DC-3 East Coast 5-day Air Tour
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March 19-23, 2022
TOUR SUMMARY
Think you’ve seen the scenic East Coast region properly? Not until you’ve done it our way! This exceptional ‘DC-3 Air Tour’ is an experience like no other. You’ll cruise ‘low and slow’, passing by magnificent coastal cliffs and scenic hill country. Sweep low over beautiful beaches, rivers, lakes and landscapes. The dramatic Whakaari White Island flypast is back too – at a safe, respectful distance of course. These unique, low level views really are breath-taking. There is simply no better way to explore and appreciate Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty, East Cape, Hawkes Bay, Taupo and more.
Meanwhile the carefully selected ground activities create a rich tapestry, packed with value. Visit enchanting Hobbiton and the Redwood Treewalk (Rotorua’s newest eco-attraction). Explore the significant Eastwoodhill Arboretum then walk with stingrays near Gisborne if you dare! Drive cross-country over the extensive Cape Kidnappers Station for a close up view of the amazing gannet colony and enjoy the thrilling Huka Falls jet boat ride near Taupo. And there’ll be wine tasting too – naturally!
Expect ‘yesteryear’ aviation touches with relaxed small airport departures, grass runway landings, and visits to the DC-3 cockpit during flights – yes, just like the good old days! You’ll be accompanied by a tour director and your DC-3 crew includes two professional pilots and a flight attendant. Stay in quality 4-star + hotels with meals included every day. There are two excellent one night stays (Rotorua and Gisborne) then a 2-night sea-view stopover in Napier. With only 24 guests at most, this remarkable tour is sociable and relaxed. See New Zealand without the crowds – you know there’ll never be a better opportunity than this!
YOUR DC3 AIR TOUR AIRCRAFT – ‘ZK-DAK’
The DC-3 airliner revolutionised air travel with an innovative design featuring the very best performance elements of the period. It’s enduring character and robust reputation was established in wartime and sealed in faithful airline service into the 1960’s and beyond. Today, the DC-3’s gracious charm, sedate speed and lower altitude cruising make it ideal for scenic flightseeing and comfortable air touring.
Your extensively restored Air Tour DC-3, meticulously maintained and operated by Fly DC-3 NZ, is one of only a few in the world with a full, current ‘Airline Operating Certificate’ (AOC). ‘ZK-DAK’ operates on sightseeing flights, special interest and corporate flights and in regular air show displays. Her distinctive Pratt & Whitney radial engines always draw admiring eyes skywards. Built in 1944 as a C-47B by the Douglas Aircraft Company (in Oklahoma City) her initial service was in the continental United States. Conversion to a C-47D in 1946 was followed by service in Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, New Guinea and Australia. In 1987 she was purchased by a group of NZ pilots and Warbird members and brought here for an extensive rebuild. Inside ZK-DAK today you will find a pleasant, commercially styled cabin with two seats either side of the single aisle. The seats are from a Boeing 767, with standard airline seat belts. Generous square windows offer pleasant outside viewing and photo opportunities.
Highlights and Inclusions
- DC-3 airliner flights on 4 tour days (5 flights)
- Coromandel, Rotorua, Gisborne, Napier, Taupo from above
- Exceptional flight-seeing and pre-paid ground attractions
- Quality 4-star hotels; two-night Napier stopover (sea-front)
- Hobbiton tour
- Whakaari / White Island volcano from above
- Rotorua Redwood Treewalk
- Eastwoodhill Arboretum near Gisborne
- Reef Ecology Tour – feeding stingrays
- Cape Kidnappers Overland Gannet Safari
- Napier sightseeing and wine tasting
- Huka Falls Jet boat
- All meals: Breakfast (4), Dinner (4), Lunch (5)
- Luxury coach sightseeing and transfers
- Transfers to and from Ardmore Airport (Auckland area only)
- Fully hosted tour (Tour Director/ Host)
Tour host's website: Pacific Trailways
Why a Bayes Coachlines Tour?
Bayes Coachlines operate a modern and reliable touring coach fleet, with vehicles ranging from 22 - 50 seater coaches. All of our coaches have a 3 to 5 star rating, are Air-Conditioned, with wall to wall carpet and trim, reclining seats, and some with on-board toilets, fridges, TVs, Video/DVD systems and twin door entry.
We have been dealing with both National and International clients from all parts of the world for over 30 years. We can provide for you exactly what you need from a transport operator - informed and accurate information on New Zealand activities and events, friendly and professional advice and service, and very competitive prices. Whether it is simply providing Coach transport for your set itinerary or doing the complete package - providing itinerary options for you and organising all accommodation, sightseeing, meals, and dealing with any other requests you may have.
Safety & Reliability
All our vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained and serviced to the highest standards. Vehicles are checked by an independent organisation - Vehicle Testing New Zealand Ltd. Each vehicle is setup to provide the maximum in ride comfort and safety.
Drivers
Our friendly professional drivers are individually chosen and trained with a high level of New Zealand experience and local knowledge. They are dedicated to helping you in any way possible, and insuring your travel is enjoyable, informative, seamless and hassle free.
International Clients
Bayes Coachlines will provide for your needs in all ways possible. We deal with clients from Australia, Great Britain, North America, Europe, Asia and many other nations from around the world.
We are very experienced in New Zealand touring, and are keen to take care of your touring needs. We deal with Hotel and Motel chains throughout New Zealand and have the contacts to be able to completely organise all parts of your touring package. Our Coaches range from 5 star luxury coaches to 3 star executive coaches, with all the appointments necessary for your comfort.
To view some sample Itineraries click here.
We look forward to hearing from you soon, and helping with the organisation of your New Zealand experience. Contact us for Free help and Quotes.
New Zealand Clients
Bayes Coachlines is based on Auckland's North Shore, we operate 46 vehicles ranging from top of the line tour coaches through to school and charter vehicles in both the North and South Islands. We provide all types of services and would love to discuss any requirements you have for up coming trips. We deal with Golf Clubs, helping to organise Golfing Tours, and Youth Clubs for any type of Day Trip or camps, our local senior citizens on their Day Trip and Away Tours. We also provide transport for corporate clients, and special interest groups.
We have the contacts to completely organise all aspects of any tours from 1 to 20 days or more throughout New Zealand, tailored to your personal requirements.
“ Hello Danny, Thank you for providing us with transport when we were in Auckland earlier this week. The service provided by your drivers was second to none - it was so easy from our end, please pass on our thanks to them. I will not hesitate to recomm... ” read more
Rangi Ruru Girls School
