Mid Year 2014 - SHIP `n SHORE Tours and Cruises Ltd
Transcription
Mid Year 2014 - SHIP `n SHORE Tours and Cruises Ltd
Vanuatu Cruise AKL (09) 478 1462 y HBC (09) 428 1462 www.shipnshore.co.nz y Email: [email protected] y P.O. Box 564, Whangaparaoa 0943 Hi Travel Club Members and Friends Yes, it has been a very long time since we put out the last newsletter. In fact the Spring 2013 newsletter was posted out over 8 months ago. The reason being that all of our tours were full and after putting on extra tours to cater for increased numbers e.g. 5x WOW tours and 5x U-Drive Rail tours, we had run out of calendar days to put in any new tours. On a bit of a sad note, our old Blue Heeler Kaos has finally left us. Some of you may remember us spotting her on an SPCA tour 14 years ago, but at 17 or 18 life was a struggle and her time had definitely come. Although it seems strange without her, she had a good innings and was a faithful and loyal companion. It wasn't always smooth sailing with her, but we feel lucky to have had her in our lives for so long. And yes, we will be getting another 'heeler' puppy, but not just yet. We have had exceptional weather for this last newsletter, so we have put in an order for more of the same for this one - we have several day trips (with lovely hot meals) and a few Nova Scotia Mid Year 2014 shorter away tours getting us out 'n about and we're especially looking forward to a bit of a 'spend up' at Mystery Creek this year. It's your last chance to book on the Vanuatu Cruise in August and we still have a few cabins left, detailed on page 4. The WOW tours for this year have not even been advertised in a newsletter and we already have 85 of the 110 seats sold, details page 5. Due to their popularity we will be running another couple of U-Drive tours next February and we are getting closer to getting the 2015 Nova Scotia tour finalised and calling for expressions of interest, see page 7. To book the tour of your choice, ring to check availability first, then fill out the booking form and send to us with your tour payment (booking forms, with payment, need to be posted as soon as we have acknowledged your booking, to secure your place). Please check the cancellation policy on all tours prior to booking, to save confusion. Free membership to everyone; with free home pick-ups for Hibiscus Coast and North Shore residents. If you live in a Village, please specify if you would like to be picked up (and dropped off) at either the Village Office or the Main Village Gate. If you receive two newsletters please pass one on to a neighbour or friend. Kind regards Ron and Karen MATAKOHE MUSEUM and TOKATOKA TAVERN NORTH SHORE Residents: WED 4th JUN HIBISCUS COAST Residents: FRI 6th JUN We have been asked many times if we go to Matakohe Museum and while we have done it many times in the past we note that we have not done it for several years…so here we go and we’ve added a yummy hot lunch at an iconic historic pub to add more flare to the day. We begin the day with a morning tea stop at the Mahurangi Honey Centre, giving you the opportunity to stock up on your honey supplies. Then we continue on SH1 till we turn off at the base of the Brynderwyns travelling through Maungaturoto, Paparoa, Matakohe and Ruawai till we reach the historic Tokatoka Tavern nestled comfortably alongside the Wairoa River. Hear how Tokatoka Peak, behind the hotel, played an essential role in early shipping movements on the extensive Kaipara Harbour. Resting at the base of this amazing rock, the iconic Tokatoka Pub treats us to a hot lunch that will set us up well for the rest of our day. This afternoon we spend two hours at the nearby Matakohe Kauri Museum (home to the largest Kauri Gum collection in the world) offers a number of outstanding wings and museum displays which tell the stories of the pioneer settlers in the Matakohe region. From the Volunteer’s Hall which show cases the world’s largest kauri slab, to the Sterling Wing, which boasts life-size recreations of pioneer homes. Of special interest is the Tudor Collins Wing with an extensive series of early photographs providing intriguing windows into the past. Also on site are the Pioneer School (complete with desks, pens, books and maps) and the Original Matakohe Church, built in 1867. If you love the Tawhiti Museum in Taranaki, you can definitely add this to your ‘best museum’ list! Mid afternoon we return home, with a comfort stop on route, arriving Orewa/Auckland early evening. $74 Includes Door to Door Coach Transport with Tokatoka Tavern Hot Lunch and Matakohe Museum entry. We have two 22-Seater Coaches available for charter ~ Please phone for a quote. Page 1 MYSTERY CREEK FIELDAYS and RAGLAN Overnight ~ 2 Days NORTH SHORE Residents: TUE 10th to WED 11th JUN HIBISCUS COAST Residents: THU 12th to FRI 13th JUN Here, we are combining two of the most popular Waikato locations and throwing an adventure drive around the