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Greetings All. We trust you are all bearing up with the cooler winter days and that you are still able to get out and about. At least we are past the shortest day of the year. “Now its downhill to Spring and then roll on the Summer!”
Our first trip in June was up to Feilding where we went to the Craft Fair. This was a good outing with the weather behaving itself and a good turnout by our members. Our second trip late last month was to Operatunity at Southwards with a smaller group.
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Winners of the
$25.00 Travel Club Vouchers
11 June - Trip to Feilding (Arts & Crafts) – Marlene Bland
29 June - Trip to Southwards (Operatunity) – Ian Jack
Congratulations to you both.
Remember if you have any friends or know of anyone who would like to join up with our Travel Club, we would be delighted to meet them.
I think our motto should be:
“There are no strangers in our Club, Only friends we haven’t met”.
Kind regards, Andy
Receive your newsletter via Email
Remember we are now set up to send our newsletter via email. It’s quicker, cheaper, and you can help save a tree at the same time…. The simplest way to advise is to send me an email. Easy peasy. andyw@tranzit.co.nz
Coming Day Trips
Phone us on 04 387 2018 to book these outings
Otari-Wilton’s Bush & Carter Observatory
Thursday, 5 August
Today we visit two major Wellington attractions, with lunch at an historic Thorndon Pub, providing quite a variety for you today. Our first destination is Otari–Wilton’s Bush, where we enjoy a guided tour around this picturesque environment - NZ’s only botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants. It is also classified as a garden of National Significance by the RNZ Institute of Horticulture. Bring a good pair of walking shoes with you for your walk which takes in the original forest, the fernery, the alpine garden, and the fabulous tree top walkway, including a lookout providing a complete view of the forested area. By now you have probably worked up an appetite, and a thirst too, so we make our way to Thorndon, one of the city’s oldest suburbs, for a bite of lunch and perhaps a drop of Speights. Yes, you guessed it, lunch is at the Speights Ale House.
(NB lunch will be at your own cost. A selection from the menu is listed below)
After lunch there is time for a quick stroll to the Botanic Gardens, before departing for our afternoon attraction. Have you ever wanted to find out more about the night sky? Well here’s your chance as we make our way to Carter Observatory, where a guided tour will help us to understand more about our solar system and the universe. This includes a “Planetarium Show” - an animated recorded show of an Astronaut as he prepares for a mission into the galaxy, and a “Southern Skies” session, where you will be able to discover the constellations, stars and planets that are able to be viewed in the evenings (or if you are an early bird - the morning skies before dawn.)
We will be departing our depot at 9.30am this morning, and from Wellington Railway Stn, Platform 9 at 10.10am
Arrival back at the Railway Station will be around 4.30pm and thereafter to our Depot.
Price $35.00 with $25.00 prize draw
Includes coach and venue entries
Speights Ale House Menu:
Prices range from $12.00-$29.00
Soup of the day
“Cajun Spiced, duck leg with winter veges, Seafood Chowder;
Omelette, with crispy potatoes & salad
Homemade pie of the day, with fresh salad and golden fries;
Fettuccini;
Salmon Steak;
Lamb Rack.
Please note these are large meals and you can order a smaller helping
Orchid Extravaganza
Friday, 10 September
We venture up to Palmerton North today, to Arena Manawatu. If it were me it would be for rugby, but believe it or not that’s not the attraction today. Instead the 6th NZ Orchid Extravaganza is being hosted here.
We will be departing our depot at 7.45am, and the Railway Station 8.15am, with pick up ups in between, expecting to arrive in Palmerston North around 10.15am. This is not just another Flower Show. Orchids are unexcelled in the plant world for diversity of shape, size and colour. The Arena will be set up for displays from orchid societies; commercial nurseries; and individual growers along with floral art and quilt competitions. In another part of the venue will be the commercial sales area together with the national daffodil show, potting demonstrations, and a cafeteria, where you will be able to purchase lunch and or a cuppa on site. (Please note lunch is at your own cost.)
