Auckland Adventures 2024 - click here for more details

11 - 16 September 2024

Join us in the “City of Sails”. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland City has much to offer, as we immerse ourselves in arts and culture, natural history and geology

A tour that will delight all those interested in Art, & history with a little bit of other cultural enjoyments thrown inn

Day 1

Wednesday 11 September - Travelling to Cambridge

We meet in Sanson this morning, with transfers from Wellington, Kapiti, Wairarapa and other surrounding areas. After a welcome morning tea at a local café (inclusive), we travel to Taihape, our lunch stop today (at own choice and cost). This afternoon we travel the Desert Road, and follow the shores of Lake Taupo, which flows into the languid Waikato River as it journeys north towards Cambridge. Here we settle into our accommodation just a short walk away from Lake Te Ko Utu. We enjoy dinner in-house this evening.

Day 2

Thursday 12 September - Discovering Auckland in Style

This morning we travel through to Auckland, stopping at the Botanical Gardens in Manurewa for a wander of this spectacular garden with a distinctive South Pacific flavour. Look for the edible garden, the native plant identification trail, the herb garden and the perennial border, just a few of the collections in this 64 hectare park. Then find a sheltered spot to enjoy your picnic lunch (included) at the gardens. Heading to the city, we immerse ourselves in a unique encounter called ‘’All Blacks Experience’’ which showcases the All Blacks and celebrates our rugby heritage through incredible innovative technology. We then make the short transfer to our accommodation where we will have some time to relax before we visit SkyCity Tower. At 328 metres (1,076 ft) tall, from ground level to the top of the mast, Sky Tower is the second tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Needless to say, the sky deck offers unsurpassed 360-degree views of Auckland City, Waitemata Harbour and the ancient volcanoes that dot the city landscape. We dine out tonight (smart casual dress) at SkyCity’s stunning fifty-second floor restaurant ‘’Orbit 360°’’, where the dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience and amazing 360 degree views of Auckland city.

Day 3

Friday 13 September - Around the Bays, Devonport & Auckland Museum

This morning we board the coach for a scenic drive out to Mission Bay and Bastion Point before we board a ferry to take us across the harbour to Devonport. Originally called Flagstaff when a signalling station was set up on Takarunga (Mt Victoria) in 1841, Devonport was renamed in 1868 and is recognised as a relaxed bay-side village with great cafes and boutique shopping. Enjoy a wander and find some lunch (own choice and cost) before our coach returns us to the city where we visit Auckland War Memorial Museum for a guided tour. One of NZ’s finest museums, the heritage building is located in Auckland Domain - the remains of a dormant volcano – and is renowned for its unique collection of Maori and Pacific treasures, telling the story of New Zealand as a nation. Finally, we return to our hotel to enjoy relaxed dining in house tonight.

Day 4

Saturday 14 September - Matakana Village Market & Sculpture Gardens

Today our destination is Matakana where we visit the famous Matakana Village Farmers’ Market, a foodie’s paradise focussed on fresh local produce and artisan goods. Meet the passionate stallholders and experience the vibrant culture of this village. We have time to enjoy a bite of lunch (own choice and cost) before we visit the Matakana Sculptureum. Wander at leisure through the gardens and galleries, all of which follow a different theme and will delight with their exciting mix of sculpture, artwork and plants. Finish off with the last gallery which contains the stunning glass chandelier by American artist, Dale Chihuly. We then make a short journey to Brick Bay where we find the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, an exhibition of contemporary sculpture by leading NZ artists set in stunning native bush. Making our way back to the city, we will take a drive down through Viaduct Harbour, before returning to our hotel where we dine in again this evening.

