Remarkable New Zealand - 20 days
Remarkable New Zealand - 20 days
20 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Goodbye New Zealand
Visiting: New Zealand
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1620/RNZ
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18+The average age of passengers on these tours is between 55-75yrs. Pure Discoveries do not permit children.
Trip Styles:
From:
$7635
$7253 (USD)
Operator discount: -$382
NB: Prices correct on 20-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Journey from Auckland to Christchurch on this 20-day New Zealand tour, taking in the best of the North and South islands. Discover Maori heritage in Rotorua and opt to explore Hobbiton or the Waimangu Volcano Valley. Ride a cable car over Wellington, cross the Cook Strait by ferry and hike amongst the lush scenery of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore beautiful Wanaka and the surrounding area, see pretty Te Anau lake and sail on Milford Sound. Admire towering Mount Cook, explore Queenstown independently and end your journey in Christchurch.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Haere mai – Welcome! Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day and your first evening offer free time for you to explore the local area and find somewhere for dinner.
Day 2: Coromandel Peninsula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Auckland – Coromandel Peninsula – Whitianga. Today we leave Auckland behind and drive across the fertile Hauraki Plains to the Firth of Thames – a large shallow bay that is home to a variety of birdlife. We ride the Driving Creek Railway, climbing 120-metres through native forest on this narrow-gauge railway to the EyeFull Tower – a viewpoint with panoramic views over the surrounding area. After our railway ride, we journey east across the Coromandel Peninsula, sampling yet more of the region's spectacular scenery. Reaching the town of Whitianga on Mercury Bay, the evening is at leisure.
Day 3: Whitianga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day on the Coromandel Peninsula, exploring all that it has to offer at your own pace. Pay a visit to Hot Water Beach, where warm springs bubble up through the sand. Opt for a walk along the sandy beach at Hahei or visit the beach named after James Cook who arrived in Mercury Bay aboard HMS Endeavor in 1769. Cooks Beach is today a popular holiday retreat for Kiwis, and is sure to amaze you.
From Cooks Beach you can choose to catch the short ferry ride back to Whitianga and walk to our accommodation or travel back with our driver.
Day 4: Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Whitianga – Rotorua. Departing Whitianga, we follow the Pacific Coast Highway through the coastal towns of Whangamata and Tauranga before turning inland. We visit a bushwalk with views over majestic Okere Falls before reaching Rotorua, the epicentre of Maori heritage and New Zealand’s geothermal activity. We enjoy an included visit to Te Puia with a private local guide. This active geothermal site is also the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, as well as a Kiwi conservation project. You may be able to catch a glimpse of New Zealand’s endangered but iconic national emblem.
Day 5: Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
Today we have a choice between two different activities. Option 1 is a visit to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley which is the site of the Mt Tarawera eruption in 1886. This monumental event reshaped the landscape permanently, giving rise to the valley we explore today. As we wander through we encounter bubbling craters and brilliantly coloured steaming lakes. We embark on a cruise across Lake Rotomahana to the location of the silica terraces where we witness the gradual formation of new silica terraces.
Option 2 is a Middle-earth experience with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set where we explore the iconic Shire. Our guide will walk us through the ten-acre site, sharing insights on how the movie set was brought to life. We get to see the Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, The Millhouse, and other film structures, witnessing the transformation of this beautiful Waikato farmland into Middle-earth's Shire.
In the evening we head to the Tamaki Maori Village for Te Pa Tu. The experience aligns with the Maori lunar calendar, offering Maori traditions, songs, and seasonal cuisine within the forest village. We enjoy a 4-course fusion feast designed by Maori chefs and served outdoors or in the dining room, depending on the weather.
Return hotel transfers are included, and we join other travellers for this enriching experience.
Day 6: Napier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rotorua – Napier. This morning we head south, stopping to visit Huka Falls and passing vast Lake Taupo. If clear skies permit, from here we should be able to see the peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, where lays the volcanic terrain that acted as the backdrop of ‘Mordor’ in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We continue our journey to Napier, a joyful seaside town that was rebuilt in Art Deco style after a 1931 earthquake. We enjoy a walking tour of the colourful town with a local guide.
This evening we are treated to dinner with a glass of wine at the Mission Estate Winery. First set up by missionaries in the mid-19th century, today these vineyards produce award-winning wines and offer sweeping views over Napier.
Day 7: Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Napier – Wellington. This morning we make our way to New Zealand’s capital city - Wellington. We ride the Wellington Cable Car for incredible views over the city and enjoy an included visit to the Te Papa Museum, the country's national museum. Here you will learn more about the history, culture and wildlife of New Zealand. The evening is at leisure.
