A New Zealand view of the Passchendaele battlefields.
NZ troop’s baptism of fire, greatest success and bloodiest battle are all covered on this day. We head north to Armentieres, a quiet area for most of the war, where new arrivals were ‘nursed’ into the harsh conditions of the Western Front.
Crossing the border into Belgium and through Messines, a town rebuilt from rubble after being liberated by the New Zealand troops. Leading the action at the pointy end of the arrow, the Battle of Messines was the greatest success of the British Forces at the time, the New Zealanders were noticed.
The Passchendaele battlefields are where we spend the afternoon. The gentle slopes of the ridge witnessed New Zealand’s greatest sacrifice. Attendance at the very emotive daily Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate is an absolute must. A long day out where a good night’s rest is a given.
The Passchendaele Day Tour runs twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday. Other days are available on request.
Passchendaele Day Tour
Itinerary
Depart from Arras at around 9.00 am.
Visit to the Cite Bonjean Cemetery and New Zealand Memorial, Armentieres.
Cross into Belgium and visit the official 1914 Christmas Truce site.
Consider the New Zealand action in the Battle of Messines.
Visit to the New Zealand Division Memorial, Messines.
Visit to the ‘Messines’ Ridge British Cemetery and New Zealand Memorial.
Visit to the Nine Elms British Cemetery, resting place of ‘The Originals’ All Black captain.
Lunch is in Poperinge
Visit to the New Zealand Division Memorial, Gravenstafel.
Visit the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest commonwealth military cemetery in the world.
View and consider the New Zealand action on the Passchendaele battlefields.
Visit to the Passchendaele Museum, Zonnebeke.
Visit to Polygon Wood, the Butte Cemetery and New Zealand Memorial.
Enter into Ypres via Menin Gate.
Dinner is in the old town of Ypres.
Attend the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate, Ypres.
Depart for Arras around 8.30 pm.
Arrive in Arras around 9.30 pm.
The Passchendaele Day Tour runs twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday and is a part of our 2 Day Kiwi Tour.Other days are available on request.The above itinerary may be varied based on the wishes/consensus of the Tour Guests travelling on any particular day.
The Passchendaele Day Tour is also available from the town of Ypres.
