1. The Bridge to Nowhere and Forgotten Worlds

We follow rail, river and walking tracks, once the lifeblood of the Central North Island. Ride rail carts and cruise the Whanganui River by jet boat up to the landing to the Bridge to Nowhere. Then the delights of Hawkes Bay await, reached via the historic “Gentle Annie” high country route.

Even as Kiwis we’ve learnt a lot about our own country putting this trip together. Before the completion of the Desert Road, the Whanganui River was on the main travel route between Auckland and Wellington, putting it right at centre stage in a very formative and colourful stage of our history.

Tour details:

7 days / 6 nights departing Auckland with stays in Taumarunui, Taihape, Whanganui and Napier.

Tour Highlights:

Visit the Rangiriri Cultural and Heritage Centre.
Ride the rail carts on a Forgotten World adventure.
Visit Lauren’s Lavender Farm beside the Whanganui River.
Bridge to Nowhere Jet Boat up the Whanganui River.
Cruise on the restored Hatrick Paddle Steamer,”Waimarie”.
Included Sightseeing & Exploring
Explore the Forgotten World Highway.
Drive beside the Whanganui River from Pipiriki to Jerusalem and on to Whanganui.
Climb the Gentle Annie road over the Central Plateau.
Follow Napier’s Art Deco Trail with a local guide.
Check out the stalls at the Hawkes Bay Farmers’ Market.

2019 Bridge to Nowhere Tour Price & Dates:

Departs Auckland Tuesday 29 October 2019, returns Monday 4th November 2019. Update: This tour is now SOLD OUT, so we've added another:
SECOND DATE: Departs Auckland Sunday 1 December 2019, returns Saturday 7th December 2019. Filling fast!
Twin Share NZD $3190, Single NZD $3790.

See the full Bridge to Nowhere & Forgotten World tour itinerary, details and pictures here.

2. Early Explorers from Queen Charlotte Sound to Akaroa

In this, the 250th anniversary year of Captain Cook’s arrival to New Zealand, we visit the South Island destinations which were so important to Cook and the early French explorers. We take a private cruise out on the Sound to visit Ship Cove, hear the stories of the Polynesian voyagers’ settlement at Wairau Boulder Bank and discover the history of the eastern coastline at Kaikoura and Akaroa.

Tour details:

7 days / 6 nights departing Auckland with stays in Picton, Kaikoura and Akaroa.

Tour Highlights:

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre’s WW1 & WW2 exhibitions.
Private cruise out on Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove.
Visit the “Edwin Fox” on the Picton waterfront.
Hear the history of the Wairau Bar at Marlborough Museum.
Guided tour of Fyffe House.
Kaikoura Museum’s the “New Normal” Earthquake Exhibition.
Visit Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum.
Wander Josie Martin’s mosaic garden at Giant’s House.
Explore the Marlborough Sounds.
From Seaview Vineyard enjoy panoramic views of Cook Strait.
Tour the Kaikoura coastline.
Christchurch inner city touring.
Drive over Banks Peninsula to stay two nights in Akaroa.

2019 Early Explorer Tour Price & Dates:

Departs Auckland Thursday 28 November 2019, returns Wednesday 4th December 2019.
Twin Share NZD $3790, Single NZD $4390.

See the full Early Explorers tour itinerary, details and pictures here.

See a full list of our tours here, or explore by tour category like Garden tours, Christmas & New Year tours or Summer Holiday escapes.

Any questions, please drop us a line and we’d be happy to help.