New Zealand’s pivotal role in World War I is a captivating story. This private tour explores the nation’s significant contribution on the Somme and Artois battlegrounds, departing from Amiens or Arras. With expert guides leading the way, visitors can explore key sites like Caterpillar Valley and the Wellington Quarry, uncovering the powerful legacy of New Zealand’s brave soldiers. From the Battle of the Somme to the Battle of Arras, this 7-hour journey promises an insightful connection to a remarkable chapter in history.

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Key Points

This 7-hour private tour focuses on New Zealand’s involvement in key World War I battles, including the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras.
Highlights include visits to Caterpillar Valley, the New Zealand monument, and the Wellington Quarry, which showcased the crucial tunneling work of New Zealand forces.
The tour departs at 9:00 am from Amiens or Arras and is available in English and French, with guiding services, private transportation, and bottled water included.
The tour provides in-depth insights into New Zealand’s pivotal contributions during these historic battles, catering to those interested in World War I history.
Customer reviews praise the tour guides’ exceptional knowledge and the overall high-quality historical experience, making it a recommended choice for both New Zealanders and others.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This 7-hour tour provides an in-depth exploration of New Zealand’s involvement in World War I, focusing on their pivotal roles in the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras.

Priced at €595.00 for up to 4 participants, the private tour departs from Amiens or Arras at 9:00 am and is available in English and French.

Highlights include visits to Caterpillar Valley and the Wellington Quarry, showcasing the Kiwis’ underground tunnel work.

The tour includes guiding services, private transportation, and bottled water, while personal expenses, souvenirs, and food are excluded.

The tour includes guiding services, private transportation, and bottled water, while personal expenses, souvenirs, and food are excluded.

Not suitable for children under 11 or wheelchair users.

Looking for more options in Amiens? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Historical Context

The New Zealand Division participated in the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and the Battle of Arras, where they focused on extending underground tunnels for attacks.

Key locations included Caterpillar Valley, where the first battle with tanks occurred in September 1916, and the New Zealand monument on a former German trench.

The tunneling work of the New Zealand companies was showcased at the Wellington Quarry, crucial in preparations for the April 17 attack.

This tour provides an opportunity to explore the significant involvement and contributions of New Zealand forces during these pivotal World War I battles.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour departs at 9:00 am from either Amiens or Arras, allowing participants to explore key sites associated with New Zealand’s involvement in the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras. The first stop is Caterpillar Valley, home to a cemetery and memorial for the missing. Next, the group visits the Wellington Quarry, showcasing the work of New Zealand tunneling companies in preparation for the April 17 attack. After these insightful visits, the tour returns participants to their hotels.

| Highlight | Description |

|———–|————-|

| Caterpillar Valley | Cemetery and memorial for the missing |

| Wellington Quarry | Showcasing NZ tunneling companies’ work |

| New Zealand Monument | On a former German trench |

| Battle of the Somme | NZ Division’s participation in 1916 |

| Battle of Arras | NZ Division’s focus on underground tunnels |

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes guiding services, private transportation, and bottled water in the vehicle.

However, it excludes personal expenses, souvenirs, food, drinks, and snacks.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 11 years or wheelchair users. Participants are responsible for these additional costs and accessibility requirements.

The focus is on providing a comprehensive historical experience exploring New Zealand’s involvement in the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras during World War I.

With an emphasis on guided services and private transportation, the tour ensures a personalized and informative exploration of these significant sites.

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Customer Feedback

According to the reviews, customers have overwhelmingly praised the tour guides for their exceptional knowledge and helpfulness in providing context and understanding of the historical events surrounding New Zealand’s involvement in the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras during World War I.

The tour has received a perfect 5/5 rating based on two reviews. Customers have noted positive experiences and recommended the tour for New Zealanders visiting France or Belgium.

The guides’ expertise in the subject matter has been consistently highlighted, allowing participants to gain deeper insights into this important chapter of New Zealand’s history.

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Exploring Caterpillar Valley

As visitors approach Caterpillar Valley, they’ll find a cemetery and memorial honoring the brave New Zealand soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

The stark white headstones and the towering monument serve as a poignant reminder of the heavy toll taken on the Kiwi forces.

Travelers can explore the grounds, ponder the sacrifices, and gain a deeper understanding of the role New Zealand played in this pivotal campaign.

The serene setting provides a somber yet meaningful connection to the past, allowing visitors to pay their respects to the fallen heroes.

Discovering the Wellington Quarry

After exploring the somber Caterpillar Valley, visitors explore the Wellington Quarry, where they uncover the remarkable efforts of New Zealand’s tunneling companies.

This extensive underground network was crucial in preparing for the April 17 attack. Guides showcase the painstaking work of the Kiwi troops, who labored tirelessly to construct a network of tunnels, chambers, and communication shafts.

Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenious tactics employed by the New Zealanders, learning how they leveraged the quarry’s complex layout to their advantage in the upcoming battle.

The tour illuminates this lesser-known aspect of the New Zealand Division‘s role on the Western Front.

Commemorating the New Zealand Contribution

The tour culminates with visits to several sites that commemorate the New Zealand Division’s courageous efforts and sacrifices during the battles on the Somme and Artois fronts.

Travelers stop at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery and Memorial, which honors the missing New Zealand soldiers from the 1916 battles.

At the New Zealand monument on a former German trench, the guide explains the vital tunneling work of the New Zealand tunneling companies that supported the attacks.

The guide explains the vital tunneling work of the New Zealand tunneling companies that supported the attacks at the New Zealand monument.

These poignant memorials allow visitors to reflect on the immense human cost of the war and the enduring legacy of the New Zealand troops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour does not offer an option to customize the itinerary. It’s a pre-designed group tour focused on exploring the key historical sites related to New Zealand’s involvement during World War I in the Somme and Artois regions.

Can the Tour Be Combined With Other Nearby WWI Sites?

The tour can likely be combined with other nearby WWI sites, though this would need to be coordinated with the tour provider. Customization options may be available, but customers should inquire about specific requests to understand the feasibility and any additional costs.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is casual and comfortable. Participants are advised to wear sturdy walking shoes, as the tour involves some hiking. Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, as the tour may continue rain or shine.

Are Audio Guides Available During the Visits?

Audio guides are not mentioned in the provided information. The tour includes guiding services, suggesting a live guide will accompany participants during the visits. Additional audio guides do not appear to be available for this particular tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Group Bookings?

The tour offers discounted pricing for group bookings of up to 4 participants, starting at €595.00 per group. No specific package deals are mentioned, but the private group rate provides a cost-effective option for small parties.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of New Zealand’s pivotal role in the Somme and Artois battles during World War I. Visitors can enjoy the history, visiting key sites like Caterpillar Valley and the Wellington Quarry, while gaining in-depth insights from expert guides. It’s an ideal opportunity for history enthusiasts and New Zealanders to connect with their heritage in France.

You can check availability for your dates here: