34 minute read
GARDEN FESTIVAL
TARANAKI’S GARDEN FESTIVAL SEASON HAS RETURNED WITH A BANG IN 2022
THE region hosts two separate, but synergistic garden festivals at the same time every spring, which one organiser calls a “bonanza” of more than 80 gardens open to visitors.
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The Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival is hosted by the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT), which also organises events such as WOMAD, Spiegel Fest and the Right Royal Cabaret Fest. It started in 1987 as the Rhododendron Festival, and had 43 gardens open this year.
The Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival has been run by the Taranaki Garden Trust since 2005. Its focus is on “real gardens for real people,” with 41 gardens and places of interest that are “unashamedly honest,” the likes of which visitors could more easily replicate in their own gardens.
Gardens in the TAFT event can be more spectacular and grandiose, and include some with full time management, such as Túpare Gardens, Pukekura Park’s Fernery and Display Houses and Pukeiti.
The two festivals ran alongside each other from October 28 to November 6 this year. Early indications suggest there were more than 100,000 garden visits across both events.
TAFT Festival Manager Tetsu Garnett says she printed 60,000 tickets before the festival started, and had to go back to print another 10,000 more due to high demand.
“We had 22 tours from across New Zealand and even Australia,” she says. “2020 was the biggest year we’ve had in terms of the number of people who attended, and this year has been just below that.”
“Around 70% of attendees came from outside the Taranaki region. 41% came for the first time, but we
had a lot of people come for the 14th time too – it’s a really loyal customer base because a lot of people make friends with garden owners along the way.”
Fringe Festival organiser Anne Clough is equally enthusiastic about how well attended her event was.
“I got around all of our gardens and places of interest, and the reaction is just so positive,” she says. “Numbers have been exploding. One garden alone had more than 1,900 people attend, and most had more than 1,000. We had a tour bus come from as far as a retirement village in Nelson, and some gardens recorded more than 50 motor homes.”
The TAFT Garden Festival also teamed up with the Taranaki Arts Trail in 2020 and the Sustainable Backyards Trail in 2017. Together with the Fringe Garden Festival, it creates a broad range of events, gardens and attractions to appeal to all interests.
“It just highlights the talent we have in Taranaki,” Garnett says. “Gardeners and artists; there’s a real symbiotic relationship between the two.”
Both festivals pride themselves on being accessible and friendly. Private garden owners are typically on hand to welcome guests and talk about their gardens.
“Our aim is to make our visitors feel they’re a friend of the gardener,” Clough says. “We have courtesy cups of tea and coffee, and we’ve deliberately kept entry fees low ($2 per garden) so people can go and see multiple gardens each day.
“A lot of our gardeners have potted plants and seedlings for sale, and I’m hearing a lot of car boots went home full of goodies to take home and plant. People get so much from being able to talk to the garden owners, and it goes both ways – our owners say they learn a lot from visitors too.”
Tetsu Garnett says having an audio-described garden tour for people with low vision this year was a real highlight.
“A lot of our gardens are wheelchair friendly, so the festival is accessible from that point of view. We thought it was important to have something that caters for everyone.
“We visited five gardens and had three audio describers, and it went so well the provider has committed to it being an ongoing relationship.”
For Anne Clough, she found herself drawn to the big, bold colours – although she adds she’s also learning to love subtropical blooms and succulents.
“I get to know the gardeners during the year, then when I visit at festival time I see their personality shine through in their gardens. A lot of them are really creative, so they have hand-made creatures and pottery, and a raft of other creative displays.
“That’s what makes me love their gardens, because I see their personality in there and it brings it alive.”
With so many gardens on offer and just 10 days to see them, fitting in every garden is an ambitious task. Gardens are spread from rural Urenui in the north to Patea in the south – a drive of just under two hours – and all around Mount Taranaki.