upper reaches of Raglan Harbour into the mix! Heading south, after a morning tea stop at Drury we have lunch at the revamped river-side town of Huntly. The local council have pulled out all stops to encourage visitors to stop to enjoy the cobblestone footpaths and recently completed stunning river boardwalk. From here we leave SH1 and venture onto the least travelled back-roads through Glen Afton and Waingaro till we start seeing glimpses of Raglan Harbour, which leads us to the west coast township of Raglan. Time here to wander the shops till we take a drive to the towns port to see the new apartment developments and then out to the famous left-hand -breaking wave surf beach, Manu Bay. This afternoon we check in at our accommodation – the group is spread over two locations (Motel-style units all with private ensuites) and we have Dinner tonight at Raglan’s historic Harbour View Hotel. Day Two This morning we make a fairly early start, travelling through the outskirts of Hamilton City to get to our final destination by 10am. Mystery Creek is home to the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, which are the largest agri-business exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere with over 1,000 exhibitors on 98 acres. National Fieldays attracts over 120,000 visitors. At this carnival atmosphere, see dog trials, wood chopping, ploughing, the latest inventions, tractor racing, most eligible young farmer and wearable arts competition. It’s not just farming – just about everything you can imagine is here - new vehicles, home heating, furniture, clothing, cookware, plants, food product launches, nifty new gadgets and much, much more. “I’m looking forward to going to Fieldays this year because I want to purchase a new vacuum cleaner and secateurs. I also want to see the 13 year old boy that featured on ‘7 Sharp’ the other night, who is releasing to market his ‘Fence Post Gudgeon Spirit Level’ – what an amazing young man” – K. At 4pm we depart Mystery Creek, and to avoid the Auckland traffic, make an early dinner stop at another historic old pub, the Rangariri Tavern. We are due to arrive Auckland City at 7pm. We recommend that everyone goes to Fieldays at least once in their lifetime! $342 Per Person Includes Door to Door Coach Transport. One nights Motel overnight accommodation with Raglan Hotel Dinner and Full Cooked Breakfast. Mystery Creek Fieldays entry ticket and Dinner at Rangiriri Tavern. Single Room Supplement is $87. A deposit of $100 is required to secure this booking with balance of payment due 14 days prior to travel, by Tue 27th May 2014. Note: We will have the luggage trailer with us for any larger items you may wish to purchase. MID YEAR FEAST and FERRY including the 328m journey up the Sky Tower! NORTH SHORE Residents: WED 25th JUN HIBISCUS COAST Residents: FRI 27th JUN We start home picks ups late morning and head straight into Auckland’s Sky City for a comprehensive luncheon dining experience at Fortuna Restaurant. Featuring live cooking stations and freshly prepared dishes – soups, fresh breads, extensive salad bar, seafood counter and glazed ham on the bone, you will be spoilt for choice. Oh, and let’s not forget the delicious range of desserts! After tea and coffee journey 328m in the lift up the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand to the Sky Deck for awesome views of the City and surrounding Waitemata Harbour (included in tour price). Are you brave enough to walk across the glass floor panel? There will still be an hour or so, after your exhilarating excursion, to ‘Win Big’ at the Casino, stroll nearby Queen Street or just simply relax in the Sky City foyer lounge. At 4pm we depart Sky City and check in at Pier 4, on the waterfront, ready for our 4.40pm *Gulf Harbour Ferry departure. Travelling for 50 minutes alongside the East Coast Bays we arrive Gulf Harbour Marina, where we are met by the SHIP ‘n SHORE buses waiting to take us home. $78 Includes Door to Door Coach Transport and Fortuna Restaurant Buffet Lunch plus Top of the Sky Tower. * Please bring your Gold Card to present to the ferry operator for free ferry travel. Without it, the ferry fare is $13.90, to be paid directly to the ferry ticket office. U-Drive Railway Adventure (2014) Page 2 ESCAPE to the WINTERLESS NORTH ~ 3 Days SAT 5th to MON 7th JUL This is probably as Winterless as we can get, without jumping on a plane and heading overseas. Heading north, with a morning tea stop in Warkworth and lunch stop at Whangarei Town Basin, an optional one hour riverside sculpture walk with the new Hatea River Lift Bridge dominating the skyline. This afternoon we detour through Hikurangi township, then Towai, stopping at the now famous, Hundtwasser toilets in Kawakawa. Late afternoon we arrive at our home for the next two nights, Autolodge Paihia. Sunday Today, we focus on Kerikeri, with free time to wander through the popular Sunday Arts and Crafts