Ireland's Summer Test Tour New Zealand 2022
Ireland will tour New Zealand in July of 2022 and the three test matches against the All Blacks is ideal preparation for the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
Join RTI Ambassador, Donal Lenihan, and Alan Quinlan on our amazing three Test tour versus New Zealand. As well as brilliant rugby, we have also included a large number of social events, activities, excursions, meals and drinks, leaving you to relax and enjoy this amazing country! Includes Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington and Queenstown.
The best way to read our tour itinerary and additional details is to download them from the link above.
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Days / Nights |
18 Days / 17 Nights in New Zealand
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Departing |
Return International Flights. Dublin - Auckland - Dublin. |
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Local Flights |
Three domestic flights: • Auckland - Queenstown • Christchurch - Wellington • Wellington - Christchurch |
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Transfers |
Executive coach transfers throughout. |
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Depart |
29th June 2022 |
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Return |
18th July 2022 |
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Matches Included |
Ireland Summer Tour Test Matches v New Zealand (KO in Irish time / NZ time zone shown): • New Zealand v IRELAND, Saturday 2 July, 08.05 / 19.05 Eden Park, AUCKLAND • New Zealand v IRELAND, Saturday 9 July, 08.05 / 19.05 Forsyth Barr Stadium, DUNEDIN • New Zealand v IRELAND, Saturday 16 July, 08.05 / 19.05 Sky Stadium, WELLINGTON Guaranteed match tickets to all Test matches. |
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Hotels |
• 4 nights at the 4* Rydges Hotel, Auckland. • 4 nights at the 4* Crowne Plaza, Queenstown or 4* Novotel, Queenstown. • 2 nights in Dunedin at the 4* Victoria Hotel, 3* Kingsgate Hotel or the 4* Commodore Motel. • 2 nights at the 4* Crowne Plaza, Christchurch. • 5 nights at the 4* Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay. |
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Meals & Drinks |
• Breakfast each day. • Welcome drinks reception in Auckland hosted by Donal Lenihan and Alan Quinlan. • Pre and post-match event close to Eden Park including a hot buffet and three drinks vouchers per person. • Pre and post-match event at Alhambra Rugby Club in Dunedin including a hot buffet and three drinks vouchers per person. • Pre and post-match event at the Foxglove Waterfront Bar, Wellington including a hot buffet and three drinks vouchers per person. • Casual evening at Winnies, the iconic gourmet pizza bar in Queenstown. Includes pizzas, garlic bread and a two hour drinks package per person. |
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Price Excludes |
Single Supplement @ €1,595. Travel insurance, passports and visas if applicable. Upgrade to Business Class or First Class flights. Supplements apply and subject to availability. Admission fees into sights of interest not included in the tour cost / itinerary. Personal expenses such as tips, telephone calls, beverages, all meals not mentioned under the inclusions and anything else of a personal nature. |
Depart from Dublin airport with Qatar Airways or Emirates to Auckland.
Land in Auckland, which is located on the North Island and is New Zealand’s largest city. Executive coach transfer to the 4* Crowne Plaza Auckland and check in for four nights. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is centrally located in the heart of the city centre. We have arranged a complimentary drinks reception this evening, hosted by Donal Lenihan, for guests to mingle and get to know each other.
Day at leisure. Admission to the adjacent Sky Tower is included for one of the days you are in Auckland. See the sights of Auckland from 220m above street level and enjoy panoramic 360 degree views up to 80 kilometres in every direction.
Match Day! New Zealand v Ireland in Eden Park, Auckland. Private transfer to the Clare Inn for a private function. Ideally located just a 5 minute walk from Eden Park. Pre-match food and three drinks per person are included. Post-match return to the bar and later on you will be transferred back to the hotel.