“If people are here for a few days, we recommend they pick a different location and see the gardens in that area,” Clough says. “They’re often cluttered close together, only a few minutes’ drive away. It tends to be easier than zig-
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TARANAKI DISCOVERY
26 Jan 2023 5 DAYS
GRAND HIGH COUNTRY STATIONS
16 Mar 2023 12 DAYS
SOUTH ISLAND DOWN THE MIDDLE
18 Apr 2023 9 DAYS
COROMANDEL CAPER
13 Feb 2023 8 DAYS
FORGOTTEN WORLD & BRIDGE TO NOWHERE
19 Mar 2023 4 DAYS
CATLINS/ STEWART ISLAND
3 May 2023 8 DAYS
CENTRAL OTAGO EXPLORER
26 Feb 2023 9 DAYS
GREAT BARRIER ISLAND & HAURAKI GULF
23 Mar 2023
EAST CAPE EXPLORER
15 May 2023 7 DAYS
ENCHANTING FAR NORTH
13 Mar 2023 11 DAYS
WEST COAST ADVENTURE
4 Apr 2023 10 DAYS
ALASKA HOSTED CRUISE
24 May 2023 17 DAYS
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zagging around the region.” Garnett highly recommends anyone interested in attending the 2023 festival book accommodation early. She heard from multiple people who struggled to find a place to stay at late notice and ESCORTED TOURS Proudly New Zealand owned and operated says that’s fairly typical.
“This year was just the most enjoyable event – there were no issues and everyone was so happy, so it bodes well for next year. TAFT presents world class events and this spring celebration highlights Taranaki as a region. It’s the biggest spring celebration in New Zealand.”
Scenic Southern Southern Circle
Splendour Featuring Tranz Alpine & Coastal Pacific Trains Including Stewart Island Abel Tasman National Park & Queen Charlotte Sounds
Departs 4, 26 Nov 2022, 9 days | $4199pp share twin Departs 20 Oct 2022 3, 25 Mar, 20 April 2023 (limited Seats) 10 days | $4350pp share twin 9 days | $4399pp share twin Departs 8 Feb, 15 Mar, 12 April 2023
Fly to Dunedin (3 nights) full of Scottish Heritage, visit Albatross Colony, Christchurch (2 nights) includingTramcar restaurant. World famousTranz Alpine train Botanic Gardens and Chinese Gardens, lunch at Larnach Castle. Coach to Greymouth – Punakaiki overnight where we stay right on the beach. Visit Pancake through The Southern Scenic Route – The Catlins. Overnight Invercargill, Rocks, Charleston and the Nile River Rainforest Railway journey. Via Westport to fly to Stewart Island (2 nights). Explore Oban and enjoy cruise of Nelson (2 nights). Cruise the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park with lunch. Paterson Inlet, Ulva Island. Back to Invercargill and join our coach for Picton (2 nights) via Blenheim. Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Cruise on the the short journey to Queenstown (2 nights), sights Arrowtown and Sounds to Lochmara Lodge where we enjoy lunch. Join the scenic Coastal Pacific farewell cruise including Gourmet BBQ dinner to Walter Peak. Includes train along the stunning coastline via Kaikoura to Christchurch overnight before return airfares from Auckland/Tauranga/Wellington/Christchurch flying h ome. I ncludes r eturn a irfares f r om W ellington ( ask a bout o ther c entres). (prices available for other centres), all breakfasts & dinners, some All breakfasts and dinners, quality accommodation, full size touring coach with lunches, full size touring coach, quality accommodation, all sightseeing experienced coach driver, all sightseeing and cruises. Tour manager, free home mentioned, experienced Tour Manager. FREE home pick up and return pick up and return from Wellington (25km from airport). 10 day tour stays extra from Auckland/Tauranga/Wellington/Christchurch (conditions apply). night Picton and luncheon cruise in the Sounds s.
Taranaki Garden Festival Departs 4 Nov 2022 (limited seats) 5 days | $2099pp from Auckland/Tauranga
Coach to New Plymouth (3 nights) Novotel Hobson. Visit a variety of fabulous festival gardens, iconic Len Lye Gallery. Travel Forgotten Highway via Whangamomona. Overnight Chateau Tongariro before a visit to the renowned Hamilton Gardens. Includes full size touring coach, quality accommodation, all breakfasts and dinners, entrance to Festival Gardens, FREE home pick up and return from Auckland/Tauranga (25kms from airport).
Southern Explorer Featuring overnight Doubtful Sound cruise Departs 20 Jan 2023 8 days | $4299pp share twin Queenstown (2 nights) including sights, TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak dinner cruise, coach to Manapouri and through Wilmot Pass to join our overnight cruise to the unspoiled and unforgettable Doubtful Sound. Twin share cabins with private bathrooms, stunning scenery, onboard nature guide. Coach via Riverton, visit Te Hikoi Museum featuring life size displays and engaging stories of how our Maori and European ancestors adapted to survive on natures edge. Invercargill (2 nights) including visit to Bluff, enjoy a visit with lunch at Bill Richardson Transport World, (optional day trip to Stewart Island). Travel through spectacular Catlins to Dunedin (2 nights) including sights and guided visit to Olveston House. Includes return airfares Auckland/Tauranga/ Wellington and Christchurch. Quality accommodation, sightseeing, full size touring coach, overnight cruise Doubtful Sound, all breakfasts, most dinners and some lunches. FREE home pickup and return within a 25km radius Auckland/Tauranga, Wellington or Christchurch Airport. Ask about costs from other centres.
