Presents

Agricultural & Sightseeing Tour of New Zealand

Departing February 1st – 18th 2023

Welcome to New Zealand!

There are just 4.5 million New Zealanders, scattered across 270,534 sq km: bigger than the UK with one-fourteenth the popu-lation. Filling in the gaps are the sublime forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and fiords that have made NZ one of the best destinations on Earth.

DAY 1: DEPART CANADA ON THE February 1st, 2023 – overnight flight

Lose a day due to international time zone (Arrive on the 3rd February 2023)

DAY 2: ARRIVE QUEENSTOWN February 3rd, 2023 (D)

Met on arrival by your Local Guide and transferred to Rydges Lakeland Hotel. Breakfast on arrival and Check in to your room. Time to freshen up, then walk along to the Jetty for KJet Boat Ride.

Kawarau Jet Boat ride: The Original Jet boat experience in New Zealand. Only KJet offers over 60 minutes of unforgettable thrills, spins and exhilaration across three waterways in one of the world’s most stunning locations! The twin engine Jet boat excursion begins by crossing crystal clear Lake Wakatipu surrounded by majestic mountains and stunning scenery. Then zoom under the Kawarau Dam onto the deep green waters of the Kawarau River complete with 360 degree spins before navigating the fast–moving currents of the narrow, braided Shotover River, travelling up shallow channels in water that’s less than 10 cen-timetres deep in places.

6pm: This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel

Accommodation: Rydges Hotel, Queenstown

DAY 3: QUEENSTOWN February 4th, 2023 (B, D)

After a long flight a day off is very much needed. Explore the delights of this alpine resort. You can either sit back and relax or your tour guide will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. We recommend taking a Gondola to the skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon, or for the adventurous – white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries. Enjoy lunch at the many restaurants available on the waterfront. This evening combine a TSS Earnslaw cruise and farm tour with a barbecue dinner in the beautiful garden setting at the Colonel’s Homestead. Sit back on the lakeside terrace and savour the enticing aromas as the chef cooks a selection of food on the barbecue. Fresh salads and crusty bread perfectly complement the food sizzling on the grill. After dinner there is plenty of time to view the farm ani-mals, join a walking tour of the farmyard and explore the extensive lakeside gardens.

Accommodation: Rydges Hotel, Queenstown

DAY 4: QUEENSTOWN / MILFORD SOUND DAY CRUISE February 5th, 2023 (B,L)

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise ex Queenstown

Board a luxury coach in Queenstown, travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Man-apouri. Then cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm before boarding a coach and crossing the alpine route of Wilmot Pass through some of Fiordland’s most dense rainforest. On reaching Deep Cove, board a modern catamaran vessel, the Patea Explorer for a three hour cruise exploring the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord. Picnic lunch onboard
*Please note: This is not a private coach/cruise, you will be joining an existing scheduled tour

Dinner on your own this evening in Queenstown

Accommodation: Rydges Hotel, Queenstown

DAY 5: QUEENSTOWN / ARROWTOWN / WANAKA February 6th, 2023 (B,D)

9 am: Travel from Queenstown to Arrowtown, time to explore the historic town and then drive to Wanaka via Cromwell.

Visit Criffel Station, Wanaka, NZ: In 1993 Jerry and Mandy converted the station into a deer breeding and finishing farm. Over the years as irrigation systems have been established, pastures improved and more and more land deer fenced, the property has been developed to the point where it offers 1850 effective hectares, including: 350 ha of finishing pastures on the flats and terraces with 315 ha irrigated, 1500 ha of breeding/hill blocks on the steeper tussock country

These days the farm runs predominantly Eastern European red deer – to enable increased growth rates and earlier calving. The farming business is comprised of a Commercial herd – 1900 hinds / Elite herd of red deer – 210 hinds / Velveting herd – 450 in-cluding sire stags

5:30pm: Group dinner at the Cardrona Hotel: Situated on the spectacular Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka, Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels. Its rustic charm, stunning mountain setting, and rich history make it a must-see while in Central Otago.

Accommodation: Edgewater Wanaka , Wanaka

DAY 6: WANAKA to CHRISTCHURCH February 7th, 2023 (B,L,D)

Travel over the winding Lindis Pass today and continue on your journey to arrive into stunning Tekapo to view the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Built in 1935, this lovely church and the Collie Dog statue nearby both overlook the powder blue waters of Lake Tekapo itself, allowing for some spectacular photo opportunities.

