NZ Rugby Romance Tour 2017!

June 23, 2016 | 4 comments

What could be even bigger and better than the 2016 New Zealand Rugby Romance Tour? The 2017 tour!

It’ll be August 2017, and it’ll be amazing. This one has it all: Nearly three weeks to take in New Zealand in a fully personalized small-group tour run by the absolutely fabulous Sharron Hickman of Exclusive Tours. You’ll journey from Auckland to Dunedin, from pristine, empty beaches to snow-capped mountains. Go from relaxing in natural mineral hot pools near Tongariro National Park to bungy jumping or jetboating in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adrenaline capital. And at the end, of course, watch the All Blacks take on the Wallabies of Australia in one of sport’s greatest rivalries!

Here’s a brief rundown of the highlights. For full details, view the itinerary with estimated prices.

Note: This tour is expected to sell out quickly. However, there is a 2018 tour already being planned. To get on the list to learn more, email sharronh[at]exclusivetours[dot]co[dot]nz.

8 August – Tuesday

ARRIVE AUCKLAND

9 August – Wednesday

AUCKLAND

Morning Auckland sightseeing tour (including 1 hour guided tour of Auckland Museum) followed by ferry to Devonport, lunch break in Devonport, Devonport tour afternoon tea and ferry back to Auckland. Rosalind James will be with the guests during the visit to Devonport.

Torpedo Bay and North Head – Devonport.

Pre dinner drinks and a chance to meet some New Zealand readers and Rosalind will sign books.

Welcome dinner this evening with Rosalind.

10 August – Thursday

AUCKLAND TO ROTORUA

Stop en-route at Zealong tea tour and tea tastings and lunch followed by a guided tour of Hobbiton – the world’s largest green movie set.

Free evening and time to enjoy the Thursday Night Market in Rotorua.

11 August – Friday

ROTORUA

Free morning – possible Zip Lining or massage and or facial or visit the Rotorua Museum and Art Gallery. This afternoon participate in a flax weaving class followed a guided tour of Te Puia and a Maori concert and hangi dinner.

Te Puia Maori concert – Rotorua.

12 August – Saturday

ROTORUA TO TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

Stop en-route at Lava Glass, Huka Falls and Tokaanu Hot Pools to soak in the hot mineral water pools.

Free evening.

13 August – Sunday

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

Free day for hiking, or scenic flight, or visit Department of Conservation Centre.

14 August – Monday

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK TO WELLINGTON

Stop en-route at Bulls and RJ’s Licorice shop – delicious!

Group dinner at Mac’s Brew Bar.

Wellington city and harbour.

15 August – Tuesday

WELLINGTON

Morning tea with Rosalind at Picnic Cafe, Wellington Botanic Gardens. Meet some New Zealand readers and Rosalind will sign books.

This afternoon a guided 1 hour tour New Zealand Parliament buildings including question time in the debating chamber.

16 August – Wednesday

WELLINGTON TO BLENHEIM

Free time in Wellington. Time to perhaps participate in a guided tour of Weta Workshop, or visit Te Papa Museum and or relax.

This afternoon travel by ferry from Wellington to Picton (3 hours on the ferry) and then by road to Blenheim.

17 August – Thursday

BLENHEIM

Visit Makana Chocolates followed by wine tasting tour and lunch at a vineyard and more wine tasting.

18 August – Friday

BLENHEIM TO KAIKOURA

Today travel to Kaikoura. Free time to go whale watching either by boat or aircraft.

19 August – Saturday

KAIKOURA TO CHRISTCHURCH

This morning travel to Christchurch. Free time to visit such places as the botanic gardens, Cashel Street Mall, New Regent Street etc.

20 August – Sunday

CHRISTCHURCH TO AORAKI/MOUNT COOK

Stop en-route at Geraldine, Fairlie, Burkes Pass, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki viewing area.

21 August – Monday

AORAKI/MOUNT COOK

Free day in this very scenic mountain area. Maybe a walk on the Hooker Valley trail or participate in the Glacier Explorer tour, or visit Department of Conservation Centre etc.

22 August – Tuesday

AORAKI/MOUNT COOK TO QUEENSTOWN

Stop en-route at Tarras, Mrs Jones’s Fruit Shop, AJ Hackett Bungy jumping site and historic Arrowtown.

Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Ranges.

23 August – Wednesday

QUEENSTOWN

Free day in the adrenalin capital of New Zealand! Here is your chance to chill out or experience some adrenalin action! Jet boating, bungy jumping, white water rafting, tandem hang gliding, shopping, massage, facials, walking in the Queenstown gardens, riding the gondola to Bob’s Peak etc.

Early this evening travel on the TSS Earnslaw boat to Walter Peak Station for a group dinner tonight followed by sheep show including dogs working sheep and sheep shearing.

Overnight: Scenic Suites, Queenstown.

24 August – Thursday

QUEENSTOWN TO MILFORD SOUND TO TE ANAU

This morning travel to Milford Sound, cruise on the sound, including picnic lunch. Then travel to Te Anau.

25 August – Friday

TE ANAU TO DUNEDIN

This morning visit the Te Anau Department of Conservation Bird Park (including visiting with some rare and flightless Takahe birds) before travelling on to Dunedin.

On arrival in Dunedin visit Larnach Castle and gardens.

Larnach Castle and gardens – Dunedin.

26 August – Saturday

DUNEDIN

Guided walking tour of downtown Dunedin followed by a guided tour of Olveston historic homestead.

Free afternoon to prepare for the big Bledisloe Cup rugby match – All Blacks v Australia. Rosalind will accompany you to the match!

Forsyth Barr Stadium – the fabulous covered venue for the Bledisloe Cup match tonight!

27 August – Sunday

DUNEDIN

Free day to and recover from the excitement of last night! Maybe visit Cadburys Chocolate Factory, Dunedin botanic gardens, Dunedin Railway Station, Dunedin Chinese Garden etc.

Late this afternoon Speights beer tour and tastings followed by dinner at Speights Restaurant.

28 August – Monday

DEPART DUNEDIN

For full details, view the itinerary.

To get on the list, email sharronh[at]exclusivetours[dot]com

See you in New Zealand!

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