Bulletin- November 2011:
Hello and welcome to this end of year edition. The winter has been a mixed bag as far as departures have gone with no trips to Australia due to a variety of reasons including the Rugby World Cup, which did affect people’s thinking about joining the offerings. The visitor industry in the south has been so badly affected by this event with the only interests to prosper being the hospitality providers in the main areas in the likes of Dunedin, Wellington & Auckland. We have spent time in the MacKenzie country recently as well as the West Coast and there is a definite downturn there and in some places it is quite severe and will no doubt impact on that business for quite some time to come. The Christchurch earthquake result is still having a knock on effect as well. We are hoping that things will return to some normality soon.
We have run two full Haast Explorer Tours in the early part of spring. These experienced great weather with days spent at Fox Glacier and south of Haast in the Cascade and Jackson Bay areas as well. Lots of short walks along side streams, glaciers and along remote beaches and it proved to be a new experience for many. Hopefully we can repeat at least one of these next year. Pat and I spent time in the McKenzie country based on Omarama and Twizel just for a holiday but as things usually turn out we checked out new locations for an Explorer and detail of that will be found later in this edition. During this break I had a go at gliding and it proved to be a great experience although we did not get too high due to the cooler day. Also we had summer and winter in a matter of days with heavy snow the day we went through Tekapo. We checked out Mesopotamia Station and it is quite dramatic and barren in that Valley.
The cruise ship season has started earlier this year and there are about 84 visits planned for Dunedin prior to the season winding down in early April so that will keep me busy on the train this season. Speaking of trains, it is good to see the Kingston Flyer up and running with full head of steam again and it deserves to succeed with its new owner and management. I was involved with the crew over the opening weekend. Remember it is back and if you have any visitors or belong to a group that likes to get out and about then go and check it out and go for ride. Owner David Bryce and manager Russell Glendinning are in it for the long haul and they deserve support in the venture. It will take a while to settle down but this time I am sure it will be successful.
I have been working with our suppliers to come up with some great departures next year and these are detailed in the pages following. Have been talking to folk out on Chatham Island and am going out there for a few days to set up another departure for 2013. The returning of the questionnaire sheets has proved to be a great success and another is included with this edition. If you already have returned one then your name is recorded for that departure but if you would like information on others then do send the form back or leave a message to indicate that intention. As mentioned earlier it has been a tough period as far as economic survival is concerned and I gave thought to closing up the business but have decided to carry on meantime. If you know of anybody else keen to travel with a small group then put them in contact with us.
Hello and welcome to this end of year edition. The winter has been a mixed bag as far as departures have gone with no trips to Australia due to a variety of reasons including the Rugby World Cup, which did affect people’s thinking about joining the offerings. The visitor industry in the south has been so badly affected by this event with the only interests to prosper being the hospitality providers in the main areas in the likes of Dunedin, Wellington & Auckland. We have spent time in the MacKenzie country recently as well as the West Coast and there is a definite downturn there and in some places it is quite severe and will no doubt impact on that business for quite some time to come. The Christchurch earthquake result is still having a knock on effect as well. We are hoping that things will return to some normality soon.
We have run two full Haast Explorer Tours in the early part of spring. These experienced great weather with days spent at Fox Glacier and south of Haast in the Cascade and Jackson Bay areas as well. Lots of short walks along side streams, glaciers and along remote beaches and it proved to be a new experience for many. Hopefully we can repeat at least one of these next year. Pat and I spent time in the McKenzie country based on Omarama and Twizel just for a holiday but as things usually turn out we checked out new locations for an Explorer and detail of that will be found later in this edition. During this break I had a go at gliding and it proved to be a great experience although we did not get too high due to the cooler day. Also we had summer and winter in a matter of days with heavy snow the day we went through Tekapo. We checked out Mesopotamia Station and it is quite dramatic and barren in that Valley.
The cruise ship season has started earlier this year and there are about 84 visits planned for Dunedin prior to the season winding down in early April so that will keep me busy on the train this season. Speaking of trains, it is good to see the Kingston Flyer up and running with full head of steam again and it deserves to succeed with its new owner and management. I was involved with the crew over the opening weekend. Remember it is back and if you have any visitors or belong to a group that likes to get out and about then go and check it out and go for ride. Owner David Bryce and manager Russell Glendinning are in it for the long haul and they deserve support in the venture. It will take a while to settle down but this time I am sure it will be successful.
I have been working with our suppliers to come up with some great departures next year and these are detailed in the pages following. Have been talking to folk out on Chatham Island and am going out there for a few days to set up another departure for 2013. The returning of the questionnaire sheets has proved to be a great success and another is included with this edition. If you already have returned one then your name is recorded for that departure but if you would like information on others then do send the form back or leave a message to indicate that intention. As mentioned earlier it has been a tough period as far as economic survival is concerned and I gave thought to closing up the business but have decided to carry on meantime. If you know of anybody else keen to travel with a small group then put them in contact with us.
PROPOSED EXPLORER PROGRAMME 2012:
North Island
A new offering as far as we are concerned. This has come about due to people asking me to put an Explorer together to cater for a small group. We have done this after a lot of work and the planning has been completed. We have come up with an exciting circumnavigation of the Island starting and finishing in Wellington. It has been decided due to the cheaper airfares on offer these days to have people join us in the capital. Of course there are other options as well but the main advantage is to save 4 days land travel from the south at the start and finish.
It will be for 20 days with overnights in Ohakune, Napier, Gisborne, Hicks Bay, Rotorua, Coromandel Town, Takapuna (Auckland), Paihia, Kaitaia, New Plymouth and back to Wellington. We will visit the Army Museum at Waiouru, ride the Chairlift on Mt Ruapeahu, Huka Falls, Rainbow Springs and Te Puia in Rotorua. In the Coromandel we will ride the Driving Creek Pottery railway to the “Eyeful Tower”. In the Bay of Islands you will see the Treaty Grounds and experience the famous “Hole in the Rock” and Cape Brett cruise. We will go right to the top of the NI to Cape Reinga then coming south will visit the Kauri Forest Museum and in Auckland will visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and the Sky Tower. Waitomo Caves and an autumn garden visit at New Plymouth are in the itinerary. There are days with free time to unwind & relax or undertake some other activity that will be offered. We have included all breakfasts and some dinners.
The departure from Wellington is April 12th, which is right after Easter. You will need to overnight there on the 11th and we return to the city on the 29th. We will cater for up to 20 people only on this departure utilising our own coach with NI driver/guide (Allan will manage the departure throughout) and looking at indications so far half those places are taken. We are looking at a price of approximately $4000.00pp plus connections to/from Wellington. So give it some thought, as this will in all likelihood be the only time I will be able to offer such a programme. Bookings will close 20th January; do give me a call for more information. The preliminary itinerary is available for you to check out the detail.
North Island
A new offering as far as we are concerned. This has come about due to people asking me to put an Explorer together to cater for a small group. We have done this after a lot of work and the planning has been completed. We have come up with an exciting circumnavigation of the Island starting and finishing in Wellington. It has been decided due to the cheaper airfares on offer these days to have people join us in the capital. Of course there are other options as well but the main advantage is to save 4 days land travel from the south at the start and finish.
It will be for 20 days with overnights in Ohakune, Napier, Gisborne, Hicks Bay, Rotorua, Coromandel Town, Takapuna (Auckland), Paihia, Kaitaia, New Plymouth and back to Wellington. We will visit the Army Museum at Waiouru, ride the Chairlift on Mt Ruapeahu, Huka Falls, Rainbow Springs and Te Puia in Rotorua. In the Coromandel we will ride the Driving Creek Pottery railway to the “Eyeful Tower”. In the Bay of Islands you will see the Treaty Grounds and experience the famous “Hole in the Rock” and Cape Brett cruise. We will go right to the top of the NI to Cape Reinga then coming south will visit the Kauri Forest Museum and in Auckland will visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and the Sky Tower. Waitomo Caves and an autumn garden visit at New Plymouth are in the itinerary. There are days with free time to unwind & relax or undertake some other activity that will be offered. We have included all breakfasts and some dinners.
