Celebrate Christmas in Kiwi style on our 10-day New Zealand tour. Glide through Christchurch's Avon River, soak in Hanmer Springs' thermal pools, and cruise the stunning Akaroa Harbour. Indulge in fine wines at Seifried Estate Winery and enjoy a festive feast in Blenheim. With 26 included meals and carbon-neutral travel, this immersive experience promises a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Join us on this unforgettable journey through New Zealand's scenic wonders.
20 December
5 Eco Experiences 6 Heritage Experiences
Save $300 per couple or $150 Single if booked by 30 April 2024
20 December 2024
Flights are arranged to suit the tour as a group in advance, therefore we cannot book individual preferences or guarantee direct flights.Airline taxes are included and are subject to change without notice. Australian passport holders minimum validity for travel must be 6 months from date of return to Australia. Non-Australian passport citizens are required to seek independent advice for passport validity and entry visa.Prices & dates are correct as at 1 March 2024 and are based on the exchange rates at time of publication and may be adjusted if rate fluctuations affect the price to be paid for services. Any price increase is to be paid by the guest, and at this time if guest chooses to cancel all monies paid/held will be forfeited.Due to international terms & conditions, balance of payment for this tour will be required 100 days prior to departure and at this time 100% cancellation fees apply.Travel Insurance is compulsory and it is recommended that it be purchased at time of paying deposit. N.B. Tour subject to fuel levy price increases for all transport operators. See T&Cs for details.
Kia Ora – Welcome to New Zealand. On arrival at the Christchurch International Airport, you will be met by an experienced Fun Over 50 Holidays Tour Host. We join our Coach Captain for a short sightseeing tour, offering a glimpse into the attractions, landmarks, history, culture and natural beauty of Christchurch. This evening, we meet for a delightful welcome dinner with fellow travellers.
This morning, embark on a self-guided tour of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Following this, board a traditional punt, a meticulously handcrafted flat-bottomed boat, and gracefully glide along the serene Avon River. Delight in the experience as a skilled punter, donned in traditional Edwardian attire, propels you gently from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds to the Botanic Gardens. This afternoon, we visit the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for an enlightening guided tour. Our day culminates this evening with a dining experience at the Curators House, nestled in a heritage building within the picturesque Botanic Gardens. This culinary haven, boasting its own kitchen garden, serves dishes crafted from fresh regional produce with a notable Spanish influence.
This morning board the TranzAlpine rail service for a scenic rail journey through the heart of the mighty Southern Alps to Greymouth on the West Coast. Cross the fertile Canterbury Plains then wind through the gorge of the Waimakariri River and climb into Arthur’s Pass National Park. From the valleys of the snow-capped mountains, descend into the lush rainforests of Westland, to conclude the journey at the town of Greymouth. Continue the journey by coach to the small settlement of Punakaiki on the edge of the Paparoa National Park, renowned for its wild, rugged coastline and the famous ‘Pancake Rocks’ and blowholes. These stratified limestone stacks are an extraordinary monument of nature.
Departing Punakaiki, we continue north up the West Coast before travelling inland which follows the Buller River, enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Buller Gorge. Travel through remote bush covered mountains before travelling through the small towns of Inangahua, Murchison and then north to Nelson City. This afternoon we visit the Nelson Classic Car Museum which showcases a captivating collection of meticulously restored classic vehicles, offering a nostalgic journey through automotive history.
This morning visit Founders Heritage Park for a self-guided visit through a village of character buildings that are set in beautiful well-established gardens. The iconic Windmill Gift Shop has a range of local crafts made onsite and fun old-school gifts that will take you back to your childhood.Afterwards enjoy a wine tasting at Seifried Estate Winery, a local Nelson winery devoted to sustainable winegrowing and producing the very best Nelson has to offer.
Merry Christmas! Start with a leisurely breakfast before going on a Christmas morning drive to Mapua, a small coastal village at the heart of Tasman Bay. We make our way back to Nelson to don your best Christmas attire and enjoy a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings at the hotel. Take the afternoon at leisure or join your Tour Host to enjoy some friendly games.
Today, we venture inland, travelling through to Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough Wine Country. The road travels south along the rugged coastline with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains on the other side before arriving in Kaikoura for lunch. After lunch, continue the journey to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, one of New Zealand’s favourite retreats, perfect for rest or for adventure. Take a relaxing dip at Hanmer Springs thermal pools. The outdoor thermal pools are popular year-round where you can sit back and relax in the natural thermal water surrounded by towering trees and a magnificent mountain backdrop.
Enjoy a leisurely start before we head south to the North Canterbury wine district to visit Waipara Springs Winery to sample wine before enjoying a shared platter lunch. We then journey south across north Canterbury farmlands before arriving into Christchurch. This evening experience the luxury of the colonial style dining tram. Incorporate fabulous dining with a sightseeing tour showcasing Christchurch’s inner city vibrancy and heritage.
