Itineraries - Leisure Time Tours

Niue Island
Leisure Time
Tours
0800 534 787
Friday 22 July - Saturday 30 July 2016
Niue Island
Friday 22 July - Saturday 30 July 2016
Still largely unspoiled and a little less developed than some other island destinations, Niue is a Pacific Island paradise, one of the smallest countries on
earth and the largest raised coral atoll in the world. Known as the Rock of Polynesia, the name reflects the rugged nature of the island’s geological
structure, but it does little to describe the lush green vegetation, the towering cliffs of Tepa Point and the clear blue waters, but most of all the people –
friendly yet sufficiently respectful not encroach on your space. Generally from July to October each year Humpback whales arrive in Niue’s waters to calve
and nurse their young. Nothing rushes in Niue. The slow and relaxed pace of life in Niue is the first thing that overwhelms you and the need to relax and
unwind becomes your top priority.
FRIDAY 22 JULY 2016
(D)
This afternoon we transfer from our home cities to Auckland where
due to our early morning departure tomorrow, we stay overnight at a
hotel near Auckland Airport and enjoy dinner at the hotel before an
early night.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel, Auckland Airport—1 Night
SATURDAY 23 JULY 2016 (Depart NZ)/
FRIDAY 22 JULY 2016 (Arrive Niue)
(BLD)
After an early breakfast at the hotel we take the hotel shuttle to
Auckland International Airport to check in for our flight to Niue. As we
enjoy a meal and movies on-board, we cross the dateline and gain a
day so we arrive in Niue on Friday 22 July. We arrive early afternoon
and are met by our local guide, Hima Douglas who will introduce us
to the island that he loves over the next week. Hima will transfer us to
our accommodation for the next week, the Scenic Matavai Resort.
The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to take a swim and
unwind before dinner. A spectacular 180 degree view of the
magnificent Pacific Ocean greets you at the Scenic Matavai Resort
Niue. Perched on a coral cliff top and nestled amongst lush tropical
gardens, our premier resort accommodation takes full advantage of
the unique environment. We’ll enjoy a blend of Niuean influenced and
European cuisine when we dine in-house. The resort features two
swimming pools, one where you can swim up to the Cliffhanger Pool
Bar. Watch Spinner Dolphins and Humpback Whales (in season –
usually July-October) cruise past the resort while you sip on a
‘speciality tropical fruit cocktail’ or an ice cold beer on the resort
terrace.
Accommodation: Scenic Matavai Resort - Ocean Rooms - 7 nights
SATURDAY 23 JULY 2016
(BLD)
After breakfast, we join Hima for a morning tour to some of Niue’s
better known spots on the western side from Avatele to Hikutavake
villages. Our island-born guide will give us a taste of what their island
is really like. He’ll peel back the layers and allow a glimpse of the
island’s history, the good times and the bad times, its people and
language, its flora and fauna, its politics and the role of New Zealand.
A swim at spectacular Matapa Chasm is optional. Noted for its
expansive cliff face and historical importance as a reserved bathing
place for Niue's traditional kings, Matapa Chasm is reached by a
track at the foot of Hikutavake Hill and beside the start of the trek to
Talava Arches. Matapa Chasm provides a sheltered swimming spot
to enjoy the unusual sensation of cool fresh water, filtered through
the natural aquifer of Niue, floating on top of warm sea water. At the
conclusion of our tour, we return to Matavai for the rest of the
afternoon at your leisure. Perhaps enjoy an afternoon of golf (extra
cost –pay direct while on the island). Tonight we enjoy local seafood
infused with Niuean flavours whilst watching the sunset and relaxing
to live Niuean music at our resort.
SUNDAY 24 JULY 2016
(BLD)
After breakfast you will have the option to experience a church
service at Avatele Village. Religion plays a very important part in the
Niuean community so this will be an terrific opportunity for us to mix
and mingle with the Niuean locals and indulge in their unique culture.
The service will be in Niuean and will also include a light lunch
hosted by Avatele Girls Brigade. We then have the afternoon at
leisure before we have dinner at a place not to be missed,
Washaway Café & Bar, open only on Sunday. Enjoy a drink at the
‘honesty’ bar and tuck into a burger, focaccia with grilled fish or a
delicious pizza. There is just that ‘something special’ about
Washaway. The casual outdoor atmosphere, music playing in the
background, people laughing, joking, sharing experiences and
soaking up the incredible atmosphere and stunning beachfront
setting is what makes Washaway so unique.
MONDAY 25 JULY 2016
(BLD)
After breakfast Hima will collect us for a vanilla and handcraft tour. In
the early 1950’s, missionaries on secondment from the United
Kingdom were astonished to find the orchid growing wild on the
Island. Surprisingly though, there were very few pods. So how did the
plant get here and why so few beans? This tour will reveal all and
more. Noga Bray is truly Niue’s Vanilla Queen; she grows, she
pollinates, she harvests and she cures her own beans. In these
challenging times, she has even had to find a market. Hima will
collect us and drive us to Noga's vanilla plot at the village of Tuapa.
As we visit her plantation, you can ask her to let you in on some
island secrets and anything else you might like to know about life in
her village. Afterwards we enjoy lunch at Vaiolama in the main
township of Alofi followed by a swim at our resort and an afternoon at
your leisure. Tonight we indulge in Niuean and Pacific Rim infused
cuisine at its best. Learn all about the Niuean Coconut Crabs at the
Uga presentation on the main deck and even get the chance to show
how brave you are by holding the Uga!
THURSDAY 28 JULY 2016
(BD)
Today we have a day at leisure to wind down before our flight
tomorrow morning. Niue's greatest feature is its incredibly crystal
clear water unlike anywhere else in the world, and the best way to
enjoy this is an optional Swim with the Dolphins snorkel excursion
which takes off in search of the resident Spinner Dolphins found all
year in Niue. You will gently be towed alongside the boat, while the
dolphins play just metres away. You will then head to the outer reef to
one of Niue's best snorkel spots, abundant with Katuali (Niuean Sea
Snakes), Parrotfish, a wide variety of reef fish and beautiful hard
corals. This is a perfect opportunity to get up close to a wide variety
of friendly marine life. (This tour is optional and not included in the
main tour price - pre-booking is recommended and you can pay Niue
Dive direct which includes transfers by Niue Dive).
This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at Matavai Resort.
FRIDAY 29 JULY 2016 (Depart Niue)/
SATURDAY 30 JULY 2016 (Arrive NZ)
(B)
After breakfast Hima will transfer us to the airport to commence our
TUESDAY 26 JULY 2016
(BLD)
journey back home. As we cross the dateline we lose a day so we
After breakfast we will spend the morning with Hima visiting Taoga arrive back in New Zealand on Saturday 30 July.
Niue, guardians of the island’s traditional knowledge. Some artefacts
salvaged from the cyclone damaged old Museum are on display.
Then we visit a bush-craft expert, Misa to learn first-hand how his
ancestors used to survive in Niue’s rainforests. From what you can
eat, where you can
sleep, how to start a fire
using natural resources
and natural herbal
medicines, your tour
guide Misa will take you
on the journey of his life
as a child growing up
next to Niue's largest
tropical rainforest. We will then have lunch in Alofi at Crazy Uga
which is especially renowned for its coffees and smoothies, relaxed Tour Inclusions & Costs….
atmosphere and stunning views over Alofi Bay. This afternoon is at  Return Economy Class Air Fare ex AKL including Airline Surcharges
and New Zealand Departure Taxes – other ports are available on
your leisure before we indulge in a Pacifica buffet and cultural show
application (additional cost may apply)
at Jenna’s Restaurant.
WEDNESDAY 27 JULY 2016
(BLD)
After breakfast we will travel south through the villages of Avatele,
Vaiea, Hakupu, Liku and Lakepa. Our tour includes a walk through
the coastal forest which will bring you to the beautiful coast line, a
jagged terrain of sharp pinnacles with a well formed path to Togo
itself. A fairly steep climb down a solid wooden ladder and you've
made it to Togo, a sandy cove gouged from solid rock with tall
coconut trees at one
end. Back on the
perimeter road the tour
runs through Huvalu
Forest, said to be one of
the largest rain forests
of any raised coral atoll.
We will then arrive in
Lakepa where our hosts
will tell us the history of their village, including their restored primary
school as well as the skills of husking a drinking coconut. We’ll be
given an opportunity to taste some typical local snacks of coconut
and pawpaw and anything else that is in season. This is a great
opportunity to learn about island life ranging from its history, to the
people, the language and culture. The return journey will be through
the middle of the island back to Matavai. The rest of your afternoon is
at your leisure.