Day 5

Sunday 15 September - Miranda Seabird Coast & Rotorua

Leaving the City of Sails behind this morning we wind our way out through Clevedon countryside, before enjoying a Tranzit tea break at Kawakawa Bay, a calm sheltered beach looking towards Waiheke and Ponui Islands. After morning tea, we follow the East Coast Road and the scenic Miranda Coast - a world-renowned destination for shore birds, many making an extraordinary seasonal migration from the other side of the world. We stop at Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre where we learn more about this amazing phenomenon and the birds that make this unique place their seasonal home. We enjoy our picnic lunch here too, before continuing an easy run down through the Hauraki Plains to our destination tonight, Rotorua.

Day 6

Monday 16 September - Homeward Bound

Homeward bound today, we make our way south, with a morning tea stop at a scenic spot on the shores of Lake Taupo, and our lunch stop at Taihape (own choice and cost). We arrive back in Palmerston North in time to meet connecting transfers for those travellers continuing on towards Wellington and Wairarapa.

The cost of the tour includes

  • Accommodation
  • 2 course or buffet dinners
  • Breakfasts
  • Morning teas on first & 2 last days
  • All coach travel
  • 2 Picnic lunches
  • Auckland Botanic Gardens; visit
  • All Blacks Experience; entry & guided tour
  • SkyCity Tower; Entry passes
  • 3 course dinner at SkyCity’s restaurant ‘’Orbit 360° dining’’
  • One way ferry ticket to Devonport
  • Auckland Museum; guided tour
  • Matakana Village Farmers Market
  • Matakana Sculptureum; entry
  • Brick Bay Sculpture Trail; entry
  • Miranda Shore Bird Centre; tour and talk

Departure Detail

Before you book a tour with Tranzit Tours, please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions below.


