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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

4 - 7 December 2020

In a year with so many challenges what better way to begin the Christmas season than listening to some of New Zealand’s finest artists in three exclusive music events: Christmas in the Enchanted Forest, Viva Italia in the Vines and Vignettes in the Gardens.

These three bespoke events will take place at three breathtaking Waikato locations. Our premium event Christmas in the Enchanted Forest will be presented in the impressive cathedral-like Redwood Forest where the majestic Redwoods provide a canopy for us to sing surrounded by hundreds of fairy lights. What a magical, fairy-tale evening!

 

$2,550 NZD
per person
twin share
Single Supplement
- ADD $660 NZD
Initial Deposit On Booking
$900 NZD
Second Deposit Due
$0 NZD
Final Balance Due 2 October 2020

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

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  • Festive flavours in three bespoke musical events at three breathtaking Waikato locations, each with dinner, decorations, lighting and all attention paid to make them memorable events for you. 

     

    Christmas in the Enchanted Forest

    Our premium event Christmas in the Enchanted Forest which we will present in the impressive cathedral-like Redwood Forest where the majestic Redwoods provide a canopy for us to sing surrounded by hundreds of fairy lights. What a magical, fairy-tale evening! We will walk through our enchanted forest of majestic Redwood trees, enjoy dinner under a canopy of lit trees and hear some of the most beautiful melodies ever written, synonymous with this magical setting. 

     

    Viva Italia in the Vines

    We may not be able to travel to Italy but we will bring Italy to you (without the jet lag). Our finale extravaganza will be at the Italianate Vilagrad Vineyard. Viva Italia in the Vines is an evening of famous Italian opera and song with long tables, Italian food and great company.

    Vilagrad Winery is a family owned vineyard in the Waikato where we will dine under the vines and enjoy the rustic, relaxed atmosphere of an Italian family style evening of opera, song, great food and wine. 

     

    Vignettes in the Gardens 

    We wander the magnificent Hamilton Gardens and we enjoy exclusive themed concerts: Madame Butterfly Excerpts in the Japanese Garden, afternoon tea in the Katherine Mansfield Garden with Olde Time Music! A cocktail party in the beautiful Renaissance Gardens, with our singers presenting I’m in Love with ViennaThe Hamilton Gardens are world-class and must certainly qualify as the ‘must see’ Waikato attraction. They consist of numerous beautifully themed gardens. We will have time to really enjoy this landmark attraction.

  • Numerous artists will be involved in this weekend’s entertainment. Escorted by Susan Boland, John Cameron, Amanda Atlas, Stephen De Pledge, Derek Hill, Kalauni Pouvalu, Jessica Hindin with the following artists joining us: Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua and Karl Perigo. 

    The weekend is divided into three main music events and will be a showcase of many of the finest artists in New Zealand.

    The main escorts for the trip will be Susan Boland, John Cameron, Amanda Atlas, Stephen De Pledge, Derek Hill, Kalauni Pouvalu and Jessica Hindin. Each of these artists have been on numerous trips with us. They will manage the trip and be the backbone for the care and musical content within the trip. 

    Stephen De Pledge is New Zealand’s finest solo concert pianist but has a secret passion for accompanying singers and instrumentalists. He and our violinist extraordinaire Jessica Hindin combine musically to present us with sublime moments. 

    Joining them for all three events will be one of New Zealand’s finest soprano, Amanda Atlas with our fabulous Three Tenors Bonnie, Derek and Kalauni and the effervescent Karl Perigo. 

    Taking a slightly back role musically while they manage this logistically challenging trip will be owners John Cameron and Susan Boland but we will hear from them a little as well. 

     This is a chance to celebrate music, celebrate life and get us into the Christmas spirit in one of the most beautiful settings in New Zealand. 

     

  • Our premium event Christmas in the Enchanted Forest which we will present in the impressive cathedral-like Redwood Forest.

    Viva Italia in the Vines is an evening of famous Italian opera and song with long tables, Italian food and great company.

    Vignettes in the Gardens  - Themed concerts with themed food in themed gardens at Hamilton Gardens. 

    Tour and morning tea at Zealong Tea Estate. Widely regarded as a Waikato icon, Zealong Tea Estate is the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand, producing 100% organic award-winning tea, and a world-leading destination for tea, art and hospitality.

    Tour and lunch at Hobbiton to discover the real Middle-Earth on the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata, where we will visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in a fascinating two-hour guided tour.

