Wairarapa off the beaten track

12-15 February 2024 - Waitlisted

Join us on a Wairarapa short stay that goes from the North Wairarapa to the South and picks up the east and west in between.  Old favourites return and we include some charming new additions.

Day 1

Monday 12 February - Historical Homes

With transfers arranged from Wellington, Kapiti, Palmerston North and other surrounding areas, we meet at Tranzit Tours office for morning tea where we will meet up with old friends and new. We start our Wairarapa exploring by getting to know the history of the region, as we head off to visit two of the area’s most historic homesteads - Brancepeth and Te Parae. At Te Parae Homestead we have lunch and a tour of the magnificent gardens with a brief history of the property and the family. Built in 1905, the homestead is still owned and operated by fourth generation family members. The 600sqm two story home is set in extensive park-like gardens featuring 100 year old Oaks, Weeping Elms, Taxodium, Wellingtonia, and Liquid Amber trees, with a ten acre lake forming a picturesque vista. We then move on to Brancepeth, one of Wairarapa’s grandest and most treasured historic sites. This colonial homestead and gardens east of Masterton is still owned by the Beetham family, who settled on the land in 1865. By 1900, Brancepeth was one of the largest sheep stations in New Zealand. At its height, it included an on-site library and a school, with more than 300 staff running the station.

Finally we check in to our hotel, our home for the next three nights. After settling in, we enjoy dinner in-house.

Day 2

Tuesday 13 February - Coastal Country

After a hearty buffet breakfast we take a scenic drive to the Castlepoint coast, voted as one of the country’s top 10 most loved beaches. Here, we can take a leisurely walk up to the iconic lighthouse which was built in 1913 and is one of the last two remaining beam lighthouses in New Zealand. We are then privileged to travel in our coach over the Otahome Road which passes through Castlepoint Station. Breathtaking coastal views await us, and we stop at the Wai Ngaio retreat to stretch the legs, take in the vistas and enjoy a Tranzit style morning tea.

Driving towards Riversdale, we stop at the wonderful Homewood Storeroom Restaurant for a relaxing roast lunch prepared by Chef Paddy who incorporates ingredients from the farm, including lamb.

Further Eastern Wairarapa country roads await us this afternoon as we make our way to Longbush Cottage. As you step into this modern flower-filled cottage garden, you will be immersed in vibrant colours and captivating planting themes. Luke, the creative genius has skilfully crafted a series of "garden rooms" radiating from the charming 1890s cottage, encompassing over a hectare of land. Enjoy a wander at your leisure.

We head back to our hotel in Masterton with some time to relax and unwind before we enjoy dinner in-house again.

Day 3

Wednesday 14 February - Farm life

Another buffet breakfast will set us up as we head south today to visit the wild and rugged Palliser Bay. Our first stop is Palliser Ridge Station where we will have morning tea and join the team for a tour and farm experience. In 2019, Palliser Ridge won the Balance Environment Awards – Supreme Winner for the Greater Wellington region which is no mean feat! The farm has proudly opened its gates to the public so we can experience the passion and the pride that has gone into what they have achieved. A fifteen minute drive takes us to our lunch stop at Cape Palliser Bar and Grill for the best fish-n-chips on the coast (included).

Cape Palliser on Wairarapa’s southern coast, is the southernmost point of the North Island. After lunch we travel through the small settlement of Ngawi, where the main income comes from crayfish fishing. 20 to 30 fishing boats are pushed into the sea on their trailers by bulldozers – a unique sight. Kupe’s Sail is another feature of the area – a triangular upthrust of sedimentary rock shaped like a sail. Legend has it that Kupe sailed by Cape Palliser more than 1000 years ago. The Cape Palliser Lighthouse is located here, an unmanned lighthouse blinking once every 20 seconds. It is also home to a permanent fur seal colony. A stop to watch the pups caper is a must.

We then make our way to the town of Martinborough where we will do a quick tour of the town before we dine at the iconic Martinborough Hotel in the Square on Valentines Day . Finally we return to our hotel for a well-earned rest.

Day 4

Thursday 15 February - Holdsworth and History - Travelling Home

After breakfast, we check out of our accommodation and head off to Mount Holdsworth. Holdsworth is the main entrance to the Tararua Forest Park. The picturesque Atiwhakatu stream flows through the area, creating a lovely environment for picnics. It is also the gateway to numerous walks and tramps into the rugged interior of the Tararua Range. You will have the opportunity for a short, easy walk to Donnelly Flat, which passes through some of the best mixed podocarp/broadleaf forest in the Tararua Range. After a Tranzit morning tea, we head to the little town of Greytown. Awarded the title of New Zealand's Most Beautiful Small Town in 2017 Greytown is also one of New Zealand’s oldest towns and here we visit Cobblestones Museum to learn about its history and enjoy lunch (included).

With a little time to browse the delightful shopping village with its boutique shops, we then depart for home, reflecting on a wonderful Wairarapa break.

The cost of the tour includes

  • Three nights accommodation Copthorne Resort Solway Park, Masterton
  • Full breakfasts each morning
  • All coach travel
  • Two course or buffet dinners
  • Morning teas
  • Te Parae Homestead: lunch and tour
  • Brancepeth Homestead: tour and afternoon tea
  • Homewood Storeroom: lunch
  • Longbush Cottage: garden visit
  • Palliser Ridge Station: morning tea and farm visit
  • Cape Palliser Bar and Grill: lunch
  • Martinborough Hotel: dinner
  • Cobblestones Museum: entry and lunch

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! - Liz Black