and Farmers Markets bringing local artists/craft persons and Fresh Food suppliers together to display their wares. Also here, is the latest Chris Booth Sculpture. We’ve seen his work on Rotoroa Island and high on the hill above Matauri Bay. There are many choices of eateries in town before our tour of The Stone Store and Kemp House. Being NZ’s oldest stone building, the former was built in 1832-1836 and was constructed to hold mission supplies and wheat from the mission farm at Te Waimate. After the Missions closed in 1848 it was leased by a succession of storekeepers. Kemp House (built in 18201822) houses a large range of furniture and personal items owned by the missionary families who lived here – mainly James and Charlotte Kemp. This building is the sole survivor of the Musket Wars of the 1820s. We pop over the hill to Doves Bay to let Ron have a quick look at the marina there. On our way back to Paihia we drop in at Scope NZ, a fascinating small enterprise handcrafting beautiful kaleidoscopes out of 40,000 year old Swamp Kauri. Monday This morning we cruise to the fashionable little maritime village of Russell, making a name for itself as a craft/art studio destination. This afternoon we return to Paihia, then make our way south with an afternoon tea stop at Wellsford. $487 Per Person Includes Door to Door Coach Transport. Two nights Twin Share Hotel Accommodation with 2x Dinners and 2x Full Cooked Breakfasts. Kemp House and Stone Store Guided Tour and Russell return Ferry fare. Single Room Supplement is $163. A deposit of $100 per person is required with balance of payment due 14 days prior to travel, by Friday 20th June 2014. MATAKANA MARKETS, MORRIS and JAMES POTTERY and SALTY DOG INN Lunch NORTH SHORE Residents: SAT 12th JUL HIBISCUS COAST Residents: SAT 9th AUG The Matakana Markets, nestled on the banks of the picturesque Matakana River, is a ‘must see’ destination. A showcase of artisans, growers and farmers in the Matakana region who have a passion for what they do and produce. Choose from luscious fresh produce like fruit, vegetables, delicious artisan baking, Italian sausages, organic chocolate, flowers, fine wines, olive oil and the all-important freshly brewed morning coffee with locally roasted beans, all with a live musical accompaniment. Surrounding the market is Matakana Village with fabulous fashion, homewares, book, gift and health-food shops, cafes and an art gallery. Just up the road is Morris and James Pottery – Prepare to catch your breath as the showroom beckons you into a pure visual spectacle of layer upon layer of design and colour from matt black to vibrant reds. You will be both amazed and delighted with the range of individually hand-crafted pots, wall art and sculptural pieces. Wow …. after all that we are ready to eat! A late, yummy hot lunch at nearby Salty Dog Inn is next, where we are treated to an ‘Olde English Pub’ experience, with the ceilings dripping with hanging Toby Jugs and china bulldog ornaments (RIP Salty). This afternoon we explore Snells Beach, Scandretts Bay, Algies and Martins Bay and then Scotts Landing, with time to walk the grounds of the historic Scott Homestead, before making our way home. $62 Includes Door to Door Coach Transport with Salty Dog Inn Lunch. WOOD RANGE ROAST and MOVIE by TRAIN Movie ‘One Chance’ is the True Story of Paul Potts the Opera Singer NORTH SHORE Residents: Wed 16th JUL HIBISCUS COAST Residents: FRI 18th JUL Here’s one to warm you up! We begin the day by boarding the ‘Western Line’ *Train at Britomart for a 30-minute ride to Avondale. We arrive at Westwind Theatre about the same time as the Buffet Roast Lunch (meat and a selection of baked vegies – all you can eat) comes out of the wood-fired range. Then it is time to enter the old time theatre to take our seats in the small intimate cinema (just like cinemas used to be – red plush, low lights, heavy drapes) to enjoy a movie. Although the cinema looks old time, the projection equipment is wide-screen state-of-the-art! Today’s movie ‘One Chance’ is a true story of amateur singer and mobile-phone salesman Paul Potts, who was riddled by a streak of bad luck when, on a lark, he auditioned for “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2007. His on -air performances ended up bowling over audiences and judges, including Simon Cowell. He went on to win the show and became a media and You Tube sensation, eventually going on a global music tour and releasing an album. The movie stars James Corden, Colm Meaney, Mackenzie Cook and Julie Walters with the Opera Soundtrack sung by the real Paul Potts .