RIMA WHITE TOUR – 2nd & 3rd Test Tour

 2 TEST OPTION, 27th JUNE – 12th JULY 2017 (12 NIGHTS)3 nt Christchurch2 nt Mount Cook3 nt Queenstown4 nt Auckland
 TOUR ITINERARYDAY 1: TUESDAY 27th JUNE 2017 – UK/NEW ZEALAND Ensure 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 28th JUNE 2017 – IN FLIGHTIn transit to New Zealand.
Overnight: In Flight
 DAY 3 – THURSDAY 29th JUNE 2017 – CHRISTCHURCHArrive into Christchurch Airport around lunchtime where you will be met by a LWTL tour manager. From the airport you will transfer to the 3* Novotel for a 3 night stay on a B&B basis. This evening enjoy welcome drinks with your tour host and fellow tourists.
Overnight: 3* Novotel Christchurch
 DAY 4 – FRIDAY 30th JUNE 2017 – CHRISTCHURCHEnjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend the day exploring Christchurch city centre.
Overnight: 3* Novotel Christchurch
 DAY 5: SATURDAY 1st JULY 2017: CHRISTCHURCH/WELLINGTON/CHRISTCHURCHMATCH DAY! 2nd Test MatchALL BLACKS v THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before transferring to Christchurch Airport for a short charter flight to Wellington. From the airport you will be transferred into Wellington City Centre to soak up the pre match atmosphere before taking your seats in the Westpac Stadium for the second Test. Post match you will be transferred to Wellington Airport for your return charter flight to Christchurch. From the airport you will transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight: 3* Novotel Christchurch
 DAY 6: SUNDAY 2nd JULY 2017: CHRISTCHURCH/MOUNT COOKThis morning, after checking out, transfer from Christchurch to the 4* Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook for a 2 night stay on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Overnight: 4* Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook
 DAY 7: MONDAY 3rd JULY 2017: MOUNT COOKEnjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend the day exploring your surroundings. You will have the option to visit The Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre, experience the Tasman Valley on one of the 4WD tours and in the evening take part in the Big Sky Star Gazing.
Overnight: 4* Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook
 DAY 8: TUESDAY 4th JULY 2017: MOUNT COOK/QUEENSTOWNThis morning, check out of your hotel and transfer to the 4* Oaks Shores Queenstown for a 3 night stay on a B&B basis. 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* The Oaks Shores Queenstown
 DAY 9: 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* The Oaks Shores Queenstown
 DAY 10: 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* The Oaks Shores Queenstown
 DAY 11: FRIDAY 7th JULY 2017: QUEENSTOWN/AUCKLANDEnjoy a relaxing morning before transferring to Queenstown airport for a short flight to Auckland. From the airport you will transfer to the 3* Rose Park Hotel for a 4 night stay on a B&B basis. Settle into your hotel and sample the atmosphere as it builds ahead of the final Test.
Overnight: 3* Rose Park Hotel Auckland
 DAY 12: 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: 3* Rose Park Hotel Auckland
 DAY 13: SUNDAY 9th JULY 2017: AUCKLANDSpend the day at leisure recovering or explore the local area, we suggest a visit to one of the wonderful bays in Auckland.
Overnight: 3* Rose Park Hotel Auckland
 DAY 14: MONDAY 10th JULY 2017: AUCKLAND/UKRelax 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: 3* Rose Park Hotel Auckland
 DAY 15: TUESDAY 11th 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 16: WEDNESDAY 12th JULY 2017: UKArrive back in the UK. Complete passport control, collect your luggage and continue with your onward travel.END OF TOUR ARRANGEMENTS

RIMA WHITE TOUR HOTELSCHRISTCHURCH – NOVOTEL HOTEL CHRISTCHURCH, 3* (3 nights from 29th June)In the city centre, Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square is a 4.5 star, contemporary hotel, with city views in all rooms. It is walking distance from the Convention Centre and Hagley Park. There is a choice of modern rooms at the Novotel Christchurch, each spacious and stylish. All rooms feature wireless broadband access and LCD TVs. Some have a separate living space and work desk. Novotel’s restaurant is open throughout the day, serving New Zealand cuisine and excellent wines. There is also a fully equipped gym.
LWTL Says:‘A modern hotel with a 24hr bar available. Only a short stroll away from Cathedral Square.’

 MOUNT COOK OPTION – HERMITAGE HOTEL, 4* (2 nights from 2nd July)Set in Mount Cook National Park, this modern lodge-style hotel is a 5-minute walk from Aoraki Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre, and 3 km from Kea Point. Bright rooms have satellite TV, minifridges and Wi-Fi (fee), plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some rooms have balconies, and upgraded rooms add Nespresso machines and sofas. Separate A-frame chalets have kitchenettes and dining areas. Room service is offered. Amenities include an a la carte restaurant, a cozy lounge bar, and a laid-back buffet restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also a cafe/bar with a terrace. Parking is free.
LWTL Says:‘A must when making the journey from Christchurch to Queenstown. Mount Cook is the largest mountain in New Zealand and this hotel provides an unrivaled view. The rooms are of a high standard and the services available at this hotel are fantastic.’

 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 – ROSE PARK HOTEL, 3* (3 nights from 7th July)Located opposite the Parnell Rose Gardens, Auckland Rose Park Hotel provides a range of hotel-style accommodation, just 5 minutes’ drive from Auckland city centre. Guests enjoy 2 hours of free WiFi upon arrival. Overlooking the Auckland City skyline, Auckland Rose Park Hotel is a 15-minute walk from Vector Arena. Parnell village centre is less than 10 minutes’ walk away. The Garden View Restaurant and Bar, located on the 3rd floor, features international cuisine and views of Waitemata Harbour. Relax in the Garden View Bar while watching a game on the large TV screens. If the sun is shining, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Rose Park Hotel’s outdoor swimming pool. Newmarket is just 1 km from the Auckland Rose Park Hotel. Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain and Auckland Hospital are all within close proximity.
LWTL Says: ‘A good standard 3* accommodation with a bar and restaurant should you not wish to make the journey into the city centre. There is no free shuttle on offer so the alternative to using a taxi would be a 25-30 walk into the city.’

 

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