RUA BLUE TOUR – 3 TEST MATCH TOUR

 3 TEST OPTION, 20th JUNE – 11th JULY 2017 (18 NIGHTS)4 nt Auckland3 nt Napier3 nt Wairarapa5 nt Queenstown3 nt Auckland
 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 3* Waldorf Tetra Apartments for a 4 night stay on a B&B basis. This evening enjoy welcome drinks with your tour hosts and fellow tourists.
Overnight: 3* Waldorf Tetra Apartments
 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: 3* Waldorf Tetra Apartments
 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: 3* Waldorf Tetra Apartments
 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: 3* Waldorf Tetra Apartments
 DAY 7: MONDAY 26th JUNE 2017: AUCKLAND/NAPIERThis morning check out of your hotel and join your tour party for the coach transfer to Napier via Rotorua. Here you will visit a Geothermal site with numerous geysers, mud pools and hot pools. You will then have lunch and enjoy a Maori Cultural Show before continuing on to the beautiful seaside town of Napier. On arrival in Napier check into your hotel, the 4*Art Deco Masonic Hotel, for 3 nights’ on a B&B basis.
Overnight: 4* Art Deco Masonic Hotel
 DAY 8: TUESDAY 27th JUNE 2017: NAPIERMATCH 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 with the tour group in Napier.
Overnight: 4* Art Deco Masonic Hotel
 DAY 9: WEDNESDAY 28th JUNE 2017: NAPIERDay at leisure in Napier to enjoy the beautiful coastline and resort.
Overnight: 4* Art Deco Masonic Hotel
 DAY 10: THURSDAY 29th JUNE 2017: NAPIER/WAIRARAPAThis morning, check out and travel south to your hotel, the 4* Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park Wairarapa. Spend 3 nights here on a BB basis.
Overnight: 4* Copthorne Hotel Wairarapa
 DAY 11: FRIDAY 30th JUNE 2017: WAIRARAPAAt leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities which include a golf driving range, indoor pool, fitness centre & tennis courts.
Overnight: 4* Copthorne Hotel Wairarapa
 DAY 12: SATURDAY 1st JULY 2017: WAIRARAPA/WELLINGTON/WAIRARAPAMATCH DAY! 2nd Test MatchALL BLACKS v THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS Transfer this morning by coach to Wellington Centre to soak up the pre match atmosphere before taking your seats in the Westpac Stadium for the second Test. Return transfer to the Copthorne.
Overnight: 4* Copthorne Hotel Wairarapa
 DAY 13: SUNDAY 2nd JULY 2017: WELLINGTON/QUEENSTOWNAfter breakfast, transfer to Wellington Airport for your flight to Queenstown in the South Island – the adventure capital of New Zealand. Transfer to 4* Heritage Hotel for a 5 night stay on a B&B basis.
Overnight: 4* Heritage Hotel Queenstown
 DAY 14: MONDAY 3rd JULY 2017: QUEENSTOWNSettle into your new surroundings in Queenstown. LWTL will provide a choice of activities to fill your next few days. The choice is endless, there is the opportunity to be as active as you may want to be. Activities include: Skiing and snowboarding, golf days, jetboat rides and even bungee jumps! You may prefer to stroll around the town taking in the fabulous sights.
Overnight: 4* Heritage Hotel Queenstown
 DAY 15: TUESDAY 4th JULY 2017: QUEENSTOWNSpend a day in Queenstown exploring the area or participating in of the many activities LWTL will have on offer!
Overnight: 4* Heritage Hotel 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 the South Island. Named after Milford Haven in Wales, Milford Sound runs 15 kilometres inland from the Tasman Sea at Dale Point the mouth of the fiord and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 1,200 metres (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* Heritage Hotel 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* Heritage Hotel Queenstown
 DAY 18: FRIDAY 7th JULY 2017: QUEENSTOWN/AUCKLANDCheck out of your hotel in Queensland and transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland. Transfer into the city to 4* Mercure for a 3 night stay 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 Pre-Match Lions Supporter Village to build up the atmosphere prior to 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 the possibility 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

RUA BLUE TOUR HOTELSAUCKLAND – 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.’

 NAPIER – THE MASONIC HOTEL, 4* (3 nights from 26th June)Located on the waterfront with panoramic Pacific Ocean views, the Masonic Hotel Napier features free WiFi and historic Art Deco architecture. Guests enjoy 2 bars and 2 restaurants. Art Deco Masonic Hotel is located in the centre of Napier, just 10 minutes’ drive from Hawke’s Bay Airport. It is 2 minutes’ walk from the main street of Marine Parade and located opposite MTG Hawke’s Bay and The Art Deco Centre. Each individually styled studio and apartment includes a flat-screen TV, a small refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. All accommodation includes a modern en suite bathroom. Most rooms have access to a large rooftop balcony with ocean views. Emporium Eatery and Bar serves delicious sharing plates, buffet or a la carte breakfast, lunch, dinner and locally roasted coffee. The hotel offers several facilities for conferences and functions.
LWTL Says: ‘A fantastic 4* hotel with great facilities in the heart of Napier, minutes away from the coastline. The hotel bar will be a great spot to watch the Hurricanes Provincial match.’

 WELLINGTON – COPTHORNE HOTEL & RESORT SOLWAY PARK, 4* (3 nights from 29th June)This luxurious resort is nestled in the lush Wairarapa Valley, framed by the Tararua Ranges. Its 10-hectare landscaped grounds include indoor and outdoor pools and sports facilities. Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park offers spacious, modern rooms with air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, and satellite TV. The Grill at Solway Park has an extensive à la carte menu and Wairarapa wines, and it is open all day. The deli counter serves light meals and drinks, while Café Solway offers indoor and outdoor dining. The Copthorne Hotel & Resort also features spa facilities, a gym, tennis and squash courts and a golf driving range. Children can enjoy the playground, the trampoline and the games room. A business centre is also available. The resort is located on the outskirts of Masterton, surrounded by vineyards, the Queen Elizabeth Park and Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre. Wellington is just over 1 hour’s drive away.
LWTL Says:’Nice big rooms, spacious bar and meeting areas. It has an interesting golf driving range behind the café, gym and swimming pool. Nearby there is plenty to do; the Wairaraa wine region produces some of the best NZ wines, and can be visited by bus or even bike! There are golf courses nearby and some beautiful walks through national parks and wildlife centres. The journey to the stadium is 95km for match day.’

 QUEENSTOWN – HERITAGE HOTEL, 4* (5 nights from 2nd July)Boasting stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown, this friendly hotel is located just outside the lively town centre. It features a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool and an elegant restaurant. Guests enjoy 1GB of free WiFi per night. Heritage Queenstown offers modern, alpine-style accommodation in peaceful, scenic surroundings. In a typical mountain style, the buildings are made from centuries-old schist stone and cedar wood. The property is 20 minutes’ walk from the centre of Queenstown and a 10-minute drive from Shotover River. It is 13 minutes’ drive from Queenstown International Airport. Accommodation choices include hotel rooms, apartments and large open-plan studio suites. Fern Hill is a great choice for travellers interested in lakes, downhill skiing and scenery.
LWTL Says:‘A great hotel with nice rooms on the edge of town and beside the lake. It has a big bar and restaurant but the indoor/outdoor pool and spa will also be popular!’

 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