Full Day Private New Zealander Battlefields Tour from Arras

Arras, FR
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (2 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Helmet

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Wellington quarry entrance €6.30adult

Meeting Point

I will meet guests on the platform of their train at Arras station or at the hotel they are staying at in Arras

Meeting point

Pl. du Maréchal Foch, 62000 Arras , France

End point

End Point

I will meet guests on the platform of their train at Arras station or at the hotel they are staying at in Arras

Meeting point

Pl. du Maréchal Foch, 62000 Arras , France

End point

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Astoria Hotel Carnot
B&B HOTEL Arras Centre Les Places
Holiday Inn Express Arras, an IHG hotel
Hotel d'Angleterre Arras
Hotel de l’Univers
Hotel Diamant
Hotel Les Trois Luppars
Hotel Mercure Arras Centre Gare
Hotel Moderne
I will contact the supplier later
I will meet at the departure point
Le Passe-Temps
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Arras or at Arras station, on the platform of your train, if you get there by train, and take you back there at the end of your day.

What to expect

1

Place des Heros

Arras is blessed with a very rich architectural heritage as its two Flemish Baroque style squares : « La Place des Heroes » and « La Grand Place » will confirm. It is also a place full of history going from Roman times and across the centuries including the first world war. During these 20 minutes, your guide will take you on a journey through time.

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

Carriere Wellington

The Wellington Quarry in Arras is a remarkable network of underground tunnels built, mostly by 500 miners from the New Zealand Tunnelling Company in 1917 before the Battle of Arras. This network of tunnels will accommodate 24,000 soldiers before the surprise assault on the 9th of April. The tunnels are accessed via a glass-walled lift down the twenty meters to the quarry floor. The tour consists of both guided and audio-guided tours on a planned path accessible for wheelchairs.

Duration 90 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
3

Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps

Although never captured by the enemy, Mailly-Maillet was in continuous use by troops resting from the front line. When the Germans launched their massive Spring Offensive, the New Zealand Division was hurried to the Somme and fought near the village. Our visit will take us by La Signy Farm and the Dressing Station in Mailly-Maillet.

Duration 30 minutes
4

Memorial Terre-neuvien De Beaumont-hamel

The Newfoundland Memorial Park is the largest battlefield site in the Somme and a memorial dedicated to all Newfoundlanders who served during the First World War. The Battle of the Somme was the first major engagement of the regiment where they suffered staggering losses on the 1st of July 1916. The ground, purchased in 1921 by the women of Newfoundland and their government has become the symbol of sacrifice and a source of identity of the island.

Duration 45 minutes
5

Memorial de Thiepval

The “Memorial of the Missing” The “Memorial of the Missing” is the largest British War Memorial in the world. This imposing monument overlooks the surrounding rolling countryside. On its walls are engraved the names of over 72 000 soldiers who are rather missing or whose bodies were found but not identified. Here we will talk about military tactics and also about the notion of being “missing” and what it meant for all the families of those soldiers.

Duration 45 minutes
6

Caterpillar Cemetery

 The cemetery is named after Caterpillar Valley which was the name of the the long valley which rises eastward. In 2004, the remains of an unidentified New Zealand soldier was exhumed from this cemetery and is now resting in Wellington. This site is also the site of the New Zealand Memorial to the Missing , recording the names of 1205 New Zealand soldiers who were killed during the Battle of the Somme and have no known final resting place. From this point you will see the ground from which the New Zealand Division started during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette and an ideal place for your guide will tell you all about it.

Duration 30 minutes
7

New Zealand Battlefield Memorial

From this point you will see the ground from which the New Zealand Division started during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette and an ideal place for your guide will tell you all about it.

Duration 15 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    The tour is 8 hours long and includes traveling time
Provided by WW1 Battlefields guided tours: Brigitte De Cuyper from Get a Guide

What our experts say

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    Consider visiting local cafés after
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    Bring sturdy shoes for walking tours
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    Check the weather; dress in layers
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    Visit Place des Heros for photos
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    Try local cuisine at nearby restaurants

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the poignant history and awe-inspiring landscapes with the Full Day Private New Zealander Battlefields Tour. This immersive journey will take you on an exploration of the Western Front, following in the footsteps of the courageous New Zealanders who fought during World War I. Delve into the rich heritage of Arras, visit underground tunnels, walk in trenches, and discover moving WW1 sites in the Somme. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides a captivating overview of the experiences and sacrifices of the Kiwis during the war.

What to expect?

During this 480-minute tour, you can expect a deeply insightful and enlightening experience. Begin by exploring Arras, a city adorned with Flemish Baroque style squares and a fascinating history dating back to Roman times. Next, descend 20 meters into the Wellington Quarry, an extraordinary network of underground tunnels built by the New Zealand Tunnelling Company. Discover the stories of the 24,000 soldiers who prepared for the Battle of Arras within these tunnels. Continue your journey as you visit significant sites such as Mailly-Maillet, where the New Zealand Division fought with great valor. Marvel at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, a tribute to the Newfoundlanders who made immense sacrifices during the Battle of the Somme. The tour concludes at the Memorial de Thiepval, the largest British War Memorial in the world, honoring over 72,000 missing soldiers.

Who is this for?

The Full Day Private New Zealander Battlefields Tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, war veterans, and anyone seeking a profound understanding of New Zealand's involvement in World War I. Whether you have a personal connection to the war or simply have a deep appreciation for history, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration that will leave you with a profound sense of respect for the brave soldiers who fought on the Western Front. All are welcome to join, regardless of age or background.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of the New Zealanders who played a crucial role in World War I by booking the Full Day Private New Zealander Battlefields Tour. This exclusive experience allows you to walk in the footsteps of these brave soldiers, gaining firsthand insights into their experiences and the hardships they faced. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will gain a deep understanding of the historical significance of each site visited, creating a meaningful and unforgettable experience.

Good to know

Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore significant locations such as the Wellington Quarry and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear, as some areas may involve walking on uneven terrain. The tour duration is approximately 480 minutes, and meeting points can be arranged either at Arras station or at your hotel in Arras. Prepare to be moved by the stories and landscapes that bring the history of World War I to life.

Reviews

Customers who have embarked on the Full Day Private New Zealander Battlefields Tour have been deeply moved by the experience. They have praised the knowledgeable guides who provided detailed historical context and brought the stories of the Kiwi soldiers to life. Many have stated that the tour exceeded their expectations, offering a profound understanding of the sacrifices made by New Zealanders during World War I. Visitors have particularly appreciated the opportunity to explore the Wellington Quarry and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, immersing themselves in the history and paying tribute to the fallen soldiers.

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