Day at leisure. Admission to the recently opened All Blacks Experience is included for one of the days that you are in Auckland. Your time at the All Blacks Experience will include a 45 minute guided tour where you learn what it takes to make, shape and be an All Black. This will include learning the story and feeling the passion behind the All Blacks haka, up close and personal. You can then test your rugby skills against All Blacks and Black Ferns in their hands on, interactive zone.
Time to check out and transfer (2.5 hours) to King Country rugby club and enjoy an awesome local school Maori welcome followed by lunch with the club members. Kurt McQuilkin (Ireland and Leinster) is the clubs CEO and will be your host. They hosted us both at RWC 2011 and for the Lions 2017 and a warm welcome is assured! Then onto Rotorua (2 hours) and check into the 4* Novotel hotel for two nights. The hotel is centrally located on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Rotorua is New Zealand’s geothermal capital and has so much to offer from thermal spas through to adrenaline-pumping action of the luge at Rotorua Skyline.
Day at leisure. We have included a purely optional morning trip to the Buried Village of Te Wairoa. The volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera on 10 June 1886 bombarded the peaceful village of Te Wairoa. Stories of survival and resilience are told throughout museum exhibits and in over 1km of heritage excavations. Wander through the beautiful park, which includes the Te Wairoa Stream and waterfall walk, where the people of Te Wairoa lived before the eruption. Often described as peaceful and tranquil, the regeneration hides the scars of one of New Zealand’s deadliest disasters.
This evening you will be collected and transferred to experience Māori culture with traditional ceremonies, cultural performances and an authentic hangi dinner with an evening tour of Tamaki Māori Village. As you travel by coach deep into the heart of an ancient tawa forest, your driver guide will explain the protocol for entering a Māori village as manuhiri (visitors). Upon arrival, experience a powhiri (formal welcome ceremony) before entering the village. After a fearsome challenge by a group of warriors and the exchange of a peace offering, you will be warmly greeted and brought onto the marae (meeting house area) with songs and dance. After the performance, enjoy a three-course buffet feast. Start with Māori rewana bread before enjoying your hangi: succulent New Zealand meats and vegetables with their unique smoky earth-cooked flavour, accompanied by fresh salads and seafood and a range of authentic Kiwi desserts. Vegetarian and other dietary options are catered for upon request.
Check out and depart for Taupo (1 hour). On the way stop at Waiotapu Thermal Park, New Zealand’s most colourful geothermal attraction. Named as “One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World” unique features include the world famous Champagne Pool, naturally coloured springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. Then continue onto Taupo and check into the 4* Waireke Resort for two nights. You can enjoy golf on their 9-hole course, play tennis on floodlit courts and visit the fitness centre for a game of squash. Two geothermally heated swimming pools and 6 outdoor hot tubs are complemented by an on-site spa.
You are jet boating this morning! Just a 5 minute transfer from the hotel are the Huka Falls. This half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and hot water streams. Hold on tight as you’ll be travelling in one of the state of the art jet boats at an incredible 80km an hour! Along the way the trademark 360 degree spins will leave you with a beaming smile and a heart pumping with adrenaline. Waterproofs are provided! The rest of day is free to explore the lovely town of Taupo. We are proving shuttles for the 5 minute journey into town.
This evening, Taupo Rugby Club are hosting our tour party and this includes a buffet and three drinks vouchers person. They are great hosts and the banter will be mighty!
Check out and transfer (6 hours to include a lunch stop at own expense) to Wellington. Wellington is New Zealand’s capital and one of the smallest capital cities in the world! With a powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine, you’ll have no problem keeping yourself entertained! Check into the centrally located 4* Rydges Wellington hotel for three nights.
Match Day! New Zealand v Ireland in Sky Stadium, Wellington. We will meet at the Foxglove bar and restaurant on Queens Wharf (5 minute walk from your hotel) where we have hired the entire top floor. Pre-match food and three drinks per person are included. The stadium is less than a 20 minute walk away but we will also have private return transfers. Post-match transfer back to the bar and enjoy the rest of the night!