Sydney Stayput Featuring Carmen on Cockatoo Island Departs 24 November 2022 5 days | $3899pp share twin Fly to Sydney (4 nights), central 4 star hotel, all breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 lunches. Sydney sights including the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi and Double Bay. North Beaches, famous Mail Cruise on the Hawkesbury River. Morning tea and lunch included along with commentary. Charter ferry across to a brand new island performance in the middle of Sydney Harbour – CARMEN. Sit back as Carmen tosses her hair, stamps her feet and the whole world falls under her spell! Be spellbound by those irresistible Spanish tunes, sultry story, and dark undercurrent of Carmen. Hear the flirty Habanera and the famous Toreador song amid a spectacle that features fire-twirling, car crashes and fireworks. This will be a night to remember! Farewell sunset cruise and dinner on Sydney Harbour before returning to New Zealand. Due to limited availability, you will have to be quick to get seats on this one. Including return airfares from Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch and FREE home pick up and return in the greater Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch areas (25kms from airport).
ESCORTED TOURS Proudly New Zealand owned and operated
Scenic Southern Southern Circle
Splendour Featuring Tranz Alpine & Coastal Pacific Trains Including Stewart Island Abel Tasman National Park & Queen Charlotte Sounds
Departs 4, 26 Nov 2022, 9 days | $4199pp share twin Departs 20 Oct 2022 3, 25 Mar, 20 April 2023 (limited Seats) 10 days | $4350pp share twin 9 days | $4399pp share twin Departs 8 Feb, 15 Mar, 12 April 2023
Fly to Dunedin (3 nights) full of Scottish Heritage, visit Albatross Colony, Christchurch (2 nights) includingTramcar restaurant. World famousTranz Alpine train Botanic Gardens and Chinese Gardens, lunch at Larnach Castle. Coach to Greymouth – Punakaiki overnight where we stay right on the beach. Visit Pancake through The Southern Scenic Route – The Catlins. Overnight Invercargill, Rocks, Charleston and the Nile River Rainforest Railway journey. Via Westport to fly to Stewart Island (2 nights). Explore Oban and enjoy cruise of Nelson (2 nights). Cruise the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park with lunch. Paterson Inlet, Ulva Island. Back to Invercargill and join our coach for Picton (2 nights) via Blenheim. Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Cruise on the the short journey to Queenstown (2 nights), sights Arrowtown and Sounds to Lochmara Lodge where we enjoy lunch. Join the scenic Coastal Pacific farewell cruise including Gourmet BBQ dinner to Walter Peak. Includes train along the stunning coastline via Kaikoura to Christchurch overnight before return airfares from Auckland/Tauranga/Wellington/Christchurch flying h ome. I ncludes r eturn a irfares f r om W ellington ( ask a bout o ther c entres). (prices available for other centres), all breakfasts & dinners, some All breakfasts and dinners, quality accommodation, full size touring coach with lunches, full size touring coach, quality accommodation, all sightseeing experienced coach driver, all sightseeing and cruises. Tour manager, free home mentioned, experienced Tour Manager. FREE home pick up and return pick up and return from Wellington (25km from airport). 10 day tour stays extra from Auckland/Tauranga/Wellington/Christchurch (conditions apply). Tasmania Tempter night Picton and luncheon cruise in the Sounds. Departs 27 October 2022 13 days | $7799pp share twin from Auckland Fly direct from Auckland to Hobart (3 nights). Enjoy sights: Tasman Bridge, Battery Point, Taranaki Garden Festival Salamanca Place, Port Arthur Convict Settlement. Travel thru Derwent Valley, Russell Falls, Departs 4 Nov 2022 Tarraleah Gorge to Queenstown (2 nights). Cruise Gordon River into the heart of Tasmania’s (limited seats) wilderness, Hells Gate, Strahan. Visit Cradle Mountain National Park, two nights at 5 days | $2099pp from Smithton. Visit to Woolnorth Farm on the far north west tip of Tasmania and Stanley. Lunch Auckland/Tauranga Hellyer Road Whiskey Distillery. Stay Launceston (2 nights), cruise magnificent Cataract Gorge and check out the Swiss-style Grindelwald Village. Visit Legerwood to view the War Coach to New Plymouth (3 nights) Novotel Hobson. Visit a variety of fabulous festival Memorial Tree carvings, meet a Tasmanian Devil at the East Coast Nature World and visit gardens, iconic Len Lye Gallery. Travel Forgotten Bicheno and Freycinet National Park with its jagged pink granite peaks and crystal clear Highway via Whangamomona. Overnight Chateau waters. Includes return airfares from Auckland, quality accommodation, all breakfasts and Tongariro before a visit to the renowned Hamilton dinners and several lunches, all entrances and sights as mentioned, 5 star luxury touring Gardens. Includes full size touring coach, quality coach, professional tour driver, experienced tour director from NZ. FREE home pick up and accommodation, all breakfasts and dinners, entrance return in the greater Auckland area. Ask about other centres. to Festival Gardens, FREE home pick up and return from Auckland/Tauranga (25kms from airport).
