TAHI RED TOUR – 3 Test Tour (SOLD OUT)

 3 TEST OPTION, 20th JUNE – 11th JULY 2017 (18 NIGHTS)4 Nights Auckland6 Nights Wellington5 Nights Queenstown3 Nights Auckland
4* TOUR ITINERARYDAY 1: TUESDAY 20th JUNE 2017 – UK/NEW ZEALANDEnsure you get to London Heathrow Airport three hours prior to departure where you will meet a member of staff from Living With The Lions who will assist you with check in for your international flight.
Overnight: In Flight
 DAY 2: – WEDNESDAY 21st JUNE 2017 – IN FLIGHTIn transit to New Zealand.
Overnight: In Flight
 DAY 3 – THURSDAY 22nd JUNE 2017 – AUCKLANDArrive into Auckland Airport around lunchtime where you will be met by a LWTL tour manager. Transfer into the city to the 4* Mercure Hotel for a 4 night stay on a B&B basis. This evening enjoy welcome drinks with your tour hosts and fellow tourists.
Overnight: 4* Mercure Auckland
 DAY 4: FRIDAY 23rd JUNE 2017 – AUCKLANDEnjoy a leisurely breakfast after your long flight and spend the day exploring Auckland city centre. This is the perfect opportunity to sample the atmosphere as it builds ahead of the opening Test this weekend.
Overnight: 4* Mercure Auckland
 DAY 5 – SATURDAY 24th JUNE 2017 – AUCKLANDMATCH DAY! 1st Test Match ALL BLACKS v THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS
Relax in the morning before transferring in the afternoon to Eden Park Stadium for the first Test. Return transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight: 4* Mercure Auckland
 DAY 6 – SUNDAY 25th JUNE 2017 – AUCKLANDEnjoy a relaxing ‘recovery’ day! Take the time to explore this fabulous city. We suggest a visit to one of the wonderful bays in Auckland.
Overnight: 4* Mercure Auckland
 DAY 7: MONDAY 26th JUNE 2017: AUCKLAND/WELLINGTONThis morning, after checking out, transfer to Auckland Airport for a short flight to Wellington. From the airport you will transfer to the 4* Travelodge in central Wellington for a 6 night stay on B&B basis
Overnight: 4* Travelodge Wellington
 DAY 8: TUESDAY 27th JUNE 2017: WELLINGTONMATCH DAY! Midweek Game HURRICANES v THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS
Spend the morning exploring your new surroundings and enjoy watching the Lions take on the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
Overnight: Travelodge Wellington
 DAY 9: WEDNESDAY 28th JUNE 2017: WELLINGTONSpend the day exploring the capital city of New Zealand, perhaps take a trip to the top of Mount Victoria where you will have stunning views across the city, you can also see the harbour.
Overnight: 4* Travelodge Wellington
 DAY 10: THURSDAY 29th JUNE 2017: WELLINGTONAfter breakfast, perhaps discover ‘Te Papa’ the museum of New Zealand. It has interactive stories of New Zealand’s unique geological, cultural and social history. It is renowned for being bicultural, scholarly, innovative, and fun. The collections span five areas: Art, History, Pacific, Māori, and Natural Environment with dynamic events and education programmes – this is a must see museum in the area.
Overnight: 4* Travelodge Wellington
 DAY 11: FRIDAY 30th JUNE 2017: WELLINGTONToday is free for further exploration of Wellington. Perhaps ride the historic Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the top of Kelburn, or see the Space Place at Carter Observatory and return through the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
Overnight: 4* Travelodge Wellington
 DAY 12: SATURDAY 1st JULY 2017: WELLINGTONMATCH DAY! 2nd Test MatchALL BLACKS v THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS at the Westpac Stadium. This is just a short walk from your hotel and from Wellington Harbour, where you can soak up the pre-match atmosphere before taking your seats for the second Test.
Overnight: 4* Travelodge Wellington
 DAY 13: SUNDAY 2nd JULY 2017: WELLINGTON/QUEENSTOWNEnjoy your final breakfast in Wellington before transferring to the airport for your flight to Queenstown in the South Island – the adventure capital of New Zealand. On arrival transfer to the 4* Oaks Shores where you will stay for 5 nights on B&B basis.
Overnight: 4* Oaks Shores Queenstown
 DAY 14: MONDAY 3rd JULY 2017: QUEENSTOWNSettle into your new surroundings in Queenstown. LWTL will provide a selection of activities to fill your next few days. The choice is endless, you can be as active as you want to be and activities include: Skiing and snowboarding, golf days, jetboat rides and even bungee jumps! You may prefer to simply stroll around the town taking in the fabulous sights.
Overnight: 4* Oaks Shores Queenstown
 DAY 15: TUESDAY 4th JULY 2017: QUEENSTOWNSpend a day in Queenstown exploring the area or participating in one of the many activities LWTL will have on offer.
Overnight: 4* Oaks Shores Queenstown
 DAY 16: WEDNESDAY 5th JULY 2017: QUEENSTOWNAfter breakfast, perhaps (at extra cost) transfer to the magnificent Milford Sound, Fiordland in the south west of South Island. Named after Milford Haven in Wales, Milford Sound runs 15km inland from the Tasman Sea at Dale Point to the mouth of the fiord and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 1,200m (3,900 ft) or more on either side. Transfer back to your accommodation in Queenstown. This evening join us for the LWTL Gala Dinner.
Overnight: 4* Oaks Shores Queenstown
 DAY 17: THURSDAY 6th JULY 2017: QUEENSTOWNAfter breakfast you may choose to transfer for a day of fun Luge Racing. Jump on your specialised luge cart, select your track, then zoom down the luge tracks – you’re in control. Then catch the luge chairlift back to the start zone and do it all over again! With stunning views, a restaurant, gondola and other activities this is a fantastic activity in the heart of Queenstown.
Overnight: 4* Oaks Shores Queenstown
 DAY 18: FRIDAY 7th JULY 2017: QUEENSTOWN/AUCKLANDCheck out of your hotel in Queenstown and transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland. On arrival transfer to the 4* Mercure Hotel for 3 nights on a B&B basis.
Overnight: 4* Mercure Auckland
 DAY 19: SATURDAY 8th JULY 2017: AUCKLANDMATCH DAY! 3rd Test MatchALL BLACKS v THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS
Enjoy a relaxing morning before transferring to the Official Lions Pre-Match Supporter Village to build up the atmosphere prior to taking your seats at Eden Park for the third Test. Return transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight: 4* Mercure Auckland
 DAY 20: SUNDAY 9th JULY 2017: AUCKLANDRelax and enjoy your final day in New Zealand. Take the opportunity to explore Auckland one last time and grab last minute souvenirs and mementos.
Overnight: 4* Mercure Auckland
 DAY 21: MONDAY 10th JULY 2017: AUCKLAND/UKCheck out of your hotel in Auckland and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. There is an opportunity to stop off on the way home, or fly straight through and be back home as soon as the following morning.
 DAY 22: TUESDAY 11th JULY 2017: UKArrive back in the UK. Complete passport control, collect your luggage and continue with your onward travel.END OF TOUR ARRANGEMENTS

