Molesworth & Beyond 2024

18-22 November 2024

One of the most popular tours on our annual calendar

One of the most popular tours on our annual calendar, and for 2022 we have taken it up a notch to get you into more off road areas with a number of great back up plans also in place.  We use specially designed coaches that take you right through Molesworth Station (NZ’s largest).  BUT THAT’S NOT ALL… also touring through other stunning landscapes  with further opportunities to enhance your experience of this region.  We use a local guide whose knowledge of the area is extensive, so you will learn the area’s history through an informative and entertaining commentary. 

This is a back country adventure so expect at times to experience nature at its most raw. A level of basic fitness, together with a flexible attitude, is strongly recommended.
 

Day 1

Monday 18 November - Travelling to Blenheim

This morning we are transferred to Wellington, meeting at the Bluebridge ferry terminal for an afternoon sailing across Cook Strait to Picton. Upon reaching Picton we make the short transfer to our Blenheim accommodation, to settle in before dining together this evening.

Day 2

Tuesday 19 November - Molesworth Station Safari Tour

This morning we join Hassle-free Tours, boarding their specially designed four-wheel drive coach, for our Molesworth Station tour. Our journey today takes us up the Awatere Valley and allows us the chance to travel right through New Zealand’s largest high country property. Dramatic country unfolds before us, as we explore the ever-changing terrain, and learn its history through a full and informative commentary. Our first stop will be at Gladstone Station, where we’ll have morning tea, and a talk from the owner at the woolshed before continuing up the valley. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch (included) at Molesworth cob cottage, on the boundary of the station. Then, as we begin our travels through Molesworth, we will hear tales of shepherds and stockmen, and stop to absorb the beauty of this unequalled landscape, with a backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains. Our journey ends today in the tranquil village of Hanmer Springs, our base for the next two nights. We dine in tonight.

Day 3

Wednesday 20 November - Woodchester Station Safari Tour

Joined again by our Hassle-free friends, our travels take us over the scenic Leader Valley route to a hill country property near Waiau. Woodchester Station is owned by David and Rebekah Kelly, and their property has been radically changed as a result of the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake, with several new geological formations. We’ll take a tour over the property and enjoy lunch (included) in the garden. After lunch we travel back to Hanmer Springs, where we’ll have some free time to enjoy a soak in the hot pools (own cost), or alternatively a forest amble where you’ll find a series of delightful wooden sculptures carved from a giant redwood tree. Or you can just simply rest and relax before dinner.

Day 4

Thursday 21 November - Hanmer to St Arnaud - Rainbow Station

Once again we board a Hassle-free vehicle as we travel through the remote privately-owned Rainbow Station. This is a tour of contrasts: from craggy beech covered mountains to flowing tussock lands, from snow fed streams to crystal mountain tarns. Departing from Hanmer Springs we climb over Jacks Pass to the Clarence River valley and on up past St James Station to Lake Tennyson for a cuppa. We then travel to a high point of 1347ms on Island Saddle, and descend into the headwaters of the Wairau Valley and through the Molesworth/Tarndale lakes country before entering the rugged Rainbow Station. Plenty of time to explore and take a stroll to view the native flora and fauna in this true wilderness area which one can only "experience", as words are difficult to describe the absolute beauty, grandeur, and mystique of this alpine delight. Once again, we find a sheltered spot to enjoy a picnic lunch (included). After lunch we travel through a narrow gorge known as Hells Gate and follow the Wairau river all the way through Rainbow Station. Our destination today is the alpine village of St Arnaud, on the shores of Lake Rotoiti and gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park.

Day 5

Friday 22 November - Travelling Home

A leisurely breakfast this morning is followed by a short sight-seeing tour of St Arnaud Village and tranquil Lake Rotoiti, before we travel down the Wairau Valley to Blenheim and on to Picton. Lunch today is in Picton (own choice and expense) prior to departing on our afternoon Bluebridge sailing returning us to Wellington. Finally, we bid our fellow travellers goodbye before being transferred to our home locations.

The cost of the tour includes

  • Accommodation
  • All dinners, 2 course
  • All breakfasts
  • Cook Strait ferry transfers
  • All coach travel
  • 3 Guided Safari tours inclusive of morning teas, picnic lunches, and refreshments
  • Molesworth Station
  • Woodchester Station
  • Rainbow Station or alternative if weather and track conditions preclude

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.

"The door to door transfers on the Tranzit Travel Club tours are such a bonus. Being picked up at my door and dropped back after our travels made things so easy!" Mary