THREE TEST TOUR
Introducing the ultimate cricket tour, immersing you in every moment of England’s test series against New Zealand while exploring the breathtaking landscapes and experiences that this beautiful country has to offer.
Our all-inclusive package ensures a seamless experience with dedicated on-site support from our team, managing every detail for you. Relax and enjoy your holiday as we take care of all logistics.
From the magnificent venues to the stunning scenery and camaraderie with fellow cricket enthusiasts, this tour promises to be a once in a lifetime experience.
25th Nov – 21st Dec 2024
21 nights
from
£11,995pp
What’s Included
- Official tickets to all 5 days of the 1st Test in Christchurch, 2nd Test in Wellington & 3rd Test in Hamilton
- Return flights from London to Christchurch via Singapore & Auckland to London via Singapore in economy class with Singapore Airlines
- 6 nights at the 5* Mayfair Hotel in Christchurch on Bed & Breakfast basis
- 1 night at the 4.5* Sudima Hotel in Kaikoura on Bed & Breakfast basis
- 1 night at the 5* Chateau Marlborough in Blenheim on Bed & Breakfast basis
- 6 nights at the 5* InterContinental Hotel in Wellington on Bed & Breakfast basis
- 1 night at the 5* Swiss-Belboutique hotel in Napier on Bed & Breakfast basis
- 1 night at the 5* Pullman Hotel in Rotorua on Bed & Breakfast basis
- 6 nights at the 3* Ibis Tainui Hotel in Hamilton on Bed & Breakfast basis
- 1 night at the 5* Sofitel Viaduct Harbour in Auckland on Bed & Breakfast basis
- Elite Sports Travel “Welcome Drinks” on your arrival evening
- Elite Sports Travel “Farewell Drinks” on your last night
- Whale watching experience in Kaikoura
- Wine tasting and lunch at one of Marlborough’s region’s oldest wineries
- Dinner at New Zealands oldest winery the Mission Estate Winery in Napier
- Traditional Maori evening experience at Tamaki Maori Village for Te Pā Tū, includes Maori style dinner
- Excursion to Te Puia Geothermal Reserve including a Maori cultural experience
- Visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set
- Return executive chauffeur driven private transportation from your home to your UK departure airport
- Complimentary lounge access at your UK & New Zealand departure airports regardless of your class of travel
- All transportation throughout New Zealand including airport transfers, match day transfers, group coach transfers, excursion transfers and much more
- Scenic ferry from Picton across to Wellington on the north island
- Exclusive Elite Sports Travel cricket merchandise
- Elite Sports Travel Tour Managers travelling with the group in New Zealand
Optional Extras
- Flight & hotel room type upgrades available on request
- Options to add on full match hospitality by the day including breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and inclusive beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
- We have a number of pre and post tour extensions available on request including:
South Island tour extensionFiji, Tonga, Samoa or the Cook IslandsAustralia, Singapore, Dubai stopoversAnd much more. Please ask for details.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 01 – Mon 25th NovLondon to ChristchurchYour private chauffeur-driven executive class vehicle will arrive at your chosen location to collect you for your journey to your departure airport ahead of your flight to Christchurch. Once checked in and through to departures, enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks on us in one of the comfortable airport lounges, regardless of your class of travel, ahead of your flight to Singapore. |
Day 02 – Tue 26th NovIn flightThe aircraft will stop for refuelling in Singapore for two hours, which will give you a welcome opportunity to stretch your legs ahead of the next stage of your journey on to New Zealand. |
Day 03 – Wed 27th NovChristchurchWelcome to New Zealand! On arrival at Christchurch Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure to rest and relax or explore the central city independently. Join us in the evening for an informal gathering of ‘Welcome’ drinks, giving you the chance to meet your EST tour staff in more detail and get to know your fellow travellers. Accommodation: 5* The Mayfair Christchurch |
Day 04 – Thu 28th NovChristchurch
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Day 05 – Fri 29th NovChristchurch
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Day 06 – Sat 30th NovChristchurch
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Day 07 – Sun 1st DecChristchurch
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Day 08 – Mon 2nd DecChristchurch
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Day 09 – Tue 3rd DecChristchurch to KaikouraThis morning we will check out of our hotel in the early morning for the magnificent journey to Kaikoura. Travel north over the Canterbury Plains, the largest area of flat land in New Zealand before climbing the Hundalee ranges and following the Pacific Ocean coastline to the township of Kaikoura. Here the towering snow-clad mountains known as the Seaward Kaikoura’s provide a stunning backdrop over the town centre which extends out to the Kaikoura Peninsula, where the waves of the Pacific Ocean roll in. Whale Watching: Accommodation: 4.5* Sudima Hotel Kaikoura |