Depart the hotel early this morning to visit the beautiful old French whaling depot of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. We take a cruise on Akaroa Harbour which is known for its wildlife including penguins, marine birdlife and the very rare Hector’s Dolphins. After lunch visit the fabulous Giant’s House where the sculpture mosaic garden is colourful, interactive, and full of surprises. This afternoon, we retrace our journey back to Christchurch before enjoying a farewell dinner.
Farewell from New Zealand! Today you will be transferred from the hotel to Christchurch International Airport for your flight home.
At Fun Over 50 Holidays, we understand the immense value of your dream holiday and the need for comprehensive protection, especially in the current COVID-19 landscape. That’s why we’ve introduced a COVID Refund Secure Policy, so you can have complete peace of mind when booking your next trip with us.
Fun Over 50 is proud to announce that we’ve been named as a Best Of Queensland Experience. This means that we come highly recommended by travellers, and provide exemplary tourism experiences through:
Get in touch with us to join the waitlist for this tour. Our team will get in touch with you soon to confirm your details and reserve your place.
Get in touch with us to request a booking for this tour. Our team will get in touch with you soon to confirm your details and reserve your place.
Our Gold Class coach tours let you experience the beauty of the Australian landscape in comfort and style. From the coach itself to the accommodation and meals, every detail is considered.
See Gold Class coaches
For the next level in luxury, our Diamond Class coach tours give you the business class experience every step of the way. We only book the very best options available
Norfolk Island beckons with its charming mix of history, culture, welcoming hospitality and relaxing atmosphere. With 7 nights at the Paradise Hotel and daily activities including a 4WD island tour, convict settlement tour, glass bottom boat cruise and bushwalk breakfast, there is plenty to keep you busy during the day. Don't forget the main event for this tour - Christmas Day! We dine on a traditional and seafood Christmas Day lunch with all of the trimmings. At night join a progressive dinner, enjoy 'Wonderland by Night' and even dress as a convict for a dinner and show.
This really is a 100% New Zealand experience as we unearth both the north and south islands of 'the land of the long white cloud'. An in-depth tour showcasing Maori culture and heritage, undoubtedly some of the world's most stunning scenery and good kiwi hospitality. Enjoy two breathtaking rail journeys and an overnight cruise on awe-inspiring Milford Sound as we discover all there is to know about our neighbours across 'the ditch'.
Norfolk Island beckons with its charming mix of history, culture, welcoming hospitality and relaxing atmosphere. With 7 nights at the Paradise Hotel and daily activities including a 4WD island tour, convict settlement tour, glass bottom boat cruise and bushwalk breakfast, there is plenty to keep you busy during the day. At night join a progressive dinner, enjoy 'Wonderland by Night' and even dress as a convict for a dinner and show.
To book this tour, all you need to do is get in touch with us. We will take your details and reserve your place over the phone. We can also answer any questions you may have and give you all the information you need.
Our coach tours have a baggage restriction of 17kg per person (regardless of flight and rail allowances) due to our Occupational Health & Safety standards. You can also bring one small, soft carry-on bag not exceeding 30cm wide, 30cm high, and 15cm thick that may be stowed in the overhead compartment.
Each of our tours has a fitness rating which describes the level of physical activity involved with the tour. These ratings are very important when choosing your tour to ensure it's right for you. Our fitness ratings are:
Our Gold Class coaches have a seat capacity of between 44 and 46, but we cap Gold Class tours at 40 guests per tour. Our Diamond Class tours have a capacity of just 26 guests. Other tour types may have different capacities depending on the transport and destination. Please get in touch with our team if you have any questions about a specific tour.
In most cases, yes we can. We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking, and we can confirm with our suppliers and restaurants.
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We are a Green Travel Leader. This is awarded to businesses which have consistently proven their commitment to sustainable tourism management over ten years.
As a Sustianable Tourism accredited business, we are proud to offer engaging tourism experiences that follow sound sustainability practices and environmental appreciation.
Quality Tourism accredited businesses like Fun Over 50 lead the way by offering the highest industry standards of customer service, satisfaction, reliability, and ethical practices.
We are committed to operating in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the authenticity and integrity of living cultures of Indigenous communities.
We have incorporated strategic climate change responses across all relevant levels of our planning and operations. We are working towards becoming carbon neutral.
With Advanced Ecotourism certification, we offer outstanding experiences which let you get back to nature, help conservation, and minimise environmental impact.
We are a credible, well trained, and professional business. We conduct business in compliance with Australian Consumer Law and in accordance with ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators represents tour operators and wholesalers. As a full CATO member, we provide authentic and original holidays with sustainable travel.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.
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