Churchill where Polar Bears roam - Although you can see polar bears in the area as early as June, the prime time to see polar bears in their natural habitat is during late October and November when the polar bear population around Churchill is at its highest. Tundra Buggies are large vehicles that can safely maneuver the rough terrain of the tundra, while still allowing you to have amazing wildlife viewing opportunities “Wildlife and weather are unpredictable which means we can never guarantee wildlife sightings. However, we have an excellent track record and our team of Tundra Buggy drivers work together in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area to ensure our guests have the best viewing opportunities possible. Most often spotted: polar bears, arctic fox, red fox, ptarmigan, snow geese, gyrfalcons, snowy owls and a plethora of birds and wildlife” - Frontier North
An evening departure on Air New Zealand, cross the dateline, early evening arrival in Vancouver and transfer to our central hotel.
Fly to Winnipeg. On arrival we transfer to our central city hotel. Rest of day free.
This morning you have a guided tour of Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, one of the world’s best Arctic zoo exhibit. Afternoon free to explore.
Winnipeg - Gateway to the West, situated where three rivers meet and the prairies begin, Manitoba’s capital it was the heart of the fur trade in its earlier days. A population of around 750000, it considers itself as the most central city of the North America
Today You have guided tour of the Manitoba Museum to learn about vivid portrayal of Manitoba’s rich and diverse history
Did you Know That the childhood character Winnie the Pooh was named after a bear at the Winnipeg Zoo? And if you love caviar, Winnipeg exports over 25,000 pounds of award winning caviar to some of the world’s top restaurants
We meet for breakfast before checking in at the train station for an early afternoon departure to Churchill. Overnight on the train. The next two days we travel through three different biospheres including the prairie grasslands, boreal forest of the Canadian Shield, and last but not least the tundra of northern Manitoba.
Full day on board the train with a chance to stretch your legs in Thompson, a major stop on the route Overnight on the train.
VIA Rail Sleeper Class Cabins are designed for two people. During the day they are the seating area and fold down into single beds for the evening. Each cabin includes a private washroom with toilet and sink. Each sleeper car has one shared shower. Meals are include
Enjoy an early-morning breakfast on board before finally arriving in Churchill. Upon arrival we have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Itsanitaq Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of Inuit art in the world. Free time this afternoon to see Churchill, or view the surrounding area’s wildlife from a different point of view by booking an exciting onehour helicopter tour. Dinner is at a local restaurant and the evening can be spent exploring Churchill’s authentic shops, enjoying a beverage at the local pub or relaxing at the hotel.
Following an early morning breakfast, we will depart for our first full-day Tundra Buggy adventure exploring the Churchill Wildlife Management Area on a network of established trails in search of polar bears, arctic fox, ptarmigan and other sub-arctic wildlife. Lunch and refreshments will be served on board. We will return to Churchill for dinner at a local restaurant before finishing the day with a presentation from a local resident on the culture, history, wildlife and lifestyle of the Churchill area.
This morning we will be transferred beyond the town limits to Churchill’s boreal forest to enjoy an interpretive program paired with a thrilling dog sled excursion. Hosted by a local Churchill resident and dog sledding expert, guests will learn about the history associated with dog sledding as well as enjoy a mile-long ride on a custom-built sled behind a strong team of huskies. Back to town for lunch before making a stop at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, located in Churchill’s historic train station where we will step back in time during an interpretive program about Churchill’s human and natural history. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
After breakfast transfer to the Tundra Buggy dock for a second and final fullday adventure. After a day of exploring the tundra, bid farewell to Churchill as we transfer directly to the airport for an evening flight back to Winnipeg. A light meal will be served. Upon arrival in Winnipeg overnight at Winnipeg’s international airport.
Mid - morning departure from Winnipeg, change planes at Calgary to arrive early evening at San Francisco airport, change planes, depart on Air New Zealand
Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
---|---|---|
$17,980 | $19,509 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 2% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
• Travel Insurance is recommended– please ask us for a quote
• Items of a personal nature
• Items not specified
• Gratuities
• Airport and airline taxes (approx. 331NZD)
• Canada provincial & Govt tax (approx.723NZD)
• A non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person will secure a place on this trip
• Full payment is due no later than 24 June 2022
• From the date of booking until 24 June 2022– loss of deposit
• After 24 June 2022 - no refund
Travel Insurance is essential. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.
Documentation
• A current passport is required, valid six months beyond date of travel
• An ESTA visa is required for entry into US. (US$14)
• A Canadian ETA is required (CA$07)
Currency / Money
• Canadian Dollars are used in Canada
• ATMs are readily available
• Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most towns and cities
Clothing
Closer to departure date, extensive information will be provided – a brief summary is as follows:
• Waterproof parka
• The Golden Rules are: Layers, layers, layers – base, mid, outer
• Wear breathable fabric – not cottons
• Waterproof – not water repellent
• Protect your extremities
• Remember the SPF
Climate
Throughout polar bear season during October and November, Churchill’s temperatures tend to be very cold, ranging from -16°C to 7°C. Our time on the tundra is in heated Tundra Buggy vehicles, but with windows being lowered for photography, you should expect interior temperatures to range from -1°C to 16°C and will want wear sufficient layers to remain comfortable at that range. As with any location, temperatures in Churchill can vary widely, the streets and sidewalks in Churchill can become very slippery with layers of ice and snow.
Weather Max Min
Chicago 11°C -2°C
Winnipeg 7°C -9°C
Churchill 0 °C -16 °C
good standard of health and fitness is required and clients should be independently mobile with the ability to walk unaided on uneven surfaces and negotiate stairs.
Covid-19 Vaccination
All travelers must be fully vaccinated and be able to provide a copy of the Ministry of Health International Vaccine Record Card with proof of your full Covid-19 vaccination.
Covid
• If New Zealand Borders are closed as a result of Government imposed restrictions and/or, quarantine travel restrictions are imposed on New Zealanders returning home from overseas, Pukekohe Travel accepts no liability for any additional costs.
• These are not limited to but includes any cancellation or amendment fees or border quarantine fees imposed.
• Pukekohe Travel will assist in every way possible to ensure any additional travel arrangements required are made with the minimal amount of disruption and in the most cost-effective manner.
• For full terms and conditions please visit our website www.pukekohetravel.co.nz/ termsandconditions or ask our tour consultant for a copy
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change