Itinerary Highlights

  • A spectacular two-night stay in the Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
  • Hosted by cricketing legend Mike Gatting
  • Arrive in Queenstown by jetboat and stay in The Rees boasting unrivalled lake views
  • Unforgettable private vintage car tour and wine tasting at Craggy Range

Price Includes

  • Roundtrip flights in economy
  • Two nights at the 5-star Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
  • Shared airport, stadium and jetboat transfers
  • Celebrity-hosted tours

Overview

Follow Ben Stokes and his formidable team to New Zealand for the 2024 three-Test series, hosted by former cricket legend Mike Gatting OBE. With 40 years of experience in curating the ultimate cricket tours across the world for our clients, we can guarantee excellence on your New Zealand, celebrity-host tour.

Spend your first five days watching the first Test at Hagley Oval in the beautiful coastal city of Christchurch located on New Zealand’s South Island. After five days, you’ll head to Queenstown by jetboat for the second Test at the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Following this, you’ll be transferred to Hamilton for the final showdown Seddon Park. Before the third Test, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable two-night stay in Rosewood Cape Kidnappers to calm the pre-match nerves. Boasting awe-inspiring views of the rugged landscapes, incredible outdoor activities and superb facilities throughout this retreat, there’s no better place to relax.

You won’t miss a minute of the action with tickets to all cricket Test matches, alongside enjoying the company of your celebrity host, who can tell you the ins and outs of world-class cricket. And it’s no secret that New Zealand is home to some of the worlds most sought-after views, which you can see from your premium seats in each venue.

Transfers to and from the stadiums are included, as well as a luxurious stay in six of New Zealand’s top hotels across this 23-day tour. In between matches, enjoy several featured tours, from wine-tasting at Craggy Range’s Cellar Door, located in the spectacular Te Mata Peak in the premium wine growing area of Hawke’s Bay New Zealand. Plus, you can enjoy a private vintage car tour and a one-hour tour of Art Deco Napier’s world-famous landmarks including the countries most photographed building, the National Tobacco Building.

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Accommodation

Crowne Plaza Christchurch

Located in the heart of Christchurch, this hotel is the perfect place for a centrally located stay in New Zealand. Venture out to discover the historic Victoria Square, marvel at the beautiful Avon River, or indulge in gourmet dining. The city lies at your doorstep, so don’t miss out on exploring its beauty, cultures and history.

The Rees

Nestled in the natural wonders that encompass Queenstown is this sophisticated hotel. Boasting panoramic views of the lake and snow-capped mountains and idyllic location just a short walk from Queenstown’s town centre, The Rees Queenstown is the perfect choice for a stay in the adventure capital of the world. Indulge in on-site fine dining, wine tasting in the extensive wine cellar, rejuvenating in the gymnasium, spa treatment services and much more luxury facilities.

Sofitel Wellington

Surrounded by lush botanicals and ideally positioned in Wellington’s business and government hub, this refined hotel blends French ‘art de vivre’ principals with New Zealand culture. With a selection of elegant suites, each adhering to a calming vintage gold and bronze palette, the rooms are perfect for unwinding in after a day exploring the city. Dine at Jardin Grill to experience Sofitel chefs’ modern take on local flavours and specialities.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

This truly spectacular resort is located on the edge of a scenic bluff on North Island’s east coast, offering views of dramatic, untouched Hawkes Bay, which are worth the trip alone. Along with unmatched views of the New Zealand landscapes, this hotel features outdoor swimming pools and Jacuzzis, perfect for watching the vibrant sunsets and moon dance over the ocean. With 6,000 acres of pristine private coastal lands to explore, you can be hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking or horse-riding all day without seeing another soul – an excellent stay in between nail-biting Test matches.

Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre

Just a ten-minute drive from Hamilton’s centre, you can immerse yourself in the city life at the Distinction Hamilton. Home to 147 beautifully appointed guest rooms, the hotel is designed with calming, neutral tones for a modern atmosphere.

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Itinerary

Day 1 | 27 November

After two days of travelling, you'll arrive in Christchurch and check into the Crowne Plaza Christchurch, where you'll stay for six nights in City View Room with breakfast. Come the evening of your first night, join your fellow travellers and host for welcome drinks at 1851 Social Champagne Lounge.

Day 2 - 6 l 28 November - 02 December

Spend the next five days watching the first Test match at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Return transfers to the stadium are provided, as well as daily breakfasts at Crowne Plaza Christchurch. Following the cricket on the second day, enjoy an informal evening with your Celebrity Host, Mike Gatting along with other guests, who will provide an entertaining and lively debate about the test so far over some drinks and canapes.

Day 7 | 03 December

Following breakfast, you'll be transferred to Christchurch airport where you will take a short flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival in New Zealand's adventure capital, you'll take an exhilarating 20-minute jet boat airport transfer to your lunch spot for the day, The Grille by Eichardt's. After lunch, you'll be transferred to The Rees Queenstown to check-in for a two night stay in an Executive Lakeview Room on a bed and breakfast basis. The remainder of the day is at leisure, and for your convenience, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from Queenstown centre for those looking to explore further.