…..an excellent movie and as I write this, Paul Potts is touring NZ! Not far from Westwind Theatre is St Lukes Shopping Centre. Twenty years ago when we lived nearby it was said to be the biggest shopping mall we had, but now it is small-fry compared to the likes of Sylvia Park and Albany. A McDonalds 60c ice cream might be the perfect finish to the day. $64 Includes Door to Door Coach Transport. Wood Range Roast Lunch, as detailed above and Movie. *Please bring your Gold Card to present to the Train Conductor for free rail travel. Without it, the train fare is $4, to be paid directly to the train conductor. Page 3 SPOTLIGHT on SILVERDALE Pioneer Museum, RSA Military Museum, Snow Planet and Kings NORTH SHORE Residents: WED 30th JUL HIBISCUS COAST Residents: WED 6th AUG This is just a fun day in the middle of winter doing local things that we don’t often get around to doing. We begin with a visit to Snow Planet for a morning tea break. If you have ever wondered what the interior of this huge building (sliding down the entire side of Silverdale Hill) is like, now is your chance to find out. Where else can you sit warm and dry, having a nice tea or coffee, watching people skiing/ snowboarding towards you through massive glass picture windows? Then we move onto the Silverdale Pioneer Village and blast back into the1800s with a glimpse at early settlers lives. A small museum with a chapel, historic homes and a post office displaying furnishings and memorabilia to the early 1900s. By now we’ll be hungry, so we’re off to the RSA. Under new management the Silverdale and Districts RSA delivers an excellent hot midday meal before we are taken on a guided tour of the onsite Military Museum, described as a ‘hidden gem’ on the coast. See authentic displays, put together to remind us of the sacrifices and hardships endured by yesterday's young people. We finish the day with a stop in at Kings Plant Barn for you to stock up on those essential garden supplies or just feast your eyes on the wonderful plant and outdoor setting displays. For the animal lovers amongst us Animates Pet Shop is right next door. $68 Includes Door to Door Coach Transport with Silverdale Pioneer Village Tour, RSA Lunch (as described above) and Military Museum Tour. KARAKA HORSE SALES ~ Winter Mixed Bloodstock Sale If you are into animals, in particular horses, then this is the day for you! We start with the Karaka Horse Sales (today it is the ‘Winter Mixed Bloodstock’ Sale), where champions and not-so champion horses are sold by auction, attracting thousands of buyers both nationally and internationally. Wander around the beautiful park like grounds and witness professional trainers ‘eyeing up the fillies’, taking calculated gambles in the hopes of purchasing that ever-elusive ‘Race Winner’. Watch the horses being paraded prior to them entering the covered arena for the fast, and sometimes, nerve-wracking auction. The arena itself looks more like the lobby of a flash hotel and is built theatrestyle enabling you to look down on the horses. Sit in on the auction, but be still because we are not taking the trailer today! The prices can easily go up to tens of thousands, sometimes even hundreds of thousands of dollars. There is a café on site. After all this excitement we head to Pine Harbour Marina and have a late lunch at The Jolly Roger Pub (Fish 'n Chips or Homemade Pie or Chicken Wrap followed by tea/coffee and freshly baked cake) before boarding the 2.40pm *Ferry, that in 30 minutes takes us to Downtown Auckland, where the SHIP ‘n SHORE buses will be waiting to take us home. $69 Includes Door to Door Coach Transport with The Jolly Roger Pub Lunch, as described above. *Please bring your Gold Card to present to the ferry operator for free ferry travel. Without it, the ferry fare is $11.50, to be paid directly to the ferry ticket office. VANUATU Cruise ~ 8 Days including 6-nights island cruising Our cruising vessel - MV ‘Island Passage’ is a luxury 42m motor-yacht, providing a taste of glamour and exclusivity with exceptional food and fine wines for a maximum of 23 guests in large ensuited cabins. Saturday: Fly Auckland to Port Vila, then onto Espiritu Santo to be transferred, by tender, to MV ‘Island Passage’. Cruise around Million Dollar Point, then anchor for the night off Aese Island, above a coral garden full of tropical fishes. Welcome to Paradise! Sunday: Venture up the Riri River in a dugout canoe to the deep, clear ‘stunning blue’ freshwater bubbling springs. Sightseeing by tender, exploring the shoreline. Monday: Cruise north through more beautiful islands to anchor in Hog Harbour. Game Fishing anyone? Tuesday: World famous Champagne Beach, said to be the most beautiful in the world, with the bluest water, whitest sand and greenest jungle – it’s just breath-taking! Swim, sunbathe, snorkel, kayak and chat with the local Pareu sellers. Wednesday: We’re welcomed into the village of Asanvari, to watch a custom dance, chat with locals, cook lap-lap and visit a beautiful waterfall in the protected lagoon. Visit Asanvari Yacht Club. Thursday: Down the coast to Waterfall Village, FRI 1st AUG SAT 16th to SAT 23rd AUG South Pentecost. From the Chief’s heartfelt welcome to the traditional Vanuatu kava farewell, you’ll be enthralled. Late evening we cruise back towards Santo. Friday: This morning we are transferred to Aore Island Resort to enjoy Resort facilities. Fly Santo to Port Vila for one night at the Grand Hotel and Casino, overlooking the spectacular harbour. Sightseeing Helicopter Flight over Port Vila. Saturday: Fly, early morning, back to New Zealand. From $5,643 Per Person Includes Door to Door Coach Transport. Return flights Auckland/Port Vila/Santo and Helicopter Flight. 