The 2007 World Driving Championship – Itinerary

The top harness racing drivers in the world, including the United States’ Andy Miller, will take part in the biennial World Driving Championship—and you will be there to cheer him on, and to see some of the best Australia and New Zealand have to offer.

Here’s what we will be doing on our “Down Under” adventure; all the features mention below, except those marked with an “$” are included:

Monday, October 29:             After having flown from home to Los Angeles International Airport, we board Air New Zealand Flight 5 for a 10:30 p.m. departure. We’ve booked a limited number of “Pacific Premium Economy” seats for additional comfort and to enjoy special in-flight meals.

Tuesday, October 30:             During our flight we’ll cross the International Date Line, which means we will “lose” a day; don’t worry, we’ll “find it” on our return flight to Los Angeles.

Wednesday, October 31:        Upon arrival at Melbourne’s airport we will be met by our tour guide, and we will transfer to our hotel via a deluxe motorcoach. We will be staying at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, truly a five-star hotel and one of Australia’s finest. We’ve reserved “standard” rooms. During the day we’ll be able to do some exploring, relax, and then get ready to celebrate our arrival in Australia: We will begin our visit with a “Welcome Down Under” dinner.

Thursday, November 1:         We start with a buffet breakfast at the hotel, and then board a private motorcoach that will take us and our tour guide to the Mornington Peninsula, where we will visit the Ashcome Maze and its spectacular gardens, stop at the 200-acre Stonier Winery for a tasting, and then have another tasting at the famed Red Hill Estate Winery, and it’s award-winning restaurant, Max’s. Then it is off to Cranbourne Harness Racing Club, where we’ll have dinner and cheer Andy Miller during the opening round of the World Driving Championship. We will return to the Grand Hyatt following the races.

Friday, November 2:              After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will either have the day free to enjoy Melbourne’s many sites at your leisure, or can book an optional tour ($) to, for example, see the Melbourne Penguins (allow 10 hrs.) or travel the Great Ocean Road (12 hrs.). Otherwise, enjoy the day and evening on your own (we are happy to make recommendations for independent touring and dining).

Saturday, November 3:          Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, there are no activities planned before we depart, at 5:30 p.m., for the Moonee Valley Racetrack, for dinner and the second round of the World Driving Championship. We will return to the Grand Hyatt after the races.

Sunday, November 4:             After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we will depart, at 1:30pm., for the Maryborough Racing Club, where we will enjoy lunch, and the third round of the World Driving Championship. We’ll return to the Grand Hyatt immediately after the races, and then have the balance of the evening free.

Monday, November 5:           Following our buffet breakfast at the hotel we will check-out, and take a private transfer to the Melbourne Airport, where our local guide will assist us is checking-in for our flight to Auckland, New Zealand. When we arrive in Auckland we will be met by a guide and a private motorcoach, which will take us to our hotel, the Millennium Christchurch, where we’ve got “Deluxe City View” rooms waiting for us. After we check in and unpack we’ll have the balance of the day and the evening free.

Tuesday, November 6:           We’ll start the day with a full cooked breakfast, and at 9:30 a.m. we will depart for the International Antarctic Center to visit its penguin rescue habitat, experience its Arctic Storm Chamber, take a ride on a haaglund, which is a special vehicle used by Antarctic explorers, and then enjoy a buffet lunch at the Center. Following that we’ll return to the hotel to relax a bit, and then at 5:30 p.m. we will depart for dinner at Addington Raceway and the fourth round of the World Driving Championship. We will return to the Millennium Christchurch following the races.

Wednesday, November 7:      We’ll greet the morning with a full cooked breakfast at the hotel, and then have the option of exploring Christchurch on our own or take an optional tour ($) of Akaroa for the Dolphin Cruise and lunch. Then, at 5:00 p.m., we will transfer to Nevele R Stud, New Zealand’s leading breeding farm, to enjoy its Stallion Parade. Following our farm visit we will return to the Millennium Christchurch.

Thursday, November 8:         After a full cooked breakfast at the hotel you will have a free day to explore beautiful Christchurch, shop, and find a good spot for lunch ($) and dinner ($) before returning to the Millennium Christchurch for the evening.

Friday, November 9:              Again, a full cooked breakfast will get us off to a good start. We’ll have the day free, until 5:00 p.m., at which time we will transfer to Addington Raceway for dinner and the final round of the World Driving Championship, and we’ll return to the Millennium Christchurch following the races and dinner.

Saturday, November 10:        After breakfast at the hotel, we will check-out and our guide will assist us during our private motorcoach transfer to the Christchurch Airport. From there, most, after some last-minute souvenir shopping, will board an afternoon flight to Auckland, New Zealand, where they will connect to Air New Zealand Flight 6, which will depart at 7:30 p.m. and arrive in Los Angeles at 10:25 a.m. the same day! (Remember that day we lost? We get it back while crossing the Pacific Ocean.) Others will leave Christchurch and head for additional destinations—think Fiji, Tahiti, or Hawaii! ($), and some may elect to stay in New Zealand for a time ($).