Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6
Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.)
rbuck@agritourscanada.com / www.agritourscanada.com
THE BEST OF AGRI AND CULTURE NEW ZEALAND
March 11 – 24, 2016
Day 1 - Friday March 11
DEPART TORONTO FOR NEW ZEALAND
Departures points from Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Flights can be purchased and added to this
program or you can book your own flights using points or your local travel agents. Land package pricing is
provided and flights are then added depending on your departure points. All prices are in Canadian dollars.
Day 2 - Saturday, March 12
All meals on board flight.
IN FLIGHT LOSE A DAY CROSSING DATELINE.
Day 3 (1) – Sunday, March 13
(D)
ARRIVE AUCKLAND
Arrive into Auckland International Airport to be met by your coach and a representative from Agri-Travel and
transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of beautiful Auckland city nestled on the edge of the
picturesque Hauraki Gulf. Visit the Sky tower – Australasia’s tallest building where you will see panoramic
views of the city and its harbour. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight
Scenic Auckland Hotel
Meal Code:
Date Code:
B = Full cooked breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
(1), (2) etc. – Indicates the actual day # participating in the land tour in New Zealand
(
Day 4 (2) – Monday, March 14
(B, L)
AUCKLAND/HAMILTON
Heading to Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland – the centre of the province of Waikato, the heartland of
the New Zealand dairy industry.
Technical Visit: En route visit a large dairy herd – the owner has been milking his herd once a day for the past 9
years – hear how his staff and cows are much happier! And profit margins have not suffered. The farm is 238
ha (510 acres) – with 750 Jerseys & once a day milking through a 40 bale rotary parlour. They are also in the
top percentage of farms in the country for net profit/ha.
Lunch will be included where you will be joined by an Agricultural Dairy Consultant for an informal chat about
the New Zealand Pastoral Farming System.
Technical Visit: This afternoon you will have an opportunity to see the latest technology when you visit a
Robotic Dairy Farm. This farm is milking 250 cows, split calving, spring/autumn, increasing cow numbers to
300, June 2014. Currently producing 120,000kg/ms which is 480kg per cow with an intended target of
180,000kg/ms, which will equate to 600kgs per cow.
Dinner own arrangements. Hamilton has many great restaurants within walking distance from the hotel.
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TICO#02716341
Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6
Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.)
rbuck@agritourscanada.com / www.agritourscanada.com
Overnight
Ibis hotel, Hamilton.
Day 5 (3) – Tuesday, March 15
(B, L, D)
HAMILTON/ROTORUA
Depart Hamilton hotel with a packed lunch heading to the Maori cultural and thermal region – Rotorua with
technical visits en route.
Technical Visit: Visit a deer farm who record all their weights and velvet using RFID. The farm won the farm
environment award a few years ago for their landscaping and planting. They introduce approximately 100
yearling hinds each year (20% of the breeding herd) which creates very high selection pressure within the herd.
Key hinds and families have been identified and the hind herd's performance is developing rapidly. In recent
years they have used AI on 50 to 100 hinds to introduce top complimentary genetics.
Continue your journey and travel over the Kaimai Ranges to the East Coast for your picnic lunch on the beach
at Mt Maunganui. After lunch you will continue by coach travelling to Rotorua via Te Puke.
Technical Visit: Visit the township of Te Puke – The Kiwi fruit Capital of New Zealand where you will embark
on the only Kiwi fruit tour available in New Zealand. Due to strict quarantine restrictions the industry
presently does not allow visitors to Kiwi fruit orchards. Kiwi 360, although a tourist attraction does offer an
excellent overview of this industry.
Coach to Rotorua where you will explore the magic of this thermal region.
Traditional Maori Hangi and concert: Tonight transfer to Mitai Maori village for an entertaining Maori concert
and Hangi – a highlight that people talk about for years after touring New Zealand. Later you will be taken on a
night walk through a floodlit forest providing a beautiful perspective on the natural bush. View the Kiwi bird
conservation area and see the prehistoric tuatara – a large lizard like reptile, the only living dinosaur.
Participants choosing to NOT take part in this excursion will be given a discount from the overall tour cost.
