Tour NZ Special Interest Tours Culture and History
Culture and History |
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A 12 day sneak peak into the history and culture of New Zealand. Learn about New Zealand's indigenous people the Maori and this young country's more recent history of colonisation. A great mix of New Zealand regions and sightseeing including Hotel style accommodation.
Day 1: Arrive AucklandKia Ora and welcome to Aotearoa, New Zealand. Alongside other countries in the world, New Zealand is relatively young, however as you’ll see over the next 12 days there so much to learn about our people and history.
On arrival to Auckland International Airport collect your Budget Rental vehicle and make your way to your Auckland accommodation.
Dependant on your arrival time you may wish to visit Auckland’s War Memorial Museum this afternoon or the following morning before you depart.
Auckland War Memorial Museum where exciting stories of the Pacific, New Zealand’s people, and the flora and fauna and landforms of our unique islands, are told within a memorial dedicated to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. In one of New Zealand's most outstanding historical buildings, boldly situated in the Domain - a central city pleasure garden - you encounter exhibitions that will excite you with the artistic legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacific; the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori; and the diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand.
The Museum is a key destination for families. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of the world around them by exploring cultures, the arts, science and the environment.
Accommodation: The Heritage Auckland, Superior Room - Hotel Wing, 1 Night
Kia Ora and welcome to Aotearoa, New Zealand. Alongside other countries in the world, New Zealand is relatively young, however as you’ll see over the next 12 days there so much to learn about our people and history. On arrival to Auckland International Airport collect your Budget Rental vehicle and make your way to your Auckland accommodation. Dependant on your arrival time you may wish to visit Auckland’s War Memorial Museum this afternoon or the following morning before you depart. Auckland War Memorial Museum where exciting stories of the Pacific, New Zealand’s people, and the flora and fauna and landforms of our unique islands, are told within a memorial dedicated to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. In one of New Zealand's most outstanding historical buildings, boldly situated in the Domain - a central city pleasure garden - you encounter exhibitions that will excite you with the artistic legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacific; the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori; and the diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand.The Museum is a key destination for families. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of the world around them by exploring cultures, the arts, science and the environment. Accommodation: The Heritage Auckland, Superior Room - Hotel Wing, 1 Night
Day 2: Auckland/Omapere (Approx. 237km)This morning enjoy cooked breakfast in your hotel restaurant. Depart the hustle of Auckland City and travel to Northland’s West Coast to Omapere, located in the Hokianga Harbour. This evening experience something quite unique in the darkness of the Forest with Footprints Waipoua/Crossings Hokianga. Setting out from Hokianga by coach, your Maori guide will brief you on the protocols for your visit to the mighty Waipoua Forest. Stepping into our special world you will be walking under the same stars that guided our ancestor Kupe from legendary Hawaiiki to New Zealand. On the paths of the forest we meet trees that were already giants before his arrival and that were standing before the birth of Christ. You will experience the affinity that early Maori had with the forest and the deep spiritual respect they hold for the giants still growing there. Learn of the rich bird life and other fauna that inhabits the forest and witness the transitions of life and the day turning into the night. Your Maori guides will relate stories and legends of the forest, of its gods, and other spiritual inhabitants. They will greet the giant trees with spine-tingling waiata (sacred chants). You will learn how Maori used plants for medicinal purposes. As night falls, the shyest creatures of the forest awaken and begin to go about their work. You may encounter insects like weta, nocturnal birds, eels, fresh-water lobsters or the magnificent but slightly chilling giant carnivorous 'kauri' snail. Deep in the