GRAND CHATEAU BREAKAWAY - 5 days/4 nights
Departs Auckland Strand railway station 7.45am (Papakura 8.40 and Hamilton 10.15am) every monday, year round - minimum 2 passengers required.
Ride the rails to National Park station and transfer to the Grand Chateau for 4 nights accommodation and buffet breakfast. Ride the new Sky Waka gondola, ski, hike, take the Tongariro Crossing challenge, enjoy a scenic flight, or just relax.
BONUS! Commence your breakaway on the same day as our Grand Chateau Short Break September 16, October 14 and November 25 and enjoy High Tea in the lounge and one 3 course dinner in the Ruapehu restaurant monday night - no extra charge.
Day 1. Monday. Auckland - Grand Chateau.
7.45am. Depart Auckland Strand Rail station aboard the "Northern Explorer" train for the scenic journey along the banks of the Waikato River, through rural dairy farmland, small communities, and the more rugged Volcanic Plateau including the engineering marvel of the Raurimu Spiral up which the train must climb.
1.15pm. Arrive National Park station and transfer by shuttle to the Grand Chateau just 20 minutes drive away.Check in at the hotel. Shuttle to the Top of the Bruce ski base for your 1.8 km Sky Waka ride to the Knoll Ridge cafe 2,020 metres above sea level for magnificent views in fine weather.
Days 2, 3, 4. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Free time for alpine or bush walk, take a scenic flight over the central North island volcanoes (highly recommended) or just relax. In winter ski or snowboard or just play in the snow. In summer enjoy any of the many alpine walks, take a guided hike to the top of Mt Ruapehu volcano (conditions permitting) or enjoy the famous Tongariro Crossing, rated one of the best one day walks in the world. All activities extra expense
Day 5. Friday. GRAND CHATEAU - AUCKLAND 12.15pm. Transfer to National Park Railway Station.
1.15pm Depart aboard the "Northern Explorer" train
6.50pm. Arrive Auckland Strand Railway station.
Tour cost per person
2 per room $990 3 per room $890 Single room $1,350
Tour cost includes:
** Return travel on the "Northern Explorer" from Auckland to National Park and shuttle to and from the Grand Chateau. Transfers provided in Auckland from any inner city accommodation.
** 4 nights accommodation and buffet breakfast at the Grand Chateau
** 1 shuttle ride from the Grand Chateau to the "Top of the Briuce" and return and Sky Waka gondola ride to the Knoll Ridge cafe 2020 metres above sea level. This can be taken any time during your stay to get the best weather,.
SNOW TIME ACTIVITIES - all activities extra expense.
1. Grand Chateau - Top of the Bruce return shuttle $10
2. Sky Waka scenic ride return to Knoll Ridge $49
3. Skywaka and lunch $75
4. Sky Waka and 1 hour sledding $69
4. FIRST TIMERS 3 DAYS INTRO TO SNOW: including lift pass, 2 x 1.5 hour lessons, skis/boots/poles OR Snowboard and boots. $449
5. Ski lift passes: 1 day $129, 2 days $239, 3 day $319, 4 day $369, 5 days $399
6. Skis/boots/poles OR snowboard/boots: 1 day $49, 2 days $89, 3 days $124, 4 days $159, 5 days $194
7. Clothing: Jackets or pants $20 each.
8. Accessories bundle including Jacket, pants, helmet, goggles and gloves $99. You keep the goggles and gloves.
Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is one of the 'must do' world walks. Magnificent mountain scenery in the presence of two active volcanoes, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngaruhoe (aka Mt Doom) in the Tongariro National Park. Experience Mountain Springs, a glacial valley, old lava flows, active craters, steam vents, emerald coloured lakes, and alpine plant life all included.
We strongly recommend taking a guided hike to enjoy the best experience in safety. Weather conditions change rapidly in the mountains and your guide will have the latest information as well as introduce the mountain flora, fauna, and scenery to you. Cost $195. Pickup at the Grand Chateau is about 7am and return about 4pm. Mountain equipment is included. Track length is 19.4 kms starting at 1100 metres above sea level. Highest point is 1886 metres. A reasonable level of fitness is required. A minimum of 2 nights at the Chateau is required.