Pricing Validity
All costs associated with each tour are outlined in full within each tour itinerary. All pricing quoted is valid for the dates of tour when booked.
Reservations and Payments
Bookings for all Tranzit tours can be made through any Tranzit Coachlines Reservations Centre or an approved Travel Agent. Any person making a booking for others shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all individuals they are booking on a tour and it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to bring these Terms and conditions to the attention of those individuals booked.
A deposit as stated in the Tour Itinerary is payable to secure the booking.
The balance must be paid in full by the date stated in the Tour Itinerary.
Any reservation made within fourteen (14) days of the tour departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations, Postponements and Alterations
Cancellations by the Customer
 Cancellations 45+ days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of your deposit, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.Cancellations 44 – 8 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.
Cancellations within 7 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 25% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.No refunds will be made for cancellations made within one day of departure or once travel has commenced. Refunds will not be provided for unused portions of a tour, unless the Customer can provide genuine reason and documentary evidence that services were unable to be utilised (and a refund if applicable is available from the other provider) in which case the company will review each request and may provide a partial refund at the sole discretion of the company.
Cancellations of one half of a twin share booking will result in the Customer cancelling being charged the cost of a single booking, if the Company is unable to match the twin share booking with another Customer.
Alterations by the Customer
The Customer may transfer their booking to another person for the same tour and commencement date, but only if the other person satisfies all of Tranzit Tours requirements in relation to the tour and provides us a completed Booking Form. The Customer must notify Tranzit Tours in writing of the intended transfer at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the tour. A $60 transfer fee per person/per transfer will apply (in addition to any supplier change fees).
Cancellations or Postponements by the Company
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or postpone a tour. With the exception of the Force Majeure section below, Tranzit Tours will:In the event of a tour being cancelled by the company prior to departure and not postponed – refund the total amount paid in respect of that tour or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a tour being postponed – rebook the Customer for the new departure date or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a Force Majeure event that occurs prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised, Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or shorten the tour and will be excused and released from its obligations without liability of any kind. Customers will receive a credit for postponed tours. For cancelled or shortened tours, refunds in these circumstances will be in full less any unrecoverable costs (i.e. expenses already incurred or fees charged by other providers).
The Customer will be advised of any increased tour costs as a result of the postponement. Credits will be equal to the value of the payment made and must be used within 12 months. Customers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance.
In the event of cancellation or postponement by the company, Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any consequential loss incurred by the Customer. Customers are again advised to take out travel insurance.
Alterations by the Company
Before Tour Commencement: If a major change to the tour needs to be made before departure, we will inform the Customer of the change as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.Tranzit Tours reserves the right to alter a tour (including the itinerary) and substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, the company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour.  The company will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the tour provider’s discretion.
Tranzit Tours will inform the customer as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.
Insurance
Tranzit Tours recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover against things like lost or damaged luggage, accident or sickness, loss or theft of personal belongings and documents, or the need to cancel or shorten your tour.  Please note that special conditions will apply for pre-existing medical conditions with all travel insurance policies.
Health and Fitness
Tranzit Tours are generally able to accommodate most fitness abilities; however, some tours may require a certain level of physical fitness for full enjoyment of tour activities. The Customer must inform Tranzit Tours, at the time of booking, of any health or fitness restrictions that may limit participation of tour activities or put the Customer, tour staff or other customers at risk. The Customer acknowledges that their suitability for a tour, or any activity within a tour, is wholly the Customer’s responsibility.
Payment of a deposit by the Customer to secure a Tranzit Tour acts as a warranty that:
o   the Customer is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour, and
o   the Customer does not have a health, physical condition or disability that would create risk to themselves, tour staff or other customers, and
o   the Customer indemnifies Tranzit Tours from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health or fitness.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to decline a booking on medical, health or fitness grounds at its sole discretion.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to remove a Customer from a tour, or quarantine a Customer on tour, if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or staff safety or other Customers safety or tour experience in any way. Any additional costs associated with a Customer’s removal from tour or placement into quarantine, shall be borne by the Customer. Refunds will be made in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. 
Authority on Tour
Tranzit Tours are operated by staff with decision making authority while on tour. By travelling with Tranzit Tours, you agree to accept the authority of the driver/guide and their decisions are final in all matters likely to affect the wellbeing, safety or experience of any customer or staff member on board. Failure to adhere to reasonable requests or any inappropriate behaviour that is degrading the experience of other customers, may result in the Customer being removed from the tour. If a Customer is asked to leave a tour, any costs associated with returning home will be borne by the Customer and any unused portion of the tour will not be refunded.
Responsibilities
Tranzit Tours include goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions and transportation companies. Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, Tranzit Tours will not be responsible and will be excluded from liability for any loss, damage, omission or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by other goods and service providers used in connection with the tour.
Tranzit Tours is not liable for any loss, damage, delay, or injury caused to the traveller or their baggage whilst under the care or control of a third-party provider. A Customer’s baggage and personal effects shall be carried at the owner’s risk as provided for under the Carriage of Goods Act.
Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any losses or additional expenses to the Customer due to tours impacted by Force Majeure events that occur prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised.
Acceptance of Risk
The Customer acknowledges that all Tranzit Tours may be subject to risks and dangers beyond that which might be experienced by the Customer at home. Except as provided in law, the Customer acknowledges that they assume all risk and Tranzit Tours is not liable for misadventure, death, injury, delay or loss which occurs during the tour.
Seat Rotation
For the enjoyment of all travellers Tranzit Tours operates a seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking.
Photographs
Photographs used to market any Tranzit Tour depict typical scenes experienced, but the subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced whilst visiting a destination within a tour.
Whilst on tour, the Customer may be included in photographs and/or film taken by the guide or driver. These photographs may be used for future promotional advertising purposes and by booking on a Tranzit Tour the Customer authorises the use of any images they are captured in to be used without further consent or any payment of any kind. If the Customer does not authorise the use of their image for promotional purposes, they must make this known at the time of booking.
Privacy Policy
Any personal information that Tranzit Tours collects about the Customer may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a tour or to send the Customer marketing material in relation to Tranzit Tour products. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable Tranzit Tours to operate the tour. Tranzit Tours will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available on our website).
Applicable Law
The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable.

"Thank you to the Tranzit Tours team! Mum has not stopped talking about her bucket list tour to the Chatham Islands" Jasmine