12pm: Farm visit & lunch at Tasman Down’s Station—High Country beef, sheep & cropping operation
3pm: Travel through the MacKenzie Country, an area famed for its history of sheep farming and its sparsely populated beauty, before descending onto the vast patchwork of Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch.
7pm: Group dinner at hotel

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel Christchurch

DAY 7: CHRISTCHURCH February 8th, 2023 (B,D)

Farm visit to White Rock Mains, New Zealand

White Rock Mains is a 1056ha sheep & beef property located in the foothills of White Rock, Rangiora. We are a fourth genera-tion family farm. We are strong believers that the rural story is something that all of NZ should be proud of, therefore engage-ment with our community is key. Transparency, environment and technology are some of the key things we will be sharing on the day.

David Bayliss – Beef & Dairy Operation

Modern dairy & beef operation incorporating modern environmental practices

Ngāi Tahu – Maori Farming operation (to be confirmed)

Ngāi Tahu whānau, manages more than 100,000 ha of farm and forestry land in the South Island. The timber, milk, meat and other products from the whenua (lands) go through local processors for export around the world. Our purpose is to produce sus-tainable products from our environment in a way which is in line with Ngāi Tahu values; contributes to achieving Ngāi Tahu aspi-rations such as upholding the tribe’s role as a kaitiaki (custodian) of the environment, creating employment opportunities for Ngāi Tahu people, and running a successful business. Furthermore, we hope to encourage industry change for better farming practices throughout Aotearoa – New Zealand.

Group Dinner at Crowne Plaza

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel Christchurch

DAY 8: CHRISTCHURCH February 9th, 2023 (B)

Morning visit to International Antarctic Centre

Be chilled in our incredible Antarctic storm room. Be thrilled on an all-terrain vehicle tour. Make friends with penguins and huskies. Learn about the first expeditions, modern-day life on Scott Base and the future of humanity on the ice. Be amazed by the big screen ice tour and astonished within the immersive 4D theatre.
Afternoon city tour of Christchurch – Botanic Gardens, Christ`s College, City Centre
Free time to explore on your own

Dinner on your own this evening

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel Christchurch

DAY 9: CHRISTCHURCH February 10th, 2023 (B,D)

Five Star Beef New Zealand (ANZCO Foods)

The Five Star Beef feedlot near Ashburton, owned by ANZCO Foods, farms about 14,000 cattle which are grain fed, rather than grass fed. ANZCO Foods said Five Star Beef cattle were raised on grass until about 18 months of age. Cattle were then sent to Five Star Beef for finishing on grain for an average of 120 days in a controlled environment.

PGG Wrightson Seeds, Kimihia Research Centre, Lincoln

• Seed production and Seed certification processes, Stephen Bennett, John Foley

• Visit seed production crops, Lincoln, Canterbury

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel Christchurch

DAY 10: CHRISTCHURCH/KAIKOURA /PICTON February 11th, 2023 (B,D)

Head north and enjoy a kaleidoscope of scenery across fertile Canterbury farmland through the Hundalee Ranges. Follow the Pacific coastline, with the Kaikoura Mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west.
Stop off in Kaikoura for a lunch on your own and the opportunity to wonder the boutique shops on the main street.

Travel north to Picton via wine country / Group Dinner at local pub in Picton

Accommodation: Picton Yacht Club

DAY 11: PICTON February 12th, 2023 (B)

Paua Pearl Farm Cruise (Paua also known as Abalone)

On this private tour you will take a one hour water taxi to Whekenui Bay, the home of the Paua Pearl Farm, enjoy 90 minutes on shore for a guided tour of the farm, snacks and beverages. See how the Paua is grown and cultivated and how the pearls are cre-ated and crafted into fine jewellery before boarding your water taxi back to Picton.

Duration: 4 hours (includes return water taxi, farm tour, light snacks)

12:30pm Picton to Paua Farm 1:30

1:30pm Arrive at Paua Farm 4:00

4:00pm Depart Paua Farm arrive back into Picton 5:00pm

Accommodation: Picton Yacht Club

DAY 12: PICTON to NAPIER, February 13th, 2023 (B) Travel Day

Inter Islander One Way Ferry Journey: By Ferry: Drop to 11.00 AM Ferry. re – Collect 2.30 PM Wellington Ferry

Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, viewing the stunning sheltered waterways, remote bays ad isolated holiday homes. Travel across Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Capital City.

Collect from Wellington Ferry and transfer to Napier

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania

DAY 13: NAPIER February 14th, 2023 (B,D)

Napier City: Rebuilt after a 1931 earthquake, the city is known for art deco landmarks like the zigzag-patterned Daily Tele-graph Building. Along the tree-lined waterfront promenade the Marine Parade, the Pania of the Reef statue depicting a Maori maiden, is a symbol of the city.