Day 8: Nelson
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wellington – Nelson. Today we embark on one of the world's most scenic ferry rides, as we say goodbye to the North Island and cross the Cook Strait. The boats are often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow wave, a joyful experience. Arriving in Picton on the South Island, we head to Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough wine country. There's included wine tasting at one of the area's best wineries before we complete our journey to the delightful town of Nelson.
Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
We spend today soaking up the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden coves, turquoise lagoons and forest ranges. Since there are few roads in this national park we see the sights of it by boat instead. Boarding a small cruiser at Kaiteriteri we head out to enjoy the scenery with plenty of stops along the way for swimming and exploring on foot. Arriving back in Kaiteriteri after the cruise, you have three options.
Option 1 is to relax in the town of Kaiteriteri at leisure.
Option 2 is to join a shorter 7km (2.5 hour) self-guided walk to fabulous Anchorage Beach.
Option 3 is to join a longer 10.5km (4 hour) self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach including the scenic highlights of the South Head lookout, the famous Falls River swing-bridge and Cleopatra’s Pool.
After these activities are completed, we transfer back to Nelson for the evening.
Day 10: Punakaiki
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nelson – Punakaiki. Travelling inland from Nelson we follow the Buller River Gorge on a scenic drive through forest, deep river gorges and across single-track bridges. We visit the quaint village of St Arnaud on the edge of Lake Rotoiti, before continuing to the rugged coast of Punakaiki. This small town is known for its incredible rock formations. Called 'Pancake Rocks, these limestone stacks are an impressive natural feature.
Day 11: Fox Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast
Punakaiki – Franz Josef – Fox. Leaving Punakaiki behind, we journey along the Great Coast Road, recently voted one of the world's top 10 coastal roads by Lonely Planet. We pass through historic Hokitika and stop at the dramatic Hokitika Gorge to admire the view. Continuing through forests and farmland, passing mountains and the Tasman Sea, we reach the small town of Franz Josef, and finally arrive in the village of Fox.
The enormous Franz Josef and Fox glaciers have carved their way down the Southern Alps to sea level, and our accommodation is located near this incredible natural feature. Weather permitting, join an optional helicopter ride over the Fox glacier, a memorable experience (book and pay locally).
Day 12: Wanaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fox - Wanaka. This morning we visit nearby Lake Matheson for a morning stroll. With Mount Cook as your backdrop and the early morning birds chirping, it's a peaceful and relaxing experience. It's then time to depart, as we make our way over the Haast Pass and into Mount Aspiring National Park. Reaching the pretty resort town of Wanaka, the evening is at leisure. Located on the shore of Lake Wanaka, the town is a delightful place to head out and explore.
Day 13: Wanaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by boat and escape civilisation as we cruise to an island where we hike through vibrant native vegetation to find a hidden mountaintop lake surrounded by small islands. We trek on to reach the island's summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool. Look out for the rare Buff Weka, a flightless bird extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920, which often joins visitors.
Option 2 is a 4WD adventure. We will explore a perfect mix of stunning scenery, history, and farm life in New Zealand's High Country. We will traverse remote back roads on an authentic farm with Lake Wanaka as our backdrop, surrounded by nature's beauty. We get up close to farm animals and visit historical sites, all while enjoying optional hikes through alpine meadows and lakeside forests, offering a unique insight into Wanaka's history, heritage, modern farming, and breathtaking landscapes.
When we return to Wanaka we have the afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy the town.
Day 14: Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wanaka - Te Anau. It's time to say farewell to Wanaka as we head towards the most southern part of our trip. We stop for a photograph of the famous Cardrona Pub and visit the gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. Continuing through the Remarkables mountains and past Lake Wakatipu, we eventually reach our destination. Te Anau is the largest freshwater lake on the South Island and our base for the evening.
Day 15: Milford Sound & Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown. Our journey to Milford Sound involves passing through Fiordland National Park, one of the most scenic drives of our trip. One of the greatest wildernesses in the Southern Hemisphere, the scenery is punctuated with lofty mountains and deep glacial valleys. We reach Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.
Boarding a comfortable cruiser, we head out onto the waters of Milford Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins, and admire Mitre Peak from the water. Enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. Back on dry land, we complete our drive to Queenstown by retracing our steps to Te Anau and then heading north.
Day 16: Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day for you to relax or explore Queenstown and the surrounding area. The list of possible activities is endless; you could go zip-lining or ride the gondola to at Bob's Peak, enjoy white water rafting or cruise picturesque Lake Wakatipu. Other options include a 4X4 safari to Skippers Canyon, a cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw or a visit to a local winery. Your tour leader will be able to advise you on how to spend your time!
Day 17: Twizel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Queenstown - Mount Cook - Twizel. Our journey continues north, and the scenery continues to impress. Heading through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past idyllic Lake Dunstan and into the Mackenzie Basin, we enjoy views of the Southern Alps. We reach Mount Cook village, offering jaw-dropping views of New Zealand's tallest peak, known in Maori as Aoraki. The night is spent in the rural town of Twizel.
