Guided Tours
Wairarapa off the beaten track 2025 ( departure from Bay of Plenty)
24-28 March 2025
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.
This departure is designed for Bay of Plenty travellers but we are looking for other possibilities to join people from other region too.
Please call or email us to book your place on this tour.
Day 1
Monday 24 March - Travelling to Masterton
We meet in Tauranga this morning to make our way south, with a morning tea stop at a scenic spot on the shores of Lake Taupo, and travel to Masterton breaking up our journey with Taihape, our lunch stop today (at own choice and cost). After lunch we continue onto our destination and enjoy dinner in-house this evening.
Day 2
Tuesday 25 March - Historical Homes
We start our Wairarapa exploring by heading to a mecca for heritage buildings and haberdashery supplies of fine linen and fabric, Greytown. Here you will have free time to indulge in the local cafes, confectioners, boutique shops and restock for some crafter noon projects.
Next stop we head to the modern flower filled Longbush Cottage Gardens, where you will be immersed in vibrant colours and captivating planting themes. Luke, the creative genius behind this horticultural masterpiece, has skillfully crafted a series of "garden rooms" radiating from the charming 1890s cottage, encompassing over a hectare of land. Each garden room offers a unique and immersive experience, with carefully curated plantings that create a harmonious blend of textures and scents that change throughout the year.
Getting to know the history of the region, we head off to visit two of the area’s most historic homesteads - Te Parae and Brancepeth. At Te Parae Homestead we have lunch (included) 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.
Brancepeth is 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.
We head back to our hotel in Masterton with some time to relax and unwind before we enjoy dinner out.
Next stop we head to the modern flower filled Longbush Cottage Gardens, where you will be immersed in vibrant colours and captivating planting themes. Luke, the creative genius behind this horticultural masterpiece, has skillfully crafted a series of "garden rooms" radiating from the charming 1890s cottage, encompassing over a hectare of land. Each garden room offers a unique and immersive experience, with carefully curated plantings that create a harmonious blend of textures and scents that change throughout the year.
Getting to know the history of the region, we head off to visit two of the area’s most historic homesteads - Te Parae and Brancepeth. At Te Parae Homestead we have lunch (included) 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.
Brancepeth is 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.
We head back to our hotel in Masterton with some time to relax and unwind before we enjoy dinner out.
Day 3
Wednesday 26 March - 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 then make our way to Castlepoint Station, where one of the owners will talk to us about the farming operation, before we travel in our coach over a road which passes through the station, with breathtaking coastal views awaiting us.
Driving towards Riversdale, we stop at the wonderful Homewood Storeroom Restaurant for a relaxing roast lunch (included) prepared by Chef Paddy who incorporates ingredients from the farm, including lamb.
We head back to our hotel in Masterton with some time to relax and unwind before we enjoy dinner in-house.
Driving towards Riversdale, we stop at the wonderful Homewood Storeroom Restaurant for a relaxing roast lunch (included) prepared by Chef Paddy who incorporates ingredients from the farm, including lamb.
We head back to our hotel in Masterton with some time to relax and unwind before we enjoy dinner in-house.
Day 4
Thursday 27 March - Farm life, Fish-n-Chips and Southern Swells
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 talk and a chance to browse Woolshed Store. 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 thirty-minute drive then 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. While in the area 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 head to the Historic Rototawai Homestead to view the private art gallery and gardens administered by the Anna Bidwill Foundation charitable trust. The permanent collection is hung in the reception rooms throughout the lower floor of the homestead. After enjoying the homestead, the mature trees and curated pathways offer a tempting stretch of the legs for a self-guided tour using a map to explore some of the 8 hectares of magnificent gardens.
We then make our way back to Martinborough, where we enjoy a wine tasting and dinner this evening at Tirohana Estate Winery. Finally, we return to our hotel for a well-earned rest.
A thirty-minute drive then 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. While in the area 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 head to the Historic Rototawai Homestead to view the private art gallery and gardens administered by the Anna Bidwill Foundation charitable trust. The permanent collection is hung in the reception rooms throughout the lower floor of the homestead. After enjoying the homestead, the mature trees and curated pathways offer a tempting stretch of the legs for a self-guided tour using a map to explore some of the 8 hectares of magnificent gardens.
We then make our way back to Martinborough, where we enjoy a wine tasting and dinner this evening at Tirohana Estate Winery. Finally, we return to our hotel for a well-earned rest.
Day 5
Friday 28 March - Hawkes Bay and Homeward Bound
After breakfast, we check out of our accommodation and head home, first stopping at Norsewood for a comfort stop and a little retail therapy. Continuing North for lunch (included), we visit the Mission Estate Winery – “The birthplace of New Zealand wine since 1851”. Their elegantly restored historic seminary building provides a stunning location for the unique, award-winning Mission Restaurant and Winery. After lunch we head to Taupo for a afternoon tea and comfort stop before finally returning to the Bay.
The cost of the tour includes
- Four nights accommodation Copthorne Resort Solway Park, Masterton
- Full breakfasts each morning
- All coach travel.
- Two course or buffet dinners
- Te Parae Homestead: lunch and tour
- Brancepeth Homestead: tour and afternoon tea
- Castlepoint Station drive
- Homewood Storeroom: lunch
- Longbush Cottage: garden visit
- Palliser Ridge Station: morning tea, talk and Woolshed Store visit.
- Cape Palliser Bar and Grill: lunch
- Tirohana Estate Winery: wine tasting and dinner
- Rotowatai Homestead: private gallery and garden tour
- Misson Estate: 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
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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