Auckland, City of Sails and spiritual home of the All Blacks as well the Blues, offers so much more than just a place to watch rugby. Within striking distance of both the Pacific and the Tasman Sea Auckland provides plenty of opportunities for exploring either the surrounding countryside and islands of the Haruaki Gulf. Spend a couple of days doing either that or just or just looking around the city visiting the suburbs of Parnell and Ponsonby and you’ll get a pretty good idea why those liveability indexes rate Auckland so highly. And probably why the All Blacks are so damn hard to beat there!
HALF DAY CITY TOUR (23rd, 24th JUNE & 9th JULY)
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Meet the bus at 9am at meeting point – (TBC). From here you will take a 2 hour bus trip taking in the iconic sights and sounds of Auckland city and surrounds, including Auckland’s Sky Tower – the highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere – 1,076ft, where you have spectacular 360 degree vistas of city and beyond.
WAIHEKE ISLAND TOUR (25th JUNE & 9th JULY) £78 per person |
This fully escorted tour has you travelling by ferry for 45 minutes to the idyllic island of Waiheke, renowned for its local wineries, sandy beaches and spectacular walking tracks. Upon arrival you will be driven to Mudbrick Vineyard for a tour and tasting. The drive encompasses wide landscape views over the island and lush sub-tropical forests. From Mudbrick we travel to Stonyridge winery via the beautiful Onetangi Beach. Once at Stonyridge you’ll enjoy further tour and tasting where you’ll also have a light lunch. The tour ends with the return ferry back to Auckland.
HOBBITON MOVIE SET @ MATAMATA (23rd JUNE) £99 per person |
his tour takes you to experience the real Middle-Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. The tour south takes two hours. Upon your arrival into Hobbiton, you will be taken on a private two hour guided tour through the twelve acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for the films can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-Earth. The tour then visits the Dragon Inn and here is where we enjoy an unforgettable Hobbiton style Feast.
WAITOMO CAVES (25th JUNE & 9th JULY) £80 per person |
World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as the expert guides provide a commentary on the Caves’.
SCENIC MARTINBOROUGH (30th JUNE) – FROM WELLINGTON £100 per person, from Wellington |
This day tour has you travelling over the scenic Rimutaka Ranges and across Wairarapa farmland to the picturesque spot of Cape Palliser. Walk the 200 steps to the lighthouse, where you will be rewarded with stunning views out over the Pacific Ocean. You may also have the chance to see basking seals who make this rugged coastline their home. From here we head to the famous Lake Ferry Hotel, where you will be served locally caught Fish and Chips. Following lunch, we head to the boutique wine growing region of Martinborough, where you will sample some of the area’s finest Pino Noir, for which it is rightly famous. Upon completion of the tasting, it’s back to Wellington via Lord of The Rings site, Rivendel.
SCENIC MARTINBOROUGH (30th JUNE) – FROM WAIRARAPA £90 per person, from Wairarapa |
MARTINBOROUGH WINERIES (28th JUNE) £110 per person ex Wellington £95 per person ex Wairarapa, 30th June |
Traverse the Rimutaka Ranges to the boutique wine growing region of Martinborough. The hills of South Wairapa valley give Martinborough and the surrounding vineyards shelter from the wind and rain as well as providing a stunning backdrop to the town. Cold winters, with snow on the ranges, and hot dry summers followed by long dry autumns provide ideal conditions for the cool climate grape varieties grown here.
There is nothing to say about Queenstown that hasn’t been said before. It is all true. But in case you were wondering it is the self-styled Adrenaline Capital of the world. A visit provides plenty of opportunity to be goaded by your so-called friends into doing something you’d never ever even imagined doing, let alone actually participating in. However, it isn’t just skydiving, skiing, luging, bungy jumping, jet boating and zip-wiring; Queenstown is spectacularly beautiful. Framed by the Remarkables mountain range and set against the coves of Lake Wakatipu the town is frankly just a bit of show off. You’ll not be bored or able to relax – though if you choose to try and sit down the views are tremendous at every turn.
To help you make up your mind of what to do next Living With The Lions have put together a list of excursions to help you fill your six days. Whether a cruise round Milford Sound or a 6 line zip line tour of the beech forest you’ll find something to do.
MILFORD SOUND (3rd, 4th & 6th JULY) £164 per person |
Enjoy the scenic mountain drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound taking in some of the finest alpine views. The scenery is exceptional with towering mountains and glacial lakes. The luxury coaches are purpose built with glass roofs and tiered and angled seating towards the windows so you have the best view wherever you sit. The journey will allow for short walks and photo stops along the way. On arrival at Milford Sound, you board a Scenic Cruise vessel with a purpose-built observation lounge and large deck, providing great viewing opportunities. You’ll see the geological drama of the sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins. Other highlights include Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier, Commentary will be provided during the cruise. An International Buffet Lunch will be provided on board.