A day at leisure in Wellington. A trip to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is an absolute must. Rated by Lonely Planet as one of their top 500 places on earth, New Zealand’s interactive national museum is a must-visit with six storeys of cutting-edge interactive exhibitions housed in an architectural wonder of a building. General admission is free.
Check out this morning and transfer to Wellington airport for your flight to Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island. On arrival, executive coach transfer (15 mins approx.) to the 4* Crowne Plaza, Queenstown and check in for four nights. This is a superb hotel located in the heart of Queenstown, nestled on the shores of the stunning Lake Wakatipu surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal clear waters. Activities range from adrenaline fuelled activities such as jet boating, bungee jumping and helicopter rides through to wandering the narrow streets and exploring the many shops, bars and restaurants. No wonder the British & Irish Lions came here to relax for a few days before the last Test match in 2017. In short, Queenstown is one of the most stunning towns in the world!
On one of your days in Queenstown you can avail of a ride on the iconic Skyline Gondola (included in your tour price). Sit back and relax as the best views in the region unfold before your eyes as the Gondola carries you 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak. En route you will enjoy a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breath taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak and Queenstown.
We have also arranged an exclusive RTI discount deal with ten of the best bars and restaurants in Queenstown. Details to follow but show your tour ID and avail of numerous discounts and promotions during your stay.
Board the Spirit of Queenstown for an epic 1.5 hour cruise of discovery around Lake Wakatipu and explore secluded bays, historic landmarks and mountain views. We have pushed the boat out (excuse the pun!) and included a glass of Akarua wine and a Gibbston Valley Cheese board.
This evening we have hired out Winnies, the iconic gourmet pizza bar in Queenstown. Includes pizzas, garlic bread and a two hour drinks package per person. This is a very social event!
Day at leisure.
Check out this morning and transfer to Queenstown Airport for your flight to Auckland. On arrival, transfer to the centrally located 4* Rydges Auckland Hotel and check in for three nights.
Match Day! New Zealand v Ireland in Eden Park, Auckland. Private transfer to the Clare Inn for a private function. Ideally located just a 5 minute walk from Eden Park. Pre-match food and three drinks per person are included. Post-match return to the bar to celebrate a historic series win (hopefully!) and later on you will be transferred back to the hotel.
If you have not chosen our one week Bolt On Tour then the time has come to check out of your hotel and transfer to Auckland Airport where you will board your flight home.
Land back in Dublin after an incredible tour to New Zealand. Thank you for travelling with Rugby Travel Ireland and we
hope to see you again on another tour soon!
Bolt On Tour: South Island Explorer
Our Bolt On Tour continues on from the day after the third Test match versus New Zealand.
It is a long way to go to New Zealand and we figure that people would like to extend their stay for an additional week to explore brand new destinations. Our South Island Explorer Bolt On Tour includes Dunedin, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim and Nelson with a number of activities and events included plus plenty of free time.
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Days / Nights |
9 Days / 8 Nights in New Zealand |
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International Flights |
Return international flights are included in your main tour booking. Dublin - Auckland - Dublin. |
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Local Flights |
Two domestic flights: • Auckland - Dunedin • Nelson - Auckland |
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Transfers |
Executive coach transfers throughout. |
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Hotels |
• 1 night at the 4* Rydges Hotel, Auckland • 2 nights at the 4* Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin • 2 nights at the 4* Rydges Hotel, Christchurch • 1 night at the 4* Scenic Hotel Marlborough, Blenheim • 2 nights at the 4* Trailways Hotel, Nelson |
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Meals & Drinks |
• Breakfast each day. • Social evening hosted by Alhambra Rugby Club in Dunedin including a buffet and three drinks vouchers per person. • Late lunch at the fabulous Wither Hills winery in Blenheim. • End of tour dinner including drinks at the Tides Restaurant in Nelson. |
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Included |
• An incredible day trip from Christchurch on the famous Tranzalpine Express. • A two hour Whale Watching tour from Kaikoura. • A visit to Nelson Market , considered to be the best market in New Zealand. • Services of our friendly & experienced Rugby Travel Ireland staff throughout. An optional list of activities that can booked in advance will be distributed after making a booking. |
Continue your stay at the 4* Rydges Hotel, Auckland where you have stayed for the last two nights. This will be your last day in Auckland city so we recommend heading down to the waterfront and relaxing – or bungee jump off the Sky Tower!