SCENIC FLIGHTS
To really appreciate the spectacular beauty of the mountains and Lake Taupo we strongly recommend a scenic flight from the Chateau airfield (transfers from the Chateau provided)
15 minute flight - Tongariro Crossing. $125
25 minute flight - Northern Circuit. $205
35 minute flight - Volcanic Explorer. $255
The volcanic Explorer flight covers all three volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park - Mt Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu, and Mt Ngaruhoe - including alpine lakes, Lake Taupo, Red Crater, route of the Tongariro Alpine crossing from the comfort of your aircraft, and scenes from Lord of the Rings. Mt Taranaki can be seen in fine weather.
Tour 211A
GRAND CHATEAU - WAIRAKEI RESORT (TAUPO) - 5 day/4 nights
This package is flexible if you wish to amend the number of days away as all services operate daily except the "Northern Explorer"
Departs Auckland 7.45am every Monday, Thursday, Saturday
Departs Wellington 7.55am every Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Bonus: Depart Auckland on mondays August 19, September 06, October 07, or November 18 and enjoy High tea in the Grand Chateau lounge as well as one three course dinner in the Ruapehu restaurant on monday night no extra charge. You will be hosted from Auckland monday through to midday tuesday.
Day 1. AUCKLAND OR WELLINGTON TO THE GRAND CHATEAU
Join the "Northern Explorer" train to National Park and shuttle to Grand Chateau for 2 nights accommodation and breakfast
Day 2. GRAND CHATEAU - WHAKAPAPA Free day for your own activities. Ski or snowboard in winter, enjoy a guided hike on the Tongariro Crossing year round, or whatever you wish. A ride on the new Sky Waka in enclosed cabins to the Knoll Ridge cafe 2.020 metres above sea level is included. All other activities are extra expense.
Day 3. GRAND CHATEAU - WAIRAKEI. Free time and transfer to Taupo and Wairakei Resort for 2 nights accommodation and breakfast
Day 4. WAIRAKEI RESORT - TAUPO Free day to enjoy your choice of activities in the Taupo area or take a day tour to Rotorua. Enjoy an exciting jet boat ride to the Huka Falls, bunjy jump over the Waikato River, Tandem parachute over Lake Taupo, take a leisurely cruise to the Maori carvings, fish for trout in the lake or streams, golf on the excellent golf courses, visit the geothermal valley and volcanic interpretation centre. After a hard days sightseeing what better than to relax in the thermal spa at your resort. We recommend staying longer!
Day 5. TAUPO - AUCKLAND OR WELLINGTON Return to Auckland or Wellington by Intercity coach. Various departures available during the day. Tour ends at Skycity coach terminal or Wellington rail station. You may start Auckland and end Wellington or vice versa if you wish - no extra cost.
Tour cost per person:
2 per room $1,190. 3 per room $1,090. Single room $1,590.
Tour cost includes:
** All travel from Auckland or Wellington back to Auckland or Wellington by train and coach
** Arrival and departure transfers at each point
** 4 nights accommodation and breakfast at Grand Chateau and Wairakei Resort
On mountain and sightseeing costs are not included.
ADD HOBBITON
Friday. Travel by Intercity bus from Taupo to join our Hobbiton shuttle and enjoy a 2 hour tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set before travelling on to Auckland arriving between 7.30 and 8pm. Extra cost per person Adults $150. Children 10-14 $110, Children under 10 $80.
ADD ROTORUA AND HOBBITON:
Thursday: Travel from Taupo to Rotorua this afternoon and enjoy an evening cultural presentation and hangi steam cooked dinner at the Mitai Maori village. Accommodation and breakfast in Rotorua.
Friday. Morning tour of Rotorua including the Te Puia thermal area (famed Pohutu geyser, bubbling mud pools, and Maori carving and weaving schools), Agrodome farm show (sheep shearing, cow milking, sheep dog trials) and Rainbow Springs Nature Park including our native kiwi birds.
Travel to Hobbiton this afternoon for a 2 hour guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie set and arrive Auckland between 7.30 and 8pm.
Extra cost $550 per adult ($300 children age 10-14 and $200 chlldren under 10) including all admissions. and hangi dinner.
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