forest among the towering trees and surrounded by the sounds of the nocturnal creatures awakening, you will meet Te Matua Ngahere - 'The Father of the Forest'. At between 3000 and 4000 years old he is the oldest known kauri tree in the world. Your guide will greet this giant as an old friend. The highlight of the tour will be your meeting with 'The Lord of the Forest' - the giant Tane Mahuta! Your guide will formally greet the silent giant and then suddenly you stand dwarfed before his Lordship as the darkness closes in. His gnarled ancient limbs seem to grasp at the stars and the forest is silent but for the dim chatter of its night creatures. At the conclusion of this unique encounter you will be returned to your accommodation in Hokianga. Tour duration: 4 hours (departs 6.00pm October-May and 5.00pm May-October) Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga, Superior Beachfront Room, 1 Night
Day 3: Omapere/Paihia (Approx. 100km)This morning enjoy cooked breakfast in your hotel restaurant. Depart Northland’s West Coast and travel to Paihia, located in the Bay of Islands. This is where it all began. Visit the historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori and British Crown. Waitangi Treaty Grounds, overlooking the Bay of Islands: New Zealand's pre-eminent historic site. It is a place of belonging and enjoyment that is central to the life of the nation and special to all New Zealander. It was here on February 6th, 1840, that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown. Other historical locations near to Paihia you may wish to visit include Russell & Kerikeri. Russell: A quick ferry ride across the water from Paihia is the charming, elegant township of Russell. This tranquil place was once known as "the hell hole of the Pacific" when it was the shore leave destination for sailors, whalers and traders during the 19th century. Today Russell is still a favoured spot for boaties who seek safe anchorage. Historic buildings to visit include the Catholic Mission "Pompallier" and Christ Church, which still carries the bullet holes from the Maori Wars. Discover Russell's exciting past by visiting the museum, cafés, restaurants and craft galleries, while appreciating its colonial architecture. Kerikeri: Kerikeri was home ground for the fearsome Hongi Hika, a Maori chief who terrorised many tribes throughout the North Island in the early 1800s. Yet he was kind to missionaries - allowing Samuel Marsden to establish New Zealand's second mission station here. Kerikeri overflows with orchards and galleries, fruit and art. All along the roadside, orchards sell their delicious oranges, kiwi fruit and avocados. Follow the art and craft trail and you'll get to know some of the artisans. Visit the wineries, lunch in one of the many outdoor cafés, indulge in delicious handmade chocolates or locally made macadamia liqueur. Kerikeri also has excellent sporting facilities including golf, all-weather tennis and yachting. Expect a good choice of cafés and restaurants. Historical highlights of Kerikeri: the Kerikeri Mission House, the country's oldest house built by John Butler in 1821, and the Mission's Stone Store dating from 1832 and New Zealand's oldest stone building. These wonderful buildings are regarded as the "Cradle of the Nation", and are must for all visitors to the Bay of Islands. Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands, Standard Garden View Room, 1 Night
Day 4: Paihia/Waikato (Approx. 362km - Dependent )This morning enjoy cooked breakfast in your hotel restaurant. Depart the Bay of Islands and travel to the heart of the Waikato. Well known as a Dairy Farm and Horse racing region of New Zealand. Today you will be hosted on a traditional New Zealand farm. It could be a dairy, horse racing or a sheep farm dependant on availability. Make friends with your host and even ‘muck in’ (help) with the daily chores. This evening enjoy a home cooked meal with your hosts. Accommodation: Waikato Region, Superior Farmstay, 1 Night
Day 5: Waikato/Rotorua (Approx. 108km)Breakfast is included with your hosts this morning. If you’re on a dairy farm you may have the opportunity to assist with the morning milking. Farewell your new Kiwi family and travel to Rotorua. ROTORUA - located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Maori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Maori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature. Accommodation: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, Lake View Room, 2 Nights