Check out this morning and transfer to Auckland airport for your flight to Dunedin. Executive coach transfer to the centrally located 4* Scenic Hotel Southern Cross and check in for two nights. The rest of the day is at leisure. Known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, Dunedin wears its Scottish heritage with pride. Surrounded by dramatic hills and at the foot of a long, picturesque harbour, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Day at leisure. We suggest a visit to the Botanic Gardens, penguin watching, a tour of Speights Brewery or a trip to the stunning Lanarch castle (the only castle in New Zealand). This evening we have arranged a social get together with members of Alhambra Rugby Club, located in the city centre. Great hosts back in 2017 on our Lions tour. Buffet and three drinks are included.
Check out and depart for Christchurch. We will stop in Oamaru (1.5 hours) which is renowned as the Southern Hemispheres most complete Victorian streetscapes and 19th century architecture. We hope to catch up for a coffee with former Ireland and Munster player, Mike Mullins. We will then stop in Timaru (1 hour) for lunch and then continue onto Christchurch (2 hours). Check into the centrally located 4* Rydges Hotel, Christchurch for two nights. Rest of the day at leisure. After the devastating earthquakes in 2011, Christchurch was rebuilt as a more creative and funky urban centre. Wander through the streets admiring the colourful murals that tell stories of the city’s resilience and indomitable spirit.
You will remember this day! This morning you will be transferred to Christchurch train station for a day trip on the famous Tranzalpine Express. Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train between Christchurch and Greymouth. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
The TranzAlpine is one of the world’s great train journeys covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way, taking just under 5 hours. You’ll traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps – the journey of a lifetime. There is an open viewing carriage and all carriages have huge windows to enjoy the amazing scenery. Food and drinks can be purchased onboard. After a one hour stop in Greymouth, the train returns back to Christchurch.
Early check out and transfer (2 hours) to Kaikoura, a village caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. It is famous for its whale watching trips which you are about to do! The main focus of this two hour boat trip is to locate and view the Giant Sperm whale. They average of between 1 to 2 whale sightings per tour due to the length of time the whales can stay submerged so viewing any more than 1 to 2 whales per trip is a real bonus. Around 80% of the world’s whale and dolphin species migrate past this coastline so at any given time there is the opportunity for other species of marine mammals to be sighted such as Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Southern Right Whale Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals.
It is then a 1 hour 45 min trip through stunning scenery to Blenheim where you will arrive at Wither Hills winery for a superlunch including wine tastings. From experience, we know that this will be a very social and relaxed event! When the time comes we will transfer (7 mins) to the 4* Scenic Hotel Marlborough, Blenheim and check in for one night. Blenheim is a scenic town situated in the heart of the wine-growing Marlborough region and framed by mountains. In and around Blenheim you’ll find an array of restaurants, wineries, bars, and artisan food outlets.
Check out and transfer (less than two hours) to Nelson, the hometown of Leinster and Ireland player, James Lowe. We are making sure that you arrive in time to be able to wander around the famous Nelson market that takes place every Saturday morning. It is recognised throughout New Zealand and the world, for its fine produce and quality artistry. Shop for fresh produce, gourmet foods, arts and crafts and share brunch under the warm Nelson sun.
Whilst you explore we will get your bags checked into your rooms at the 4* Trailways Hotel for two nights. The market is only 750m from the hotel so the day is at leisure and you can relax knowing that you can arrive at the hotel whenever you want!
