Following a hopefully successful Ashes Series, England will travel to the stunning islands of New Zealand in a 2 Test Match Series against the Black Caps.  In conjunction with Howzat Travel who offer great value cricket tours, Silver Fern Holidays are proud to present this fantastic tour to New Zealand, not only taking in both tests, but enjoying a pre Test break in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

New Zealand v England: Auckland & Christchurch Test Matches March 2018

Kiwi Tour – Blue – Itinerary

Thursday 15th March Depart on your one-stop international flight to Auckland.

Saturday 17th March Upon arrival in Auckland, you will be met by your Tour Manager and transfered to your hotel.

Remainder of day at leisure to explore downtown Auckland from your centrally-located hotel, or relax and prepare for your journey to the Bay of Islands.

Enjoy an included dinner this evening in the hotel restaurant.

Sunday 18th March After breakfast check out of your hotel and board the coach to Pahia. Travel north across Auckland Harbour Bridge and the North Shore. Pass some of the lovely beaches along the Hibiscus Coast and continue north through picturesque farmlands to Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands. This region is renowned as the birthplace of the nation of New Zealand as well as for its beautiful beaches and wildlife. Total travelling time around three and a half hours.

This afternoon, visit the Waitangi Treaty House for a guided tour.  It was here that Maori and British settlers signed an historic agreement which gave birth to the nation of New Zealand. The Maori Meeting House in the grounds is a superb example of the skills of Maori wood carvers and flax weavers.

Evening at leisure.

Monday 19th March This morning, join a Hole in Rock Dolphin cruise. On the way to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, the boat seeks out the playful dolphins.  Bottlenose and common dolphins take great delight in racing alongside and showing off their aerobic flips! Conditions permitting, see them race alongside and play in the bow waves. Further out see beautiful Motukokako Island and the famous Hole in the Rock. Hold your breath as the skipper skilfully navigates his way through the hole and into Grand Cathedral Cave (sea conditions permitting). On the return to Paihia, pass several remote islands, fringed with golden sand beaches.

Afternoon at leisure.

Tuesday 20th March Day at leisure for your own choice of activities in the Bay of Islands. Options include helicopter tours, a trip to the historic town of Russell or just relaxing on the beach. Your Tour Manager and our local partners will be able to assist with anything you might like to do.

Wednesday 21st March This morning, bid farewell to the Bay of Islands and travel south to Auckland. Total travelling time around three and a half hours.

With a warm sunny climate and the rhythm of the South Pacific, Auckland’s beautiful natural environment means it is a superb holiday destination with outstanding outdoor adventures, art and culture experiences to sophisticated cuisine, wine and shopping. New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is a melting pot of cultures, with large Polynesian and Asian populations.

In the evening, you are invited to join your Tour Manager and the rest of your group for a welcome drink and an introduction to your tour. This will also be an ideal chance for you to meet your fellow Howzat Travellers. This evening, dinner is included at the hotel, so enjoy this at your leisure.

Thursday 22nd – Mon 26th March 1st NZ v England Test Match

Each day after breakfast and a morning at leisure, we will transfer to Eden Park for the first D/N (TBC) Test Match between New Zealand and England. After each day’s play, return to your hotel.

Tuesday 27th March Day at leisure in Auckland. Your Tour Manager and our local partners will be able to assist you with any activities you might like to do.

Wednesday 28th March Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch, you will be met by your coach driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your afternoon/evening is at leisure.

Thursday 29th March Day at leisure in Christchurch. Your Tour Manager and our local partners will be able to assist you with any activities you might like to do.

Friday 30th March – Tuesday 3rd April 2nd NZ v England Test Match

Each day after breakfast, make your way to the Hagley Oval for the second Test Match between New Zealand and England. After each day’s play, return to your hotel.

On the evening of Monday 2nd, you are invited to join your Tour Managers, fellow travellers and a special guest for the Howzat Travel tour farewell dinner at Riccarton Racecourse.

Wednesday 4th April Check out of your hotel and transfer to Christchurch airport for your international flight back to the UK.

Price:

£4749 per person Please quote The Kiwi Tour Blue when booking

Single Supplement £1730

What is included:

For the Bay of Islands:

Accommodation: Auckland Grand Millennium – 1 night, Pahia Kingsgate Hotel – 3 nights

Meals: Daily Breakfast and a Dinner in Auckland on 17th Mar.

Following the Bay of Islands:

14 nights’ Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Auckland and Christchurch.

7 nights Auckland – Grand Millennium and 7 nights Christchurch – Distinction Hotel The opportunity to enhance your time in New Zealand with pre and/or post tour sightseeing extensions. Return, international, economy flights from the UK. Upgrades are available on request. Domestic flight from Auckland to Christchurch. All airport transfers in air-conditioned transport. Services of Howzat Travel Tour Managers.

All match transfers in air-conditioned transport Tour welcome drink and farewell dinner. Access to Howzat Travel’s famed special guest events. Limited edition lightweight tour polo shirt.

Match tickets are guaranteed but not included in the tour cost at this stage. These will be added to your invoice at cost as soon as prices are known.

Not included:

Any meals except those specified in the itinerary Expenses of a personal nature, such as telephone calls, laundry, table drinks, tips and gratuities Use of rooms before/after normal check in/out times Individual’s travel insurance.

Flight Options:

OPTION 1 – Singapore Airlines

OPTION 2 – Emirates

The tour can also be extended after the cricket has finished to take in more of the spectacular South Island!