Hello

We have had an interesting summer/autumn with visitors from UK, Germany, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Latvia and South Africa.

Now the cold and wet weather has arrived we thought it was a good time for you to think about getting away during our winter.

Our tours to China, UK/Ireland, Canada/Alaska and South Africa this winter are all go.  We will report on these in our next newsletter.

There are still four places left on our South Africa trip in August.  This is an awesome tour - the game viewing is superb and accommodation magnificent.  We have always had such positive feedback on this tour that we continue to make it available.  Contact us right away if you would like to go this year.

To whet your appetite for the great destinations we have for you in 2010 read on...

Central/Eastern Europe - May/June

This general farming tour takes you from New Zealand to Berlin and from there through Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and an optional add on to the Ukraine.  We ran this tour (except Romania and Ukraine are new destinations) in 2002 for dairy farmers and in 2004 for deer farmers.  Fascinating countries to visit.  We have got excellent contacts to ensure a wonderful tour.

Central Europe for Fruitgrowers - June

By popular request horticulturist Win Heuser will be leading this tour to Germany, Switzerland, Northern Italy, Austria and Czech Republic.  Win knows many people in the fruit industry in Europe so this is an opportunity not to be missed.  The tour will provide participants with an insight into production methods and the markets.

Ranches of the Rockies - June/July

Not only will you get to experience the 'wild west' and its history in the USA, but magnificent ranch visits, superb scenery and delectable food will add so much to this tour.  But wait there is more - the tour continues from Montana to Alberta in Canada to enjoy the sights and sounds of the famous Calgary Stampede.  The Grandstand Show and Rodeo are included in the package.  Believe me - they are everything you have heard about and more.

Farmers Tour to China - June

Again we are offering our farmers tour to China.  This is a superb opportunity to experience so much of China from the bustling cities of Beijing and Shanghai to the remote grasslands of Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang Province.  Accommodation in 4 star hotels, great guides, interesting farm and agricultural industry visits plus all the magnificent sights including the Great Wall, Buried Army and Forbidden City.

Farmers Tour to Canada/Alaska - July

You can really feel at home in Canada.  We seem to have so much in common.  This tour is a lot of fun as we combine with our friends across the Tasman.  It is a good insight into farming in Canada as well as seeing the sights and enjoying the culture.  Travel through Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia.  Experience the famous Calgary Stampede, visit Vancouver Island and to top it off if you wish you can join a cruise to Alaska through the Inside Passage.

Deer Farmers Tour to China - July

As the World Deer Farmers Congress is being held in Changchun in July 2010 we decided to run a tour to China next year to include the Congress.  As well as visiting deer farms in China and learning about the market for deer products, you will see many of the sights and experience the culture of China that have been a feature of our popular tours to this amazing country.

South Africa Farming & Wildlife Tour - August

If you have not been able to travel with us to South Africa yet and can't go in 2009, don't miss out in 2010.  Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Pretoria, sheep farms, beef farms and of course the magnificent game reserves - Kruger, Tshukudu, Lion Sands.  Then if you wish you can continue to Zambia to see the Victoria Falls and on to Botswana to see all the elephants, hippos, crocodiles etc you would ever want to see.

Cruising with Affinity

If you wish to join one of these cruises let us know.  For a group of 12 to 16 we can tailor a trip, otherwise you can choose one of the set departure dates.

Stewart Island - April to May
Fiordland - June to August
Marlborough Sounds - October to March