Southern Explorer Featuring overnight Doubtful Sound cruise Departs 20 Jan 2023 8 days | $4299pp share twin Queenstown (2 nights) including sights, TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak dinner cruise, coach to Manapouri and through Wilmot Pass to join our overnight cruise to the unspoiled and unforgettable Doubtful Sound. Twin share cabins with private bathrooms, stunning scenery, onboard nature guide. Coach via Riverton, visit Te Hikoi Museum featuring life size displays and engaging stories of how our Maori and European ancestors adapted to survive on natures edge. Invercargill (2 nights) including visit to Bluff, enjoy a visit with lunch at Bill Richardson Transport World, (optional day trip to Stewart Island). Travel through spectacular Catlins to Dunedin (2 nights) including sights and guided visit to Olveston House. Includes return airfares Auckland/Tauranga/ Wellington and Christchurch. Quality accommodation, sightseeing, full size touring coach, overnight cruise Doubtful Sound, all breakfasts, most dinners and some lunches. FREE home pickup and return within a 25km radius Auckland/Tauranga, Wellington or Christchurch Airport. Ask about costs from other centres.
Sydney Stayput Featuring Carmen on Cockatoo Island Departs 24 November 2022 5 days | $3899pp share twin Fly to Sydney (4 nights), central 4 star hotel, all breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 lunches. Sydney sights including the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi and Double Bay. North Beaches, famous Mail Cruise on the Hawkesbury River. Morning tea and lunch included along with commentary. Charter ferry across to a brand new island performance in the middle of Sydney Harbour – CARMEN. Sit back as Carmen tosses her hair, stamps her feet and the whole world falls under her spell! Be spellbound by those irresistible Spanish tunes, sultry story, and dark undercurrent of Carmen. Hear the flirty Habanera and the famous Toreador song amid a spectacle that features fire-twirling, car crashes and fireworks. This will be a night to remember! Farewell sunset cruise and dinner on Sydney Harbour before returning to New Zealand. Due to limited availability, you will have to be quick to get seats on this one. Including return airfares from Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch and FREE home pick up and return in the greater Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch areas (25kms from airport).
Scenic Southern Splendour Including Stewart Island Southern Vista Tasmania Tempter Departs 27 October 2022 13 days | $7799pp share twin from Auckland
Fly direct from Auckland to Hobart (3 nights). Enjoy sights: Tasman Bridge, Battery Point, Salamanca Place, Port Arthur Convict Settlement. Travel thru Derwent Valley, Russell Falls, Tarraleah Gorge to Queenstown (2 nights). Cruise Gordon River into the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness, Hells Gate, Strahan. Visit Cradle Mountain National Park, two nights at Smithton. Visit to Woolnorth Farm on the far north west tip of Tasmania and Stanley. Lunch Hellyer Road Whiskey Distillery. Stay Launceston (2 nights), cruise magnificent Cataract Gorge and check out the Swiss-style Grindelwald Village. Visit Legerwood to view the War Memorial Tree carvings, meet a Tasmanian Devil at the East Coast Nature World and visit Bicheno and Freycinet National Park with its jagged pink granite peaks and crystal clear waters. Includes return airfares from Auckland, quality accommodation, all breakfasts and dinners and several lunches, all entrances and sights as mentioned, 5 star luxury touring coach, professional tour driver, experienced tour director from NZ. FREE home pick up and return in the greater Auckland area. Ask about other centres.