Day 8 | 04 December

Spend your day at leisure in world's capital of adventure. In Queenstown, there's endless activities to enjoy, from bungee jumping to high speed jet boat rides on the lake. For something calmer, why not take a tour of the Gibbston Valley, or visit the film locations of Lord of the Rings and Narnia.

Day 9 | 05 December

After a full breakfast join the group on a tour of the surrounding areas of Queenstown. First you'll stop off at the picturesque Arrowtown where you will have the opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery. Lunch will be taken at Kinross Winery, not before you've had the chance to taste their very own premium wines during an in-depth wine experience. Following a leisurely lunch, you'll be transferred to Queenstown airport to connect with your flight to Wellington. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Sofitel Wellington for a six night stay in a Superior Room with breakfast.

Day 10 – 14 l 06 - 10 December

Spend the next five days watching the second Test match at Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington. Return transfers to the stadium are provided, as well as a daily breakfast at your hotel, Sofitel Wellington. Mike Gatting will once again host our State of Play evening following the second day of cricket where you'll enjoy drinks and canapes with your fellow cricket fans, and join a lively debate about the Test so far.

Day 15 | 11 December

This morning, after breakfast, fly from Wellington to Napier. Upon arrival you'll take a guided tour of Napier by vintage car before being transferred to the award-winning Craggy Range situated in the premium wine-growing area of Hawke's Bay. Here you'll participate in a wine-tasting experience before enjoying a gourmet lunch, served at the Craggy Range Restaurant. This afternoon you will be transferred to the stunning Rosewood Cape Kidnappers for a two night stay in a Hilltop Junior Suite. Your stay here includes daily breakfast, pre-dinner aperitif, and dinner each evening.

Day 16 | 12 December

Today is a day at leisure at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers. Enjoy unlimited outdoor activities from the Kiwi Discovery Walk to heli-tours and much more. Be sure to watch the stunning sunsets from the outdoor pool or Jacuzzi.

Day 17 | 13 December

After breakfast you'll depart on a road transfer to Hamilton. En route you'll pass through vineyards, the Esk Forest and over the Ahimanawa Ranges before reaching your stop for lunch; Poronui Lodge. Following lunch, you'll carry on to Hamilton ready for check-in at the Distinction Hamilton six nights in a Superior Family Room with breakfast.

Day 18 - 22 | 14 - 18 December

Witness the third Test with five days of cricket at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Your final State of Play event will take place on the second evening of the cricket, where you'll have a final opportunity to discuss the days cricket over drinks and canapes. On the night of the 17th December, enjoy a farewell dinner at Gothenburg Café Restaurant and Bar with your host and fellow travellers to celebrate the end of a great cricket tour in New Zealand.

Day 23 | 19 December

This morning, after breakfast you'll take a transfer to Auckland Airport for your flight home.
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New Zealand v England Three Test Tour

Prices from £13,995 per person

25 November - 20 December 2024

New Zealand Cricket Tour price includes:

  • Two nights' accommodation at the renowned Rosewood Cape Kidnappers hotel 
  • A cricketing celebrity hosting your tour
  • Return scheduled flights from London
  • Transfers throughout
  • Luxury accommodation throughout in New Zealand’s top hotels including The Rees in Queenstown, Sofitel Wellington and The Crowne Plaza Christchurch
  • Assistance of our representative, Emma, throughout
  • Superb wine tasting tour in Craggy Range
  • Jet boating to Queenstown with Kjet - New Zealand’s only jetboat airport transfer, that delivers the ultimate ‘wow’ factor the minute you arrive into New Zealand’s adventure capital

Spectate want to make your trip special by tailor-making it entirely to you. With access to the entire Inspiring Travel Company New Zealand portfolio, we can arrange any number of luxury holiday extensions or excursions to enhance your New Zealand Cricket holiday.

Optional Activities

At Spectate, we pride ourselves on tailoring live sport experiences to you, which is why we offer an array of unforgettable excursions alongside our tours. So, whether it’s exploring the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand with a nature cruise and scenic flight, or a helicopter ride with Alpine landing for tastings in three of Queenstown’s wineries, the Spectate team are here to make that happen!

During your stay in Queenstown (3 – 9 December), after the second Test matches, you have the option of adding a wide range of activities onto your itinerary: activities including nature cruises, scenic flight over Milford Sound, and helicopter rides to Queenstown wineries.

Let the Spectate team organise your perfect trip to New Zealand and add any of these thrilling activities on to your booking.

Why Choose Us?

Tailor-Made

Customise your experience to create something truly memorable

  • Add excursions to your trip
  • Travel at your own pace
  • Choose hotels, flights etc
Exclusivity
  • Get the best seats, closest to the action
  • Hosted tours with special celebrity guests
  • Stay in the most luxurious accommodation
  • Fully inclusive service
  • Expert hosts take care of you every step of the way
  • All transfers and fees are included

For 30 years, we have crafted and delivered the highest quality, unforgettable experiences

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