The departure from Wellington is April 12th, which is right after Easter. You will need to overnight there on the 11th and we return to the city on the 29th. We will cater for up to 20 people only on this departure utilising our own coach with NI driver/guide (Allan will manage the departure throughout) and looking at indications so far half those places are taken. We are looking at a price of approximately $4000.00pp plus connections to/from Wellington. So give it some thought, as this will in all likelihood be the only time I will be able to offer such a programme. Bookings will close 20th January; do give me a call for more information. The preliminary itinerary is available for you to check out the detail.
ALASKA CRUISE - CANADA – ROCKY MOUNTAINS:
In the May Bulletin we asked for expressions of interest for this and enough folk indicated an interest for us to proceed further with the idea. Nicole and David at Brooker United Travel in Dunedin have worked to bring together a package which I feel is attractive for those wanting a taste of this region. Of course it is new for me as tour manager as well but I see no problems with the detail that has been formulated. It encompasses a cruise from Vancouver to Skagway and return then a private coach tour through the Rockies. We did look at train travel for this later section but realistically and price wise the private coach option is the better option and compares favourably price wise and importantly allows to travel further and see more.
It all starts with an overnight direct flight from Auckland to Vancouver on Friday May 11th. Next afternoon we board the liner “Zuiderdam” for a 7 night cruise through the Inside Passage. “Zuiderdam” trumpets the arrival of a new age in cruising. She offers great dining choices and places to relax in and rejuvenate. Soar above the sea and from the glassed areas take in the panorama with views for miles. Mother nature did some of her best work in Alaska and the Yukon with mountains you have to see to believe. Miles with out a road or fence. Wild rivers and deep valleys with powerful forces that are still shaping the land.
You will cruise through or by Tracy Arm with dramatic glacier settings and amongst the icebergs breaking down on their way out to sea as well as glimpsing wildlife that abounds in the area. In Juneau you can experience Salmon baked over an alder wood fire, and see something of the mining based around here. Time to wander the streets of Skagway, the town that saw the departure of many prospectors heading for the mining fields of the Yukon, or take the narrow gauge railway up into the mountains for dramatic views on this old rail route that is known as the White Pass Yukon Railway. Also available is the Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park before we board “Zuiderdam” again. A day as we cruise through Glacier Bay National Park and you may just see chunks of ice falling off the glacier into the sea with a mighty splash. In Ketchikan you can indulge in Tlingit Indian culture and view the world’s largest collection of totem poles.
On this cruise there are a host of other things to see and do not mentioned here.
Saturday 19th fly to Vancouver Calgary for our 5 day coach tour of the Rocky Mountains taking in Banff, Lake Louise and into British Columbia and the city of Revelstoke. To Kelowana crossing through the impressive Monashee Mountains and past Shuswap Lake. Our last day takes us back to Vancouver for 2 nights before the direct flight back to Auckland on Friday 25th May.
There are options for people wanting extra travel in North America or to other places to leave us in Vancouver and return home independently. We are currently putting the finishing touches to what will prove to be a great Explorer and the itinerary and pricing will be available late November so call now for a copy. Remember looks are free. Personally I look forward to escorting a small group of Kiwis to this part of the world. We will be able to depart with a minimum of 8 people in the group. Contact me for information.
In the May Bulletin we asked for expressions of interest for this and enough folk indicated an interest for us to proceed further with the idea. Nicole and David at Brooker United Travel in Dunedin have worked to bring together a package which I feel is attractive for those wanting a taste of this region. Of course it is new for me as tour manager as well but I see no problems with the detail that has been formulated. It encompasses a cruise from Vancouver to Skagway and return then a private coach tour through the Rockies. We did look at train travel for this later section but realistically and price wise the private coach option is the better option and compares favourably price wise and importantly allows to travel further and see more.
It all starts with an overnight direct flight from Auckland to Vancouver on Friday May 11th. Next afternoon we board the liner “Zuiderdam” for a 7 night cruise through the Inside Passage. “Zuiderdam” trumpets the arrival of a new age in cruising. She offers great dining choices and places to relax in and rejuvenate. Soar above the sea and from the glassed areas take in the panorama with views for miles. Mother nature did some of her best work in Alaska and the Yukon with mountains you have to see to believe. Miles with out a road or fence. Wild rivers and deep valleys with powerful forces that are still shaping the land.