6 night Cruise + 1 night Grand Hotel, Port Vila. Meals and inclusions as per the Detailed Itinerary. NOTE: We have the following vacancies: One FEMALE Half Twin Share Stateroom (Single Bed) Cabin @ $5,643 One Ocean Suite (Queen Bed) Cabins @ $6,254 per person. Two Bridge Suite (King Bed) Cabins @ $6,687 per person. Page 4 ***LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!*** Phone Ship ‘n Shore for a Detailed Itinerary TAURANGA HARBOUR CRUISE and ATHENREE HOMESTEAD ~ 3 Days There are three things, on this tour, that people have been asking for - A Tauranga Harbour Cruise, a tour of the Athenree Homestead and the Karangahake Gorge Historic River Walk. So let’s celebrate the first few days of Spring by heading East to the Bay of Plenty and ticking off all three! After clearing Auckland we travel through Paeroa till we get to Waihi for our late lunch stop. Then we have a Guided Tour of Athenree Homestead - Built in 1829, this picturesque house was built for Captain Hugh Stewart and his wife Adela. The house began as a stable and was steadily enlarged into a homestead and the couple lived here until 1906. Guests entertained here included not only the Governor, Lord Ranfurly and Premier Richard Seddon, but also Te Kooti, whose very name struck fear into the hearts of most Pakeha. There is a wonderful story, taken from Adela’s diary, of Te Kooti delicately balancing her fine bone china teacup on his knee while his 100 or so warriors were asked, by Adela, to stay outside and amuse themselves by picking flowers from her extensive cottage garden. We drive through the harbour-side community of Athenree before leaving the area. Late afternoon, we arrive at our accommodation, The Armitage Hotel in Tauranga, where we’ll be staying for two SUN 7th to TUE 9th SEP nights. Monday This morning we take a drive out to Mount Maunganui via Pilot Bay, with time for those that wish to wander around the base of the mountain itself. Day and night there are always people walking around it. Then we are due to board MV ‘Kewpie’ for a two-hour Tauranga Harbour Cruise which takes us around the Town Reach and Port including the Container Terminal, Cargo Terminal, Pilot Bay, Mauao (mountain) the statue of Tangaroa, Harbour Entrance to Matakana Island and back down Stella Passage to the bridge. A boxed lunch with tea/coffee will be served on board. Once back on dry land we head back into the city, via driving the full length of the Beachside suburb of Papamoa. Tuesday Today, on the way home, we walk the popular onehour Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway alongside the sparkling waters of the Ohinemuri River. This area was teaming with hopeful prospectors in the original gold rush in 1875. See evidence of old Diggers Camps and read the excellent interpretation boards along the way. For those not walking, the café at the end of the walk is in a lovely setting. For lunch we thought we’d detour into Te Aroha, as Ron’s Mum has recommended that we check out a new quirky little Art Gallery. Te Aroha, like its neighbour town of Paeroa, is becoming well known for its antique and arty-type outlets. We are due back in Auckland late afternoon. $454 Per Person Includes Door to Door Coach Transport with Two nights Twin Share Hotel Accommodation with 2x Dinners and 2x Cooked Breakfasts and 1x Lunch. Athenree Homestead Tour, Tauranga Harbour Lunch Cruise and Art Gallery entry. Single Room Supplement is $136 A deposit of $150 is required, with balance of payment due 14 days prior to travel, by Sun 24th Aug 2014. SEPTEMBER 20TH ~ ELECTION DAY!!!! 2014 WOW! World of Wearable Arts Show, Wellington ~ 4 Days WOW1 WOW3 WOW4 WOW5 WOW6 NORTH SHORE Residents HBC Residents Private Probus Charter Group HBC2 Residents, operates in reverse NORTH SHORE 2 Residents FRI 26th to MON 29th SEP WED 1st to SAT 4th OCT FRI 3rd to MON 6th OCT FRI 10th to MON 13th OCT WED 8th to SAT 11th OCT The tickets have been purchased and the seat packages confirmed. Day One We travel, by Coach, from Auckland to National Park and enjoy a night of yesteryear opulence at the Grand Chateau, on the lower slopes of Mt Ruapehu. Day Two A drive (weather permitting) up the mountain to play in the snow at Whakapapa Ski Resort. Early afternoon, we board the new Northern Explorer train from National Park to Wellington. Travel through rolling green farmland and virgin bush, over mighty viaducts, through the spectacular Mangaweka Gorge, past quaint towns and rocky