GRAND CHATEAU BUBBLE BUSTER

GRAND CHATEAU BUBBLE BUSTER BARGAIN. - 4 days/3 nights        

Depart Auckland every saturday from resumption of the "Northern Explorer" train services. We are still awaiting advice as to when this will be. includes return travel by "Norther Explorer" train from Auckland, 3 nightsaccommodation and breakfast at the Grand Chateau and transfers from National Park Railway Station and Grand Chateau.     

Optional (extra expense) shuttle to Top of the Bruce, Skywaka ride to the Knoll Ridge cafe, scenic flights over the volcanoes of the central North Island, and round the mountains tour on  including Ohakune, Gollums pool, Army Museum ,  Trout Hatchery, Turangi, Tokaanu thermal pools.   

The snow is coming and the ski fields will open. Details on Mt Ruapehu.com         

Independent departures - Minimum 2 passengers required.

Departs Auckland Strand railway station 7.45am (Papakura 8.40 and Hamilton 10.15am) every monday,  year round - minimum 2 passengers required. 

Day 1. Saturday.      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.   Sunday, Monday
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 4. Tuesday.      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.

You are welcome to stay as long as you like at the Chateau. 1 night and 4 night options available subject to "Northern Explorer" reintroducing original timetable operating Auckland to Wellington on monday, thursday, saturday and Wellington to Auckland tuesday, friday, and sunday.                                   

Buster Bubble cost per person valid to 31 October, 2020

2 per room   $890        3 per room  $830       Single room   $1,180        

Tour cost includes:  

** Return travel on the "Northern Explorer" from Auckland to National Park and shuttle to and from the Grand Chateau.

** 3 nights accommodation and buffet breakfast at the Grand Chateau   

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. 

SNOW TIME ACTIVITIES - all activities extra expense. 2019 prices. 2020 will probably increase.

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.

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.