Southern Explorer Featuring overnight Doubtful Sound cruise East Cape Panorama Tour
Southern Circle Featuring Tranz Alpine & Coastal Pacific Trains Abel Tasman National Park & Queen Charlotte Sounds
Fly to Dunedin (3 nights) full of Scottish Heritage, visit Albatross Colony, Botanic Gardens and Chinese Gardens, lunch at Larnach Castle. Coach through The Southern Scenic Route – The Catlins. Overnight Invercargill, fly to Stewart Island (2 nights). Explore Oban and enjoy cruise of Paterson Inlet, Ulva Island. Back to Invercargill and join our coach for the short journey to Queenstown (2 nights), sights Arrowtown and farewell cruise including Gourmet BBQ dinner to Walter Peak. Includes return airfares from AKL/WLG/TRG/CHC (prices available for other centres), all breakfasts & dinners, some lunches, full size touring coach, quality accommodation, all sightseeing mentioned, experienced Tour Manager. FREE home pickup AKL/WLG/TRG/CHC within 25km radius of city centre (ask about other centres).
Sydney Stayput Featuring Handa Opera on the Harbour Madama Butterfly
Fly to Christchurch (2 nights), visit French township of Akaroa, Giants Garden dinner on the Tramcar Restaurant Onto scenic Aoraki/Mt Cook, The Hermitage (2 nights). Voted the world’s largest international Night Sky Reserve, enjoy an experience we will long remember (weather dependent). Take a turn at the telescope to see the stars and planets as we thought never possible. Enjoy a 3D presentation in the Dome which sits alongside the Sir Edmund Hilary Museum. Via Wanaka to Queenstown (3 nights). Day trip to Glenorchy and TSS Eamslaw cruise and gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak. Includes return airfares from Auckland/Wellington/Tauranga (Christchurch passengers join on Day 3 and fly back from Queenstown). Quality accommodation, all breakfasts and dinners, some lunches. Full size touring coach and experienced driver, Tour Manager from Auckland back to Auckland. All sightseeing, including Dark Sky Experience and Dome Presentation. FREE home pickup AKL/WLG/TRG/CHC within 25km radius of city centre (ask about other centres). Queenstown (2 nights) including sights, TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak dinner cruise, coach to Manapouri and through Wilmot Pass to join our overnight cruise to the unspoiled and unforgettable Doubtful Sound. Twin share cabins with private bathrooms, stunning scenery, onboard nature guide. Coach via Riverton, visit Te Hikoi Museum featuring life size displays and engaging stories of how our Maori and European ancestors adapted to survive on natures edge. Invercargill (2 nights) including visit to Bluff, enjoy a visit with lunch at Bill Richardson Transport World, (optional day trip to Stewart Island). Travel through spectacular Catlins to Dunedin (2 nights) including sights and guided visit to Olveston House. Includes return airfares Auckland/Tauranga/Wellington and Christchurch. Quality accommodation, sightseeing, full size touring coach, overnight cruise Doubtful Sound, all breakfasts, most dinners and some lunches. FREE home pickup AKL/WLG/TRG/CHC within 25km radius of city centre (ask about other centres). Fly to Auckland (overnight). Coach through to Whakatane for overnight. Pacific Coast Highway – an epic stretch of road with picture postcard views of Opotiki, Te Kaha, Whanarua Bay to Hicks Bay Motor Lodge for overnight with magnificent views. Follow the rugged coastline through to Te Araroa, Ruatoria. Lunch at Tokomaru Bay then onto the wharf at Tolaga Bay. Gisborne (2 nights), Wainui Beach and the famous Eastwood Hill Aboretum. Coach to Rotorua for overnight before heading back to Auckland via Hamilton. Return airfares and 1 night accommodation in Auckland, quality full sized coach, all breakfasts and dinners – some lunches, sightseeing. Quality accommodation throughout, experienced tour manager. FREE home pickup AKL/WLG/TRG/ CHC within 25km radius of city centre (ask about other centres).
Departs 3 Mar / 25 Mar / 20 Apr 2023 9 days | $4399pp share twin
Christchurch (2 nights) including Tramcar restaurant. World famous Tranz Alpine train to Greymouth – Punakaiki overnight where we stay right on the beach. Visit Pancake Rocks, Charleston and the Nile River Rainforest Railway journey. Via Westport to Nelson (2 nights). Cruise the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park with lunch. Picton (2 nights) via Blenheim. Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Cruise on the Sounds to Lochmara Lodge where we enjoy lunch. Join the scenic Coastal Pacific train along the stunning coastline via Kaikoura to Christchurch overnight before flying h o me. I ncludes r eturn a i rfares f rom W ellington ( ask a bout o ther c e ntres). All breakfasts and dinners, quality accommodation, full size touring coach with experienced coach driver, all sightseeing and cruises. Tour manager, FREE home pickup and return from Wellington within 25km from airport. 10 day tour stays extra night Picton and luncheon cruise in the Sounds.
