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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 three 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 Lions around New Zealand with 23 nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This tour packages includes stays in Rotorua, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and 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 £1,000pp 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; Rotorua - mud pools, geysers and a Maori cultural performance as well as the Queenstown Sky Gondola.
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.
In-flight.
Arrive into Auckland this morning, where you will be met and transferred to Rotorua for a three night stay at the Holiday Inn Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. The journey will take approximately three hours by coach. 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.
Rest of the day is 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.
Meet up with the rest of the group in the hotel bar for Welcome Drinks this evening.
Today you will be transferred to the Rotorua International Stadium for the fifth match of The British & Irish Lions Tour 2017. 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 Maoris on the 2005 tour.
Return to the hotel after the game.
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 and 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.
Check out of your hotel this morning, you will be transferred across to Hamilton, the main city in the Waikato region. The journey will take approximately two 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 Quality Hotel at the Ambassador for a three night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Centrally located and only a short walk from the rugby stadium, this is an excellent basis to explore Hamilton.
Rest of the day at leisure 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, Hamilton 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.
After breakfast, check out and you will be transferred to Auckland. The journey will take approximately two and a half hours.
On arrival, check in to the Scenic Hotel Auckland for three nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Rest of the day is free to explore 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 harbour cruise or 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, Devonport is 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.
Day at leisure in Auckland.
Today you will be joined by our all 3 Test 'Haka tour' clients and there will be a buzz of anticipation around the city as the 'Sea of Red' starts to congregate down at the Viaduct for tomorrow's Test match.
This evening, you are invited to our popular Gullivers Rugby Forum, 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 current series. 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 day of the 1st Test dawns. 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 where 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 Citylife Hotel for the next seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore this compact yet cosmopolitan city.
Today, you have the whole day to get to know Wellington and explore this charming city. The city is small enough to walk around easily and there is plenty of variety and places to visit.
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 lookout and Cable Car Museum.
Return trips are available or you can take a leisurely walk through Wellington Botanic Garden and the historic Bolton Street Cemetery, to the National Parliament 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.
In the afternoon take a stroll down to Oriental Bay where the man made beach offers a seaside feel.
Evening free to dine in one of the capital's many great restaurants.
Day at leisure before making your way to the Westpac Stadium for the Lions' eighth match of the tour against the Hurricanes.
Day free to relax and enjoy Wellington.
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 in one of the city's bars or cafes at the water's edge, 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 with kiwi rugby supporters 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 mix with the New Zealanders and out sing them in their own backyard, in preparation for the Test match tomorrow.
Come along to cheer on the Gullivers Barbarians and enjoy the post-match social at a local rugby club.
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 the airport for your flight to Queenstown.
On arrival, check in to the Millbrook for four nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Situated 20 mins from Queenstown, the hotel was voted New Zealand's no 1 hotel for the last three years by Trip Advisor. lt will be the Gullivers HQ during our stay in this stunning part of the world and regular shuttles will be provided in and out of the city centre.
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.
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.
Final day in Queenstown to enjoy the wonderful scenery and many activities on offer.
Leave Queenstown behind and transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland.
On arrival, transfer to the Scenic Hotel for your second 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 2017.
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 en route to change planes and continue your journey to London.
Flights will be confirmed when they come into range eleven months prior.
Arrive London Heathrow and make your own onward travel arrangements.
Tour ends.
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 British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand 2017.
Kick-off TBA
The much anticipated 1st Test between the World Cup winning All Blacks and The British & Irish Lions.
Kick-off TBA
The eight match of The British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand 2017.
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.
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.
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.
Located in central Queen Street, Scenic Hotel Auckland is in an enviable location in the heart of Auckland's vibrant cultural and shopping district. The building itself was previously the landmark art deco MLC building and has been totally refurbished to create a superb deco hotel. The hotel offers stylish art deco architecture with a contemporary feel and modern comforts.
The CityLife Wellington is located in the heart of the city on Lambton Quay where you will find the best shopping, entertainment and cultural landmarks all close by. With extra comfy beds in all the rooms a good nights sleep is on the cards at CityLife. At 'The Living Room' on the 6th floor guests can enjoy a coffee during the day or relax with a wind-down drink in the evening.
The Millbrook offers luxury accommodation 20 minutes outside of Queenstown. Voted New Zealands number one hotel for the past three consecutive years by Tripadvisor, the Millbrook really does have it all in a luxurious and tranquil setting. Spacious rooms and large windows allow you to soak up the atmosphere of the special Central Otago region. There is an onsite spa and those looking to be active can enjoy the tennis courts and the hiking along the landscapes surrounding the property.
