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This is Gullivers' 10th Lions Tour, and we have over 30 years' experience of taking Lions supporters around the globe, creating a real rugby experience for real rugby people. You can book with confidence, safe in the knowledge you will be well looked after by our dedicated and experienced team.
As an Official Sub-Agent for The British & Irish Lions New Zealand 2017 Travel Programme, our packages include the all-important guaranteed official match tickets to each of the Lions' seven provincial games as well as all three Test matches in Auckland, Wellington and Auckland.
Find out more about your match tickets
Follow the The British & Irish Lions around New Zealand with 37 nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This tour packages includes stays in the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua, Tauranga, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, Napier, Taupo before heading back to Auckland.
Find out more about your hotels
Return international flights from London Heathrow to Auckland are included, as well as all your domestic flights. All airlines will stop en route to/from New Zealand. Premium Economy upgrade supplement £1599pp; Business Class upgrade supplement £4299pp - subject to airline and availability when flights come into range. Please note, if you choose to upgrade, an additional deposit of £1000pp for business class and £500pp for premium economy is required at the time your flights are confirmed.
Find out more about your flights
Coach transfers to and from the airports, matches (where required), sightseeing and functions are all included in your package.
Entry is included to the Official Lions Supporter Village in Wellington on the day of the 2nd Test. Includes food, drink and entertainment from a host of Lions greats. If you would like to attend the Official Supporters Village on the day of the 1st and/or 3rd Test these can be added to your booking at a cost of £200pp per test match. As part of your Lions package, you will also receive a set of our exclusive Gullivers merchandise to include an official Lions shirt.
For the real rugby touring experience, there are some unique functions included in your package. Enjoy our Rugby Forum in Auckland, spend time at a local Wellington rugby club as well as sampling some local kiwi food and drink at our Gullivers Festival.
Find out more about your included functions
Throughout your tour, we have included sightseeing excursions for you to experience some of the cultural and scenic highlights of this majestic country. Included excursions are; Queenstown Sky Gondola, Rotorua mud pools, geysers and Maori cultural performance as well as wine tasting tours in Wellington and Napier.
Find out more about your excursions
To ensure you have the best possible experience on tour, you will have a dedicated Gullivers Tour Manager with your group every step of the way.
Make your way to London Heathrow to check in for your flight to Auckland. Please note the flight will be via a stopover point where you will change planes for your onward flight to Auckland.
Flights will be confirmed when they come into range eleven months prior to departure.
Arrive into Auckland this morning. You will be met and transferred to the Bay of Islands for a three night stay in Paihia at the Scenic Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. The journey will take approximately four hours by coach.
Enjoy a day at leisure settling in to your hotel and recovering from the flight. Paihia is the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island. It is located close to the historic towns of Russell and Kerikeri, 70 kilometres north of Whangarei and has some beautiful bays and coves.
The hotel is situated just off the main street along the ocean/beachfront, a short walk from shops, restaurants and the beach.
Spend the afternoon at leisure before meeting up with the rest of the group in the hotel bar for Welcome Drinks.
Transfer today to Whangerei for the first of the Lions' ten matches against a Provincial Union XV side.
Day at leisure to enjoy Paihia. From the wharf you can arrange a trip to the outer islands, go on a fishing expedition or catch a ferry to Russell.
Popular excursions include cruising to the ‘hole in the rock’ at the tip of Cape Brett, finding dolphins (and even swimming with them) and sea kayak tours. Paihia is also just down the road from the historic Treaty House at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation. Just west of Paihia is Haruru, where you’ll find an impressive waterfall and a boardwalk.
Spend the day sightseeing or simply relaxing at the hotel.
Check out of your hotel this morning and transfer south to Auckland. Journey time will be approximately four hours.
On arrival check in to the Sky City Hotel for three nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
The rest of the day is at leisure, giving you the perfect opportunity to get to know Auckland. Why not head down to Viaduct Harbour - this waterside area is home to some of Auckland's finest restaurants and bars, you can also take a harbour cruise from here, or visit the Voyager Maritime Museum.
Day at leisure in Auckland.
Take a trip up the Sky Tower for fantastic views of the city skyline or head down to the Viaduct where there are plenty of good restaurants, bars and cafes.
A nice idea is to take a ferry across to Devonport, only a 12 minute journey. One of the city's oldest suburbs, the marine village of Devonport is well worth a visit with its picturesque Victorian villas, beaches and stylish shops - it's a great place to spend a day or afternoon away from the bustle of the city. Explore its naval history, walk up its volcanic cones for spectacular views, or take in the history and sights of Devonport with a guided mini bus tour.
