Christmas in the South

Tour Difficulty is EasyTwin Share
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23/12/2023-28/11/2023

From $4,060 per person

Saturday 23 Dec 2023 - Thursday 28 Dec 2023 (6 Days)


Escape to the South this Christmas. This short break is a great way to celebrate Christmas with like-minded people as we explore Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura and Christchurch. Highlights include a cruise on the Marlborough Sounds, whale-watching in Kaikōura and a punt along the Avon River. 

Day 1             Saturday 23 December 2023

ARRIVE BLENHEIM                                                                                         (D)

Our tour commences today with a flight from Auckland to Blenheim. On arrival in Blenheim we meet our South Island driver and coach and begin our tour with a visit to Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum. The museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of WWI aircraft and memorabilia including a mix of dramatically staged static displays along with flyable aeroplanes. This innovative and visually stunning exhibition depicts aircraft in context, some recreating actual incidents.  You don’t have to be an aviation enthusiast to enjoy this exhibit! After our visit, we travel to Blenheim where we are staying for the next two nights. Tonight we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation:    Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim – 2 nights

 

Day 2              Sunday 24 December 2023  

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS                                                                            (BD)

Following breakfast this morning, we travel the short distance to Picton to board our vessel to explore the Marlborough Sounds. We cruise up through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to historical Ship Cove, enjoying the commentary from the skipper on the way. The highlight of the tour is a 30-minute stopover at Ship Cove, which was the site where Captain James Cook anchored the Endeavour to replenish his supplies. There is time available to explore the area, take a photo of the Captain Cook Monument, view the wildlife around the area or just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Upon return to Picton, there will be time available to purchase lunch (own cost). We return to Blenheim and the remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the “sunniest town in New Zealand”. Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner at our hotel.

 

Day 3              Monday 25 December 2023

BLENHEIM – KAIKŌURA                                                                                (BLD)

Merry Christmas!

A leisurely morning awaits us before we enjoy a delicious Christmas Lunch in Blenheim. We depart Blenheim and drive from the Marlborough wine region, through to the spectacular coastal scenes of the East Coast and on to Kaikōura, where the mountains meet the sea. Kaikōura, meaning “to eat crayfish”, is a coastal town known for its abundant wildlife and its sperm whale population, which are spotted 95% of the year.  Kaikōura’s environment is truly spectacular – the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean. We check into our accommodation for the next two nights, and enjoy dinner tonight in the hotel restaurant.

Accommodation:    Sudima Hotel, Kaikōura – 2 nights

 

Day 4              Tuesday 26 December 2023  

KAIKŌURA                                                                                                     (B)

This morning we take a Whale Watch experience on a modern purpose-built catamaran for an exciting close-up encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment.  The upwelling of nutrient-rich waters around Kaikōura supports an abundant and diverse fauna of vertebrates, fish and marine mammals.  At times we may also see Dusky Dolphins and the rare Hector Dolphins, NZ fur seals, sea lions and a large variety of seabirds including the smallest of the penguins, the little Blue Penguin. Following on from our Whale Watch experience, there will be time available to purchase lunch (own cost). This afternoon we visit the Kaikōura Museum for a self-guided visit of the museum. The award-winning museum offers a modern and relaxed environment and tells the stories of Kaikōura’s unique heritage, inspiring visitors to explore and enjoy Kaikōura’s diverse and colourful history. The remainder of the day, including dinner, is at your leisure.

 

Day 5              Wednesday 27 December 2023  

KAIKŌURA – CHRISTCHURCH                                                                      (BD)

Departing Kaikōura today, we commence our journey to Christchurch. The road south follows the indentations of a wild coastline affording constantly changing seascapes as it skirts an exposed rock-strewn shore at the foot of the Seaward Kaikōura Mountains.  There are spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.  Short tunnels are a feature of the journey as engineers strove to find a way through and around the bluffs.  At Oaro, the road turns inland and quickly climbs into the Hunderlee Ranges then descends into the rolling farmland of North Canterbury passing through a number of small country towns before entering the northern suburbs of Christchurch. There will be time available to purchase lunch (own cost). We enjoy a brief orientation tour of the city, before we take a punting boat ride on the Avon River with knowledgeable and professional boatmen, in straw boaters and traditional dress, giving an informative and entertaining guide to the Avon River and the Botanic Gardens.  At the conclusion of our boat ride, we check into our accommodation for the night. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Accommodation:    Quality Hotel Elms, Christchurch – 1 night

 

Day 6              Thursday 28 December 2023  

DEPART CHRISTCHURCH                                                                              (B)

Today we say farewell to our travelling companions as our tour concludes with our flight from Christchurch to Auckland.

Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim

Chateau Marlborough exterior pool areaChateau Marlborough is a European style hotel, is befitting of the Marlborough Wine Region, and offers luxury boutique accommodation. The hotel overlooks Seymour Square Gardens, and is just a two-minute easy walk from Blenheim’s town centre. Offering 80 well-appointed Suites and Apartments, Chateau Marlborough provides guests with a high level of comfort along with modern amenities. Quench Cafe and Wine Bar boasts a delicious menu with something to suit everyone.

 

 

Sudima Hotel, Kaikōura

Sudima KaikouraThis superbly located Sudima hotel is right on the shoreline of Kaikōura, offering stunning views of both the water and the mountains and within easy walking distance to the township. With state-of-the-art facilities it is the first hotel of this size and quality in Kaikōura, making it the place to stay for visitors to the region.

 

 

 

Quality Hotel Elms, Christchurch

Quality Hotel Elms, Christchurch - Exterior view

The Quality Hotel Elms is situated in a quiet suburban area yet accessible to many of the attractions and activities the area has to offer, surrounded by award-winning gardens, and is ideally situated midway between the airport and central city. All 97 guest rooms are well appointed and equipped with all the amenities a guest could need, offering luxurious accommodation in an ideal location for those wanting to explore the area.

Tour Inclusions

  • Door to door home collection & drop off service available from select areas – refer to further information available here
  • Auckland – Blenheim and Christchurch – Auckland flights with Air New Zealand – other ports on application / price on application
  • 5 nights accommodation – twin/double rooms, all with private facilities (single rooms available with surcharge)
  • Tour admissions as per itinerary
  • Touring in modern air-conditioned vehicle
  • Breakfasts (B), Lunches (L), Dinners (D) where indicated on your daily itinerary
  • Roadside Morning Teas – where possible
  • Admission to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
  • Scenic Cruise to Ship Cove
  • Whale Watching Experience by boat
  • Admission to Kaikoura Museum
  • Punting on the Avon Excursion
  • Meals e.g – 5x breakfasts, 1x lunch, 4x dinners

Tour Payments Per Person ($NZD)

Guaranteed Twin/Double Share: $4,060.00
Single Supplement: $800.00
Travel Club Member Discount: $30.00
Non-refundable deposit due at time of booking: $200.00

Balance of tour payment due Friday 03 November 2023

Early Bird Offer

Book and pay in full by Friday 25 August 2023 and receive $150.00 discount per person!

Yes. Leisure Time Tours offers a free home collection and drop off service from selected Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua and most Auckland City areas. Our complimentary collections are based on your individual post code, other home collection locations available at an additional cost. Alternatively you may wish to meet us at our Hamilton depot in which case you can park your car in our secure yard free of charge for the duration of your holiday. For all tours that have a flight component, we can also offer door to door collections from Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin city areas.

Please refer to our Home Collection flyer for further information about this service.

Yes. Our Guaranteed Twin Share price is available for those passengers willing to share with another single traveller of the same gender. If there isn’t another passenger of the same gender to share with we GUARANTEE our twin share price. Leisure Times Tours accepts no responsibility for the compatibility of passengers travelling under this arrangement. If someone is not compatible with the person they have been matched up with, all additional costs incurred to assist with changing their shared room type to two single rooms will be at the expense of both travellers and will be subject to availability. Acceptance of a guaranteed twin share room is subject to the individual’s medical condition being suitable for this type of arrangement.

Please note that the guaranteed twin share pricing is not available to pre & post tour accommodation arrangements.

To ensure that you select the right tour for you, we’ve developed a very clear set of fitness recommendations for our tours. These physical ratings clearly explain how much physical exertion is required to participate on each tour. 