You will cruise through or by Tracy Arm with dramatic glacier settings and amongst the icebergs breaking down on their way out to sea as well as glimpsing wildlife that abounds in the area. In Juneau you can experience Salmon baked over an alder wood fire, and see something of the mining based around here. Time to wander the streets of Skagway, the town that saw the departure of many prospectors heading for the mining fields of the Yukon, or take the narrow gauge railway up into the mountains for dramatic views on this old rail route that is known as the White Pass Yukon Railway. Also available is the Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park before we board “Zuiderdam” again. A day as we cruise through Glacier Bay National Park and you may just see chunks of ice falling off the glacier into the sea with a mighty splash. In Ketchikan you can indulge in Tlingit Indian culture and view the world’s largest collection of totem poles.
On this cruise there are a host of other things to see and do not mentioned here.
Saturday 19th fly to Vancouver Calgary for our 5 day coach tour of the Rocky Mountains taking in Banff, Lake Louise and into British Columbia and the city of Revelstoke. To Kelowana crossing through the impressive Monashee Mountains and past Shuswap Lake. Our last day takes us back to Vancouver for 2 nights before the direct flight back to Auckland on Friday 25th May.
There are options for people wanting extra travel in North America or to other places to leave us in Vancouver and return home independently. We are currently putting the finishing touches to what will prove to be a great Explorer and the itinerary and pricing will be available late November so call now for a copy. Remember looks are free. Personally I look forward to escorting a small group of Kiwis to this part of the world. We will be able to depart with a minimum of 8 people in the group. Contact me for information.
AUSTRALIA:
Queensland
Once again this is being offered in June. From any international airport in New Zealand we will meet in Brisbane and then travel to the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island, for 3 nights. Take in a full day tour of the rain forest and mighty sand beaches along with sightings of dingos and amazing bird life. A day to relax included. Next we road journey up the coast with overnight stops in Rockhampton (the beef capital), McKay, Townsville and on to Cairns. Several days on the Atherton Table Lands (so important during WW2 in the defence of Australia) prior to 3 days in the Daintree Forest. Here we will experience the rainforest with local guides on our own private day tours. Return to Cairns for some RR prior to returning home. You might like to sail or cruise out to the Barrier Reef as an option. I will be organising and conducting day trips in the area to include the Kuranda Scenic Railway, visit to a crocodile farm, the Botanic Gardens and other attractions in this tropical city before we head for home.
Will depart with 8 people and in all probability will have our own driver guide but should numbers not warrant that then I will drive a small bus. Having been here several times I am familiar with the areas to be covered and my experience will add to yours. Itinerary detail now available.
Queensland
Once again this is being offered in June. From any international airport in New Zealand we will meet in Brisbane and then travel to the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island, for 3 nights. Take in a full day tour of the rain forest and mighty sand beaches along with sightings of dingos and amazing bird life. A day to relax included. Next we road journey up the coast with overnight stops in Rockhampton (the beef capital), McKay, Townsville and on to Cairns. Several days on the Atherton Table Lands (so important during WW2 in the defence of Australia) prior to 3 days in the Daintree Forest. Here we will experience the rainforest with local guides on our own private day tours. Return to Cairns for some RR prior to returning home. You might like to sail or cruise out to the Barrier Reef as an option. I will be organising and conducting day trips in the area to include the Kuranda Scenic Railway, visit to a crocodile farm, the Botanic Gardens and other attractions in this tropical city before we head for home.
Will depart with 8 people and in all probability will have our own driver guide but should numbers not warrant that then I will drive a small bus. Having been here several times I am familiar with the areas to be covered and my experience will add to yours. Itinerary detail now available.