Day 18: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Twizel - Christchurch. Today we visit a local home on the shore of Lake Tekapo. We learn how to make a traditional Kiwi pavlova and can taste our creation whilst overlooking the lake. We also visit the Church of the Good Shephard, which is one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand. The Southern Alps tower n the background, making for quite the photograph.
Passing through the rural towns of Fairlie, Geraldine and Ashburton, we finally reach Christchurch. The city has been rebuilt following cataclysmic earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and is once more a modern, thriving city.
Day 19: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we explore Christchurch, a most English of New Zealand cities! The day starts with some punting along the River Avon, and yes, our boatmen will be wearing straw hats and traditional dress! We pass through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and ride a beautifully restored heritage tram through the city centre. To round off our trip, there is an included group dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
Day 20: Goodbye New Zealand
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today your adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-star hotels -
19 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
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19 nights 4 star hotels
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Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites
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Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 20
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All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
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Ferry across the Cook Strait
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Touring of Napier, Wellington & Christchurch
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Coromandel narrow-gauge railway
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Visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Hobbiton Movie Set
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Te Pa Tu Maori experience
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, travel insurance etc)
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Optional activities
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Tip for your tour guide driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.
Accommodation
M Social
The M Social Hotel in Auckland is the perfect blend of modern design and convenient location. Situated in Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, this modern hotel offers an unbeatable location to explore the city. The hotel boasts a variety of well-decorated rooms and suites with stunning views of the city or harbour. Each room is designed for comfort and style, featuring sleek decor, comfortable beds, and modern amenities to make your stay truly comfortable. A highlight of the M Social Hotel is the stylish Beast & Butterflies restaurant, serving up delicious Asia Pacific cuisine. When relaxing in the hotel guests can make the most of the modern fitness centre or enjoy some drinks at the bar to unwind after a day of exploring.
Oceans Resort
Oceans Resort enjoys a prime location right on Simpsons & Buffalo Beach, where guests can enjoy the serene sounds of the ocean and picturesque sea views. Accommodation at Oceans Resort are a selection of spacious and modern apartments, some featuring fully equipped kitchens, living areas, and private balconies. These tasteful rooms provide the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The resort's facilities include a heated swimming pool and spa, inviting you to unwind after a day discovering the Coromandel Peninsula. For those looking to explore, the Whitianga town centre is just a short stroll away, offering a variety of dining, shopping, and recreational activities.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Set in the heart of Rotorua, the Millennium Hotel offers a unique blend of luxurious comfort and access to local natural beauty. The hotel's location places you within easy reach of Rotorua's geothermal parks, Maori cultural experiences, and adventure activities, making it an ideal choice for exploring the diverse attractions of this captivating city. Rooms provide a perfect place for relaxation. Guests can expect modern amenities, comfortable furnishings, and some rooms even offer stunning views of Lake Rotorua or the surrounding landscapes. Millennium Hotel Rotorua offers a variety of facilities to enhance your stay, including a heated pool & fitness centre. The hotel offers two restaurants that serve delectable menus of local and international cuisine. A contemporary cocktail bar is also found on site for guests to enjoy.
Regal Palms Resort
Found in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, the Regal Palms Resort is a luxurious escape surrounded by nature's marvels. Conveniently located on the edge of the city, this resort provides easy access to Rotorua's iconic attractions, including geysers, hot springs, and cultural experiences. Rooms at the Regal Palms Resort are stylish and modern, offering a variety of spacious and well-equipped suites and villas. Each unit boasts modern amenities such as an ensuite, a TV, A/C, and a small kitchenette with private balconies or courtyards, creating a serene retreat for guests. The resort's facilities include a heated outdoor pool, mineral spa pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, and a mini gold course, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate. The on-site day spa offers a range of pampering treatments for ultimate relaxation.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Scenic Hotel Te Pania is a jewel on the Napier waterfront, offering a prime location to explore. The hotel's accommodations feature a blend of modern comfort and style, with many rooms providing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Each room is elegantly decorated, equipped with A/C, a TV, WiFi, and an en-suite. Guests can unwind in the hotel's restaurant and bar, serving a delicious array of local cuisine and fine wines. The outdoor terrace is perfect for enjoying a meal and a drink with the picturesque backdrop of the sea. Scenic Hotel Te Pania boasts exceptional facilities, including a fitness centre, a bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a convenient stay for its guests. Its central location allows easy access to Napier's vibrant arts and culture scene, making it an ideal choice for exploring this unique destination.