Level 1 – Easy

  • Relaxed paced tour
  • Be able to participate in guided or unguided small walking tours at a relaxed pace.
  • Walk on mostly level ground
  • Tackle an occasional flight of stairs
  • Occasionally need to stand for up to 10 minutes
  • Able to get on and off transportation unaided

Level 2 – Moderate

  • Be able to participate in walking tours with time to rest at least every 10 minutes
  • Stand for 15 minutes without needing to sit down
  • Tackle a flight of stairs or incline
  • Able to get on and off transportation unaided
  • Walk confidently on bush tracks

 Level 3 – Active

  • Participate in walking tours without having to rest for up to 20 minutes
  • Walk up an incline equal to a flight of stairs without stopping
  • Stand for 30 minutes without needing to sit down
  • Walk over uneven ground and walk through soft sand
  • Able to get on and off transportation unaided

Yes we can. Should you wish to arrive earlier or stay longer we can book in some pre and post tour accommodation for you. Please ask at the time of booking if you require this.

This tour will be guaranteed once the minimum number of passengers have been booked on the tour.

Passengers rotate seats in the coach daily so that all passengers have the opportunity to enjoy forward and window seating. All passengers are expected to participate as a booking condition.

Yes. A point of difference is that wherever possible we offer our passengers roadside refreshments served from the coach. This gives all passengers the chance to mix and mingle over a hot cuppa allowing us to share our experiences as we journey together.

Leisure Time Tours strongly advises all passengers to purchase a travel insurance policy. A comprehensive travel insurance policy may prevent you from spending extra money in case of an emergency and will help you feel protected during your holiday. We are agents for Cover More Travel Insurance. Ask us for a no obligation insurance quote today.

Luggage is restricted to one suitcase and one small item of hand luggage per person. Baggage handling of one suitcase per person, at each hotel, is included in the trip price. Carry-on/hand luggage handling is the responsibility of each guest and all personal items must be taken off the coach by you each day of the trip.

When on tour, dress is generally relaxed and casual with an informal dress standard on most occasions. Casual wear is recommended for travelling with something a little more formal for evening dining. If taking part in outdoor activities, make sure you have a waterproof coat, comfortable footwear and dress in layers to help you adjust to any sudden changes in climate. Be prepared for New Zealand’s powerful sun, even on cold windy days, bringing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions….
Valid from 01 October 2023

Acceptance of Terms and Conditions 

If you book a Packaged Tour with us and pay your deposit, you are deemed to have accepted these terms. If you book a Leisure Time Travel tour through an agent, the agent is deemed to have accepted these terms on your behalf.  We may ask you to sign a copy of these terms when you join your Packaged Tour to provide a record of your acceptance of these terms and you agree to sign these terms on our request. 

 

Itineraries 
The itinerary for your Packaged Tour was correct at the time of printing but is 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. Such changes may occur prior to travel, or whilst on tour. You agree that we have no liability to you for changes to your itinerary. If a passenger amends their itinerary by starting or concluding the itinerary earlier or later, then it becomes their responsibility to arrange tour or flight connections as necessary.  

 

*Guaranteed Twin Share Prices 
Our Guaranteed Twin Share price is available for those passengers willing to share with another single traveller of the same gender. If there isn’t another passenger of the same gender to share with, we GUARANTEE our twin share price. Leisure Time Travel accepts no responsibility for the compatibility of passengers travelling under this arrangement. If someone is not compatible with the person they have been matched up with, all additional costs incurred to assist with changing their shared room type to two single rooms will be at the expense of both travellers and will be subject to availability. Acceptance of a guaranteed twin share room is subject to the individual’s medical condition being suitable for this type of accommodation arrangement. 
*NOT applicable to all tours, please refer to the individual tour brochure to confirm whether this arrangement is available. 

 

Travel Insurance 
Leisure Time Travel strongly advises all passengers to purchase a travel insurance policy when booking a tour. A comprehensive travel insurance policy gives peace of mind for unexpected issues or emergencies that may arise prior to or during a tour. We can assist with a no-obligation insurance quotation – ask us for a quote today, or you may opt to arrange your own travel insurance. 