AUSTRALIA:
Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and the Outback
This is departing in July and will be using 1st class daytime rail travel between the cities. It will also see us visiting several preserved railways. It is deigned with rail interest in mind but does have other activity included to make it an all-encompassing departure. Overnights will be in Sydney close to the Rocks for 4 nights. Melbourne on the South Bank 4 nights. Adelaide on Melbourne Street in the northern CBD 4 nights. Port Augusta 3 nights and Woomera 1 night both on the edge of the Outback.
Sydney activity includes- half day sightseeing to Sydney Heads, The Rocks, Bondi and a harbour cruise.
A day in the Blue Mountains and a visit to the historic Zig Zag Railway and Katoomba. A free day.
Melbourne activity includes- 2 days free, although activity and options will be offered such as trips to Sovereign Hill and Bendigo or perhaps the Great Ocean Road if you wish. However 2 days in the city offers a grand variety of things to do. 1 day to visit Puffing Billy Railway.
Adelaide activity includes- Visit the National Rail Museum, the German settlement of Harndorf in the Adelaide Hills and a free day or 2?
The Port Augusta, Woomera section will be optional for those not wishing to indulge in rail activity.
We will visit and ride the historic Pichi Richi railway route of the original Ghan to Alice Springs and also visit Peterborough on the edge of the wheat belt. From here we travel into the Outback and have 1 or 2 nights at Woomera. This is the area of early British rocket and bomb testing in the middle of last century and good displays are available here. We will also spend time beside the railway line looking at and photographing some of those huge trains that ply the deserts on their way to and from Darwin and Perth. There is plenty of interest around this area for non railway people as well.
Currently we are working with our Sydney agents preparing this departure. Expect to have that finalised early December for your consideration.
Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and the Outback
This is departing in July and will be using 1st class daytime rail travel between the cities. It will also see us visiting several preserved railways. It is deigned with rail interest in mind but does have other activity included to make it an all-encompassing departure. Overnights will be in Sydney close to the Rocks for 4 nights. Melbourne on the South Bank 4 nights. Adelaide on Melbourne Street in the northern CBD 4 nights. Port Augusta 3 nights and Woomera 1 night both on the edge of the Outback.
Sydney activity includes- half day sightseeing to Sydney Heads, The Rocks, Bondi and a harbour cruise.
A day in the Blue Mountains and a visit to the historic Zig Zag Railway and Katoomba. A free day.
Melbourne activity includes- 2 days free, although activity and options will be offered such as trips to Sovereign Hill and Bendigo or perhaps the Great Ocean Road if you wish. However 2 days in the city offers a grand variety of things to do. 1 day to visit Puffing Billy Railway.
Adelaide activity includes- Visit the National Rail Museum, the German settlement of Harndorf in the Adelaide Hills and a free day or 2?
The Port Augusta, Woomera section will be optional for those not wishing to indulge in rail activity.
We will visit and ride the historic Pichi Richi railway route of the original Ghan to Alice Springs and also visit Peterborough on the edge of the wheat belt. From here we travel into the Outback and have 1 or 2 nights at Woomera. This is the area of early British rocket and bomb testing in the middle of last century and good displays are available here. We will also spend time beside the railway line looking at and photographing some of those huge trains that ply the deserts on their way to and from Darwin and Perth. There is plenty of interest around this area for non railway people as well.
Currently we are working with our Sydney agents preparing this departure. Expect to have that finalised early December for your consideration.
AUSTRALIA:
Northern Territory and into Western Australia
Planned for August/September this departure is currently being finalised once again by our Sydney agents. It starts with 4 days in Alice Springs after flights from New Zealand. We will visit Desert Park, the McDonnell Ranges, the Telegraph Station and Flying Doctor base with options of day trips to Uluru (Ayers Rock) or Hermannsburg and Palm Valley. North to overnight in Tennant Creek and Katherine where we will spend half a day in the Katherine Gorge. 3 fascinating days in Kakadu National Park prior to our arrival into Darwin. This is Australia’s remotest city and is closer to Asia than other cities in the country. 2 days before we head south again to Katherine and from here it is west to cross the Victoria River and into Kununurra for 2 nights to allow us to complete the amazing Ord River cruise and a chance to fly over the Bungle Bungles. Next to Fitzroy Crossing and on to Broome where a vibrant pearling industry is based to unwind before the trip home. This has proved to be an amazing journey to some very remote places and to allow you the opportunity to see something of the WW2 experience this area suffered in 1942. Some insight into the Aboriginal way of life is available too. The wild life, particularly the birds will impress you as well. This has always been a popular departure and the detail will be available early in the New Year.
