New Zealand focused WW1 Somme Private Tour

The New Zealand focused WW1 Somme Private Tour offers a deeply personal journey through the battle-scarred landscape of the Western Front, departing from Arras or Albert. Priced at $432.33 per group (up to 3 people), this 9-hour private experience provides an intimate glance at some of the most significant WW1 sites. The tour is led by an experienced guide, with pickup included and a mobile ticket arrangement, making it both convenient and flexible.

This tour stands out because it is entirely private, allowing the guide to adapt the experience to meet specific interests, including any special sites or family connections. It typically takes booking 221 days in advance, indicating high demand from those wanting a personalized and in-depth exploration of the Somme battlefield. While it does not include lunch, the comprehensive itinerary ensures you visit key memorials, cemeteries, and historic sites that highlight New Zealand’s role in the conflict.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience led by an expert guide familiar with the Western Front.
• Includes notable sites such as Beaumont-Hamel, Lochnagar Crater, and several New Zealand memorials.
• Tour duration is approximately 9 hours, with pickup offered from Arras or Albert.
• Visits are flexible; special requests for specific sites or relatives’ locations can often be accommodated.
• All stops are admission fee-free, focusing on memorials, cemeteries, and historic landmarks.
• Booking well in advance (around 7 months) is recommended due to high demand from those seeking a tailored experience.

Departing from Arras or Albert for the Western Front

The tour begins in either Arras or Albert, two towns central to the WW1 battlefields. The pick-up service ensures a smooth start, with the air-conditioned vehicle transporting your group throughout the day. The flexible start time at 9:00 am allows for a full day exploring the compelling landscape of the Somme.

The departure from these towns emphasizes ease of access, especially for visitors staying in the region. The private nature of the tour ensures that your experience remains exclusive and tailored, with the guide ready to adapt the pace based on your interests.

In-Depth Look at the First Stop: Beaumont-Hamel Memorial and Trenches

Your journey begins at the Memorial Terre-neuvien De Beaumont-Hamel, where you walk in the preserved trenches of the Newfoundland Regiment. This site vividly illustrates the tragedy of the 1916 battle, providing a poignant reminder of the soldiers’ sacrifice. The guide shares detailed accounts of the battle’s unfolding, helping you visualize the intensity of WW1 combat.

Spending around 1 hour and 30 minutes here, visitors can explore the trenches firsthand and reflect on the cost of war. The site is admission free, focusing on education and remembrance. The guide’s insights are designed to deepen understanding of the Newfoundland Regiment’s experience during the conflict.

Visiting Lochnagar Crater: The Largest Man-Made Hole in the War

Next, the tour takes you to the Lochnagar Crater, an impressive scar on the landscape caused by a massive explosion in 1916. As the largest crater created by military engineering, it serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of WW1 artillery.

Spending about 30 minutes here, you’ll walk across the scarred terrain, gaining an understanding of the Battle of the Somme’s scale. The crater’s size highlights the intensity of the fighting and the engineering efforts involved. This stop is admission free, and the guide explains the strategic purpose of this dramatic feature.

Exploring the Quiet Sanctuary of Dartmoor Cemetery

The Dartmoor Cemetery offers a quieter reflection point, with a focus on individual stories. This lesser-known site houses many war graves and provides insight into the diversity of soldiers buried in the area.

Spending 30 minutes here, visitors learn about the various aspects of WW1 through the stories of those interred. The admission free cemetery underscores the personal toll of the conflict, often overlooked amid larger memorials. The guide’s storytelling enhances the emotional impact of this site.

Honoring the New Zealanders at Caterpillar Valley Memorial

The Caterpillar Valley Memorial is a key highlight, bearing the names of missing soldiers from the NZEF (New Zealand Expeditionary Force). This site also hosts the initial resting place of the New Zealand unknown soldier, making it especially meaningful for those with familial ties.

Spending 30 minutes here, the memorial offers a powerful connection to New Zealand’s WW1 contribution. The guide explains the significance of the memorial and the stories behind the names, enriching the experience of remembrance.

The NZEF’s Ground at Flers and Grevillers Memorials

The tour continues at Flers, where the New Zealand divisional memorial is located, and offers views of the battlefield ground over which NZ forces advanced. This site underscores New Zealand’s military efforts during the campaign.

Next, the Grevillers New Zealand Memorial honors the missing soldiers from 1918. Both stops take about 20 minutes each, with the guide highlighting the bravery and sacrifices made by New Zealand forces during these pivotal battles.

The 1918 Engagement at Lassigny and Colincamps Cemetery

The area of Lassigny was a hotly contested zone where the New Zealanders engaged in fierce defensive fighting. Visiting the Lassigny Farm, the site offers a tangible connection to the intense combat of 1918.

Following that, the Colincamps Euston Road Cemetery, the second-largest New Zealand cemetery in France, provides a somber space for reflection. Spending about 30 minutes at each site, the guide shares stories of the soldiers buried there and the strategic significance of these locations.

The Village of Mailly-Maillet and the Sunken Lane Scene

The village of Mailly-Maillet is notable for its association with the NZEF, especially the site of the field ambulance. Visiting this village offers insight into the medical efforts during WW1.

The tour’s final highlight is the Sunken Lane, famously linked to Geoffrey Malins’ film of the Hawthorn Ridge mine explosion. Standing on this ground, visitors see the site where one of the war’s iconic film clips was shot, capturing a moment of dramatic destruction.

Logistics, Comfort, and Flexibility of the Tour

Throughout the 9-hour experience, the air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort as the guide transports the group between sites. The private tour format allows for customization, including the possibility of focusing on specific soldiers or units if requested in advance.

No lunch is included, but the tour’s pacing allows for flexibility to include food breaks. The pickup from Arras or Albert and the start time of 9:00 am make it suitable for most visitors, with the option for a full-day exploration of the Somme.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for those with a personal or scholarly interest in WW1, especially family members of soldiers or researchers. The private, flexible nature makes it perfect for visitors wanting a customized experience. The focus on New Zealand’s role offers a unique perspective not always covered in broader WW1 battlefield tours.

Because of its 9-hour duration and walking through historic trenches and memorials, it’s best suited for participants with good mobility, though the route is generally accessible.

Final Thoughts on the New Zealand Focused WW1 Somme Private Tour

The private, customizable format of this tour provides an intimate look at the battlefields of the Somme, with a particular emphasis on New Zealand’s sacrifices. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, the journey delivers both historical depth and personal stories that resonate.

While the price might seem high for a small group, the flexibility, depth of content, and personalized approach justify the investment for those seeking a meaningful connection to the WW1 history. This tour offers a thoughtful tribute to a generation of soldiers, making it a fitting choice for history enthusiasts and family visitors alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all physical abilities?
The tour involves walking around cemeteries, memorials, and trenches, so it’s best suited for those with good mobility. The vehicle transport makes it comfortable, but some sites may require walking on uneven terrain.

Can I request to visit specific sites related to my family history?
Yes, the tour is adaptable with suitable notice. If you have special sites or relatives’ locations you want to include, inform the provider when booking.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking around 7 months (221 days) in advance is recommended due to high demand and the tour’s private, tailored nature.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and admission to memorials and cemeteries. Lunch and personal expenses are not included.

Is this tour available year-round?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

This New Zealand focused WW1 Somme Private Tour combines history, remembrance, and personalized attention, making it a meaningful way to explore the battlefields of the Western Front with a specific focus on New Zealand’s contributions.