Join with your local guide for a walking tour of Napiers Art deco city centre.

Art Deco Trust: This 2 hour walking tour commencing from Deco Centre,7 Tennyson Street. Your accredited guide will bring Napier’s fascinating architecture to life for you as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre.

Free time to explore Napier City on your own

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania

DAY 14: NAPIER TO ROTORUA February 15th, 2023 (B,D)

Travel from Napier to Rotorua. Enjoy a rest stop at Lake Taupo on the way through to Rotorua.
Rotorua, a town set on its namesake lake on New Zealand’s North Island, is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. It’s also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, with traditional wood carving and weaving schools.

This evening you will discover the Tamaki Maori Village. You will be greeted by imposing warriors who will perform the Powhiri (traditional Maori welcome) before you walk through a forest of pine trees and learn about some of the traditional Maori arts. Later enjoy the Maori hangi (traditionally prepared meats and vegetables) which has been slow cooked beneath the earth using hot stones, as well as enjoying a selection of more conventional dishes. Be inspired by a concert and cultural performance featuring stirring Maori songs, haunting chants and the famous haka.

Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua

DAY 15: Rotorua – Hamilton 16th, February 2023 (B,L,D)

10am to 1:30pm: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour & Lunch ex Shires Rest
Join us and experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in “ The Lord of the Rings “ and “ The Hobbit” trilogies.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.

You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit, South farthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth ad-venture.

Experience the taste of the Shire with a delicious buffet lunch observed in the Party Marquee. Your meal is served buffet style with shared table seating. Lunch will be served after your mid morning tour.

Visit Cambridge Horse stud – to be confirmed

Group Dinner at hotel

Accommodation: Distinction Hamilton Hotel

DAY 16: Hamilton – Auckland 17th, February 2023 (B,D)

Travel to Auckland, free time to explore Auckland’s waterfront

It is a short walk along to Sky City for Tower visit and dinner

Farewell Dinner: Orbit Revolving Restaurant – Sky City Hotel

Soaring high above Auckland you’ll discover Orbit, a truly iconic New Zealand brasserie offering diners sensational views – and food to match. Situated at the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower, the dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience with amazing 360-degree panoramas of the city, the Hauraki Gulf and beyond

Orbit offers a modern dining experience in a relaxed, open atmosphere with a delicious kiwi-inspired à la carte menu that fea-tures the best local and seasonal produce. As New Zealand’s only rotating restaurant offering 360-degree views, it’s an unfor-gettable experience that never ceases to delight.

Accommodation: Stamford Plaza Auckland

Day 17: Auckland – Waiheke Island, Depart New Zealand to Canada, 18th February 2023 (B,L)

Free time this morning then make your way to the Fullers ferry terminal (approx 10mins walk) for the 11.00am ferry sailing to Waiheke Island.

You will be met by Ananda Tours on arrival & enjoy Waiheke Island Private Day Incl Ferry, Lunch & tastings 1100-1800

1100: Ferry departs Auckland

1145 arrive Waiheke Matiatia Wharf where you will be greeted by Ananda Tours and commence your privately guided tour of Waiheke Island. On the way, stunning scenery is around every corner, and you will be entertained by your guide’s commentary on the history, geography, culture, people and produce of Waiheke.

1230: enjoy a tasting at Peacock Sky, who produce Methode Traditionelle Blanc de Noirs, Chardonnay, cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Pure Merlot and Pure Malbec wines. The wines are carefully matched with morsels of tempting food created daily by the vineyard owners.

1330: Lunch at Peacock Sky Vineyard at the casual Gourmet le Cote de la Colline Restaurant.

1545: Visit Stonyridge Vineyard for wine tasting. Founded in 1982 Stonyridge is a world-class producer of Cabernet blends and is the home of one of New Zealand’s cult wines, Larose (available to taste for an additional charge). Here you will taste a range of their Waiheke wines which can include Sauvignon Blanc, Faithful (Syrah) and Merlot.

1645: visit Mudbrick Vineyard’s tasting room, set amongst beautiful gardens with spectacular views looking across the Waitema-ta Harbour to Auckland city. Mudbrick offers a range of wines to taste including locally grown Viognier, Chardonnay, Syrah and Bordeaux varieties, as well as several aromatic wines from Malborough.

1800: Board the Fullers Ferry back to Auckland City

1845: Arrive City & transfer to Auckland International Airport

International Flight home to Canada

Tour ends!