DOUBTFUL SOUND (3rd, 4th & 6th JULY) £179 per person |
You’ll be collected from your hotel by coach and then transferred to Manapouri where a boat will be waiting to take you across the lake before you continue your journey along Wilmot Pass and through the dense Fiordland Rainforest. Once aboard the Patea Explorer in the fjord you will have plenty of time to admire the alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and mountains all the way out to the Tasman sea. At three times the length of Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is the third largest of Fiordland National Park’s 14 Fiords. You may be lucky enough to spot Bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and when in season the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. The guides on board will be on hand to point out anything you might have missed or answer all your questions. A Manapouri Deluxe Picnic Lunch and complimentary tea and coffee will be served on what is likely to be the one of the most memorable moments of the tour – other than watching the Lions win…
TSS EARNSLAW CRUISE ON LAKE WATKATIPU WITH FARM TOUR & TEA (26th JUNE & 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th JULY)
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Enjoy a leisurely 90-minute cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic steamship the TSS Earnslaw. Sit back and enjoy the scenic beauty of Queenstown that showcases spectacular alpine scenery as well as a chance to check out the engine room and mini museum on board the 103-year-old TSS Earnslaw. Our cruise is combined with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm which includes a guided farm tour (sheep, deer, Highland Cattle) and morning or afternoon tea (as applicable) with cake or scones at the Colonel’s Homestead. Return cruise to Queenstown. Duration 3.5 hrs.
GONDOLA & 3 LUGE RIDES (DAILY) Price: £29 Child (5-14): £23 |
Take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak and make your way to the Luge tracks which are situated behind the Skyline complex, and are accessed by chairlift or walking track. The Luge is a fun filled gravity ride for all ages and abilities. Jump on your specialised Luge cart, select your track, then zoom down the Luge tracks. The unique braking and steering system means you are always in control, with the power to alter your course or speed at will. 800m of fun, fast-paced freedom, the Luge is a ‘must do’ activity on your Queenstown holiday! There are two tracks one with a more gentle gradient than the other, and the first you will try out; the other a more adventurous thrill ride. Young children can ride with an adult – tickets purchased on site.
GONDOLA(DAILY) Adults (15+) £20; Child (5-14) £12 |
Located an easy five-minute walk from central Queenstown, Skyline Queenstown offers awe-inspiring views of the region and an abundance of entertainment and adventure for the whole family. Marvel at the stunning views as you ride the Gondola – the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the must-do activities in Queenstown! You are whisked 450m above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak, and on the way enjoy a 220-degree panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak and Queenstown. At the top, purpose built viewing platforms and outdoor terraces provide great photo opportunities (weather permitting). There are dining options once there plus a host of other activities. Please refer to their website www.skyline.co.nz/queenstown/activities
ZIPTREK (Daily) – THE MOA 4-LINE TOUR Adult 15-64: £74 |
The Moa 4-Line Tour is the perfect starter to your adventure experience in Queenstown. The Moa comprises four ziplines, starting and finishing at the top of the Skyline Gondola. Moa is designed to start low and slow and gradually build your confidence as it gets progressively longer, higher and faster. All ages love the interaction this guided aerial tour has to offer.
ZIPTREK (Daily) – THE KEA 6-LINE TOUR Adult 15-64: £100 |
The Kea 6-Line Tour is faster, longer and finishing with a zipline that descends 30 storeys at speeds of up to 70kpm, the Kea is a unique way to get down the mountain. This stunningly beautiful guided journey through ancient native beech forest comprises six breathtaking tree to tree ziplines with outstanding alpine vistas, returning you to the bottom of gondola hill on a total high.
SKI / SNOW BOARDING – QUEENSTOWN
The Skiing in and around Queenstown covers 4 main areas: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone. With Cardrona a 60 minute drive and Treble Cone a 90 minute drive from Queenstown, for just 1 to 4 days ski-ing, it makes sense to focus on the two closer ski areas: Coronet Peak & The Remarkables.
CORONET PEAK:
The closest to Queenstown boasts an easily accessible rollercoaster terrain that suits every level of skier and rider. Blessed with consistent snow conditions AND a state-of-the-art fully automated snowmaking system, it means Coronet Peak has good coverage from early June through to October.