We plan to depart Palmerston North on our return at approx 3pm which should see us arriving back in Wellington at the Railway Stn aroumd 5.15pm and then on out to our depot shortly after.
Price $48.00 with $25.00 prize draw
Includes coach and venue entry
“Dogs in Blue” NZ Police Dog Training School
Wednesday, 13 October
Today we make our way over to Trentham -the home of the NZ Police Dog Training School, where those noble creatures - our crime fighting police dogs are trained. We will be departing our depot at 8.30am and then on to Wellington Rail, Platform 9, departing approx 9.05am with pick ups in between. Today we will have the chance to see the trainers put their dogs through their paces. We also have the chance to walk down their Memorial Pathway, viewing memorials dedicated to those dogs that bravely fought criminals only to have their life cut short. We remember “Gage” who was killed just recently in Christchurch while helping his handler apprehend an individual. If we are lucky we may also see some of the pups to be trained. At this stage the Police Dog Training contact could not give me any assurances, but here’s hoping. Afterwards we head to the Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club for lunch. (NB lunch is at your own cost - please see the separate menu overleaf) We plan to leave Upper Hutt by 2pm heading back to Lower Hutt (Queensgate) to drop off anyone who boarded the coach here and then back into Wellington arriving approx 2.45pm then on out to our depot arriving shortly after 3pm.
Price $20.00 with $25.00 prize draw
Includes coach and venue entry
UPPER HUTT CLUB MENU
Prices ranging from $3.50 to $15
Cossie All Day Breakfast
Pancakes
Corn Fritter Stack
Cossie Kiwi Burger
Chicken Burger
Chicken Quarter
Crumbed Fish Bites
Lambs Fry
Open Sandwich
Seasoned Wedges
Toasted Sandwiches
The Mad Platters
Salad of the Day
Roast of the Day (enquire on the day)
Soup of the Day with Roll
Specials - See specials board
Pizzas; Hawaiian, Meatlovers, BBQ Chicken, Chicken & Brie, Seafood, Vegetarian, Specials
Extras; wedges and fries, Chicken & Brie, Seafood, Vegetarian, Specials
Tranzit Tours - Holidays with a Difference
North Island Steam
12-16 October (itinerary available)
We have joined with Steam Inc to book a limited number of seats for three days of train travel as part of their special Heartland Tour. We travel Paekakariki to Gisborne by steam, with a special trip returning to Napier utilising an engine from the
Gisborne Vintage Rail. Other train travel is planned but this was too good an opportunity this year to travel lines not often used.
Note: Filling steadily - seats available.
Mountains to Sea
18-22 October (itinerary available)
This tour offers you a great getaway.
Accommodation is at Lake Taupo, the pretty seaside town of Raglan, plus a night of affordable luxury at the Chateau Tongariro, experiencing the magic of Mt Ruapehu in all its snowy splendour. Go on treat yourself!!.
Note: Filling steadily - seats available
Waikaremoana East Cape
6-13 November (itinerary available)
This year we’re mixing it up and running this tour back to front, travelling first to the Bay of Plenty, which allows us to journey in a southward direction around the East Coast. Scenically and culturally rich, the East Cape, combined with a visit to remote Lake Waikaremoana makes the perfect North Island escape.
Note: Limited seats available.
Chatham Island
10-15 November (itinerary available)
A six day package to this exciting and remote part of New Zealand. Discover the unique and fascinating history, landscapes and life-style of the Chathams. Hosted by Hotel Chatham, this full package includes transfers, airfares, accommodation and all meals.
Note: Limited seats available
The Greenstone Trail
24 Nov - 1 Dec (itinerary available)
The West Coast of the South Island is one of NZ’s most unspoilt regions, and we take the time to discover its treasures, with one of the highlights visiting the White Heron Sanctuary at Whataroa.
