Private New Zealand Battlefield Tour in Flanders From Bruges

Honoring the sacrifices of ANZAC soldiers during World War I, the Private New Zealand Battlefield Tour takes visitors on a poignant journey through Flanders. This full-day tour from Bruges explores key battlegrounds and cemeteries, including the New Zealand Corps Memorial in Messines and the Tyne Cot Cemetery. Participants will engage in reflective moments at these significant historical sites, culminating in the moving Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate. Those seeking a deeper connection to this profound history would do well to consider this immersive experience.

Key Points

• This private tour from Bruges focuses on New Zealand and ANZAC soldiers’ sacrifices during WWI, visiting key battlegrounds and cemeteries in Flanders.
• The tour includes stops at the New Zealand Corps Memorial in Messines and the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Europe at Tyne Cot.
• Visitors can attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, a powerful tribute to the fallen soldiers.
• The tour offers a personalized and flexible exploration of the Flanders battlegrounds, providing insights into the war’s impact and the lives lost.
• Highlights include the grave of a Kiwi rugby player-turned-soldier and historical sites like Messines Ridge, Poperinge, Polygon Wood, and Hellfire Corner.

Tour Overview

This private full-day WWI history tour from Bruges to Flanders allows visitors to explore key battlegrounds and cemeteries, including Messines and Ypres.

Travelers will learn about the New Zealand and ANZAC soldiers who fought in the area, including visiting a war memorial and the grave of a Kiwi rugby player-turned-soldier.

The tour includes the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Europe and historical sites like Messines Ridge, Poperinge, Polygon Wood, and Hellfire Corner.

Pickup, drop-off, lunch, transportation, and bottled water are included, with alcoholic drinks available for purchase.

Key Highlights of the Tour

The tour highlights the war memorial to the New Zealand Corps in Messines, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Kiwi soldiers during the First World War.

Visitors can also see the grave of a Kiwi rugby player-turned-soldier, a sobering tribute to the young lives lost.

The tour explores other historical sites like Messines Ridge, Poperinge, Polygon Wood, and Hellfire Corner, providing an immersive experience of the region’s wartime history.

At the Menin Gate in Ypres, travelers attend the Last Post Ceremony, a moving tribute to the fallen.

The tour offers a deeply personal and flexible exploration of the Flanders battlegrounds.

Visiting Messines: New Zealand Corps Memorial

Although the New Zealand Corps Memorial in Messines stands as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Kiwi soldiers during the First World War, its poignant presence provides visitors with a powerful connection to the region’s wartime history.

The memorial honors the brave ANZAC troops who fought valiantly in the Battle of Messines, a key offensive that marked the start of the Third Battle of Ypres.

The New Zealand Corps Memorial in Messines honors the brave ANZAC troops who fought valiantly in the Battle of Messines, a key offensive that marked the start of the Third Battle of Ypres.

Visitors can pay their respects at this moving site, reflecting on the immense courage and determination of the New Zealand soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The memorial’s significance resonates deeply, offering a profound glimpse into the legacy of the ANZACs.

Exploring the Largest CWGC Cemetery in Europe

Towering over the peaceful Flanders countryside, the Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Cemetery stands as a solemn testament to the immense sacrifices made during the First World War.

As the largest CWGC cemetery in Europe, it contains nearly 12,000 graves, including over 8,000 unidentified soldiers.

Visitors can:

• Reflect on the staggering scale of the loss of life

• Observe the rows of pristine white headstones, each representing a life cut short

• Take in the peaceful, contemplative atmosphere of the site

• Explore the Memorial to the Missing, which honors over 34,000 soldiers with no known grave

• Gain a deeper understanding of the devastating impact of the war on the region.

Historical Sites: Messines Ridge, Poperinge, Polygon Wood, and Hellfire Corner

Messines Ridge, Poperinge, Polygon Wood, and Hellfire Corner represent some of the key historical sites explored during the Private New Zealand Battlefield Tour.

Messines Ridge was the site of a major 1917 battle involving ANZAC troops. In Poperinge, visitors can see the grave of a famous Kiwi rugby player-turned-soldier.

Polygon Wood was another important battleground, while Hellfire Corner earned its name from the intense artillery fire that pummeled the area.

These locations provide a poignant glimpse into the sacrifices and hardships faced by New Zealand soldiers fighting in the Great War.

Experiencing the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate

Every evening at 8 pm, visitors gather at the Menin Gate Memorial to witness the solemn Last Post Ceremony. This poignant tribute honors the fallen soldiers of World War I.

As the haunting notes of the bugle echo through the memorial, an air of reverence descends upon the crowd. The ritual holds deep significance, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made.

Travelers on the Private New Zealand Battlefield Tour have the privilege of attending this moving ceremony, which leaves a lasting impression:

• Hearing the somber melody of the Last Post

• Observing the uniformed guards performing the ceremony

• Reflecting on the lives lost in the battles of Flanders

• Feeling the solemnity and weight of the moment

• Gaining a deeper understanding of the war’s impact

Inclusions and Booking Information

The Private New Zealand Battlefield Tour includes several key amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers get hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. Lunch at a local café is provided, and bottled water is available throughout.

The tour is conducted in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, making for a comfortable journey. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased during the tour.

All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the price, which starts from $433.68 per person, varying by group size.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours beforehand.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for the Private New Zealand Battlefield Tour.

With a 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews, the tour has received glowing feedback:

• Travelers praised the guide’s extensive knowledge and experience, bringing the history to life.

• The emotional impact of visiting the historical sites was noted, leaving a lasting impression on participants.

• The personalized nature of the tour and its flexibility were highly appreciated.

• Visitors felt the tour provided a meaningful and immersive experience exploring the New Zealand and ANZAC soldiers’ legacy.

• The overall inclusions, from transportation to meals, were deemed excellent value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit Other Sites Not Included in the Itinerary?

The tour includes key sites, but you can likely visit additional sites not on the itinerary if you coordinate with the tour provider. They may be able to accommodate requests to customize the tour within the allotted time frame.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Travelers of all ages are welcome to join. The tour is designed to accommodate a range of physical abilities and interests related to World War I history.

Can I Make Special Dietary Requests for the Included Lunch?

Yes, you can make special dietary requests for the included lunch. The tour provider is happy to accommodate any dietary needs or restrictions, so be sure to let them know in advance.

What Type of Transportation Is Used for the Tour?

The tour uses private air-conditioned transportation throughout the day. Travelers are picked up and dropped off at their hotel, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience as they explore the historical battlegrounds and cemeteries.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, but there’s no mention of an option to extend the duration. Travelers should check with the tour operator about the flexibility of extending the tour if desired.