 Return Auckland Airport Transfers from Hamilton – Auckland return door to door home collection & drop off service available from selected
areas
 8 Nights Quality Hotel Accommodation based on twin share/double
occupancy – single rooms available with single supplement surcharge
(no guaranteed twin-share on this tour)
 8 Breakfasts
 5 Lunches (1 x in-flight meal; 4 on Niue)
 8 Dinners
 Small group touring on Niue with local guide as specified
 Accompanied by professional New Zealand Tour Manager
 Complimentary Travel Bag
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
 Lunches - unless specified
 Morning & Afternoon teas - unless specified
 Drinks, telephone calls and items of a personal nature
 Travel insurance
TOUR PAYMENTS PER PERSON:
Share Twin/Double Cost:*
Guaranteed Single Room Cost:
Deposit due at time of booking
$3750.00
$4920.00
$ 500.00
Balance of tour payment due 60-days prior to tour commencement
** Sorry - our guaranteed twin share rate is not available on this tour.
Early Bird Discount—book and pay in full by 22 March 2016 and
receive $70 per person discount!
Scenic Matavai Resort
Perched on a coral cliff top and nestled amongst lush tropical
gardens on the Niue’s South West coastline, this resort offers a
fantastic view of sea life such as Whales, Spinner Dolphins and
Turtles (in season) plus much more.
Travel Insurance
It is a booking condition for all passengers travelling on Leisure Time
Tours overseas tours to have a travel insurance policy with
comprehensive cover valid for the dates of travel. An important part of
planning the holiday is to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance
policy as it may prevent passengers from spending extra money in case
of an emergency and will help passengers feel protected during the
holiday. We can assist with a travel insurance quotation or you may opt to
arrange your own.
Price Amendments
Prices were correct at the time and date of printing, however Leisure
Time Tours reserves the right to amend the price subject to any changes
in price imposed by other tour operators and carriers included in the
itinerary.
Payments, Cancellations and Refunds
A deposit is required on booking to confirm your seat. All balance
payments must be received by Leisure Time Tours within 60 days prior to
the tour commencement. Payments are available to be made by Cash,
Cheque or EFTPOS only – Credit Card payments are not available
without an additional surcharge. Leisure Time Tours reserves the right to
amend or reschedule the tour due the result of circumstances outside the
company’s control. Leisure Time Tours also reserves the right to cancel
the tour due to insufficient numbers and in this instance a substitute date
will be offered or a full refund will be made available. Tour Price excludes
drinks, telephone calls, travel insurance and items of a personal nature.
Passports & Visas
All visitors require a passport to travel to and to re-enter New Zealand or
Australia which must have a minimum validity of 6 months remaining. It is
a good idea to carry a photocopy of the ‘Photo Page’ of their passport, as
well as to leave photocopies of the travel documents and identification
papers with someone at home.
Customs and Immigration
Compliance with any immigration, customs and/or quarantine regulations
is the client’s responsibility. Leisure Time Tours cannot, under any
circumstances, be held liable nor responsible if applicable rules and
regulations are not observed.
Leisure Time Tours
Amendments, Cancellations and Refunds
Leisure Time Tours reserves the right to amend or reschedule the tour
due to the result of circumstances outside the company’s control. Leisure
Time Tours also reserves the right to cancel the tour due to insufficient
numbers and in this instance a substitute date will be offered or a full
refund will be made available.
Leisure Time Tours strive hard to deliver a quality holiday tour at an
affordable price. Our tours are fully inclusive, content rich, with no hidden
extras. Our accommodation has been selected with quality, service and
location at the top of the list, ensuring you have a memorable holiday with us
for all the right reasons!
Cancellation fees
60+ days prior to travel - loss of non-refundable deposit
31-59 days prior to travel - loss of 85% of your full tour payment
30 days or less prior to travel - loss of 100% of your full tour payment
No Refunds on any unused portions of itinerary
Experience the difference...
Leisure Time Tours has consistently achieved one of the highest scores by
QUALMARK, New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality. Industry awards
are fine, however our best gauge comes from the most important people –
our passengers. We survey all passengers at the end of every tour and this
feedback clearly shows a very high level of customer satisfaction with 96% of
past passengers stating that they would travel with us again and/or refer us
to friends and family! That is the best quality award we could ask for!
Terms & Conditions…
Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
It is understood by Leisure Time Tours that the terms and conditions of
travel are accepted by the passenger if/when the required deposit is paid.
Itineraries
Itineraries were correct at the time of printing, but are subject to change
without notice. This could come about due to road or weather conditions,
or any changes imposed by other tour operators and carriers included in
the itinerary. If a passenger amends their itinerary by starting or
concluding the itinerary earlier or later or during an itinerary then it
becomes their responsibility to arrange tour or flight connections as
necessary.
Contact Us…
Leisure Time Tours
FREE PH: 0800 534 787
PH: 07 847 8258
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEB: www.leisuretimetours.co.nz