coastlines. Dinner on arrival at our central city hotel. Day Three Sightseeing in Wellington sees us checking out the city hotspots – Oriental Parade, Cable Car to Botanic Gardens, Parliament Buildings, St Pauls Cathedral, Mt Victoria, Courtney Place, The Maritime Museum, Te Papa Museum and of course Wellington’s wonderful Waterfront Walk. Free time this afternoon till the ‘Brancott Estate World of Wearable Art Awards Show (WOW)’. Step into a world where art and human form combine. Where dance, music and lighting tell a story of the body as a canvas, where the lines of fashion and art blur and merge as one. WOW Awards Show can be difficult to describe, hard to define and utterly impossible to forget! A montage of theatre, dance, colour, movement and art, creating a two-hour theatrical spectacle. Our show seats Fully Booked 1x space available 2x spaces available 13x spaces available 3x spaces available are WOW ‘Premium Plus’ seats which are billed as the best seats in the house, with a show souvenir catalogue. Day Four To complete our tour of Wellington we travel to the airport the long way round via the full length of Oriental Parade, past the Evans Bay Marina and then continue right around the Miramar Peninsula through the disused Shelly Bay Military Base, Karaka and Worser Bays to Seatoun. Alongside the harbour entrance and the wild beaches exposed to the Cook’s Straits unpredictable and often volatile weather. After our one hour flight back to Auckland, Ship ‘n Shore shuttles will be waiting to deliver you home. Phone Ship ‘n Shore for a detailed itinerary. $1,272 Per Person Includes Door to Door Coach Transport with sights. Three nights Hotel Accommodation on a Twin Share basis. Two Dinners and Three Full Cooked Breakfasts. WOW ‘Premium Plus’ Seat ticket, Train fare from National Park to Wellington and Air NZ flight from Wellington to Auckland. Single Room Supplement is $365. A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure this booking with balance of payment due four weeks prior to travel, by Fri 29th Aug 2014. Page 5 TARANAKI RHODODENDRONS ~ 5 Days SUN 9th to THU 13th NOV This has to be the supreme garden tour of the year, so by popular request we are going back to New Plymouth to be spoilt by the staff at the Plymouth International Hotel. Featuring six of the best private gardens in New Plymouth, as well as guided walks at Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, Pukekura Park and Hollard’s Garden. Cruise, by the only scenic lifeboat in the world launched on rails with passengers on board, to a seal colony on the harbour’s Volcanic Sugar Loaf Islands and we also experience the Mokau River Cruise (with Whitebait fritter lunch). Visit cafes with a difference, craft shops and Tawhiti Museum with its waxed locals and the newly completed indoor Traders and Whalers Cruise, Puke Ariki Museum and the Govett Brewster Art Gallery. Includes a fun dinner at the Devon Hotel and we see the most quirky performance of Romeo and Juliet ever. So, if you appreciate great gardens and varied activities in your tour, this is for you! Phone now for a Detailed Itinerary. $1,087 Per Person Includes Door to Door Coach Transport. Four nights Hotel Accommodation on a Twin Share basis with 4x Breakfasts, 1x morning tea, 1x Lunch and 4x Dinners. Gardens, Museums and 3x Cruises as in detailed itinerary. Single Supplement is $354. A deposit of $200 per person to secure booking with balance payable three weeks prior to travel, by Fri 17th Oct 2014. Don’t delay – limited space available! TOURS COMING UP IN 2015 U-DRIVE Railway Adventure ~ 4 Days FEBRUARY 2015 NORTH SHORE Residents: TUE 10th to FRI 13th FEB HIBISCUS COAST Residents: TUE 17th to FRI 20th FEB We operated five U-Drive Railway tours this year and by request will do a couple more in 2015. This is something truly unique! An enterprising Kiwi has imported 2 and 4-seater golf carts and converted them to run on rails! Another world first for NZ! They are known as Railcarts, and we now have the opportunity to travel by rail, driving ourselves, over 80kms on the now disused NZ Railways Stratford Branch Line between Okahukura and Whangamomona. Highlights: Take your turn at driving a Railcart (the only controls are an accelerator and a brake!) through 20 tunnels, over innumerable bridges and viaducts, alongside rivers and rapids, through gorges and beautiful, remote bush country! Do time (without committing a crime!) in the refurbished Ohura State Prison! Spend a night in the Republic of Whangamomona’s wonderful 100 year old pub! Travel right around 8,261’ dormant volcano Mt Taranaki/Egmont on the Ocean Road! Cruise New Plymouth’s Sugarloaf Islands with Chaddy in his English lifeboat – launched on rails! Enjoy a fast ride home on the new Northern Explorer train from Te Kuiti to Auckland. SHIP ’n SHORE have put it all together for you. No worries about how to get your car to and from the railheads or vehicle security whilst you’re on the rails … and your luggage is taken care of too! $1,187 Per Person Includes Door to Door Coach Transport. Full day Railcart tour (80kms) from Okahukura to Whangamomona with local guide. Tawhiti Museum, Sugarloaf Islands Lifeboat Cruise, Train Te Kuiti to Auckland. Accommodation for 3 nights on a share twin basis at Ohura, Whangamomona and New Plymouth. 