Departs 14 Feb / 19 Apr 2023 8 days I $4099pp share twin from AKL/WLG/TRG 6 days I $3480 share twin from CHC
Fly to Sydney (4 nights), all breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 lunches. Sydney sights including Bondi, The Rocks & Northern Beaches. Enjoy the famous Mail Cruise on the Hawkesbury River -Premium seats to Opera on the Harbour – Madama Butterfly overlooking the stage complete with a bamboo grove, a giant moon and a rising sun floating on Sydney Harbour. All this with a backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and thousands of twinkling lights from the city. Spectacular! We only have limited seats so don’t miss out. Experienced Tour Manager with you from Auckland, including return airfares from AKL/ WLG/CHC (check from other areas).
Departs 20 Jan 2023 8 days | $4299pp share twin Departs 7 Feb / 8 Mar / 2 Apr 2023 6 days | $2499pp from AKL | $2599pp from TRG 7 days | $2799pp from WLG & CHC
LAST SEATS Departs 8 Feb / 15 Mar / 12 Apr 2023 10 days | $4350pp share twin 5 days | Departs 18 April 2023
SUPREME TOURS & TRAVEL LTD 54 Wellesley St, Auckland City Freephone: 0800 809 300 • Email: statltd@xtra.co.nz • www.supremetoursandtravel.com
SUPREME TOURS & TRAVEL LTD 54 Wellesley St, Auckland City TAANZ bonded for your Freephone: 0800 809 300 • Email: statltd@xtra.co.nz • www.supremetoursandtravel.com protection and member of IATA
TAANZ bonded for your protection and member of IATA
ACTIVE Seniors and Retirees explore the tranquil waterways of Marlborough Sounds’ Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island aboard Heritage Expeditions luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.
Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines, Marlborough Sounds is also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of our country’s most important conservation efforts.
Our 7-day adventure aboard purpose-built expedition yacht Heritage Explorer, complete with two Zodiac tenders and kayaks for more intrepid explorations, sees an intimate group of like-minded travellers exploring the famed scenic playground of some of the Marlborough Sounds most inaccessible inlets and bays.
Formed by a system of submerged valleys carved out following the last ice age around 10,000 years ago, Marlborough Sounds offers an iconic, jaw-droppingly scenic Kiwi adventure on a grand scale. At Ngawhakawhiti Bay in Pelorus Sound we enjoy a glimpse of what the sounds might have looked like before the native forest was cleared, as we explore Nydia Track and the impossible blues of Nydia Bay.
Rich in history, we spend two full days exploring the waterways and islands of Queen Charlotte Sound with our guides, walking sections of its world-famous track, learning about the life of Perano Whalers at Tory Channel and visiting Captain Cook’s memorial at Ship Cove, his New Zealand base between 1770 and 1777.
Exploring the region’s conservation success stories, there are more than 50 Department of Conservation managed reserves and several predator-free wildlife sanctuaries here, gives us hope for the future of New Zealand’s at-risk wildlife. At Blumine Island we learn of the translocation of the once widespread Orange-fronted Parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, and the South Island Saddleback, brought back from the brink of extinction last century from just 36 birds rescued in 1964, the descendants of which were translocated here in 2009.
While just 500 treacherous metres from the mainland, d’Urville Island, named after French admiral Jules Sebastian Cesar Dumont d’Urville and his ill-fated passage of the infamous French Pass, is now a conservation reserve and one of the last strongholds of the critically endangered Long-tailed Bat, and home to the world’s rarest shag – the King Shag.
Sailing through the iconic French Pass, d’Urville Island is a contradiction of wild and unrestrained beauty with imposing sea cliffs, mountainous spine and the fastest moving tidal flows in New Zealand all tempered by some of the country’s finest peninsula scenery. It’s here we are joined by a pod of Dusky Dolphin escorts, reminding us of Pelorus Jack, the endearing Risso’s Dolphin who famously stole the nation’s heart guiding ships across Cook Strait between 1888 and 1912, just as our flippered friends are guiding us today.
www.heritage-expeditions.com
MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS $500* pp FLIGHT CREDIT*
EXPLORE MORE THIS SUMMER
© Sebastien Abraham © A ndy Woods
REDISCOVER NEW ZEALAND THIS SUMMER ON A LUXURIOUS, INTIMATE EXPEDITION CRUISE WITH KIWI CRUISE PIONEERS HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
New Zealand’s only expedition cruise company, Heritage Expeditions are pioneers in environmentally-responsible small ship expedition cruising. Family-owned and operated since 1985, we are industry leaders in sharing stunning natural wonders, incredible cultural exchanges, and unforgettable wildlife encounters and wilderness adventures with intrepid travellers. Travel is aboard our purpose-built, luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer where sophisticated accommodation and gourmet fare meets unique itineraries led by expert expedition guides as we explore some of New Zealand’s most remote shores and islands.