Spend the morning at leisure before heading out to Eden Park for the Lions' second match against the Auckland Blues.
After breakfast check out and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Christchurch.
On arrival transfer to the Rendezvous Hotel for three nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Christchurch.
A day at leisure to explore Christchurch.
The largest city of New Zealand’s South Island - and the nation’s third biggest - sleepy Christchurch once prided itself on its 'Englishness'. Nestled around the gentle River Avon, and with a similarly temperate climate to the south of England, the city was famous for a gothic cathedral, green parks and gardens, cricketing whites and an old-money establishment that entertained itself in private clubs.
That changed in 2011 when two earthquakes struck at the very heart of Christchurch city, flattening the CBD’s high-rises and most of its inner-urban infrastructure.
Today, the city has undergone a huge transformation and re-emerged as a vibrant, ever-changing city with museums, art galleries, park space and many cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Favourite activities include punting down the Avon River, biking in the Port Hills, visiting Sumner Beach, or taking a day trip out to the French colonial settlement of Akaroa.
Today, the Lions play at the newly built AMI Stadium. The old Jade Stadium was severely affected by the earthquake and is no longer used for events so today the Lions play at AMI stadium for their first game against South Island opposition. Fiercely proud of their rugby pedigree, the South Island crowd will be anxious to cheer on the Crusaders against the Lions.
After the game, return to the hotel for post-match celebrations or commiserations.
This morning, check out of the hotel and head overland to Queenstown, the jewel in the South Island's crown and a must see destination for anyone visiting New Zealand. The journey will take most of the day (up to eight hours) and is one of the world's greatest drives. On the way, you will pass through the Canterbury Plains, cross river gorges and see spectacular lakes before heading towards the Southern Alps. Stops will be incorporated on the way and you will arrive mid-afternoon into the picturesque town of Queenstown, situated on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, with the Southern Alps as your backdrop.
On arrival, check in to the Novotel Lakeside for four nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Rest of the day/evening free to settle in and explore the pretty town of Queenstown.
Day free in Queenstown.
Dubbed the Adventure Capital of the World, there are so many heart stopping and hair raising activities on offer that the choice is endless. From bungy jumping, sky diving and jet boating in some of the most scenic locations in the world, to fine dining in some of New Zealand’s most prestigious restaurants. Queenstown has something for everyone and caters to all interests.
A more relaxing activity is to take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic steamship the TSS Earnslaw. This is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience Queenstown’s famed scenic beauty. Or, if you fancy something even quieter, hire a local fisherman to take you out on to the still and tranquil water for a few hours' fishing.
This evening enjoy dinner in one of the lakeside restaurants.
Today, transfer to Dunedin to see the Lions take on the Highlanders in one of the most passionate rugby cities in NZ.
The journey will take over four hours and on arrival you will feel the buzz in the city as Dunedin prepares itself for the influx of Lions fans. Dunedin is a small, charming city, known for its Scottish and Maori heritage, Victorian and Edwardian architecture and a large student population. Sit back and enjoy the rugby banter in one of the local bars before heading across to the Forsyth Barr Stadium for the game.
Return to Queenstown after the game.
This morning after a late breakfast, take the Skyline Queenstown cable car up to the top of Bob's Peak for awe-inspiring views of the region.
Lunch is included at the scenic Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar. After lunch there is some free time to explore and take in the breathtaking views from the viewing deck. The more adventurous may like to try the downhill luge ride (additional cost) before making your way back down to Queenstown in the cable car.
Rest of the day free to enjoy the splendid scenery and charm of Queenstown.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Rotorua.
On arrival, you will be transferred to the Holiday Inn for a three night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing Maori culture, Rotorua is a compact city with plenty of sights and places to visit.
The rest of the day at leisure. For something different this afternoon/evening, visit the award winning Polynesian Spa for hot mineral bathing, private pools, deluxe massage and body therapies. A really relaxing way to ease yourself into your stay in Rotorua.
Today, depart on an excursion to visit Te Puia, New Zealand's living Maori cultural centre, located just five minutes from central Rotorua. Situated in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, Te Puia’s 60 hectare site is home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, a live kiwi enclosure where you can get close to the rare New Zealand bird, the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, and more than 500 geothermal wonders. Take your time exploring the geothermal valley to see the geysers, springs, mud holes & terraces synonymous with this part of the world as well as the vivid green vegetation to include the famous New Zealand ferns.