Overnight
Ibis Hotel, Rotorua
Day 6 (4) – Wednesday, March 16
(B, L)
IN ROTORUA
This morning you will explore Rotorua. Visit Te Puia where you will view wood carvers, flax weavers and see
the bubbling mud pools, boiling springs and geysers and the silica terraces. Then visit the Agrodome, an
entertaining show illustrating New Zealand’s sheep industry.
Take a gentle scenic ride by Gondola and experience Rotorua’s most spectacular views and enjoy lunch as you
contemplate one of the many optional activities available. Take a walk on the nature trails or take the luge
downhill through twists and turns to a backdrop of dramatic scenery and down through the Redwood Forest.
Free afternoon and evening in Rotorua for shopping or perhaps relaxing at the Polynesian Spa – rated as one
of the top 10 spas in the world! Dinner is on your own, time to explore – restaurant suggestions will be
provided.
Overnight
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Ibis Hotel, Rotorua.
TICO#02716341
Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6
Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.)
rbuck@agritourscanada.com / www.agritourscanada.com
Day 7 (5) – Thursday, March 17
(B, D)
ROTORUA/TAUPO/NAPIER
Heading to Napier via Lake Taupo stopping at Aratiatia Rapids where several times a day, the dam gates of the
Waikato River are opened which turns a dry gorge into a magnificent waterfall before your eyes. There are
several excellent vantage points on the high rock bluffs that dominate this turbulent stretch of the river. Enjoy
some free time in Taupo before travelling through to Napier a city rebuilt following a devastating earthquake
in 1931. Its Art Deco buildings reflect the architectural styles of the times where combined with Maori motifs is
today a showcase for visitors.
Technical Visit: The Hawkes Bay region is the largest apple, peach and squash growing region in New Zealand.
In 2007 it had 4930 hectares of wine grapes, making it the second largest wine-growing region behind
Marlborough. Today you will visit a large apple orchard and packing shed.
This evening transfer by coach to New Zealand’s oldest vineyard, the Mission – enjoy dinner, try the wine!
Overnight:
Scenic Circle Te Pania hotel, Napier.
Day 8 (6) – Friday, March 18
(B, L, D)
NAPIER/BLENHEIM
The Napier region is also home to prominent beef breeding and marketing companies. Travel by coach to a
nearby farm.
Technical Visit: Visit a global beef breeding company developing genetically superior sheep & cattle breeds
and reliable supply chains for the farming and food industries. The Stabilizer is their composite in the cattle
breeding program and has Angus (Red in the Red Stabilizer and Black in the Black Stabilizer) and Hereford
bloodlines on the British side and Simmental and Gelbvieh bloodlines on the European side.
Lunch on own arrangements.
Technical Visit: Visit an award winning winery where you will be joined by a local wine expert who will take
you on a tour of the vineyard and winery and discuss the wine industry in the Hawkes Bay Region. Wine tasting
is included.
After lunch transfer by coach to the Napier Airport to connect with your flight to Blenheim where you will be
met by your South Island Coach and transferred to your hotel. Domestic flights are included in tour cost.
This evening enjoy dinner on your own in the hotel restaurant.
Overnight:
Scenic hotel Marlborough, Blenheim or Quality Hotel Marlborough (based on group size)
Day 9 (7) – Saturday, March 19
(B, L, D)
BLENHEIM
This morning you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of the region including a visit to the Omaka Aviation
Museum presenting the outstanding Knights of the Sky exhibition featuring Sir Peter Jackson’s own collection
of WW1 aircraft and artifacts brought to life in sensational sets created by the internationally acclaimed talent
of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.
Lunch is included in a local restaurant.
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TICO#02716341
Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6
Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.)
rbuck@agritourscanada.com / www.agritourscanada.com
Technical Visit: Greenshell Mussel Cruise - Enjoy an informative, relaxing and fun afternoon cruising the inner
Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds, two of the main Sounds that make up the Marlborough Sounds. Take in the
natural beauty of this stunning environment, learn about the history of the Marlborough Sounds and the
pioneering families who have settled here. Visit a Greenshell Mussel farm where your launch captain will
explain how and why this delicacy grows so well in the Marlborough Sounds. While at the mussel farm enjoy
freshly steamed mussels with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, a wonderful wine and food match in a
beautiful part of Marlborough. Those choosing this excursion will be dropped off at Havelock Marina and
returned to Blenheim at the end of the cruise.
