New Zealand v England 2024 tour diary: Part 1

ICT tour manager Gary has been hosting a group of tourists in New Zealand. Here is his latest letter home, following England’s win in Christchurch…

What a week it’s been: from a visit to a rubbish dump to England playing proper cricket!

I had one day back in London, after the West Indies series, to turn my case around for New Zealand (and a couple of ales down the local!).

My starting point was Auckland, where I met up with a couple of clients on a short roadtrip. We drove through a town named Tirau, a quirky, eccentric sort of place, then onto Rotorua.

I have always enjoyed my time there. It’s a busy, entertaining community, and there was even a chance to go horse racing!

On top of the to-do list was a visit to the luge where the Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Cup competition was born.

Next, the Hellsgate Thermal Mud & Spa. Despite the smell of sulphur, which seems to hang around the nostrils for a couple of days, it was a relaxing pitstop.

After the third round on the luge was cancelled we headed to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This incredible piece of natural landscaping features spectacular volcanic craters, enormous hot water springs, beautiful geothermal features, rare and unusual plant life.

It is the world’s youngest geothermal valley, and it is truly breathtaking.

The following morning we drove to Taupo, where we had two nights. We thoroughly enjoyed it, visiting the Huka Falls, the rapids and craters, and the beautiful Lake Taupo a to witness a wonderful sunset. Heaven.

Our next destination was Wanganui, where we noticed plenty of murals – a feature of New Zealand’s urban areas.

Wanganui is a bit of a one-horse town. Its eclectic architecture is tastefully designed but the main points of interest – a tram and a paddle steamer – were sadly both out of operation. Instead of the usual hotel we stayed in a pub, The Rutland Arms Inn. What could be better?

We left Wanganui for Palmerston North and Mount Cleese.

Apparently John Cleese once said if you were close to being suicidal, you should visit Palmerston North!

The townsfolk were not too impressed and sought revenge. With a quirky sense of humour that the great comic would would surely appreciate, they named the local rubbish dump after him.

Who would have thought we have travelled 12,000 miles to visit a pile of garbage? Now, now… no comments about some of England’s overseas performances!

One night in Wellington and then on to Christchurch to meet up with the first client arrival for our New Zealand Test tour.

For some it started with a South Island tour before welcome drinks and day one of the Test.

The Hagley Oval is a very novel ground which has virtually no seating: it’s all about the grassy banks, which don’t suit everyone so picnic chairs were provided for all.

On day two and three, we enjoyed a three-course dinner (with wine pairings) with our groups on the Christchurch tram that travels around the city, a very pleasurable experience.

And so to the cricket. New Zealand’s nine first-innings dropped catches equalled the Test record, and that proved to be the difference. Harry Brook made 171 but was helped by given the lives of a cat.

It was Brydon Carse who stole the show, with match figures of 10/106. He must be a certainty for the Ashes.

We are back in New Zealand next October for a white-ball series so why not join us for a great tour in this beautiful country known as the Long White Cloud.

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