Day 6: RotoruaThis morning enjoy cooked breakfast in your hotel restaurant. Included today experience something very unique by visiting a living Maori Village. Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Tours Ltd – Cultural Hangi Experience Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori village of Whakarewarewa situated in Rotorua, the heart of the North Island. Discover our unique lifestyle and traditions. Join a guided tour and see the wonders of Mother Nature and learn how we have come to live in harmony within this unique environment. Following your tour enjoy a Hangi meal . The Hangi is cooked in the geothermal steam and hot springs. Buried Village Nobody would have believed in June 10 1886, that the serenity enjoyed by the inhabitants of Te Wairoa would be shattered by an outpouring of the Earth's fury. Few would have dreamed as the eighth wonder of the world - the fantastic Pink and White Terraces - sparkled in the moonlight, events deep in the ground were menacingly unfolding. Te Wairoa Village, in a valley above Lake Tarawera, was established by a Christian Missionary in 1848. It was abandoned during the land wars of the 1860's, then repopulated a few years later as the staging post to the Pink and White Terraces. Violent and unexpected, the eruption was New Zealand's greatest natural disaster. For more than four terrifying hours, rocks, ash and boiling hot mud bombarded the peaceful village. The fiery glow in the night sky and the thunderous roar of the explosions were seen and heard as far away as Auckland. In the gloom of the day, the wreckage of the hotels and houses, and the burial of 5000 square miles of scenic countryside brought awe and dismay to rescuers. The eruption destroyed the Terraces and buried Te Wairoa and two smaller villages under hot heavy ash and mud. More than 150 lives were lost. Accommodation: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, Lake View Room
Day 7: Rotorua/QueenstownThis morning enjoy cooked breakfast in your hotel restaurant. Today return your Budget Rental car to Rotorua Airport before your flight to Queenstown. (flight not included in package price). On arrival to Queenstown Airport collect your new Budget Rental car and travel to your accommodation. After you have checked in you may wish to visit the nearby settlement of Arrowtown…try your luck at panning for gold in the river. Accommodation: The Heritage Queenstown, Deluxe Lakeview, 2 Nights
Day 8: QueenstownThis morning enjoy cooked breakfast in your hotel restaurant. Today learn about a ‘new’ culture to New Zealand which has made its mark around the world and helped to give Queenstown the name it has today of ‘The Adventure Capital of the World’. AJ Hackett Bungy – Secrets of Bungy Tour Enter the exhilarating world of Bungy without your feet leaving the ground, with the Secrets of Bungy Tour, the worlds only behind the scenes guided journey onto the phenomenon that is Bungy. See an inspiring and humorous portrayal of the antics of the Bungy pioneers. Touch and play with the Bungy Cords and learn the secrets that make AJ Hackett Bungy world class leaders in personal challenge, fun and adventure. This afternoon travel aboard the TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Real Journeys: Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, the only coal fired passenger carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Affectionately known as the “Lady of the Lake”, the TSS Earnslaw has a special place in the hearts of Queenstown people. She has been transporting goods to remote settlements and conveying passengers on beautiful Lake Wakatipu since 1912. What better way to view the magnificent scenery than by taking a cruise a board the TSS Earnslaw. Experience rural New Zealand as we take you on a walking tour of the farmyard. You can help feed the sheep and get close to the red deer and Scottish Highland cattle. Watch the sheep dogs in action rounding up a mob of ewes, watch a sheep being shorn and maybe try your hand at spinning wool. Then stroll through the lakeside gardens to the charming Colonel’s Homestead for a traditional high country afternoon tea. Accommodation: The Heritage Queenstown, Deluxe Lakeview