    Time at The Auckland Botanic Gardens which covers 64 hectares (156 acres) of land, including 10 hectares of native forest. We will wander the gardens and enjoy lunch here on our way back to the airport.

     

  • Novotel Hamilton Tainui (3 nights)

    Waikato’s leading 4 star hotel the Novotel Tainui boasts the city’s best location, in the CBD on the banks of the Waikato River.

This trip includes

  • • Our premium event Christmas in the Enchanted Forest which we will present in the impressive cathedral-like Redwood Forest where the majestic Redwoods provide a canopy for us to sing surrounded by hundreds of fairy lights. What a magical, fairy-tale evening!
    • Our finale gala in the Italianate style vineyard where we transport you to Italy with Viva Italia in the Vines with great Italian food.
    Vignettes in the Gardens: themed concerts in themed gardens at the famous Hamilton Gardens: Madame Butterfly Excerpts in the Japanese Garden, afternoon tea in the Katherine Mansfield Garden with Olde Time Music! And in the beautiful Renaissance Garden, wine and food followed by a gala concert: I’m in Love with Vienna.
    • Numerous artists will be involved in this weekend’s entertainment. Escorted by Susan Boland, John Cameron, Amanda Atlas, Stephen De Pledge, Derek Hill, Kalauni Pouvalu, Jessica Hindin with the following artists joining us: Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua and Karl Perigo.
    • 3 nights’ accommodation at the 4.5 star Novotel Hotel Hamilton.
    • Tours include Hobbiton to discover the real Middle Earth, delightful Cambridge with its shops and tree lined streets, a tour and high tea at the famous Zealong Tea Estate and time to wander the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
    • All breakfasts, 1 morning tea, 1 afternoon tea, 2 lunches and 3 dinners are included.

    PLEASE NOTE: As our travellers are coming from all over NZ, airfares are not included.

EASY TOUR
This tour will suit people with a stick, but not a walker. You will be required to walk to get from place to place and stand in museums, but it is designed to be an easy tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• All trips are subject to change but any changes will be of equal or greater value.
• Deposits refundable until final payment date minus any costs incurred, or an administration fee of up to
$300.
• Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.
• Travellers are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance for all international trips.
• Please refer to terms & conditions on our booking form.

Travel Insurance

Every customer is required to take out insurance for all international travel when taking a trip with Operatunity Ltd. 

DOMESTIC INSURANCE
Insurance for Domestic travel is currently available from many companies. Insurance for New Zealand trips is entirely at your discretion. Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice.


INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE
Insurance for International travel is currently available from many companies. For our trips overseas it is a requirement that proof of cover be sent to our office some time before departure from NZ. We can not accept travellers who hold no cover for international travel as per our term and conditions.
Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice. Email travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz Phone 0508 886 489

 

MOBILITY

Operatunity provides group senior travel and with this in mind we plan trips to suit our target market. But not every trip is created equal in terms of mobility. We want to give you the best possible experience but that will only be achieved if you are able to enjoy everything that our trips have to offer.
Most of our long haul trips require a better level of mobility. We will look after everyone as well as we possibly can, but we cannot look after one at the expense of the rest of the group. We also cannot have one person slowing the rest of group to the point where the group is not able to enjoy every experience we are able to provide.
With this in mind we have put a mobility clause into every trip. Under each explanation here I have popped a statement. Ask yourself if this is ‘you’, when booking on a trip.

None of the following mobility clauses preclude you from ordering a wheelchair at the airport if required.

1. GENTLE TOUR This tour will suit most people, even with a stick or a walker, but sorry not someone in a wheelchair. The activity level is gently paced, but you still need to be able to get on and off buses easily. There will be walking, but not a lot. “I love travelling, but at a gentle pace. I like to avoid stairs or too much activity, but I am able to get on and off buses easily.” 

2. EASY TOUR This tour will suit people with a stick, but not a walker. You will be required to walk to get from place to place and stand in museums, but it is designed to be an easy tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances.  ”Walking is fine. I can get on and off a coach. I am happy to stand for an hour or two in museums and galleries and gently stroll through places of interest. I am happy to climb the odd set of stairs.” 

3. MODERATE WALKING TOUR This tour requires a better level of fitness with no wheelchairs or walkers. Generally, there may be times when we can’t get the coach close. In some of our Pacific Island tours we will need you to transfer onto a tender and walk on soft sand. We also will have much longer flights and long walks through airports. “I like walking at a moderate pace. I love to keep my days full and experience everything the tour has to  offer. Stairs, tender transfers and cobblestones don’t bother me.” 