3x Dinners, 3x Cooked Breakfasts, plus morning and afternoon tea and picnic lunch on Railcart journey. Phone SHIP ‘n SHORE for a Detailed Itinerary. Don’t wait till it’s all fully booked! TOP of the SOUTH ISLAND ~ 10 Days MARCH 2015 Featuring ‘Coastal Pacific’ and ‘Tranz Alpine’ Railway. ‘Farewell Spit 4WD Adventure’ and ‘West Coast Treetop Walk’. We begin with a flight from Auckland to Christchurch and after a few days exploring the regrowth of this amazingly resilient city we board the Coastal Pacific train which takes us to Picton, where we overnight. We then drive around the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive, alongside Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds, to the ‘Green Lipped Mussel’ capital, Havelock. After lunch we travel over the Bryant Range and into Nelson for three nights. This is the perfect base for our Farewell Spit 4WD Adventure, Sailing Catamaran Harbour Cruise to the Nelson Boulder Bank (Lighthouse visit included) and also the ever popular Nelson Markets. Travelling south we head through Westport (Whitebait lunch maybe?), then onto Punakaiki before being spoilt with stunning Oceanside accommodation in Hokitika. Not far from Hokitika is the newly opened West Coast Treetop Walk, which is 400m of steel boardwalk 20 metres up amongst the Native Forest. For those wanting even more stunning views, climb the 40m tower which overlooks nearby Lake Mahinapua. Next day is Greymouth, the Greymouth Bar before our afternoon Tranz Alpine Train over Arthurs Pass back to Christchurch for our final night, before flying home the next day. If you wish to express interest Phone SHIP ‘n SHORE Tours we will post out the Detailed Itinerary, when complete. Page 6 LUXURY AUCKLAND OVERNIGHT CRUISE ~ MV ‘IPIPIRI’ For those of you who have already joined us on the Bay of Islands MV ‘Ipipiri’ Cruises, you will know how wonderfully set up this vessel is, with spacious Dining Room and well appointed ensuite-cabins. Sadly the ship is to leave the Bay of Islands, but the great news is that it will soon be based in Auckland! The operators are keeping the details of the Auckland overnight cruise under wraps, at this stage, but with over 50 islands in the Hauraki Gulf, when it comes to beautiful anchorages, we will be spoilt for choice. Phone SHIP ‘n SHORE to express interest in this tour and we will post out a Detailed Itinerary once we have more information. NOVA SCOTIA and ATLANTIC CANADA, Northern Summer We are working on a tour from New York into the north eastern United States and Canada, to take place between May and October 2015. Lighthouses on granite headlands, rugged coastlines, and colourful fishing villages in sheltered coves. In the Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the tide rises and falls an incredible fifty feet, twice a day. We will marvel at this coastal phenomenon, see the ‘Reversing Falls’ and learn how fishermen cope with such huge daily variations in sea level. On Prince Edward Island, near New London, stands a white house with Green Gables made famous by Lucy Maud Montgomery in her novel ‘Anne of Green Gables’ about a spirited 11 year old orphan girl with red hair and a creative wit. We explore the house and we are looking at surrounding shops and lanes, which are just as they were when Anne had her adventures here in 1908. History is apparent and interesting, everywhere we go. For instance, Prince Edward Island was charted by the Frenchman Jaques Cartier way back in 1534 – over 100 years before Tasman laid eyes on NZ! After its discovery, Nova Scotia was predominantly settled by immigrants from Scotland, France and England, who didn’t always see eye to eye, but today their descendants live peaceably together, each group preserving its own culture, under the Maple Leaf flag. So in one village you might enjoy the smell of French cooking, and in the next – hoots mon! – be greeted by the skirl of the pipes and the tossing of the caber, och aye! Inland, there are untold numbers of lakes, which the locals call ‘ponds’ irrespective of their size. These range from actual pondsized, up through large lakes and fiords, to the inland-sea sized Bras d’Or waterway which carries ocean-going shipping through Cape Breton Island. Around these lakes grow picturesque cool-climate trees – Firs, Spruces, Birch, Aspen and American Ash. In these ‘woods’ live a collection of northern hemisphere animals known to us largely through picture-books – Moose (aka Elk, Wapiti) Canadian Caribou (like Reindeer) American Black Bears, Canadian Lynx, Grey