Your visit concludes with a traditional 45-minute Maori cultural performance (Kapa Haka) which includes a spine-tingling ceremonial welcoming performance, traditional ancestral storytelling, song and dance and the ferocious Haka.
Today, you will be transferred to the Rotorua International Stadium for the fifth match of The British & Irish Lions Tour. See the ferocious Maori All Blacks take on the Lions in what is billed to be a revenge match for the Lions following their defeat to the Maori on the 2005 tour.
Return to the hotel after the game.
This morning, transfer across to the Bay of Plenty for a two night stay by the sea in Tauranga. The journey will take just over an hour.
The Bay of Plenty is a destination where the kiwis go to holiday. Around Tauranga are hectares of orchards and gardens producing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados. Add to this bounty the local wines and the plentiful fresh seafood and you just know that this is a place where you will dine well.
Mount Maunganui, a short distance from Tauranga, has spectacular beaches which are a magnet for surfers all year round and voted as some of New Zealand's best.
On arrival check in to the Trinity Wharf Hotel for a two night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the harbour location.
Day at leisure to relax and enjoy the laid back pace of life in Tauranga.
Check out of your hotel this morning and you will be transferred across the North Island to Hamilton, the main city in the Waikato region. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours. A land of lush pastures, this region is more recently known for its casting as the Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
On arrival, check in to the Ambassador hotel for a two night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Centrally located and only a 12 minute walk from the rugby stadium, this is an excellent basis to explore Hamilton.
After settling in, make your way on foot to the Waikato Stadium to see the Chiefs host the tourists.
After the game return to the hotel.
A day free to relax and explore Hamilton, situated on the banks of the mighty Waikato River and is known for its walks, gardens, cafes and nightlife.
This afternoon, take a walk around the city and after dinner this evening, perhaps try your luck in the casino.
This morning, check out of the hotel and you will be transferred to Auckland. The journey will take approximately two hours and on arrival, check in to the Sky City Hotel for a three night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
The rest of the day is free to explore Auckland.
Day at leisure in Auckland.
This evening, you are invited to one of our popular Gullivers Rugby Forums where you will be joined by fellow Gullivers Lions fans as well as some famous faces from the world of rugby for a Q&A Session on the tour so far. A welcome drink and canapes are provided before the topical discussion gets underway, always providing an intriguing insight into a Lions Tour, as well as providing some great rugby tour stories.
Return to your hotel after the forum.
After months of anticipation, the big day dawns and you will spend the morning preparing for the game ahead. A special day that will forever live in the hearts of every Lions fan as the tourists prepare to face the wrath of the All Blacks at Eden Park.
After swapping stories in the bar with your fellow Lions fans, we will make our way out together to Eden Park for the game. The first opportunity to witness the World Champions take on the very best of the British Isles.
Return to the hotel after the match.
This morning, check out of the hotel and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Wellington. New Zealand's capital and host to the next two games on The Lions' touring itinerary.
On arrival transfer to the Bolton Hotel for the next seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this compact yet cosmopolitan city.
This morning, depart on a full day wine tasting and gourmet food tour in the nearby Wairarapa wine region, a short drive from central Wellington.
Visit four boutique Martinborough vineyards, meet some of the families behind the vineyards and learn how this sleepy, rural town blossomed into an internationally renowned wine region. The tour includes wine tastings, a delightful gourmet lunch in the charming Martinborough wine village, sweet delights and a delicious cheese platter and coffee at a local Martinborough cafe late afternoon.
Day at leisure before making your way to the Westpac Stadium for the Lions' eighth match of the tour against the Hurricanes.
Today, you have the whole day to get to know Wellington and explore this charming city.
A great way to start is by taking the historic cable car. For stunning views of the harbour to include the South Island on a clear day, the Wellington Cable Car is a funicular railway which runs between Lambton Quay, the main shopping street, and Kelburn, a suburb in the hills overlooking the central city, rising 120m over a length of 612m. Emerging at the top, check out the stunning views and Cable Car Museum.
Return trips are available or you can take a leisurely walk through Wellington Botanic Garden and historic Bolton Street Cemetery, to the National Parliament Building, known as the Beehive. The walk offers a fascinating insight into the fauna and flora of New Zealand as well as a snapshot into the past as you wander around the cemetery with lasting monuments to the origins of New Zealand's first settlers.
Alternatively visit Courtney Place, the city's main square with it's bars and restaurants and home to the iconic Embassy Theatre. This historic theatre was built in 1926 and hosted the premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. A nostalgic venue to see a film.