Note: Filling steadily - seats available
Christmas at Hanmer
21-27 Dec (itinerary available)
This year we propose to enjoy the festive season at Hanmer Springs - NZ's premier alpine spa destination. Located in inland Nth Canterbury - Hanmer Springs is best known for its award-winning Thermal Pools where visitors enjoy pampering and relaxation amongst beautiful alpine vistas. Marlborough & North Canterbury attractions will also feature.
Note: Filling steadily - seats available
Tours for 2011
Winter is the time in the tour department, when we work on next year’s calendar, and as ever will be meeting the challenge of developing some exciting new itineraries, along with the return of some of our favourites for those who haven't enjoyed them before. Below is a list of tours that we have now confirmed :
Sounds Short Break
Early Feb - (itinerary to be finalised)
A short break to Picton is just the ticket. This all new tour finds us cruising in Queen Charlotte, sipping sauvignon, and doing what we do best - exploring and discovering.
Waiheke Island
28 Feb - 5 Mar (itinerary available)
A special feature of this tour is that you get to stay in luxurious accommodation right on the Onetangi Beach, with an opportunity to go swimming every day! We discover the scenery and attractions of this relaxed Hauraki Gulf Island
paradise. Beautiful beaches, wineries, artists, gardens and fine food.
Note: Filling steadily - seats available
Ellerslie in Christchurch
7-12 March (itinerary available)
Christchurch is the “Garden City”, so what better place to hold NZ’s premier gardening event. Unashamedly aimed at garden lovers, this tour also visits several beautiful private and public City and Banks Penisula gardens.
Note: Just released - seats available.
Molesworth-Rainbow
4-8 April (itinerary available)
We visit two of NZ’s largest South
Island high country stations, experience the unequalled splendour and learn of their history through a full and
informative commentary with a resident tour operator.
Note: Just released - seats available.
Deep South
10-20 April (itinerary available)
This tour returns and is unashamedly aimed at those prepared to take full
advantage of the many truly magnificent natural wonders that take a ‘little time and effort’ to reach - a level of basic fitness is required together with a flexible attitude. This tour is an opportunity to travel the full ‘Southern Scenic’ route from Dunedin City to Invercargill through to Te Anau via
Riverton and Tuatapere, with many opportunities to walk to view stunning views of bays, lakes, and waterfalls. Includes a night on Stewart Island.
Note: Just released - seats available.
South Island Trains
29 April - 5 May (itinerary available)
Rediscover the joys of train travel. We join the TranzPacific, and the magical TranzAlpine excursions, plus many others, including a steam journey, and discover some of the unique history of NZ rail travel.
Note: Just released - seats available.
Mid Winters Xmas in Taupo
June (itinerary to be finalised)
Here’s something to warm you up in the depths of winter… yes we pack our bags once again for a short but sweet Christmassy themed getaway. Staying at Wairakei Resort, we rediscover Taupo, a destination with so much to offer.
….also planned for 2011: (phone to register your interest)
Taranaki Rhododendrons
November (itinerary to be finalised)
This tour is a gardener’s delight, visiting some of Taranaki’s top private and public gardens along with many other attractions during the colourful height of rhododendron
flowering.
...PLUS...all new:
South Island - Pass to Pass
November (itinerary to be finalised)
Another new tour in the pipelines for 2011, we criss-cross the Main Divide via the scenic passes that the South Island is so renowned for. Arthurs Pass, Haast Pass and LIndis Pass, with plenty of fantastic South Island hinterland in between.
North West Auckland
Dates to be confirmed
This is largely uncharted territory for us, but there is much to discover. A glass bottom boat ride in a Marine Reserve, potteries, sculpture, wineries, olives and nuts, history and fabulous west coast beaches...are you tempted yet?
...AND... short tours to:
Gisborne
Hawkes Bay
AND... Already planned for 2012:
The Far North
...….and many more
Enquire now about our tours, either at our local office
or phone Ali on 0800 TRANTOUR (872 6868)