Northern Territory and into Western Australia
Planned for August/September this departure is currently being finalised once again by our Sydney agents. It starts with 4 days in Alice Springs after flights from New Zealand. We will visit Desert Park, the McDonnell Ranges, the Telegraph Station and Flying Doctor base with options of day trips to Uluru (Ayers Rock) or Hermannsburg and Palm Valley. North to overnight in Tennant Creek and Katherine where we will spend half a day in the Katherine Gorge. 3 fascinating days in Kakadu National Park prior to our arrival into Darwin. This is Australia’s remotest city and is closer to Asia than other cities in the country. 2 days before we head south again to Katherine and from here it is west to cross the Victoria River and into Kununurra for 2 nights to allow us to complete the amazing Ord River cruise and a chance to fly over the Bungle Bungles. Next to Fitzroy Crossing and on to Broome where a vibrant pearling industry is based to unwind before the trip home. This has proved to be an amazing journey to some very remote places and to allow you the opportunity to see something of the WW2 experience this area suffered in 1942. Some insight into the Aboriginal way of life is available too. The wild life, particularly the birds will impress you as well. This has always been a popular departure and the detail will be available early in the New Year.
AUSTRALIA:
Tasmania
October we will be offering this 14 day departure once again. I will be driving you around the island state as we explore the forested western coast and then head overland to Hobart and the drier eastern side. We will delve into the cruel convict era and the historic colonial past and see something of the current farming and vegetable growing places too. The national parks to be visited are so different to what we have in New Zealand. More detail will be in the May bulletin but register now for updates.
Tasmania
October we will be offering this 14 day departure once again. I will be driving you around the island state as we explore the forested western coast and then head overland to Hobart and the drier eastern side. We will delve into the cruel convict era and the historic colonial past and see something of the current farming and vegetable growing places too. The national parks to be visited are so different to what we have in New Zealand. More detail will be in the May bulletin but register now for updates.
AUSTRALIA:
Norfolk Island
This has become a real problem in regards flights from New Zealand and there seems to be no prospect of improvement to the once weekly flight from NZ. Simply 7 days is not enough from the south for us to justify a departure for that length of time! We do not want to abandon the island departure altogether as it so much deserves support right now and has so much interest for the traveller. A way to obtain a longer stay is to travel through Brisbane one way. Doing it that way perhaps folk may be interested in a few days on Fraser Island as part of that so let me have your thoughts so as we can put a departure together for 14 days that might appeal. Remember Norfolk is my favourite place to visit and that enthusiasm will rub off on you should you choose to spend time there and allow me to show it to you.
Norfolk Island
This has become a real problem in regards flights from New Zealand and there seems to be no prospect of improvement to the once weekly flight from NZ. Simply 7 days is not enough from the south for us to justify a departure for that length of time! We do not want to abandon the island departure altogether as it so much deserves support right now and has so much interest for the traveller. A way to obtain a longer stay is to travel through Brisbane one way. Doing it that way perhaps folk may be interested in a few days on Fraser Island as part of that so let me have your thoughts so as we can put a departure together for 14 days that might appeal. Remember Norfolk is my favourite place to visit and that enthusiasm will rub off on you should you choose to spend time there and allow me to show it to you.
NEW ZEALAND:
As mentioned already plans are under way to offer an Explorer to Chatham Island again. Once I have been out there to check out what is currently being offered a departure will be offered for 7 days ex Christchurch (with connections). Hopefully this detail will be in the May edition.
As mentioned already plans are under way to offer an Explorer to Chatham Island again. Once I have been out there to check out what is currently being offered a departure will be offered for 7 days ex Christchurch (with connections). Hopefully this detail will be in the May edition.