Day 9: Queenstown/Dunedin (Approx. 283km)This morning enjoy cooked breakfast in your hotel restaurant. Depart Queenstown and travel to the Southern City of Dunedin. Your first temptations of the journey take you through the vineyards of the Gibbston Valley then the orchards of Cromwell. Don’t forget a stop at Mrs Jones for your travel treats. Continue through Clyde and the Dam on to Alexandra. Follow the Clutha River to Dunedin. Dependant on your arrival time you may wish to explore the Otago Peninsula with it’s Nature activities and Larnach Castle. This afternoon visit the Speight’s Brewery for a guided tour through the working factory. For an indulgent way to finish the evening continue on to the Speight’s Ale house for a traditional pub dinner (not included) Speight's Brewery Heritage Centre: Still on the site that it has occupied since 1879, Speight’s Brewery has become one of Dunedin and Otago’s biggest icons. The Speight’s brand is not only the ‘Pride of the South’ but now one of New Zealand’s most loved beers. The Speight’s Heritage Centre is a first class informative tour through the working brewery and museum of Speight’s – a passionate part of every “Southern Man’s” heart and culture. The one and a half hour guided tour takes you back in time to cobblestone streets of the past and the origin of Speight’s brewery in 1876. Visitors not only get to see, smell, tour and taste the ingredients that make “The Pride of the South’ but will learn about the antiquity of berry from Babylonian times through to the introduction of beer in New Zealand the story of our very own Speight’s Brewery. The hands-on interactive and audio visual displays appeal to young and old alike as visitors witness the fascination of the working brewery whilst the rich malt and hop aromas of the day’s brewing linger in the air. The sparkling copper vessels of the Brewhouse make for a fantastic photo opportunity. No tour would be complete without meeting our very own “Southern Men” and tasting a selection of Speight’s finest beers fresh from the brewery in the private Heritage Bar. Good on ya mate. You will also have the opportunity to bottle, personally label and cap your own Speight’s beer and take it home in a beautiful wooden gift pack. Before you leave, take the time to visit the Speight’s Shop which offers a selection of merchandise and gifts which are perfect for your mates, family, or maybe even yourself. Accommodation: Mercure Hotel Dunedin, Superior King Room, 1 Night
Day 10: Dunedin/Oamaru (Approx. 119km)This morning enjoy cooked breakfast in your hotel restaurant. Before departing Dunedin visit Olverston House to get an insight on how the wealthy lived in the early 1900’s. Olveston House: Olveston is an eloquent expression of one man's dream. A tour of Olveston allows an intimate glimpse of the lifestyle of a privileged family in the early 1900's. It reflects a lifestyle enjoyed by just a few, but represents a most important piece in the mosaic of early New Zealand life as a whole. Visitors are very conscious of the family throughout the home, enjoying and experiencing the many treasures that were an integral part of the family's day-to-day life. Olveston captures this lifestyle completely. There is no more accurate or definitive example in New Zealand. The journey north is full of history. Stop in at the Palmerston museum, which is devoted to the region’s Scottish past. Leave the main road to see the Moeraki Boulders before continuing to Oamaru. Oamaru has a population of around 12,000 and an impressive heritage. Many of the elegant historic buildings were made from the local sandstone. Visit the Harbour-Tyne area - the best-preserved collection of historic commercial buildings in New Zealand. You should also check out the penguin colony, the museum and the pretty public gardens. This evening be entertained by the local Storyteller. Twilight Tales: Shadowly, strange and slightly scary stories of Colonial Oamaru. The stories are based on anecdotes and history of the Whitestone buildings that are a feature of the historic part of this North Otago town. The story stroll is an early evening adventure - start time....when night begins to fall! Annette Knowler is a Master Storyteller - Be prepared to be intrigued. Accommodation: Kingsgate Brydone Hotel, Standard Room, 1 night
Day 11: Oamaru/Christchurch (Approx. 246km)This morning enjoy cooked breakfast in your hotel restaurant. Continue your journey North towards New Zealand’s most English influenced city, Christchurch. Stop at the rural towns of Timaru and Ashburton on your way. On arrival to Christchurch you may wish to take a punt along the Avon River (weather permitting) or wander around Christchurch's new Pop Up City. This evening complete your visit to New Zealand with an evening at the Willowbank . Willowbank Wildlife Reserve - Ko Tane Maori Cultural Performance, Hangi & Guided Tour Accommodation: The Ashley Hotel Christchurch, King Studio, 1 Night
Day 12: Depart ChristchurchToday return your rental car to Christchurch Airport before your departure flight.
Rates
Travel is to be completed within the season. Any travel that falls over both seasons will be priced on application. All packages travelling in September and October during the Rugby World Cup will be quoted on application.
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