NORFOLK ISLAND EXPLORER – LAST SEATS

We are picked up from our home address in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch  areas (within 25k radius of the city centre) and taken to Auckland International airport to join our Tour Manager and fellow travellers.

12.30 p.m.  Depart Auckland on  Air Chathams flight to Norfolk.

2.15 p.m. On arrival we are met and transferred to the South Pacific Resort Hotel, our home for the next 7 nights.  This newly renovated property is the largest and most conveniently located in Norfolk.  A short walk to the shops and you can enjoy the swimming pool, hot tub, coffee shop, bar, restaurant,  computer room and a free scheduled shuttle bus to Burnt Pine shops for those who prefer not to walk.  Join your Tour  Manager for dinner at the hotel tonight.

After breakfast, join our coach and we can enjoy an island Orientation tour. A great way to help us get   familiar with the islands geography and get a better understanding of the Islands history. Includes a delicious Devonshire tea.  Time to enjoy a swim this afternoon or maybe a shuttle to the shops. Then get ready for a night of spine-tingling stories and eerie encounters with the Norfolk Island Ghost Tour! This tour will take us on a journey through the island’s dark past, as we explore the historic Kingston Ruins under the light of a lantern. But first, we will start off with a  delicious dinner in a beautiful Georgian building. Once we have finished our meal, it’s time to grab our lantern and prepare for the spooky walk ahead. As we wander through the ruins, our guide will regale us with tales of ghostly apparitions, tragic events, and mysterious happenings that will make our hair stand on end. Hear about the island’s dark history and the stories of those who have passed on and learn about the eerie legends and supernatural occurrences that have been reported over the years.

A delicious cooked breakfast starts our day and then you are free for your own choice of sightseeing, shopping or relaxing at the hotel. Your Tour Manager will have suggestions for you. Tonight, step back in time and experience the thrill of a convict’s life with our Night as a Convict Dinner. This evening is all about fun and laughter.  Dress up in a convict suit and join the Commandant for an evening of gaiety feasting, singing and dancing. We will provide the outfit, and all you need to bring is your sense of  humour.

Today we enjoy an in-depth tour of the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) on Norfolk Island and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this World Heritage Listed Georgian settlement. Our expert guides will lead you through the living showcase of Polynesian, convict, and Pitcairn Islander history, where you’ll discover the stories behind the colonial headstones in the cemetery and the beautiful historic houses on Quality Row. Explore the New Gaol ruins, the Pier Store, Boat Shed, and Crank Mill, all of which offer a glimpse into the intriguing past of Norfolk Island. Experience firsthand the incredible history of this unique location, as our very knowledgeable guides share their insights and stories about this captivating place. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at the Bounty Bar and Grill

Today we partake in a delightful half-day tour to explore the island’s most enchanting gardens.

Stroll through lush gardens that boast magnificent views, including the island’s only maze, and a private garden that will take your breath away. Discover the unique flora and fauna that are native to Norfolk      Island, and learn how past settlements have influenced the gardens that exist today. As you take in the       scenery, you’ll also enjoy a lovely morning tea at a   picturesque location. Tonight we join a progressive dinner. This unique tour takes us on a culinary journey through the island’s vibrant community, for a night of food, fun, and unforgettable stories. Over the course of the evening, we enjoy a delicious 3-course meal, with each course served at a different Norfolk Island family home. Each home has been carefully selected to   showcase the island’s rich culture and history, and each dinner host has a sensational story to tell. Experience the true flavours of Norfolk Island by indulging in the same mouth-watering dishes that locals enjoy in their homes every day. This is our chance to savour authentic home-cooked meals and learn about the island’s rich culinary traditions from our hosts. As we move from house to house, we learn about the island’s fascinating past and present, and get to know the warm and welcoming locals who call it home. From stories of pioneering families to insights into day-to-day life on Norfolk Island.

Today we visit a market garden that supplies    vegetables to the Island and learn about   providing seasonal produce. We’ll also tour a farm with beef cattle to understand the unique farming practices on Norfolk Island. Next, we’ll visit a free-range chicken farm and learn how they supply the Island with farm fresh eggs. Our final stop will be at a local home for a delicious two-course lunch featuring local ingredients.  Time to relax before joining our coach for our evening dinner.  For over 40 years, this tour has been serving up a feast of local dishes, salads, and homemade     coconut bread, all topped off with mouth-watering fried fish that will leave you wanting more. But the food is just the beginning – the real magic happens as the sun sets over the stunning coastal scenery. While we can’t guarantee a sunset, you’re guaranteed an amazing view. With a new clifftop bar area offering the best views of the sunset, you can sip on your drink of choice and take in the breathtaking scenery while    enjoying live music. and with dishes like ‘Pilhi’ (savoury banana slice), ‘Ana’ (a special sweet potato mash with local herbs), coconut bread, and delicious coconut pie and cream for dessert, your taste buds will be in heaven. After your feast, sit back and relax as the Baunti Byuutis dancing group takes the stage to entertain you.

This unforgettable evening takes place on the   exclusive Western Side property ‘Orn Dar Cliff,’ ensuring that you have the best possible experience from start to finish. Wine and beer are available for purchase, or you can bring your own drinks.

We explore the heart and soul of Norfolk Island on our captivating day tour, where you’ll discover the hidden gems of our local industries. Meet the skilled artisans and entrepreneurs behind the island’s thriving businesses as they showcase their unique crafts and specialties. From handcrafted pottery to locally made soft drinks, you’ll have the chance to taste and purchase some of the finest locally made products. Along the way, we’ll stop at a stunning scenic spot for morning tea, where you can soak up the breathtaking natural beauty of the island.       Tonight Indulge in a hearty BBQ feast featuring steak, sausages, and a variety of sides and trimmings. Join us to listen to local guest speakers as they share memorabilia, stories, and fascinating insights into the Island’s history and governance. After dinner, embark on the breathtaking            Wonderland by Night tour which celebrates the rich history and stories of Norfolk Island, with a collection of Old Time Island Stories written by Archie Bigg. You’ll hear humorous and poignant tales of family life and get a chance to hear the ‘Norf’k’ language spoken and translated. You’ll learn about everything from cows and cattle-grids to the ‘Norfolk wave’, all while walking through intricately detailed dioramas in the trees. The hour-long tour ends with a warm cup of tea and a chance to share stories in ‘the shed’, a charming building decorated with memorabilia of times gone by. You might even find some items you’ve never seen before and learn a thing or two about the island’s rich history. What a lovely way to finish our tour.

Time to enjoy breakfast and some last minute      shopping before we check out of our hotel and head to the airport for our short flight back to Auckland.

3.00p.m. Depart Norfolk onboard Air Chathams.

6.45p.m. Arrive Auckland.