Touring the best of Hawkes Bay in retro VW Kombi style.
Showing off the sights, sounds and sumptuous tastes of this fabulous region.
Fully private and bespoke tours as well as private hire available.
THE AVANTOGO STORY
Owners, Craig and Simone Stranaghan have combined their love of travelling and Volkswagen vans to create Avantogo Tours.
After relocating to sunny Hawke's Bay from the "big smoke" they decided to make a complete career change, turning their beloved 1970 VW Microbus in to a fun way to experience the bay to become tour operators.
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Even Volkswagen New Zealand saw the little van's potential and featured her (with cameos from Craig and Marjolaine) in their 2015 safety campaign...
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So the little bus was duly painted, upholstered, washed, waxed and complied in to what is today a sharp retro cruiser. Perfect to spend time in and a world away from it's previous hauling job as a bread van...although the scent of fresh sourdough has said to be smelt at 80kms an hour with a good tail wind!
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Craig and Simone took a trip in 2017 to research some tours Stateside. This simply re-enforced their belief that it would be cool to experience the wonderful offerings that Hawke's Bay provides in a fun and totally unique fashion.
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The name Avantogo, very simply comes from their desire to travel and as they needed transport they required A-Van-To-Go!
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As a tour operator we strive to offer the best of the Bay with a touch of individuality. Be it wedding transportation, a birthday treat or special occasion or by choosing one of our tailor made tours. Taste wine and see the sites in something a little more special.
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Our other partner, who definitely deserves a mention, is our 12 year old daughter Marjolaine. Her role of chief van washer and occasional guide is vital to the smooth running of the ship. She can also provide a different style of commentary to our younger guests...particularly advice on the best local skateboarding spots.
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We look forward to showing you this very special slice of paradise.
THE OLD GIRL IN ACTION
THE GREAT RENOVATION
WINE, SIGHTSEEING & ART DECO TOUR PACKAGES
MORNING WINE TOUR
9:30am - 1:00pm
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$165 per person
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Includes:
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sightseeing
tasting at 2 vineyards
specialty food producer
Plus winery lunch platter
AFTERNOON WINE TOUR
1:30pm - 5:30pm
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$125 per person
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Includes:
sightseeing
tasting at 3-4 vineyards
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Plus winery cheese platter
9:30am - 5:30pm
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$245 per person
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Combines both morning and afternoon tours.
FULL DAY WINE TOUR
1 Hour Tour
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Van hire is exclusive to your party
Maximum 6 people
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$180 per tour
Tour includes:
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Clive Square
Art Deco Points of Interest & Architecture
Marine Parade
Bluff Hill Scenic Lookout
LOCAL SIGHTS & ART DECO TOUR
FURTHER AFIELD SIGHTS & ART DECO TOUR
4 Hour Tour
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Van hire is exclusive to your party
Maximum 6 people
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$480 per tour
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Tour includes:
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Best of Napier City
Clive
Te Mata Peak
Wine Tasting
Speciality Food Producers
Photo opportunities,
commentary and groovy music!
AFTERNOON BREW TOUR
Visiting 3 of Hawkes Bay's finest local breweries
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Route, times and tour cost by arrangement
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CRUISE SHIP SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Docking in Napier this summer? Book directly with us and depart/return the Napier City i-SITE. Look out for the Avantogo stall!
Our 2018/2019 Summer Tour includes visits to:
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Local Vineyard tasting | Arataki Honey tasting/tour| Te Mata Peak| Local fruit, chocolate and ice cream tasting stops
Ahuriri Fishing Village tour| Napier City Art Deco Highlights
Duration 3.5 - 4 Hours | Tour costs $85 per person
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