4.  EXPLORING TOUR This is still a moderately paced tour, but you will be required to walk longer distances, walk on cobblestones and stand in museums. To really get the best out of this tour you need to be able to stand or walk for a couple  of hours comfortably, be it at a leisurely pace.  “I like to spend most of the day exploring. Whether walking historic neighbourhoods on cobblestones at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I want my days full. Stairs don’t bother me and I am keen to see and do as much as I can with the odd day off to recuperate.” 

  • Operatunity is a company specialising in music lovers tours to the senior market. Each trip has been especially planned to include music and arts experiences and has a level of friendliness and care which cannot be found anywhere else! Our trips are packed with features not found anywhere else

  • Yes we have lots of people who travel on their own. We endeavour to match you up with someone who lives close to you or is close in age to you. Often you will get a chance to meet with your matchup or ring them before you leave on your trip. You also may prefer to travel solo and pay the single supplement price. We travel as a happy band so there will be lots of chances to meet people. You will find fellow music lovers and those with other similar interests. In fact those like the nicer things of life so you will travel with like-minded people. It is also important to remember that our singers are our escorts so you will see at least a couple of familiar faces as you leave.

  • If you live outside of Auckland, we can arrange travel and accommodation on your way to meet up with our group. We have access and can book domestic airfares in conjunction with Air New Zealand international airfares. Plus we can book your pre and post tour accommodation if required.

  • It is compulsory for our international trips and highly recommended for our domestic tours. 

  • No as most airlines offer various special meals and any restaurants we visit are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements.

  • We seek to accommodate the needs of guests with disabilities whenever possible. However in most cases we are unable to take customers with walkers, wheelchairs or other mobility issues. Certain trips may be unsuitable due to walking or limited availability of accommodation with disabled facilities. We cannot be responsible for the care of customers suffering from significant cognitive illness (such as dementia). We ask such customers to consult with your doctor to obtain medical clearance. Guests needing assistance mustbe accompanied by an able companion who will be available to assist them and assume full responsibility for their wellbeing.

  • We ask that you can walk at least 100 metres unaided and be able to get on and off buses with little or no assistance. We cater for a senior market but it is important that you do not jeopardise the enjoyment of others by requiring more care and holding up the rest of the group. Talk to our office or staff at concerts and any advisory notes for individual trips to get a better idea of your suitability for each trip.

  • We stay at 4 and 5 star character hotels, avoiding package, tourist or big hotel chains. We choose  hotels with a more personal feel often with historic content or hotels of beauty and character, centrally located or in parks, by the water, or with beautiful gardens.

  • Breakfast is included daily, and many dinners and lunches are also included as per our itinerary.

  • There are no hidden costs. Included in the trip are tips, taxes, porterage, breakfast, meals where specified, inclusions listed in the itinerary, entry fees where listed in the itinerary, concert/show tickets where listed in the itinerary, tour escorts and local specialised guides. 

  • Some of our trips sell out very quickly and we recommend you make your booking as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. 

  • We will ask you to pay an initial deposit when making your booking. We will then follow up for a second deposit and then a final balance payment prior to travel.

  • All deposits up until final payment are refundable minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs the company may incur.

    After final deposit refunds are unlikely and the refund becomes an insurance claim.

  • Our numbers vary from destination to destination, please contact our office for further information.  We have a minimum number required to operate a tour. Should minimum numbers not be met, a full refund will be made. 

  • For international trips, all guests must have a valid passport that does not expire earlier than at least 6 months beyond their intended stay. 

  • Music is a key element in making our experiences special. There are special experiences and events every day, such as themed dinners, impromptu concerts, music, art tours with art experts and garden tours with garden experts.

  • Most hotels now have internet connection and all hotels have telephones in the room or at reception. If using your mobile telephone check calling and text rates, and disable data roaming before leaving New Zealand. Consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card. And you can keep in touch using social media such as Facebook. We have a copy of your next of kin details in case of emergency and we are also happy to help out with texts, phone calls and emails if you can’t get in touch with your family and need to while away. We are also happy to help out with getting your phones, ipads and cameras to work if needed while away.

  • We spend less time travelling between regions, allowing more time to enjoy experiences when you arrive. We avoid one night stops and “conveyor belt” travel, so you really can capture the local colour and vitality of the region. Our trips are planned so that there is a balance of included activities and free time for you to relax or do some exploring on your own.

  • Contact Operatunity Travel 

    Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
    Mail your booking form to PO BOX 132 150, Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644
    Email: travel@operatunity.co.nz

  • Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
    Email: travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz

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