After a leisurely lunch in one of the city's cool cafes, take time to visit the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum. Te Papa, as it’s colloquially known, means ‘our place’ and is one of the best interactive museums in the world.
A further day at leisure to potentially venture a little further afield.
Relax at Oriental Bay, Wellington’s golden-sand inner-city beach or visit one of the many museums, art galleries and theatre shows that make up the city’s pulsing cultural scene.
Other activities include mountain biking and sea-water kayaking, as well as beautiful walks around the harbor and surrounding hills. Try the visually stunning Makara Peak track, as well as the City to Sea walk where you can experience the best of Wellington's waterfront.
Alternatively, take a bus from the city to the summit of Mount Victoria for a 360-degree panorama of Wellington. More recently, Mount Victoria provided a filming location for the first movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy directed by Peter Jackson - himself a devoted Wellingtonian. On the slopes of the mountain, just minutes from the sophistication of modern Wellington, terrified hobbits hid from Black Riders in dense forest undergrowth.
Today we invite you to meet some of the Wellington rugby fraternity as the Gullivers Barbarians take on a local Wellington side.
Take your boots for a game or come along and support our boys on the eve of the 2nd Test. This is a great opportunity to mix and swap rugby banter in the clubhouse.
Always a popular day out with our supporters, after the game food will be provided and we anticipate there will be plenty of opportunity for you to swap stories and out sing the All Blacks supporters in their own backyard, in preparation for the Test match tomorrow.
After a leisurely breakfast, we have included entry today to the Official Lions Supporter Village in Wellington. Prior to the game, enjoy food, drink and entertainment from a host of Lions greats before heading across to the Westpac Stadium for the 2nd Test.
Check out of your hotel this morning and you will be transferred to Hawke's Bay, one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions and one of the country’s leading producers of wine. The journey from Wellington to Napier will take approximately six hours and offers the opportunity to stop off en route at New Zealand's national rugby museum in Palmerston North.
On arrival into Napier, check in to the Scenic Hotel Te Pania for a two night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
A national disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. On the morning of February 3rd 1931, a massive earthquake rocked Hawke's Bay. Nearly 260 lives were lost and the vast majority of buildings in the commercial centre of Napier were destroyed. Rebuilding began almost immediately, and much of it was completed in two years and today the city is famous for its beautifully preserved 1930s architecture. Maori motifs were employed to give the city a unique New Zealand character - for example, the ASB bank on the corner of Hastings and Emerson Streets features Maori koru and zigzags.
Today, enjoy a half day wine tasting the celebrated Hawke's Bay wine region (12noon to 5pm.) Your guide will accompany you to their favourite vineyards and share their knowledge of the wine, scenery and history of the region. The tour includes tastings and a stop for lunch before returning to your hotel late afternoon. A day to relax, unwind and enjoy.
After check out, head north to Lake Taupo situated in the centre of the North Island. The journey will take just over two hours by coach.
On arrival, check in to the Hilton Taupo for a two night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. This Victorian style hotel is situated on a hillside 4km from Lake Taupo, and enjoys stunning views out across the lake.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Today is free for you to explore Lake Taupo and its surrounding area.
Take a boat or kayak and cruise around secluded coves and beaches of Lake Taupo. Alternatively try your hand at fishing for trout or even go fly-fishing with a local guide on the Tongariro River. If you are feeling energetic, walk through ancient rainforest in Whirinaki and Pureora Forest Parks, or vast ancient beech forests in the rugged Kaimanawa Forest Park.
Or for the adrenaline seeker this is your chance to go bungy jumping over the Waikato River, do a tandem skydive over Lake Taupo or take a jet boat (or river cruise) to the majestic Huka Falls. Just north of Lake Taupo, Huka Falls is New Zealand's most visited attraction, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second.
Leave Taupo behind and travel north to Auckland for your final stop on the tour. The journey will take approximately four hours plus a lunch stop en route.
On arrival, check in to the Sky City Hotel for your third stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Rest of the day at leisure.
After a leisurely morning, you will be transferred to the Gullivers Festival where we will all come together to celebrate the food and wine of New Zealand. We will be joined by some well known faces from previous Lions tours and enjoy the pre-match build up to what we hope will be the deciding match of the series.
After breakfast, head down to the Viaduct area to join the hundreds of Lions supporters all eagerly anticipating tonight's Test match.