ISLANDS OF THE HAURAKI GULF • Experience conservation in action on Tiritiri Matangi • Kayak & Zodiac cruise
Great Barrier Island • Snorkel Poor Knights &
Cavalli Islands • Russell & Roberton Island • Cape Brett & Hole in the Rock • Includes all excursions, meals, house drinks & transfers 7–14 Jan, 19–26 Feb & 12-19 Mar 2023
Paihia Auckland
$6,725pp +$500 FLIGHT CREDIT*
(Based on Salvin’s, twin share) GREAT BARRIER ISLAND EXPLORER • Explore Great Barrier Island by kayak, Zodiac and on foot • Experience conservation in action on Tiritiri Matangi • Ship cruise Little Barrier Island • Look for Spotless Crake, Fernbird,
Brown Teal, Banded Rail, North
Island Kaka and more • Includes all excursions, meals, house drinks & transfers 8–12 Feb & 4-8 Mar 2023
Auckland
$3,245pp +$350 FLIGHT CREDIT*
(Based on Salvin’s, twin share) DISCOVER MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS • Two days exploring Queen
Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds • Explore by kayak & Zodiac • Walk parts of Queen Charlotte and Nydia Tracks • Tory Channel, Ship Cove & French Pass Havelock • Look for dolphins, seals & birdlife • Includes all excursions, meals, Picton house drinks & transfers 11–17 Dec 2022, 5–11 & 17–23 Apr 2023 From $5,550pp +$500 FLIGHT CREDIT*
(Based on Salvin’s, twin share)
AIR Chathams began life flying crayfish between Chatham and Pitt Islands and then the Chatham Islands and mainland New Zealand. This was a far better and more economic option than had been previously available and now a substantial part of Air Chathams operations continues to be in freight.
Owned by Craig and Marion Emeny, Air Chathams was established in 1984 and worked with the local Chatham Island people to create a safe and reliable airline that would support the transportation of both people and freight to and from New Zealand.
Craig Emeny first moved to the Chatham Islands when he was offered a job as a pilot operating services between Chatham and Pitt Islands on behalf of a New Zealand based airline. At that time there was no regular service between the Chatham Islands and New Zealand and this prompted Craig to start his
own airline, beginning operations to mainland New Zealand airports.
Our spiritual home and head office is still on the Chatham Islands – Tuuta/Chatham Islands Airport but operationally, we’d consider Auckland Airport to be our base. From our hangar at the Eastern end of the airport, we have a full Part 145 maintenance facility, parking for our fleet, customer service team, airline operations and our leadership team.
Our contemporary aircraft fleet consists of 10 aircraft providing scenic flights, charters, passenger services and freight.
We currently fly from Auckland to Whakatãne, Whanganui and Kãpiti Coast (Paraparaumu), as well as our Chatham Islands service that flies from the Chathams to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. We also operate NZ’s only service to Norfolk Island.
Culturally we are a customerfocused and solution-orientated airline who thrive on being innovative problem solvers that deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable outcomes for our customers… and live by a simple motto:
“At Air Chathams it’s all about family! Your family is our family across the friendly skies.”
TIME TO TICK OFF THIS BUCKET LIST BEAUTY
Embark on your very own Forgotten World adventure.
IS travelling along 142 km of abandoned railway line through one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and remote locations in New Zealand on your bucket list? If not add it straight in at number one. This is a must-do for travellers of any age and ability seeking one of the most authentic and enchanting kiwi experiences.
Forgotten World Adventures offers exclusive guided tours ranging from half a day to four days, all of which incorporate the iconic rail cart trip with a front row seat into New Zealand’s pioneering history.
“The Ultimate” is the two-day guided tour on which guests travel the entire line between Taumarunui and Stratford in their own cart – through the 24 hand-built tunnels, spectacular open hill country, untamed native bush and over its 98 bridges. Sitting alone with your travel companions creates an intimate setting for leisurely chats with friends or family. The line tells its own story but it is one greatly enriched by guides whose passion for their region’s rich history and storytelling is shared during perfectly timed stops throughout the trip.
