Sue and Andy Twaits explored New Zealand’s North and South Islands on this trip of a lifetime
Bark Bay, Abel Tasman National Park
Earlier this year, members Sue and Andy Twaits embarked on the Club’s incredible, 36-day New Zealand Discovery tour. Led by experienced hosts, this holiday allows participants to completely unwind, safe in the knowledge that all their campsite stays have been pre-booked. Taking advantage of an easy-to-use mobile travel itinerary app, all you have to do is unwind and take in the sights!
Following a flight from London to the fabulous South Island and a two-night stay in vibrant Christchurch, Sue and Andy joined their fellow adventurers for a special welcome dinner. This also gave them a chance to meet hosts Denise and John. “They were excellent,” says Sue. “Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and great company.”
It was then off to the depot to collect their home-from-home for the next few weeks – a comfortable, two-berth Maui Ultima. “Collection was straightforward as was the handover/information. It was well equipped and we both enjoyed driving it,” says Sue. “Driving in New Zealand was easy and we found most road users polite and helpful.”
The couple, from Cottingham near Hull in East Yorkshire, were drawn to this ‘escorted’ tour due to the peace of mind it promised. “We thought we would be assured that, if anything went wrong, we would have back-up,” says Sue. “We also thought that the hosts would have first-hand, current knowledge about the country and that it would be fun to meet new people.“
Although all the participants were free to travel at their own pace and on their preferred routes (there were six outfits in total), the shared experience was a key element of the holiday. “Most days we would get together at the end of the day for a drink and a chat and to share stories,“ says Sue.
The New Zealand Discovery tour takes in the country’s most impressive sights, from the natural wonders of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers and unspoilt wilderness of Abel Tasman National Park in the south to the Bay of Islands and Hawke’s Bay wine region in the north.
Sue and Andy go on to mention a few of their personal highlights. “There were so many focal points – the colourful scenery and breathtaking countryside. We were lucky to have fantastic views at Aoraki/Mount Cook, for example,” says Sue. This 3,724m peak dominates the landscape in Mount Cook National Park, a beautiful region of glacial lakes and alpine scenery.
“Then the cruise on Milford Sound [where peaks rise almost vertically from the water and waterfalls cascade into the fjord], the Te Papa museum in Wellington [home to more than two million objects spanning art, natural history and Maori culture] and ziplining in Coromandel.”
One of the more unusual experiences on the tour was a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where hundreds of tiny glowworms cast a magical blue/green light. In fact Sue and Andy saw an abundance of exotic wildlife during their trip, including colourful kea (parrots), albatrosses and kiwis.
The couple were also big fans of the cultural evening in the geothermal region of Rotorua, the highlight being a Māori hāngī feast. Using a traditional method of cooking meat and vegetables in an underground pit oven with heated rocks, guests are able to enjoy a delicious communal meal.
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula
So would the Twaits recommend a Club-run worldwide holiday to others? “100 per cent,” says Sue. “They are very well organised and communication is excellent. They were especially helpful when Dubai airport was closed due to the issues in the Middle East at the time, and they promptly sorted new flights and organised for us to travel home without any issue. It was much appreciated.” And would they join another tour themselves? “We wouldn’t hesitate,” says Sue.
■ To find out more about the New Zealand Discovery tour or any of our other fantastic escorted or independent experiences in destinations such as Australia, Canada, the USA or Southern Africa, please visit camc.com/worldwide.
For more information on this tour and other worldwide experiences, visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 488059
Wherever you want to visit we’ll support you every mile of the way. We offer free cancellationsˆ if the FCDO advises against travel to your destination and have ABTA and ATOL bonded financial protection. Find out more at camc.com/wwconfidence.