A few hours before kick off, head over to Eden Park for the 3rd and final Test in The British & Irish Lions Tour.
Return to the hotel after the match.
This morning, check out of your hotel and you will be transferred out to Auckland airport for your return flight home. You will stop on the way to change planes and continue your journey to London.
Flights will be confirmed when they come into range eleven months prior to your tour departing.
Arrive London Heathrow and make your own onward travel arrangements.
Tour ends.
Kick-off: TBA
The opening match of The British & Irish Lions Tour 2017.
Kick-off: TBA
The second match of The British & Irish Lions Tour 2017.
Kick-off: TBA
The first match in the South Island for The British & Irish Lions against the Crusaders.The stadium was badly damaged by the earthquake in 2011 and has been rebuilt since.
Kick-off: TBA
The fourth match of The British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand 2017 sees the Highlanders host the Lions in Dunedin. The first time the Lions have played in the Forsyth Barr Stadium, the world's only permanently enclosed natural turf stadium.
Kick-off: TBA
The fifth match of The British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand 2017 sees the Maori All Blacks host the tourists.
Kick-off TBA
The sixth match of the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand
Kick-off TBA
The much anticipated 1st Test between the Rugby World Cup winning All Blacks and the British & Irish Lions
Kick-off TBA
The eighth match of The British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand.
Kick-off: TBA
The Westpac Stadium hosts back-to-back games as the All Blacks take on The British & Irish Lions in the 2nd Test.
Kick-off: TBA
The 3rd and final Test between the All Blacks and the British & Irish Lions.
The resort style Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands is the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful and historic Bay of Islands. With beautiful landscaped grounds and light airy rooms it is only a stroll into town to the main wharf, fine dining and shopping. The entire property was recently refurbished and expanded.
With the Sky Tower on the hotel doorstep, the Sky City hotel is in a great location from which to explore Auckland. With Free wifi, genuine Kiwi hospitality and modern,spacious accommodation the Sky City Hotel is a place where exceptional experiences happen every day. The SkyCity Casino is onsite as are over 20 restaurants, cafes and bars and a rejuvenating spa.
Just one block from Cathedral Square, the Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch puts you in the centre of Christchurch with everything within easy reach. Each room comes with an iPod docking station and a flat screen tv to make your stay even more comfortable. Staying in Christchurch you will see a city being revitalized and renewed.
Spacious and contemporary accommodation awaits you at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. The fresh air of the region is all around as you settle into the central location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Elements Restaurant offers seasonal cuisine and Alfresco dining in the Rose Garden from 5pm daily.
Comfort awaits you at the Holiday Inn Rotorua. A lovely property close to Rotorua's most popular attractions, the hotel has spacious rooms and plenty of onsite facilities. A 100% non-smoking hotel with 30 minutes free wifi per day, there is plenty to enjoy and keep you entertained. There is a complimentary shuttle service from the hotel to the Rotorua Tourism Centre on Fenton Street at quarter past the hour.
Situated in the popular Bay of Plenty region, Trinity Wharf Tauranga is a unique hotel located on and over the water's edge. Architecturally designed across three piers, this leading Tauranga hotel offers a relaxed ambience and is only a 5 minute drive from Mount Maunganui (voted Tripadvisors top NZ beach)
The 3* Heartland Ambassador Hotel is a small and convenient hotel providing all the essentials and is located right in central Hamilton. Whilst the hotel does not have on-site evening dining or bar facilities it is a short walk from many of the town's brilliant bars and restaurants. The hotel is walking distance from the Waikato Stadium and Seddon Park.
The Bolton is an independent hotel that provides a high degree of comfort and privacy. All rooms offer iPad minis and free wifi on multiple devices as well as Smart TV's. The Artisan Dining House offers an experience in itself with good food and great detail. Offering a range of 5 Star services your stay at The Bolton is sure to be a special one
Situated in a remarkable location at the edge of Hawke's Bay, the Scenic Hotel Te Pania boasts design awards for its style and offers a fantastic level of service for guests. Hawkes Bay is one of the first places in the world each day to see daylight and the hotel enjoys a premium waterfront location on Marine Parade. The Scenic Hotel is fresh, contemporary and just a short stroll from Napier's main art deco style street.
Hilton Lake Taupo is the perfect place to soak up the breathtaking natural beauty of Taupo. The hotel offers views across Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park and is just a short drive from Taupo town center. There are tennis courts and a heated spa pool on site to keep you relaxed and entertained. Gareth Stewart also has a restaurant onsite which is popular amongst guests and locals alike.