NEW ZEALAND:
McKenzie Country
A revamp of this Explorer for 8 days will be offered at a date to be decided next year. Departing from Gore and Dunedin we will travel up the Waitaki Valley through historic Kurow to spend 2 nights in Omarama. From here drive into the Ahuriri Valley towards the Southern Alps. A day to check out the historic Quailburn Woolshed and the early farming history of the area before heading to Lake Ohau and the Temple Valley. 3 nights in Twizel to allow a day trip to the Mt Cook area and another to explore places in the Twizel/Lake Benmore area. Next day to the head of Lake Tekapo and into Geraldine for 2 nights. During that time we will drive into the Rangitata River valley and visit Mesopotamia Station where Samuel Butler wrote his epic novel “Erewhon”. Time to explore Geraldine prior to coming home.
McKenzie Country
A revamp of this Explorer for 8 days will be offered at a date to be decided next year. Departing from Gore and Dunedin we will travel up the Waitaki Valley through historic Kurow to spend 2 nights in Omarama. From here drive into the Ahuriri Valley towards the Southern Alps. A day to check out the historic Quailburn Woolshed and the early farming history of the area before heading to Lake Ohau and the Temple Valley. 3 nights in Twizel to allow a day trip to the Mt Cook area and another to explore places in the Twizel/Lake Benmore area. Next day to the head of Lake Tekapo and into Geraldine for 2 nights. During that time we will drive into the Rangitata River valley and visit Mesopotamia Station where Samuel Butler wrote his epic novel “Erewhon”. Time to explore Geraldine prior to coming home.
NEW ZEALAND:
BULLER & WESTLAND
We holidayed here earlier this year and have come up with a trip worthy of consideration. From Gore and Dunedin travel through the Lewis Pass and the Buller Gorge to Westport to base for 4 nights. We have found a great accommodation place at Cape Foulwind overlooking the Tasman Sea. A day to experience the Karamea area (as far north as you can drive on the coast). A day on the Denniston Plateau to see something of the early coal mining era and then the tranquil Mokihinui River. A day around Westport and Cape Foulwind. Next the drive along the coast to Punakaiki to Hokitika for 2 nights. Time for the town sights and the beautiful Hokitika Gorge and the Kokatahi district, once home to the infamous Stanley Graham. Turning for home we travel over Arthur’s Pass with all its splendour in the Southern Alps.
BULLER & WESTLAND
We holidayed here earlier this year and have come up with a trip worthy of consideration. From Gore and Dunedin travel through the Lewis Pass and the Buller Gorge to Westport to base for 4 nights. We have found a great accommodation place at Cape Foulwind overlooking the Tasman Sea. A day to experience the Karamea area (as far north as you can drive on the coast). A day on the Denniston Plateau to see something of the early coal mining era and then the tranquil Mokihinui River. A day around Westport and Cape Foulwind. Next the drive along the coast to Punakaiki to Hokitika for 2 nights. Time for the town sights and the beautiful Hokitika Gorge and the Kokatahi district, once home to the infamous Stanley Graham. Turning for home we travel over Arthur’s Pass with all its splendour in the Southern Alps.
NEW ZEALAND:
West Coast / Molesworth: The Canterbury Valleys: Haast – can all be offered again as well should there be sufficient numbers. These and the above South Island offerings will be slotted in once interest is known for all the departures mentioned in this publication.
West Coast / Molesworth: The Canterbury Valleys: Haast – can all be offered again as well should there be sufficient numbers. These and the above South Island offerings will be slotted in once interest is known for all the departures mentioned in this publication.
A B EXPLORER TOURS
Box 153 GORE 9740
Ph 03 2087704 or 0274 324068
Email: abexplorertours@xtra.co.nz
Tour Director- Allan Boyer
Box 153 GORE 9740
Ph 03 2087704 or 0274 324068
Email: abexplorertours@xtra.co.nz
Tour Director- Allan Boyer
Tour Interest Questionnaire
In order to assist us in planning tours for the future, we would appreciate it if you could take time to read and respond to our questionnaire.
Please click here for a downloadable copy.
Please mail this to us.
In order to assist us in planning tours for the future, we would appreciate it if you could take time to read and respond to our questionnaire.
Please click here for a downloadable copy.
Please mail this to us.