WOW and Wairarapa 2025: Ex BOP

3-7 October 2025

Featuring door to door pick ups from Bay of Plenty residences, we are excited to announce our jam-packed tour this October, combining the best of art, wine, and historical delights! Travel from the Bay of Plenty to the stunning Wairarapa Valley, where you’ll explore world-class wineries and enjoy a stay in the charming village of Martinborough. We visit Wairarapa homesteads, including the historic Brancepeth Station. Indulge in boutique shopping in the charming heritage village of Greytown, known for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture. Then, it’s off to Wellington for the spectacular 2025 World of WearableArt (WOW) Show: RISE - a dazzling fusion of fashion, theatre, and creativity. This experience is perfect for lovers of the arts, wine and history.

Day 1

Friday 03 October - Travelling to Martinborough

We pick you up from home today and make our way south, with a morning tea stop at a scenic spot on the shores of Lake Taupo, and our lunch stop today in the bustling town of Taihape (included). After lunch we continue on to our destination, the wine village of Martinborough, where we enjoy dinner in-house this evening at Parehua Resort.

Day 2

Saturday 04 October - Tulips, Greytown and Historic Home

Our first visit today is 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 a charming 1890s cottage, encompassing over a hectare of land. This weekend Longbush opens for its annual Tulip Festival, a riot of colour combinations and plantings featuring the showy but elegant tulip.

We then head to the 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 for lunch at your own cost, and visit confectioners, boutique shops and restock for some “crafter-noon” projects.

Getting to know the history of the region, this afternoon we head off to visit one of the area’s most historic homesteads – 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.

We then make our way back to our hotel in Martinborough with some time to relax and unwind before we enjoy dinner out tonight at Luna Estate vineyard.

Day 3

Sunday 05 October - 2025 World of Wearable Art Show: Rise

We are off to the capital today to experience WOW, but first we visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand to discover NZ’s rich history and cultures through Te Papa’s world-leading exhibitions and treasures. Lunch is at your own cost and choice, and there are two cafes within the museum, or others nearby. Then prepare for the unexpected, as Aotearoa’s finest performers bring the world’s leading wearable art to life onstage. With WOW’s internationally acclaimed creative team at the helm, this will be an unforgettable spectacle of boundless imagination and jaw-dropping artistry. We return to Parehua for relaxed in house dining again this evening.

Day 4

Monday 06 October - Fish and Chips and Southern Swells

We head south today to visit the wild and rugged Palliser Bay. Our first stop is The Land Girl café in the tiny settlement of Pirinoa for great coffee (included). We can relax on the couch or outside and watch the farm animals. You’ll also be able to browse local crafts like upcycled furniture, jewelry, homewares and books that are for sale in this characterful café.

We continue on to Cape Palliser on Wairarapa’s southern coast, the southernmost point of the North Island. 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. Our lunch stop at Cape Palliser Bar and Grill for the best fish and chips on the coast (included).

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 our special final dinner in house.

Day 5

Tuesday 07 October - 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 comfort stop before finally returning to the Bay.

The cost of the tour includes

  • Four nights accommodation Parehua Resort, Martinborough
  • Full breakfasts each morning
  • All coach travel
  • Two course or buffet dinners
  • Taihape: Café light lunch
  • Luna Estate Martinborough: Dinner 2 course and tastings
  • Brancepeth Homestead: tour and afternoon tea
  • Longbush Cottage: Tulip festival visit with morning tea
  • World of Wearable Art Show 2025 -Gold Ticket Matinee
  • Rototawai- Guided Gallery Tour
  • Cape Palliser Bar and Grill: Fish and Chip lunch
  • Mission Estate: Lunch 2 course and glass of wine

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.

"This tour ticked all the boxes for me. Particularly the road from Cromwell to Dunedin which I had not traveled before." Betty