Enjoy dinner at a local winery with fabulous vistas and ambient surroundings.
Overnight:
Scenic hotel Marlborough, Blenheim or Quality Hotel Marlborough (based on group size)
Day 10 (8) – Sunday, March 20
(B, D)
BLENHEIM/MT SOMERS
See the vastness of this wine region as you head down the East Coast of the South Island today with a stop at
Kaikoura to see the basking seals. Lunch will be in beautiful Kaikoura (own arrangements). Continue to Mt
Somers where you will stay the night with local farming families eating in their homes and breakfasting with
them in the morning.
Overnight – farm stay, Mt Somers area.
Day 11 (9) – Monday, March 21
(B, L, D)
MT SOMERS/METHVEN/MT COOK/TWIZEL
This morning you will head to the magnificent Mount Cook National Park.
Technical Visit: Before leaving the area visit an arable property that grows wheat, barley, peas, grass seed and
also produces white clover seed, primrose, mustard and spinach seed. Enjoy lunch with the hosts on their
property.
Later head into the Mt Cook National Park – pass by Lake Tekapo with photo opportunities. Pop in at a salmon
farm before arriving at the base of Mt Cook where you can take one of the many walks and visit the Sir
Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (cost not included) or just soak up the ambient mountain environment before
retracing your travels to Twizel where you will overnight. Dinner is included in your hotel
Overnight
Mckenzie Country Inn, Twizel
Day 12 (10) – Tuesday, March 22
(B, L, D)
TWIZEL/QUEENSTOWN
Continue your journey south to the ‘adventure capital’ of NZ - Queenstown.
Technical Visit: High country sheep station will be visited en route.
After lunch continue south and view the famous bungee jump bridge before arriving in Queenstown.
This evening the group joins a cruise (CRUISE AND DINNER INCLUDED IN COST) across Lake Wakatipu on the
100 year old steamship, the TSS Earnslaw then disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the first
farms set up in the region. Relax in the unique ambience of the Colonel’s Homstead Restaurant where you’ll
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TICO#02716341
Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6
Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.)
rbuck@agritourscanada.com / www.agritourscanada.com
enjoy a Gourmet BBQ dinner. On the magical night-time cruise home, you can enjoy the camaraderie of a singa-long with the ship’s pianist.
Overnight:
Heartland Hotel, Queenstown.
Day 13 (11) – Wednesday, March 23
(B, D)
IN QUEENSTOWN
Travel by coach to Milford Sounds.
Today the magnificent Milford Sounds (COACH AND CRUISE INCLUDED IN COST) - surrounded by steep
forest-clad cliffs riven with waterfalls dropping vertically into the sea. Travel through the Fiordland National
Park where lush beech forests meet snow-capped mountains. On arrival into Milford you board a launch
which cruises the full length of the sound, travelling below the famous Mitre Peak and beneath a spectacular
waterfall. Lunch on board on your own. Return to Queenstown. You can fly there and back or a combination
of coach and fly. (Cost not included)
Return to Queenstown – Farewell dinner and packing preparations for flight home.
Overnight
Heartland Hotel, Queenstown.
Day 14 (12) – Thursday, March 24
(B)
DEPART QUEENSTOWN
After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect with your flight home. Most international flights depart from
Auckland so transfers from Queenstown will be provided to Auckland in our program.
Day 14 (13) Thursday, 24th
ARRIVAL BACK IN CANADA
Back to the future as you return across the International Date Line and regain your lost day.
Page | 5
TICO#02716341
Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6
Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.)
rbuck@agritourscanada.com / www.agritourscanada.com
SPECIAL NOTES - FLIGHTS:
1. If AgriTours Canada/Royal City Travel is asked to provide your flight package on top of the land
package, all flights can be included in the package including any domestic flights in Canada (if needed),
international flights to and from New Zealand and domestic flights within New Zealand. These costs
will then be packaged with the land tour package and an all-inclusive price will be provided.