 

Health and Fitness 
Passengers should be in good health and able to walk moderate distances to fully participate and experience the sightseeing opportunities within the enclosed itinerary. All passengers are required to acknowledge that they are of reasonable health and are considered to be fit to travel and are not travelling contrary to any medical advice. By acknowledging their health and fitness to participate, passengers are indemnifying us from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any lack of health and fitness. We reserve the right to remove a passenger from a tour if their health or fitness interferes with any other passenger’s experiences or the day to day running of the tour. In this instance our normal cancellation terms and conditions will apply. You agree that we have no liability to you for any loss, damage, costs or other effects of health problems you may encounter on your Packaged Tour. 

 

Travellers Who Require Assistance  

It is a requirement of joining your Packaged Tour that you disclose to us at time of booking, any disability requiring special attentionThis includes physical disability, difficulty walking, hearing or eyesight impairment, or any neurological disordersShould your health circumstances change between time of booking and travel date, we require you to disclose if you now have any disability requiring special attention.    While every effort is made to accommodate such difficulties, we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so, and are not responsible for any denial of services by third party operators including airlines, accommodation providers and tour operatorsOur concern must always be for the enjoyment and welfare of the group as a whole, and we regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to participants for walking, getting on and off motor coaches or vessels, or other personal needs. A physically and mentally able companion must accompany travellers who need such assistance. 

 

Seat Changes 
Passengers rotate seats in the coach daily so that all passengers have the opportunity to enjoy forward and window seating. All passengers are expected to participate as a booking condition. 

 

Luggage 
Luggage is restricted to one item of ‘checked in’ luggage and one smaller item of ‘underseat’ or hand luggage per person. Due to limited storage capacity in the motorcoaches used on tour, each ‘check in’ luggage item should have dimensions not exceeding 30” x 20” x 12” (76x51x30cm) and weight not exceeding 50lbs (23kg).  

Underseat’ or hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 17” x 13” x 8.7” (43x33x22cm). ‘Underseat’ or hand luggage handling is the responsibility of each guest and must be taken on and off the motorcoach by you each day of the trip. Although every effort is made to handle guests’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. Therefore, it is important for protection that passengers make certain they have adequate travel insurance to cover these eventualities.  

 

Car Parking at Leisure Time Tours Yard 

The car parking facility (“Facility”) offered for passengers is provided for the convenience of our patrons only. The use of this Facility is entirely at the risk of the vehicle owner. Leisure Time Tours Ltd(“Company”) shall not be responsible for any loss, theft, damage, or vandalism to vehicles or their contents while parked in the Facility.The Company disclaims all liability for any accidents, injuries, or damages that may occur within the Facility, including, but not limited to, collisions between vehicles, slips, falls, or any other accidents.All vehicles parked in the Facility must be properly insured. Vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring that their insurance covers any damage or loss that may occur while their vehicle is in the Facility.By using the Facility, the vehicle owner or operator agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, losses, costs, or expenses arising out of or in connection with the use of the Facility.The Company reserves the right to refuse entry to or eject any vehicle or individual from the Facility at its discretion.The Company does not guarantee the security or surveillance of the Facility, and patrons are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to safeguard their vehicles and possessions.The terms and conditions of this disclaimer are subject to change without notice.  


Price Amendments 
Prices were correct at the time and date of printing; however, Leisure Time Travel reserves the right to amend the price subject to any changes in price imposed by other tour operators and carriers included in the itinerary or major fluctuation in the exchange rates, or increases in government or other levies. The final tour cost will be guaranteed not to change once the full and final payment has been received.  

 

Exclusions 

Tour price excludes airport departure taxes, drinks, telephone calls, gratuities, any passport or visa costs, travel insurance, items of a personal nature, optional sightseeing activities, and costs for variations made outside the group travel arrangements.  

 

Payments, Cancellations and Refunds 
A non-refundable deposit is required when booking to confirm your place on a tour.   Registrations will be accepted in order of receipt of deposits. 

All balance payments must be received by Leisure Time Travel prior to the date specified as per itinerary or your booking confirmation. Payments are available to be made by Cash, Direct Credit or EFTPOS – Credit Card payments will incur an additional surcharge. Leisure Time Travel reserves the right to amend, reschedule or cancel the tour due the result of circumstances outside the company’s control. Leisure Time Travel 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.  