and Arctic Wolves, Coyotes, Snowshoe Hares, American Red Squirrels, Pine Martens, Red Foxes, Otters and Beavers. And keeping an eye on everything from above MARCH 2015 2015 – the American Bald Eagle! In response to RMS Titanic’s distress call “We are sinking fast – come to our assistance” the City of Halifax sent 3 vessels to the position, 700 nautical miles away in the Atlantic. But by the time the ships arrived, the icy water had taken its toll, and all the ships could do was bring back bodies – hundreds of them, to be interred in the cemeteries of Halifax. The sight of rows of granite tombstones make somber viewing. But on a happier note, some of mankind's greatest achievements took place here, where the Old and New Worlds are at their closest – but still separated by thousands of stormtossed miles. Hence, here, through the genius of Marconi, the human voice was first heard across the void without being carried on wires (indistinguishable from magic!) and the first trans-Atlantic flights (considered impossible after the disappearance of many planes and crewmembers) took place. So much of interest to see and explore! The tour will include 2–3 days of sightseeing in the world’s quintessential city, New York, and we are looking at a 4-day tour including America’s birthplace, Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and Davy patched up the crack in the Liberty Bell (It’s still there). Then via Chesapeake Bay to Washington DC, (The White House, The Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial, The Capitol.) Inland to Gettysburg – where fighting between Americans in the Civil War nearly destroyed the country that was the hope of the world, and where Abraham Lincoln gave the speech that bought the country together again. We visit Lancaster, Pennsylvania and meet with Amish Folk, who speak a German dialect, dress in plain dark clothes, shun electricity, TV and radio, and get around in horse-drawn buggies. And there will be an opportunity to visit the Niagara Falls. We are looking at flying from NZ via Hawaii to New York (and return) to avoid having to clear into the United States at Los Angeles! (Honolulu is so much faster, and much more pleasant!) At this stage we are estimating 3–4 weeks from and back to Auckland, inclusive of door to door travel, accommodation, meals and sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary. If you are interested in joining Karen and Ron on this adventure – Phone SHIP ‘n SHORE to express your interest. We will forward to you without obligation a copy of the detailed itinerary and general information, when completed. Page 7 Page 8 Pinups Ti m t ns ur ! 90 Chaddy's Cruise David - West Coast Treetop Walk Fire Pit, Chatham Islands Shirley seriously backpedalling Franz Josef Glacier The content of tours SHIP ‘n SHORE operate are subject to change, due to circumstances arising beyond our control. TOUR BOOKING FORM and REGISTRATION FORM - no registration fee! CONDITIONS and REFUNDS: Seats are not confirmed until tour payment has been received, and Boarding Pass issued. Daytours - Seats cancelled more than 7 days prior to departure will receive refund, less $10 admin fee per person. Daytours cancelled within 7 days of departure will only receive the above refund if we are able to re-sell the seat/s. Overnight Tours - incur a loss of $50 per person (unless individual tour specifies otherwise) plus any prepaid nonrefundable services i.e. Rail, Air Content, etc. Overnight tours cancelled within 14 days of departure (unless individual tour specifies otherwise) only receive a refund if we are able to re-sell the seat/s. Name/s……………………………………………………………………….. Phone No…….………… Address………………………………………………………………………. Postal Code…………… Email Address ……………………………………….………………….…. Special Dietary Requests – We will pass on your Dietary ‘Requests’, but due to the many ‘out of the way’ places we frequent and extra costs that are often involved we cannot guarantee they will be provided. Hotels usually can, so phone Ship ‘n Shore to clarify. Tour Name/Date Payment Enclosed Optional Birthday (for a prezzie!) …………………… ……………………. Hers Month………………..Day……… …………………… ……………………. His Month……………….…Day……… Total Fill in for Overnight Tours only: $…..………………. Twin Share Room or Single Room (circle one) Note: Couples (married/defacto) will be booked into a room with a double bed unless we are advised otherwise. Tours involving a flight: If the tour you are booking involves a domestic flight, please send us a photocopy of your driver’s licence or Super Gold Card (a photo one) in order for SHIP ‘n SHORE Tours to obtain air tickets on your behalf. Please note that you need to bring to the airport the original of the photo I.D. you sent to us! If my/our tour involves a flight, I have enclosed a photocopy of my photo I.D. (please tick) Air NZ Airpoints Number (if applicable): Send To: SHIP ‘n SHORE Tours, PO Box 564, WHANGAPARAOA 0943 Page 8 Mid Year 2014