THE REMARKABLES:
45 minutes drive from Queenstown, for keen and experienced skiers it would certainly be worth going that bit further at least once during your stay. The Remarkables Ski Field has three sun-drenched, north facing snow-filled bowls perfectly formed to cater for everyone from beginners to powderhounds. It receives fantastic natural snow, supported by over 100 snow guns to keep trails in excellent condition. Intermediate and advanced skiers and riders can use Curvey to access Sugar Bowl and its terrain parks. The Freestyle Zone or The Stash in Sugar Bowl are a mecca for fun!
SHUTTLE SERVICES:
operate regularly from Queenstown to each area, running from 8am in the morning until 11.30/12 noon, with return shuttles running from 1.30pm. The runs are open from 9am to 4pm daily, snow and weather conditions permitting.
Price: Approx NZ$20 (£12) pp per day return
LIFT PASSES:
Approximately NZ$119 (£64) per person per day. Confirmed Details TBA.
SKI HIRE PACKAGES (Skis, Poles & Boots or Snowboards & Boots):
Adult Intermediate: £26pp per day
Child Intermediate: £16pp per day
Adult Advanced: £33 pp per day
Child Advanced: £25 pp per day
Adult Helmet: £6 pp per day
Child Helmet: £3.50 pp per day
SKI CLOTHING HIRE:
Adult 1 piece @ £13 pp per day
Child 1 piece @ £8 pp per day
Adult 2 pieces @ £18 pp per day
Child 2 pieces @ £13 pp per day
Socks, Goggles & Gloves: Can be purchased locally for prices starting from around £25 (Goggles) and £20 (Gloves) up to £100+ depending on quality and make.
INSURANCE:
Please ensure your policy is extended to provide full ski/snowboard cover including mountain rescue, repatriation & equipment hire.
WAITOMO CAVES (20th JUNE) £55 per person |
HOBBITON MOVIE SET @ MATAMATA (21st JUNE) £85 per person |
Located in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua is the home to spurting geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming hot springs. As well as the geothermic attractions, it is also a showcase for the fascinating Maori heritage. Aside from the primary attractions of culture and geology there is a lot to do. You can soak in the pools in the centre of the town or on the shores of the lake itself at the Polynesian Spa; enjoy the trails that weave through the giant Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest and for those that need a little adrenaline fix can head up the Skyline gondola with a mountain bike or simply travel to the top and enjoy the view.
To complement the above Living With The Lions will be arranging the following bookable excursions. Priced from £26 we are sure you’ll be able to find something to suit all tastes.
TE RA (17th JUNE) £27 per person (£7 extra for Cultural performance) |
>Te Puia is a must-do activity in Rotorua, and the Te Ra day tour is the best way to experience one of the top visitor attractions in New Zealand. At the entrance to the park are 12 carvings depicting the celestial Maori guardians who’ll impose themselves throughout the tour. Once inside come face to face with Pohutu Geyser, jumping mud pools, and live kiwi birds; watch master carvers and weavers at work, and hear our guides share stories passed down from their ancestors. Highlights of the day include an hour and half guided tour of the 60-hectare Geothermal Valley and a model Pre-European Māori Village and sacred Marae giving you a rare glimpse into how Māori people lived prior to European settlement. Te Puia is also the home to the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute and you’ll watch traditional Māori Carving and weaving including wood, stone & bone carvings as well flax-weaving. There is the opportunity to extend the day and enjoy a Māori cultural performance.
TE PO (18th JUNE EVENING) £62 per person |
To Pō is an evening indigenous tour. Enjoy a banquet of authentic Māori cuisine and marvel at the beauty of Rotorua’s geothermal valley under lights. Includes a traditional welcoming ceremony (pōwhiri) and intimate concert performance. Te Pō begins at 6:15pm. The Te Pō Tour is a one of a kind feast of storytelling, entertainment, and Māori cuisine. Be enriched with a deeper understanding of Māori traditions and absorb the unforgettable sights of this top Rotorua attraction at nightfall. The Hangi prepared meals are accompanied by flavoured meats, chicken, lamb, vegetables, and salads. A range of drinks are available to complement your meal including wine, beer, juice and hot drinks. After dinner, you will be invited to board the motorised waka for a journey Through the Valley Under Lights. You’ll disembark the waka right in front of the Pohutu Geyser, illuminated in its full glory beneath a starry sky. Enjoy the sight of this natural wonder, while your tour guide entertains you with traditional Māori mythology and stories. You may even end up dancing the Haka…
RACELINE CARTING (17th or 18th JUNE) £36 per person |
This one is for those with a thirst for something a bit more exciting…. Raceline Karting provides you the opportunity to experience NZ kart racing in a safe and controlled environment on the Rotorua International Kartsport Raceway. Test your courage and driving ability like never before when you race New Zealand’s newest and longest KartSport circuit. You’ll reach speeds of up to 100km/h as your tyres squeal as you take on hairpin corners, flowing curves and long straights that demand intense concentration and skill… while all around you, other competitors try and see you off the track. Or just beat you.