 

New Zealand Domestic Cancellation Policy 
Note – These cancellation terms are for standard domestic tours which excludes overnight boat stays 
If you cancel your booking: 
· 50+ days prior to tour commencement, loss of the non-refundable deposit 
· 30 to 49 days prior to tour commencement; your cancellation charge is 50% of the full Package Tour price (50% refund); plus, any applicable supplier cancellation fees 
· 30 days prior to tour commencement your cancellation charge will be 100% of the full Package Tour price (no refund) 
No refunds will be given on any unused portions of any itinerary. The exception is when a sightseeing service has been cancelled by the service operator due to weather conditions/safety concerns etc. and only when the operator authorises a refund. Any such refunds will be processed through your travel agent at the conclusion of the tour. 

Please Note: Any applicable airline content does not apply to the above refunds – Please refer to your airline for their specific cancellation/refund policies. 

 

Our Responsibilities 
We are responsible for booking and packaging goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions, and transportation companies to create your Packaged Tour. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the terms that will apply to those goods and services. We are not responsible and have no liability to you for the terms of other operators or for any loss, damage, omission or acts, negligent or otherwise, committed by those other operators. 

 

Your Responsibilities 
You agree to behave reasonably throughout your Packaged Tour and not to be a nuisance to other passengers. You agree to comply with these terms and the terms that apply to any goods or services supplied to you by other operators. You also agree to comply with our reasonable requests and the requests of other operators. You indemnify us for any liability, costs, damages or other expenses we suffer or incur as a direct or indirect consequence of your behaviour while part of your Packaged Tour. 

 

Removal from Tour 
For the wellbeing of all passengers on your Packaged Tour, we reserve the right to remove you from your Packaged Tour and cancel your booking with us if you breach any of your obligations under these terms provided that, except in the case of a serious breach (as determined by us) we will give you notice of the breach and a reasonable opportunity (which will be no more than two days) to remedy the breach before exercising our cancellation right. In the case of a serious breach, we can exclude you from your Packaged Tour and cancel your booking by immediate verbal or written notice to you. In the event of such cancellation, you will be responsible, at your cost, for arranging any accommodation, travel costs and other matters required as a direct or indirect consequence of the cancellation.  

 

Force Majeure 
You agree that we have no liability to you and will not pay any compensation to you where the performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by circumstances amounting to “force majeure”. In these terms, ‘force majeure’ means any event that has an impact on your Packaged Tour which we or the other operator (where relevant) could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, pilferage, epidemics, pandemics, forced quarantine, medical or customs regulations, riot, fire, storm, flood, explosion, compliance with any law or government restraint order, rule regulation, strikes, lock outs, or any other cause not reasonably within the control of our control. We reserve the right to cancel, amend or reschedule your Packaged Tour during or following any force majeure and if we do so you agree that we will have no liability to you for any direct or indirect consequences of the cancellation, amendment or rescheduling. 

 

Privacy Act Waiver 

Travellers joining our tours automatically give consent for us to pass essential personal information to our suppliers on the tour as necessary.   This information may include full name; address; passport number; travel details; contact details; dietary requirements and health information.  

 

Limitation of Liability 
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the Fair Trading Act 1986, and other statutes in New Zealand may impose warranties, conditions or obligations upon us which cannot by law (or which can only to a limited extent by law) be excluded. We exclude all such imposed warranties, conditions or obligations to the extent permitted by law and exclude any warranty, condition or obligation imposed or implied under common law, equity or otherwise. Except to the extent that the law prevents us from excluding liability and as expressly provided for in these terms, we shall not be liable for any loss or damage or liability of any kind whatsoever (including consequential loss or lost profit or business) whether suffered or incurred by you or another person and whether in contract, or tort (including in negligence), or otherwise and whether such loss or damage arises directly or indirectly from Work or Goods provided by us to you. To the extent that we are liable for any reason for any loss suffered or liability incurred by you arising from any breach of these terms or for any other reason, such liability is limited to the price of your Packaged Tour.