Meals: Dinner

Guests arrive in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, and are greeted by the Honour Bound team. After airport transfers and hotel check-in, guests will have time to refresh before gathering for a welcome dinner. The evening includes an informal tour briefing with the guide, a chance to meet fellow travellers, and an introduction to the military and scenic themes of the journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Auckland for the stunning Bay of Islands, journeying through rolling farmland and coastal scenery. En route, we visit key WWII and New Zealand Wars sites:

Dargaville WWII Airfield Maungatapere Military Camp Site Whangārei Gun Emplacements

Where time permits, a morning stop can be made at Ruapekapeka Pā, one of the most significant battle sites in the Northern War. It highlights ingenious Māori defensive design and the final British-Māori battle in Northland.

Arriving in Paihia mid-afternoon, we settle into the hotel before an early evening exploration of Paihia’s waterfront and a group dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s focus is on early New Zealand history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of the nation. A guided tour explores the Treaty House, Māori War Museum, cultural performance, and iconic waka (war canoe).

After lunch, we ferry to Russell for a historic walking tour of New Zealand’s first capital, including stories of the 1845–46 Flagstaff War. The afternoon offers optional leisure time to stroll the waterfront or visit Haruru Falls.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we explore the WWII heritage of Northland, starting with the Kaitaia region, where American troops were stationed during the Pacific campaign. Our guide shares stories of the Allied presence, logistics challenges, and the impact on local communities. We continue to Whangārei’s coastal defence sites, including gun emplacements and observation posts built to protect against potential Japanese attacks.

The afternoon is leisurely, with optional visits to nearby beaches or scenic spots such as Haruru Falls or Opua Forest for those who enjoy a short walk.

Meals: Breakfast

We journey south, stopping at Warkworth, a key WWII logistics hub for American servicemen. A short commentary highlights the camp's history.

Fort Takapuna & O'Neill's Point Cemetery: A short detour upon entering Auckland allows a visit to Fort Takapuna, part of the 19th and 20th century coastal defences, and nearby O'Neill's Point, a poignant final resting place for WWI veterans.

After hotel check-in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon with an optional waterfront walk or exploration of the Viaduct Harbour precinct.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins with a private guided tour at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, offering in-depth insights into New Zealand’s military service from the Boer War to peacekeeping missions. Veterans will particularly appreciate the Hall of Memories and the Gallipoli exhibits.

In the afternoon, we ferry to Waiheke Island to visit hidden WWII gun emplacements and radar stations, learning how this peaceful island once guarded Auckland’s harbour.

A group dinner this evening will cover the first chapter of the trip and welcome late arrivals.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We depart Auckland mid-morning, heading south towards the geothermal heart of New Zealand. En route, we visit the Rangiriri Battle Site, a key location in the New Zealand Wars, where a guided stop shares the story of Māori resistance and British tactics.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we explore the New Zealand Land Wars in the Bay of Plenty. A guided tour of Gate Pā and Te Ranga reveals stories of trench warfare, heroism, and cultural impact.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we journey through the heart of the North Island, stopping at Lava Glass for a brief art and glassblowing experience, and the spectacular Huka Falls for a scenic photo stop.

A highlight of the day is a guided tour and lunch at the National Army Museum, Waiouru, where we honour New Zealand’s military service across the decades. The exhibits are moving, informative, and a key part of the tour’s military focus.

We arrive in Taihape by early evening for a group dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We continue south to Wellington, stopping en route for commentary on the Shenandoah site—an intriguing link to wartime logistics.

On arrival in Wellington, we explore the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park with a private guided tour, showcasing memorials to New Zealand’s international alliances and service.

The afternoon is free for guests to visit the city, stroll the waterfront, or relax. We regroup for dinner at a harbourside restaurant, sharing stories and preparing for a special ANZAC Day experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Participate in ANZAC Day commemorations, including the dawn service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. A moving tribute to all who have served. After the formal events, guests have free time to visit sites of interest such as the Te Papa Museum, or stroll the waterfront.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we ferry from Wellington to Picton through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Scenic day around Picton and Marlborough.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we journey south along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, travelling through the Marlborough and Kaikōura regions. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the rugged inland ranges. Stopping for lunch at and Sheep Dog show.  Along the way, we’ll learn about the region’s wartime history, including the lesser-known stories of American coast watch stations established to monitor the Pacific during WWII.

Upon arrival in Kaikōura, guests can choose to join a whale watching cruise (weather permitting) or explore the local seal colony and the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway. The town’s unique mix of natural beauty and maritime heritage provides a rich afternoon experience.

Today we immerse ourselves in Christchurch’s military heritage, visiting key air force, army, and coastal defence sites. The day begins with a guided tour of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand at Wigram, home to restored aircraft, immersive exhibitions, and powerful stories from the RNZAF’s involvement in global conflicts.

Next, we journey to Burnham Military Camp, the South Island’s primary New Zealand Army base. A hosted visit offers insight into modern army life and a look at how the base supported past deployments, from WWII to recent peacekeeping missions.

In the afternoon, we head to Godley Head Coastal Defence Battery, one of New Zealand’s most significant WWII fortifications. Overlooking Lyttelton Harbour, this site once protected Christchurch from potential naval threats. We explore restored gun emplacements, bunkers, and observation points on a guided walk.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Christchurch, we head inland through the Canterbury Plains. We visit the Geraldine Military Museum and stop for commentary at RNZAF Station Te Pirita if not included the day prior. Arriving in Twizel, we discuss its WWII logistics role and hydro scheme history, before continuing to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for a gentle alpine walk.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey through Lindis Pass to Queenstown. Afternoon at leisure with optional activities including a Lake Wakatipu cruise on the TSS Earnslaw.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Scenic drive to Milford Sound via Homer Tunnel, with commentary on the WWII-era construction of the Milford Road. A cruise including lunch through Milford Sounds, followed by return travel to Te Anau.

Traveling east, we visit the Fiordland Military Museum and the Gore Airfield Museum, home to restored WWII aircraft. Commentary on Southland’s military stories.

Arriving in Dunedin, we settle into our hotel for a group dinner.

Explore the Otago Peninsula, including the Royal Albatross Centre and Fort Taiaroa, housing the rare Armstrong Disappearing Gun (1889). Learn about coastal defence strategies, WWII reactivation, and Dunedin’s role in troop deployments.

Guests transfer to Dunedin Airport for onward flights. Depart with a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s military heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.