DoubleTree By Hilton Wellington
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington is perfectly situated in the heart of New Zealand's vibrant capital city. The hotel's location is unbeatable, just steps away from Wellington's bustling business district and the city's major attractions. It's a great base for exploring the Te Papa Museum, the iconic Wellington Cable Car, and the vibrant scene along the waterfront. Rooms are comfortable, clean and stylish and guests can expect plush furnishings, modern amenities and splendid views of the city from some rooms. Facilities include a fitness centre and a restaurant/bar serving Asian and European inspired cuisine.
Rutherford Hotel Nelson
The Rutherford Hotel in Nelson is the perfect hotel for travellers to this charming coastal city. Ideally situated in the heart of Nelson's central business district, the hotel offers easy access to the city, as well as the picturesque waterfront and nearby parks. Rooms at the Rutherford Hotel are modern and comfortable in addition to many boasting splendid views of the city or the nearby Tasman Bay. The hotel features excellent facilities, including a fitness centre, and a restaurant/bar.
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
With a picturesque beach right on the doorstep, the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki boasts easy access to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, the seaside village of Punakaiki, and Paparoa National Park. Its comfortable and spacious rooms feature an en-suite, WiFi, and panoramic views of either the surrounding green forest or ocean. Guests can enjoy the ‘Ocean View Restaurant & Bar’ which offers delicious dishes prepared using premium New Zealand ingredients.
Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel
Situated in the charming township of Fox Glacier, the Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel provides a perfect base for exploring the awe-inspiring Fox Glacier and nearby attractions. Rooms are designed for comfort and relaxation, many with stunning mountain or rainforest views. Paired with its modern amenities and cosy furnishings ensure a pleasant stay. The hotel offers excellent facilities, including a welcoming bar and restaurant serving delectable cuisine, perfect for refuelling after a day of adventure in the surrounding wilderness.
Edgewater Hotel
The Edgewater Hotel in Wanaka offers a spectacular retreat set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps and the pristine waters of Lake Wanaka. This idyllic location provides guests with a serene and picturesque escape in the South Island. Many rooms offer breathtaking lake or mountain views and feature modern amenities such as ensuites, A/C, and TV’s, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay. The hotel's amenities include a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine and a bar for unwinding with a drink. Edgewater Hotel also features a heated pool, spa pools, tennis courts, and a fitness centre, offering opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
The Distinction Luxmore Hotel in Te Anau is a gateway to the stunning Fiordland region, nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau. The hotel provides a comfortable and welcoming retreat after a day of adventure. Rooms are thoughtfully designed and equipped with modern amenities such as an ensuite, WiFi, and a TV, ensuring a restful stay. Many rooms offer scenic views of Lake Te Anau or the surrounding mountains. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and a cosy bar where guests can savour local and international cuisine while taking in the picturesque surroundings. Other amenities include a fitness centre and a guest lounge.
Scenic Suites Queenstown
Scenic Suites Queenstown offers a luxurious escape in the heart of New Zealand's adventure capital. Ideally located just a short walk from the vibrant town centre, the hotel enjoys a prime position for exploring the stunning landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, and the thriving dining and entertainment scene that Queenstown is famous for. Accommodation at Scenic Suites Queenstown is stylish and designed for comfort. Many rooms offer breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, creating a tranquil and scenic backdrop for your stay. The hotel's amenities include a restaurant and bar serving delicious local and international cuisine and a modern fitness centre, ensuring that guests can unwind and rejuvenate after a day of adventure. The hotel's location is also convenient for exploring Queenstown's attractions, such as the Skyline Gondola and the waterfront.
Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
The Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel in Twizel offers a peaceful retreat amidst the stunning landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin. Located at the gateway to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, this hotel provides a picturesque setting for nature enthusiasts and those seeking outdoor adventures. Rooms at the Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel are a cozy haven after a day of exploration where guests can enjoy comfortable furnishings and contemporary amenities such as an en-suite, TV, WiFi, and large windows offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The hotel features excellent facilities, including an on-site restaurant serving delectable cuisine, a bar for relaxing with a drink, and sunny gardens offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful place for a stroll.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
The Distinction Christchurch Hotel stands in the heart of Christchurch. Located in the city centre, the hotel offers a convenient base for exploring the city's vibrant culture, shopping precincts, and iconic landmarks. The Distinction Christchurch Hotel is modern and stylish, and rooms provide modern amenities and chic decor, creating a comfortable retreat for all guests. The hotel's facilities include a sophisticated restaurant and bar, serving fresh and locally sourced cuisine and refreshing drinks in a refined atmosphere. With its central location, the hotel is within easy reach of Christchurch's attractions, including the Botanic Gardens and the Canterbury Museum.
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Dates & Availability
Saturday - Thursday
Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Feb 15, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 13, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 19, 2025 - May 08, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 10, 2025 - May 29, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 300 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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