MONSTER 4×4 THRILL RIDE (17th or 18th JUNE) £26 per person |
Meet the monster. It’s huge. It’s loud. It roars with V6 Power. Hold on tight for the ultimate thrill ride! This fantastic 15-minute experience will have you yelling at your driver to stop and carry on all in one breath. Your helmet and protective gear are on. Your driver has strapped you in securely. High up on the Monster 4X4’s back you feel your adrenaline begin to pump. With a roar and utilising its massive suspension, it accelerates into the bush and tears up a steep track. The 4X4’s unique 4-wheel steering mechanism helps to power through New Zealand native bush, up and down near-vertical slopes tackling the ‘Widow Maker’ and the ‘Loggers Long Drop’. Your knuckles are white as trees brush past. It twists; it bucks; it swerves; it tilts – every part of your body will be holding on tight.
ADRENALINE OVERDOSE COMBO (17th or 18th JUNE) £59 per person |
Just one of the above not enough? Then just go for the Adrenaline Overdose Combo. This package combines both the karting and the Thrill Ride in one hour of action. And if you are successful in the competition you could be racing for an extra hour!
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense – with sky-scraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky. Mt Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Everest. LWTL have compiled a small list of must dos while you’re there. The ARGO tour comes highly recommended.
SIR EDMUND HILLARY ALPINE CENTRE (3rd JULY) £11 per person (Ticket Valid for duration of stay) |
Situated at the Hermitage Hotel is the renowned Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, a tribute to one of the world’s greatest explorers and humanitarians. The centre also showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. The Centre’s 126 seat custom-designed theatre is the world’s only theatre with 2D, 3D and a Digital Dome Planetarium, contained within the same space. Cutting edge technology allows the 2D screen to raise up for storage while the 3D screen is in use and the Digital Dome Planetarium to lower into place when required. In the foyer of the theatre, you’ll find our museum showcasing the history of the Mount Cook region through transport, climbing, the hotel and Sir Edmund Hillary.
TASMAN VALLEY 4WD and ARGO TOUR (3rd JULY) £44 per person (Child 4-14 £22) |
A unique 4WD & Argo adventure with magnificent views of the Tasman Glacier and its gigantic moraine walls. Your friendly guide will be a real Mount Cook character who will entertain you with his/her knowledge and local stories. A short walk to a vantage point overlooking the Tasman Glacier and Terminal Lake provides one of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Travel up the Tasman Valley on a 4WD track and be amazed at the awesome mountain scenery. An ARGO is an 8 wheel all terrain vehicle capable of conquering virtually anything in their path, including water, ice and steep slopes in the toughest of conditions making them ideal for your exploration of the rugged and beautiful Park. What to bring: An extra layer warm clothing; camera; Sunscreen & Sunglasses; flat soled walking shoes.
BIG SKY STARGAZING (3rd JULY) £37.50 per person (Child 8-14 £18.75) |
Mount Cook being so far from civilization has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand – perfect for viewing the night sky! The tour starts with an introduction and orientation in the Digital Dome Planetarium highlighting the unique features of the southern night sky. You then go on a short drive to an outdoor stargazing site equipped with telescopes and astronomy binoculars to help you identify and explore different elements of the spectacular southern sky.
LUNCH (3rd JULY) £15 per person |
Christchurch
KAIKOURA WHALE WATCHING (30th June 2017)
£110 per person
This full day tour departs Christchurch for the town north of Kaikoura. Kaikōura is a marine lovers paradise, with marine mammals encounters available all year round. Situated in a unique location Kaikoura is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged seaward Kaikoura mountain ranges. Even in early winter the mountains are covered in snow, adding to the drama of the landscape. Once you arrive in Kaikoura you will go straight to the catamaran where you will spend two hours looking out for the sperm whales which make this trip so special. As well as a very high chance of seeing the whales a typical Whale Watch tour may also see New Zealand fur seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. This region is also home to the Orca and the world͛’s smallest and rarest marine dolphin ʹThe Hectors’. The whale watching tour is unquestionably a highlight of any trip to New Zealand.
Hawkes Bay Art Deco and Winery Tour – 28th June £85 per person |
Napier has the distinction of being one of the most iconic Art Deco towns in the world. Rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1931, it is also renowned for its sunshine hours and world class wineries. Hawkes Bay is the second largest wine growing region in New Zealand after Marlborough. It specialises predominantly in reds: cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah. As well as having a tour of Napier Living With The Lions will ensure you also have the opportunity to enjoy cellar door tours of two of the leading wineries in the region.
VINTAGE TOUR (28th June) 
