Lake Waikaremoana & Gentle Annie
From $2,020 per person
Tuesday 5 Mar 2024 - Saturday 9 Mar 2024 (5 Days)
Visit Lake Waikaremoana with us to discover this remote area and the hidden treasure lingering below the surface. Travelling on to the stunning Hawkes Bay, we visit the Gannet Colony and spend time in Napier before travelling down the Gentle Annie Road, full of history and gorgeous views.
Day 1 Tuesday 05 March 2024
JOURNEY TO WAIROA (D)
Our day starts with a scenic journey through the Waikato countryside with slowly changing scenery as we pass through Rotorua and the Kaingaroa Forest to reach Ruatāhuna. Enjoy lunch here (own cost) before we finish our journey to Lake Waikaremoana. As the largest untouched native forest in New Zealand, we are in for a treat as we view the large and deep lake where a petrified forest lives under the water. Fill up your camera roll before we head to our accommodation in Wairoa, where we enjoy a group dinner.
Accommodation: Vista Motor Lodge, Wairoa – 1 night
Day 2 Wednesday 06 March 2024
WAIROA – NAPIER (BD)
We begin today by travelling to visit the Māhia Peninsula, a distinctive high promontory that separates Hawke’s Bay from Poverty Bay. Māhia Beach and Opoutama have long been favourite summer holiday spots and we’ll enjoy a roadside cuppa while admiring Māhia Beach. We then turn back along the coast, stopping in Wairoa to purchase lunch (own cost) before passing through Waihua, Raupunga, Kotemaori, Tūtira, Tangoio, Whirinaki and onto Napier, the self-proclaimed ‘Art Deco Capital’ of the world. Napier is also in the centre of the Hawkes Bay region known for its well-established vineyards and award-winning wines. We enjoy an orientation tour on arrival including Ahuriri, a seaside suburb of Napier, and travel along Marine Parade. See some of Napier’s distinctive Art Deco architecture as we travel through the central city. We dine as a group at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Quality Inn, Napier – 2 nights
Day 3 Thursday 07 March 2024
NAPIER (B)
Today we drive along the scenic coast from Napier to Te Awanga and join Gannet Safaris Overland to visit the world’s largest, most accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Gannet Safaris has been guiding visitors over Cape Kidnappers for over 35-years. This is the only way to be driven right within a few feet of these remarkable birds. There is absolutely no walking required. We will travel in comfort in their air-conditioned 4×4 Mini Coach, through Cape Kidnappers Station – traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breath-taking inclines. There is a stop on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke Bay right across to the Māhia Peninsula. The amazing geology of the area can also be taken in. The 36-km, three-hour trip includes a commentary by our local tour guide/driver on the farming operation at Cape Kidnappers Station and an introduction to the gannets. On arrival at the gannets, stretch your legs and take in the stunning scenery from our position at the brink of the cliff’s edge – 100-metres above the ocean. Here our local driver/guide will serve us light refreshments whilst we enjoy watching the gannets perform around us. On completion of our Gannet Safari, we will visit Havelock North, where there will be time to purchase lunch (own cost) and Hastings before returning to our accommodation in Napier. Dinner is at your leisure tonight.
Day 4 Friday 08 March 2024
NAPIER – TAIHAPE (BD)
This morning we will have some time in Napier before having an early lunch (own cost). Departing Napier, we commence our travel on the Gentle Annie Road. This winding road between Napier and Taihape follows an historic route used by early Māori to travel around the headwaters of the Rangitīkei River and its main tributaries the Moawhango and Hautapu Rivers. This route was famously traversed by missionary William Colenso in 1845 when Taihape was merely a bush clearing. In 1867 the first sheep arrived at Erewhon Station and a rough route was started from Napier, reaching Kuripapango and Moawhango by 1883. All the wool from the Taihape and Karioi areas was taken to Napier, initially by teams of bullocks pulling a dray, later by draught horses, though even they took a staggering 10 days to make the journey. It wasn’t until 1919 that motor vehicles took over. The Kuripapango Hotel used to stand where there is now a camping site and from there numerous tramping and hunting tracks lead into the Kaweka Ranges. The route then passes Ngamatea Station, the North Island’s largest run holding, before reaching the Ngaruroro River bridge. As the road climbs there are superb views of the surrounding countryside including the summit of Ruapehu on a clear day. The road then descends again to the old Springvale suspension bridge over the Rangitīkei River. The nearby Moawhango settlement retains remnants of a colonial village with a fine carved meeting house and a memorial chapel. We spend the night in Taihape. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Aspen Court Motel, Taihape – 1 night
Day 5 Saturday 09 March 2024
JOURNEY FROM TAIHAPE (B)
Departing Taihape this morning we travel through the Central Plateau along the Desert Road. We will stop in and visit the Tongariro Trout Centre. There will be time to wander through the freshwater aquarium and hatchery facility, look through an underwater trout viewing chamber or take a stroll along the Tongariro River. The River Walk Visitor Centre is full of interesting displays about the Taupo trout fishery and freshwater sustainability. We then continue our travels to Taupo for your lunch stop (own cost) before continuing our homeward journey.
Vista Motor Lodge, Wairoa
Vista Motor Lodge has a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and garden in Wairoa. There is a barbecue and guests can make use of free Wi-Fi and free private parking. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a microwave, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. At the motel rooms include a private bathroom with free toiletries.
Quality Inn, Napier
The Quality Inn Napier is located on Marine Parade, home to one of Napier’s most significant tourist precincts and is close to the Art Deco heritage area and many local wineries and vineyards. Offering modern, spacious accommodation in a range of twin, double and studio apartments. All 60 rooms are fully equipped with the finest facilities including free Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning and kitchenettes for convenience. Some rooms offer balconies and/or sea views of Napier Beach.
Aspen Court Motel, Taihape
Aspen Court Taihape provides luxury accommodation in a peaceful setting between Taupo and Wellington. All rooms include satellite TV and a 2-person hot tub. Free Wi-Fi is included. The modern rooms at Taihape Aspen Court feature air conditioning and heating, underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathroom areas, and full kitchen facilities. All rooms are serviced daily.
Tour Inclusions
- Door to door home collection & drop off service available from select areas – refer to further information available here
- 4 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
- Gannet Safaris 4wd Overland Tour
- Entry to the National Trout Centre
Tour Payments Per Person ($NZD)
Guaranteed Twin/Double Share: | $2,020.00 |
Single Supplement: | $370.00 |
Travel Club Member Discount: | $25.00 |
Non-refundable deposit due at time of booking: | $200.00 |
Balance of tour payment due Monday 15 January 2024
Book and pay in full by Monday 06 November 2023 and receive $100.00 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 attention. This includes physical disability, difficulty walking, hearing or eyesight impairment, or any neurological disorders. Should 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 operators. Our 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.