2. If arranging your own flights, the domestic flights within New Zealand must also be included with your
bookings made through your travel agent. (Only if doing ALL of your own flights through an agency.)
3. If you are using points from the Royal Bank, AMEX, Air Miles, Aeroplan etc., most point cards cannot
include domestic flights in your destination country in their bookings. In such circumstances, we must
be made aware of HOW you book your international flights. An additional surcharge will be added to
the Land cost to cover the cost of the flight from Napier to Blenheim in New Zealand.
If using points for the International Flights, AgriTours Canada MUST then include the domestic flights
to and from the South Island in New Zealand. This cost would then need to be added to your land
costs. This is necessary so that all participants depart at the same time, on the same flights while on
tour. (This only applies if you are doing your own international flights using points)
4. Royal City Travel is an authorized Royal Bank points booking Agency. Any other FREE FLIGHTS using
points must be booked directly through your points providers. (Domestic flights in New Zealand cannot
be booked using points).
Cost per / person land only – double price
$6,195 Canadian dollars.
Flight costs CAD 1941.00, CAD 844 taxes = CAD
$2,785 Price not guaranteed until booked.
Total cost for New Zealand Tour including land and air’ $ 8980/person in shared accommodation.
Single Cost land only:
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$ 725.00 in addition to double cost
TICO#02716341
Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6
Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.)
rbuck@agritourscanada.com / www.agritourscanada.com
Flight costs as of August 21, 2015 - including international flights to and from New Zealand and one internal
flight in New Zealand is as follows – flights and pricing below cannot be guaranteed until booked:
AIR
Flight
Class: From:
Air New
Number
VToronto On, ON
Zealand
NZ4821 Economy - Terminal 1
AIR
Leaving: Destination:
Fri 11 Mar Los Angeles, CA
10:35
- Terminal 2
Destination:
From:
Flight
Class:
Leaving: Auckland, New
Air New
Los Angeles, CA
Number
VFri 11 Mar Zealand Zealand
- Tom Bradley
NZ0001 Economy
21:00
International
Intl Term
Terminal
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
AIR
Flight
Class: From:
Leaving: Destination:
Air New
Number
HNapier Hastings, Fri 18 Mar Wellington, New
Zealand
NZ8459 Economy New Zealand
15:50
Zealand
AIR
Flight
Class: From:
Leaving: Destination:
Air New
Number
HWellington, New Fri 18 Mar Blenheim, New
Zealand
NZ2499 Economy Zealand
18:00
Zealand
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
AIR
Destination:
Flight
Class: From:
Leaving: Auckland, New
Air New
Number
TQueenstown Nz, Thu 24
Zealand Zealand
NZ0644 Economy New Zealand
Mar 14:30 Domestic
Terminal
AIR
From:
Destination:
Flight
Class: Auckland, New
Leaving:
Air New
Los Angeles, CA
Number
TZealand Thu 24
Zealand
- Tom Bradley
NZ0006 Economy International
Mar 19:30
Intl Term
Terminal
AIR
Flight
Class: From:
Leaving: Destination:
Air New
Number
WLos Angeles, CA Thu 24
Toronto On, ON Zealand
NZ4796 Economy - Terminal 2
Mar 14:05 Terminal 1
Fare
CAD 1941.00
Taxes
CAD 843.95
Total
CAD 2784.95
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Arriving: Flying
Fri 11 Mar Time:
13:13
Stops:
Arriving:
Sun 13
Mar 07:00
5h38m
0
Flying
Time:
Stops:
13h
0
Arriving: Flying
Fri 18 Mar Time:
16:45
Stops:
55m
0
Arriving: Flying
Fri 18 Mar Time:
18:25
Stops:
Arriving:
Thu 24
Mar 16:20
Flying
Time:
Stops:
Arriving:
Thu 24
Mar 11:45
Flying
Time:
Stops:
Arriving:
Thu 24
Mar 21:45
Flying
Time:
Stops:
25m
0
1h50m
0
12h15m
0
4h40m
0
TICO#02716341