TAHI RED TOURAUCKLAND – MERCURE HOTEL, 4* (4 nights from 22nd June)Mercure Auckland overlooks the harbour and city skyline, with great panoramic views from the restaurant and bar. Located in Auckland CBD (Central Business District) on the waterfront, it also features a fitness centre. All rooms at Auckland Mercure include satellite TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Most rooms also feature views over Waitemata Harbour or Auckland city centre. Open for breakfast and dinner, Vue Restaurant offers international cuisine and city views. Attica Bar serves a range of drinks, including coffee, beers, wines and spirits, until late. Reception is available 24 hours a day. Guests have access to a well-equipped fitness centre. Mercure Hotel Auckland is surrounded by Auckland’s best shopping and restaurants. It is a 5-minute walk to the ferry terminals and 10 minutes each to Viaduct Harbour and Vector Arena.
LWTL Says:‘An ideal location in the centre of Auckland and a very high standard of accommodation currently being refurbished ready for 2017. The view from the restaurant and bar will be one you enjoy on more than one occasion.’

 WELLINGTON – TRAVELODGE, 4* (6 nights from 26th June)Just 13 minutes’ walk from the iconic Te Papa Museum in the heart of Wellington, Travelodge offers rooms with flat-screen cable TV. It features a fitness centre. Guests receive 100MBs of free WiFi per 24 hours. Travelodge Wellington is within a 15-minute walk of Lambton Quay and the Botanic Gardens. Wellington Zoo is 10 minutes’ drive away. All rooms come with a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. Each room has a work desk and some rooms feature views of the harbour. The Wellington Travelodge offers guest computers and meeting/conference facilities. The 24-hour front desk can arrange luggage storage and dry cleaning services. STEPS Restaurant offers a buffet breakfast and an à la carte menu for dinner. Many other dining options are within a 5-minute walk of the hotel.
LWTL Says:‘Perfect location for any stay in Wellington, particularly a rugby one! Squeezed into the city centre you are just moments from the busy waterfront restaurants and maybe 20 minutes to the stadium on match days. Rooms aren’t massive and the bar is small but you are in the middle of the action so get out and enjoy.’