Day 10 – Wed 4th DecKaikoura to BlenheimThis morning, travel north following the rugged coastline and the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains on the other. Eventually the road turns away from the sea and the rugged country is left behind as it descends to the Waiau Plain that surrounds the town of Blenheim. The area has one of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand and that combined with the free draining river flats has placed the Marlborough district in the forefront of the international wine trade. Wine Tasting & Lunch: Accommodation: 5* Chateau Marlborough – Blenheim |
Day 11 – Thu 5th DecBlenheim to Wellington via Picton FerryThis morning we’ll travel the short distance from Blenheim to Picton where you will board the scenic ferry to Wellington. The Cook Strait ferry crossing is 96 kilometres (52 nautical miles) and takes 3.5-hours. Tory Channel is, without doubt, the most stunning section of the crossing. With the glorious hills of Marlborough rising on either side, and just a few isolated holiday retreats dotting the shores, this is one of the most remote and beautiful regions in New Zealand. On arrival in Wellington board your coach for an orientation tour of New Zealand’s capital city including Oriental Parade, Lambton Quay, the Beehive and Houses of Parliament and the waterfront. Accommodation: 5* InterContinental Wellington |
Day 12 – Fri 6th DecWellington
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Day 13 – Sat 7th DecWellington
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Day 14 – Sun 8th DecWellington
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Day 15 – Mon 9th DecWellington
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Day 16 – Tue 10th DecWellington
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Day 17 – Wed 11th DecWellington to NapierToday travel through the Hutt Valley and over the Rimutaka Hill into the Wairarapa Region, then through the rolling countryside of the Central Hawkes Bay to Napier City, the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand. Dinner at Mission Estate Winery: Accommodation: 5* Swiss-Belboutique Napier |
Day 18 – Thu 12th DecNapier to RotoruaTravel north through the Eskdale Valley and over the ranges to Taupo on the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. From here continue north across farmland and through pine forests to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Time on arrival for an orientation tour of Rotorua, including the picturesque Lake Tarawera. Traditional Maori Evening: Accommodation: 5* Pullman Hotel Rotorua |
Day 19 – Fri 13th DecRotorua to HamiltonBefore departing Rotorua this morning, visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve and the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where a guided tour combines a premier Maori culture experience with an introduction to the magnificent geothermal activity in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Whilst in the valley see the boiling mud pools, steaming silica terraces, hot springs and geysers including the famous Pohutu Geyser which can erupt up to 30 metres high, depending on its mood. You will also get the chance to travel through the Mamaku Ranges to Matamata, home to Hobbiton. Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’. Accommodation: 3* Ibis Hotel Hamilton |
Day 20 – Sat 14th DecHamilton
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Day 21 – Sun 15th DecHamilton
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Day 22 – Mon 16th DecHamilton
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Day 23 – Tue 17th DecHamilton
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Day 24 – Wed 18th DecHamilton
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Day 25 – Thu 19th DecHamilton to AucklandCheck out of your hotel and board the coach for your 2 hour transfer to Auckland, where you’ll stay at the luxurious 5-star Sofitel Viaduct Harbour right in the heart of Auckland. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to explore or relax before your flight tomorrow. In the evening, join us in the lobby for a Farewell drinks social to reflect on a hugely enjoyable series and (hopefully!) victory, and bid farewell to your fellow travellers before heading home. |
Day 26 – Fri 20th DecHamilton to AucklandCheck out of your hotel and board your transportation to Auckland International Airport for your flight to London via Singapore with Singapore Airlines. |
Day 27 – Sat 21st DecLondonArrive into London Heathrow. Once you have passed through passport control and collected your luggage, head through arrivals to meet your chauffeur for your return executive car transportation home. |
What it’s like watching cricket in New Zealand with Elite Sports Travel
“First time on an organised cricket tour. Wonderful trip to New Zealand taking in two test matches. Very well organised and even disruption caused by Cyclone Gabrielle was handled smoothly. Hotels were top notch as were the included excursions. Can’t write a review without mentioning John, he was the perfect host and nothing was too much trouble. The biggest compliment we can pay is that we will definitely use Elite again.”