona Hotel in the Forgotten World
Wed 27 Oct - Tues 2 Nov 2021 • Ride the rail carts on a Forgotten World adventure the “Gentle Annie” travelled by the early Maori and stockmen. There are historic sites,
Sun 14 Nov - Sat 20 Nov 2021 • Catch the jet boat from Pipiriki up the Whanganui River expansive views, a suspension bridge across the Rangitikei River and the largest sheep
• Either take a 40 minute/1.4 km walk (each way) to The Bridge or stations in the North Island. We stay at Scenic Te Pania on the Napier waterfront two nights.
Mon 3 Jan - Sun 9 Jan 2022
explore further upstream on the jet boat
Tues 29 Mar - Mon 4 Apr 2022 • In Whanganui visit the Regional Museum, Sarjeant Gallery and St Paul's
Memorial Church
• 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
$3,290 $3,890 • 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.
20 moatours.co.nz 21Day 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 Scenic Views
Motel 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
From Sara and Paul Grigg’s Surrey Hills Station we drive to Banks Peninsula to lunch in
Christchurch – Hanmer Springs – Hanmer Springs Fete – Hurunui Gardens – Akaroa with John and Lesley at Blythcliffe built in 1857. At Josie Martin’s Giant’s House
Mt Somers – Akaroa – Christchurch the garden is alive with sculptural mosaics. We stay two nights at Bruce Apartments.
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.
Monday 25 October – Bay clifftop garden on Banks Peninsula
Sunday 31 October 2021 • Attend the Hanmer Springs Fete
Wednesday 27 October - • Wander the farmhouse gardens of The Hurunui Day 7: Akaroa – French Farm – Ohinetahi – Christchurch – Return flight
Tuesday 2 November 2021 • 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
$3,890 $4,490 • 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.”
22 moatours.co.nzDay 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 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 - Waioeka Gorge - Rotorua
Auckland – Whakatane – Te Kaha – Hicks Bay – Anaura Bay – Gisborne – Rotorua – We visit Prof Jack Richard's and Won Gyu Moon's coastal garden, Tirimoana at Wainui
Auckland Beach then drive through the Waiokea 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: Tui Lodge, Te Kaha; Rangimarie homestead, Anaura activity in Kuirau Park. We drive to Lake Tarawera and enjoy lunch with the Walmsley
5 nights/6 days
Bay; Wairata Station Waioeka Gorge; Walmsley Family, Buried Village, family at the Buried Village before returning to Auckland.
Mon 1 Nov - Sat 6 Nov 2021 Lake Tarawera
Tues 8 Feb - Sun 13 Feb 2022 • Visit a kiwifruit orchard and tour on quaint carts
• Enjoy ocean views along the dramatic coastal highway Locals have formed a charitable trust to preserve Tologa Bay wharf
• Visit the East Cape Manuka Company
• See Te Araroa’s huge pohutakawa tree
• At Tikitiki visit historic St Mary’s church
• Tairawhiti Museum features major Captain Cook displays
Cost per person • Drive through world–renowned Eastwoodhill Arboretum
• Visit beautiful Tiromoana Garden at Wainui Beach
$2,690 $3,090 • 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.”
24 moatours.co.nzDay 1: Fly to Christchurch – Homebush Station, Darfield – Mt Somers
From Christchurch we drive to Crispin and Fleur 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 Orari Gorge Station in the South Canterbury foothills we meet Rosa Peacock who
guides us through the historic farm buildings and an expansive garden. We lunch with
Rosie Morten at Orari Estate Station, where the garden is set around a pond, and return
Come and explore the back roads from Canterbury to Central Otago visiting
to Geraldine in time to check out 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 this evening.
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
Fri 5 Nov - Thurs 11 Nov 2021 • Homebush museum’s astonishing collection of Kiwi memorabilia Pavletich family who have lived at Station Peak, Hakataramea since 1917. We drive up the
Mon 3 Jan - Sun 9 Jan 2022 • Wagon ride at Erewhon pulled by Clydesdales gravel road to Danseys Pass and call in for refreshments at the Danseys Pass Coach Inn,
Sat 12 Feb – Fri 18 Feb 2022
• Historic Orari Gorge Station, gardens and buildings once at the hub of a thriving goldfield, before reaching Hawkdun Lodge in Ranfurly.
• At Four Peaks Station we visit a shepherd’s hut built in 1866
Sun 20 Feb - Sat 26 Feb 2022 • Stay in view rooms at The Hemitage, Aoraki/Mt Cook
Tues 5 Apr - Mon 11 Apr 2022 • 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
$3,890 $4,490 • 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 – Return flight
“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.
26 moatours.co.nz 27Day 1: Auckland – Thames – Rapaura Watergardens – Coromandel
We meet our guide at Thames Museum to hear the stories of this old gold town. Lunch
at Rapaura Watergardens and follow a pathway among lily ponds and native trees to a
waterfall. In Coromandel we stay two nights at Anchor Lodge.
Day 2: Coromandel – Driving Creek Railway – Coromandel touring
At Driving Creek Railway and Potteries we ride the narrow gauge mountain railway train
through the bush to the Eyefull Tower then walk in the sanctuary. With screen printing
artist Pete Sephton as our guide we tour the town’s historic buildings and artists’ studios.