 QUEENSTOWN – OAKS SHORES, 4* (5 nights from 2nd July)This apartment-style hotel is nestled on the shores of Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu, offering stunning views over the lake and surrounding mountain ranges. Facilities include a fitness centre and sauna. All accommodation at Oaks Shores Queenstown comes with daily mini room servicing, under floor heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some accommodation includes a seating area with fireplace. Guests enjoy 30 minutes’ of free WiFi per day. Guests can benefit from the convenient 24-hour reception Oaks Shores provides. The hotel also offers a laundry service, a tour desk and a courtyard. There is a free shuttle service to and from central Queenstown, running each morning and evening. The many shops, restaurants and bars of Queenstown’s town centre are just 5 minutes’ drive away. Oaks Shores is 5 km from Queenstown Airport, and 4 km from the junction of State Highways 6 and 6A.
LWTL Says:‘We liked the smart appearance of this hotel and its beautiful situation next to the lake led to stunning sunrises and sunsets both days. Most rooms have good views and the two bedroom apartments are a fun and convenient way to enjoy Queenstown with friends. You can walk to town, but make good use of the shuttle service when you have done it once!’

 AUCKLAND – MERCURE HOTEL, 4* (3 nights from 7th July)Mercure Auckland overlooks the harbour and city skyline, with great panoramic views from the restaurant and bar. Located in Auckland CBD (Central Business District) on the waterfront, it also features a fitness centre. All rooms at Auckland Mercure include satellite TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Most rooms also feature views over Waitemata Harbour or Auckland city centre. Open for breakfast and dinner, Vue Restaurant offers international cuisine and city views. Attica Bar serves a range of drinks, including coffee, beers, wines and spirits, until late. Reception is available 24 hours a day. Guests have access to a well-equipped fitness centre. Mercure Hotel Auckland is surrounded by Auckland’s best shopping and restaurants. It is a 5-minute walk to the ferry terminals and 10 minutes each to Viaduct Harbour and Vector Arena.
LWTL Says:‘An ideal location in the centre of Auckland and a very high standard of accommodation currently being refurbished ready for 2017. The view from the restaurant and bar will be one you enjoy on more than one occasion.’

 

NEW ZEALAND 2005

TESTIMONIALS
I have recently returned from Australia after experiencing your companies services for the 2nd time (SA previously). Just a few words to compliment you, your staff and in particular our tour leader (endeavour 1V Red) Mike Pyrgos, Robert Jones and John Bentley on their professionalism, attention to detail and sheer commitment to ensuring our enjoyment. Mike and Rob helped me out with a particular problem and I will be forever grateful! Your staff in general were kind and considerate and again I thank them. They were all, a credit to you and your company and everyone in our party from South Wales would agree with this sentiment. Please pass on my thanks to everyone. Again Thanks!
Gordon Pritchard
 Just a Big Thank You to all Living with the Lions Staff in organising the Tour to Australia. Had an Amazing Time – The Organisation and Attention to Detail was first class. Also, please pass on our thanks to the Group Leaders (Mike and Andy plus others), John “Bentos” Bentley and Rob Jones as Rugby hosts, plus the additional student helpers (Jonathan, Katie, Lucy) for their part as well Will definitely be touring again with LWTL, whether it be Lions, Hong Kong Sevens or Dubai Sevens. Best wishes for the future and hope to see you soon…
Huw Thomas, Graham Davies and Ceri Jonathan
 Many many thanks for a fantastic holiday. Everything was so well organised I really cannot speak highly enough of the quality of the tour and the hard work put in by both the Living with the Lions guys and all the volunteers. Mike, Andy, Fleur and Lucy on our tour were simply brilliant. Looking after so many people all doing their own things was not an easy task although you guys made it seem effortless – the hard work behind the scenes made everything go like clockwork. The final Saturday was a day to remember. The general talk was – “well how good was that”. Not just the result but the whole day, simply brilliant. Rob and Bentos were both fantastic as well working so hard to talk with everyone to make everyone’s holiday something special. Once again a big thank you to all and hope to see you all again in four years!!
Many thank and kind regards,
Alasdair and Susanna
 Many thanks for an excellent tour to Australia for the Lions 2013. The way all your staff looked after us all and the pre-match parties were fantastic capped off with an amazing boat trip to the final test and of course the win. Please pass on our thanks to all concerned and we shall see you all in 4 years. Again many thanks to all for a fantastic 3 weeks.
Neil and Gaynor Street
 Thanks for a great trip to Australia. We can’t emphasise enough how much we enjoyed ourselves and how much we appreciate the effort that you all put in to ensure that it was the holiday of a lifetime. Please pass on our thanks and comments to all the representatives.
With very best wishes
Dave & Anne
 Hope you are well and not too jet-lagged! Please pass on our thanks to the team for a thoroughly enjoyable tour. I have travelled with several sports companies before and this was definitely the best experience, particularly in terms of the pre-match entertainment. You may remember my father and I were late additions to the Great Barrier Reef Trip. If you can email,send an invoice we can settle up.
All the best,
Carolyn
 On behalf of the Whitby Lads, Ron, Craig, John,Tim and myself I would just like to take this opportunity to thank the Living with the Lions team for a tremendous Lion’s tour! The whole tour surpassed all our expectations and was so professionally organised. This trip of a lifetime proved to be just that!
Many Thanks
Bill Bowes