Day at leisure. The Nelson Tasman region is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, with diverse geography capturing everything from long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains. Perhaps it’s the sun, perhaps it’s the location, but Nelson Tasman has long been a magnet for creative people. With one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country, you’ll find an array of craftspeople; traditional, contemporary and Maori. Visit their studios, taste the delicious locally made artisan products and find something extraordinary to take home with you.
This is the last full day in New Zealand so we have arranged an end of tour dinner, including drinks, at the superb Tides restaurant, located at your hotel, overlooking the waterfront. This will be a fun evening where everyone can simply relax and enjoy each others company.
Check out and transfer (10 minutes) to Nelson airport for your flight to Auckland to then connect onto your flight back home.
Land back in Dublin after an incredible tour to New Zealand.
Thank you for travelling with Rugby Travel Ireland and we hope to see you again on another tour soon!
Rugby Legends
In 2017 in New Zealand we had Donal Lenihan, Alan Quinlan, Martyn Williams and Brent Pope tour with Rugby Travel Ireland. Other legends that joined us at various events included Ian Jones, Rob Henderson, Ryan Jones, Mike Mullins and Kurt McQuilken.
Please note that due to the various tours that we have on offer we cannot guarantee that the rugby legends will be on your exact tour but we do guarantee that you will have the opportunity to meet them at various events or over a casual beer!
Optional Extras
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Photos
Coronavirus Customer Charter
We truly appreciate that these are uncertain times when it comes to rugby and travel. No one knows what the future holds for sure, but we want to reassure you that all of us at Rugby Travel Ireland are ready and waiting to provide you with a trip of a lifetime. We will always do so with the health and safety of both our clients and staff at the very forefront of everything that we do. We are very conscious that you may have questions or reservations about travelling at this point in time, so we hope the following information and FAQs are of assistance and gives you peace of mind when booking with Rugby Travel Ireland. We’d like to reassure you that should the tour not proceed for the following reasons, you are entitled to a full refund (less €50 admin fee per person):
– If government advice changes and it becomes illegal to travel abroad.
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– If the government for the destination you’re travelling to decides to enforce quarantine on arrival and there isn’t the option to forgo this quarantine
period by providing evidence of a negative COVID-19 test.
– If you have a booking to any destination that requires you to quarantine in a hotel on your return.
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We appreciate that you are spending a lot of money on your package and we want to reassure you that it is financially protected. If your tour package includes flights ex Ireland then we are bonded and licensed with the Commission for Aviation Regulation, Tour Operators Licence No. T.O. 260. Further details are available at www.aviationreg.ie/ but this bond and license ensures that your monies are secure at all times.
For customers with packages including flights ex UK, we wish to reassure you that your money is also financially protected. In compliance with The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, an insurance policy has been arranged with Travel & General Insurance Services Limited (T&G), to protect customers’ prepayments in the unlikely event of our financial failure, and paid in respect of non-ATOL flight inclusive packages sold to customers. These bookings are sold by the Policyholder as principal to the contract for:
- A refund of such prepayments if customers have not yet travelled, or
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In the unlikely event of financial failure please contact the claims helpline on +44 (0)1702 811397. A copy of the policy is available on request. This policy is provided by Travel & General Insurance Services Limited (T&G), registered number 02527363 and underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Limited (Hiscox), registered number 00070234. T&G and Hiscox are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (number 113849).
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Rugby Travel Ireland that you and the rest of your Party Members MUST have travel insurance in place. Your travel insurance should cover the cost of cancellation, medical expenses, loss of luggage or money, personal liability claims, participation in activities and costs of assistance (including repatriation) in the event of accident, injury, illness or death. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. We strongly recommend that you are covered from the time of booking as this may assist you in recovering monies paid in the unfortunate event of you having to cancel your trip.
We recommend the services of our preferred travel insurance partner, Blue Insurance, and you can get a quotation directly from them as below:
COVID-19 REFUND GUARANTEE
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FULL PAYMENT DISCOUNT
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