The afternoon is spent soaking up the rugged beauty as the tour ventures further off the beaten track. You’ll see remnants of original settlements and pass by oncethriving towns that time seems to have forgotten. A highlight must be spotting majestic Mount Ruapehu in all its splendour. Truly magnificent.
When the carts pull into the self-proclaimed Republic of Whangamomona, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Guests stay at the Whangamomona Hotel – one of New Zealand’s most iconic, historic and secluded destinations. It’s bursting with warm hospitality, wholesome gourmet pub-style food and old-world charm.
Day two sees guests return to their carts for more historical commentary stops and an imposing view of Mount Taranaki. When the tour comes to an end at Stratford there are smiles all round. Travellers feel a real sense of joy, privileged to have been so at one with nature and to have experienced one of the country’s most worthy unsung achievements of the twentieth century.
Other premium tours include “The Expedition” and “The Epic” which boast the opportunity to discover the Bridge to Nowhere, fly over the Whanganui National Park and more. Or why not customise your own experience with family or friends. Reservations can only be made via phone call to the friendly bookings team who can help identify the most suitable tour.
So update your bucket list and book a front row seat for one of the most authentic experiences New Zealand has to offer. You certainly won’t regret or forget this unique kiwi adventure. You’ll just be left wondering why you didn’t do it sooner.
GROUP TRAVEL
Something for everyone!
While sometimes it can be interesting and enjoyable to plan your own holiday itinerary, for many of us it is timeconsuming and simply overwhelming. When you’ve been dreaming of discovering a new destination, you know what sights you want to see, the local delicacies you want to taste and cultures you want to experience –but it’s the ‘how’ that is easy to overlook. Luckily, that’s what we specialise in.
Guided touring takes away the complexities and unknowns giving you the freedom to enjoy, explore, eat, engage and be entertained without the stress of planning or fear of leaving anything out. Whether you’re travelling on your own or with family and friends, one of the greatest blessings to come from travel is the inspiring people you meet and lifelong friendships created. Group travel is the ultimate facilitator of friendships, and our holidays attract people from all over the world who are looking to travel with likeminded explorers. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what your passions are, a diverse range of travellers choose to travel on a guided tour, and you will make genuine, lasting connections on board.
When travelling on a guided tour, of course we make sure you see all the bucket list items (after all, the icons are iconic for a reason) and take you to the main tourist attractions - often with priority entry and VIP experiences. However, we’ll also reveal the local secrets of each destination and give you the time to uncover its gems at your own pace. Food can be just as important as the travel so we’ve hand pick a number of authentic dining experiences from Michelin star restaurants that will have your taste buds dancing to delicious farm-totable feasts and ‘do it like the locals’ street food that’ll have you’ll sipping, savouring and sensing the local flair with every meal.
Whether you want to see the sights at leisure, enjoy an active itinerary, stay in one region or whirl around multiple countries, we have a trip for you.
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As a Probus Club Member you’ll save $100 per person^ when travelling with TTC’s awardwinning travel companies: AAT Kings; Adventure World Travel; Costsaver; Luxury Gold; Insight Vacations; Inspiring Journeys; Trafalgar and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Uncover the diverse beauty and wonder of your own backyard, or discover fabulous international destinations, with our amazing choice of travel experiences across 7 continents.
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Dream holidays without the stress of the ‘what ifs’, is what we do. We design our tours so you can experience the world differently. You’ll get the personal service, attention to detail and ease you’re looking for, while enjoying the unmissable icons and one-of-akind experiences you’ve always dreamed of.
Go beyond sightseeing and make lasting connections on a premium guided tour. Enjoy authentic experiences, stylish hotels and an expertly trained Travel Director to ensure a fabulous, seamless journey.
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*Probus exclusive save $100 off is valid on all trips departing in 2022 and 2023. Offer applies to new bookings only. A non-refundable deposit per person, per trip is required within 5 days of booking. Full payment is required up to 90 days prior to departure. Savings apply to the land portion of the chosen trip and does not include port taxes, intra trip air & taxes or permits. Discounts are not valid on all itineraries and/or departure dates, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Offer is combinable with Seasonal Offers and Year-Round savings should the chosen trip & departure qualify. Offer not valid on special departure or interest groups. ^*10% saving is valid as per terms and conditions on each brand website.
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