Day 3: Coromandel – Colville – Whangapoua – Matarangi – Whitianga
We head over to Colville to hear the history of the landmark General Store run by the local
At Driving Creek we ride the train up to the Eyefull Tower
community for 40 years. Then the East Coast golden sand beaches beckon - Whangapoua,
Matarangi and Kuaotunu. We stay two nights at Admiralty Lodge, Whitianga.
Coromandel Caper
Day 4: Whitianga – Cruise to Cathedral Cove – Whitianga
This morning, on a glass-bottomed boat, we cruise down the coastline from Whitianga
Discover the Peninsula’s dramatic beauty and enjoy its special attractions. Visit to Cathedral Cove to see for ourselves why this beautiful Cove became a movie star.
Raupaura Watergardens, hop on the Driving Creek train, cruise to Cathedral Cove Returning to Whitianga, we stroll the beach and check out this fast growing centre.
and paddle at Hot Water Beach.
Day 5: Whitianga – Hahei – Hot Water Beach – Whangamata
We call into the popular holiday spots of Hahei, Hot Water Beach and Cook’s Beach.
Auckland – Coromandel – Colville – Whitianga – Whangamata – Seabird Coast – Auckland In the orchard at Cathedral Cove Macadamias we meet Jillian and Doug Johnson and
sample their products. Continuing south to Whangamata we stay at The Breakers Motel.
Day 6: Whangamata – Waihi – Karangahake Gorge – Seabird Coast – Auckland
Tour date Tour Highlights Take a stroll along Whangamata Beach and call into Waihi and the Martha Mine site. We
5 nights/6 days • Visit Thames Museum to hear the town’s stories drive through the Karangahake Gorge to lunch at Falls Retreat then meet our guide at
• Drive the spectacular coast road northwards up the Firth of Thames the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, returning through Clevedon to Auckland.
Wednesday 10 November – • Lunch at Rapaura Watergardens
Monday 15 November 2021 • Ride the Driving Creek Railway to the Eyefull Tower
• Screen printing artist Pete Sephton is our guide to Coromandel’s history Cruise on the Glass Bottom Boat to Cathedral Cove
• Meet local artists in their studios
• Head north of Coromandel to lunch in Colville
Cost per person • Call into the stunning East Coast beaches
• Cruise on the glass-bottom boat to Cathedral Cove
$2,690 $3,090 • Warm your feet in the sands at Hot Water Beach
Twin Share Single • Visit Cathedral Cove Macadamia Orchard
• Meet our guide 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 with a “just do it”
attitude. Riding that train up through the bush to the EyefullTower to see
the amazing view is so much fun.”
28 moatours.co.nzDay 1: Fly to Christchurch – Hurunui Farmhouse Lunch – Hanmer Springs
On arrival at Christchurch airport we drive north up the Canterbury Plains to the Hurunui
where we enjoy a private lunch at a farmhouse surrounded by a beautiful garden. We
reach Hanmer Springs in time to soak in the hot pools. Scenic Views Motel is our home
for two nights and we 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, calling into Mapua Wharf on the Waimea
Estuary to check out the artisan shops.
Tour dates Tour Highlights
Day 5: Nelson - Anatoki Salmon Farm – Waikoropupu Springs - Takaka
• 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
Wed 10 Nov – Tues 16 Nov 2021 • Explore historic Molesworth Station with a local guide world’s purest water bubbles up from deep in the earth. We lunch among the ponds at
Thurs 25 Nov - Wed 1 Dec 2021 • Drive over beautiful Lewis Pass and see the Maruia Falls Anatoki Salmon Farm. Mohua Motels in Takaka is our home for two nights and we dine
Sun 23 Jan - Sat 29 Jan 2022 • Cruise the stunning coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park out this evening.
Sun 6 Feb – Sat 12 Feb 2022 • See Waikoropupu Springs in Takaka – the world’s purest water
• Lunch at Anatoki Salmon Farm
Thurs 10 Mar - Wed 16 Mar 2022
• Tour with a local guide out along the sands of Farewell Spit
Thurs 24 Mar – Wed 30 Mar 2022
• Stop at the Spit lighthouse and Cape Farewell Day 6: Golden Bay sightseeing – Collingwood – Farewell Spit tour – Takaka
Cost per person • Have a beer at the quirky Mussel Inn brewery We head to Collingwood to join a local tour company to drive in their coach along the
• Take a dip or walk along Pohara and Taita Beach sands of Farewell Spit right out to the lighthouse. We stop at Cape Farewell and call into
$3,990 $4,590 • In Ngarua Caves see stalagmites, stalactites and Moa skeletons
Twin Share Single quirky Mussel Inn brewery for refreshments before returning to Takaka and dining out in
town this evening.
What Tracy loves about this tour:
“Memories of Molesworth Station will be with you always. It’s a once in Day 7: Takaka – Nelson – Return flight
a lifetime experience to drive this vast farmland on the tracks of early After breakfast we drive out to Pohara, Taita and Ligar Bay beaches and enjoy the views
stockmen and travellers. Then contrast this landlocked region with the from the Abel Tasman memorial. We lunch at the Woolshed Cafe on Takaka Hill and at
golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park and Farewell Spit and the nearby Ngarua Caves see stalagmites, stalactites and even Moa skeletons. We return to
relaxed vibe of Golden Bay.” Nelson airport in time for your return flight.
30 moatours.co.nz 31You can also read
