The New Zealand troops played a pivotal role in the pivotal Battles of the Somme and Arras during World War I. They displayed exceptional bravery and resilience in fierce combat, capturing strategically important sites and making critical contributions to these significant battles. Visitors can now explore the key sites associated with the New Zealanders’ involvement through a guided tour from Amiens or Arras, gaining insights into their heroic actions that helped shape the course of the war. The tour promises to be a poignant and educational experience for those interested in understanding the crucial role of the New Zealand Division in this pivotal chapter of history.
Just The Basics
- The tour covers key sites related to the New Zealand Division’s involvement in the Battle of the Somme and Battle of Arras during World War I.
- Highlights include the Caterpillar Valley and the New Zealand monument on a former German trench, as well as the Wellington quarry used by New Zealand tunneling companies.
- The New Zealand Division played a significant role on the Somme and Artois fronts, demonstrating bravery and resilience in fierce combat.
- The tour provides insights into the New Zealanders’ critical role in the major Allied offensives on the Somme and at Arras.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 11 years old or wheelchair users due to uneven ground and limited accessibility at the battlefield sites.
Overview of the Tour
This 7-hour guided tour from Amiens or Arras takes visitors through the key sites related to the New Zealand Division‘s involvement in the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras during World War I.
The tour covers important locations associated with the countries that participated in these battles.
Highlights include a visit to the Caterpillar Valley, where the New Zealand Division used tanks in September 1916, and the New Zealand monument built on a former German trench.
The tour also visits the Wellington quarry in Arras, which was used by New Zealand tunneling companies in preparation for the Battle of Arras.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of New Zealand’s role in these pivotal World War I battles.
New Zealand’s Involvement
During World War I, the New Zealand Division played a significant role on the Somme and Artois fronts, demonstrating their bravery and resilience in the face of fierce combat.
At the Battle of the Somme in 1916, the New Zealanders used tanks for the first time, capturing the Caterpillar Valley in a daring assault.
Later, at the Battle of Arras, they played a crucial part in the Wellington quarry offensive, using their expertise in tunneling to gain a tactical advantage.
The New Zealand monument on a former German trench stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these courageous soldiers, who fought with distinction to secure victory for the Allied forces.
The Battles of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme was a major offensive launched by the Allied forces in 1916, aimed at breaking through German lines and delivering a decisive blow against the enemy. Lasting from July to November, the battle saw some of the fiercest fighting of the war, with both sides suffering immense casualties in the grueling trench warfare that characterized the Western Front.
The New Zealand Division played a key role in several engagements, including:
- The Caterpillar Valley, where they utilized tanks in September 1916.
- The construction of the New Zealand monument on a former German trench.
- The Wellington quarry in Arras, used by New Zealand tunneling companies in preparation for the Battle of Arras.
- The heavy casualties suffered by the New Zealanders during the overall Somme offensive.
The Battle of Arras
Following the devastating campaign on the Somme, the New Zealand Division was soon called upon to play a crucial role in the Battle of Arras, a major Allied offensive launched in the spring of 1917. The New Zealand troops were tasked with capturing the strategically important Arras ridge and the adjoining Vimy Ridge, a formidable German stronghold. Their efforts were vital in securing the hard-won gains at Arras, with the New Zealanders demonstrating their skill and tenacity in the face of fierce German resistance. The Battle of Arras showcased the growing professionalism and combat effectiveness of the New Zealand Division, who proved themselves to be a formidable force on the Western Front.
| Objective | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Capture Arras Ridge | Achieved |
| Capture Vimy Ridge | Achieved |
| Demonstrate NZ Professionalism | Succeeded |
Guided Tour Highlights
This guided tour offers visitors a comprehensive look at the New Zealand Division’s involvement in two key battles of World War I – the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras.
Tour highlights include:
- Visiting the Caterpillar Valley, where the New Zealand Division used tanks in September 1916.
- Seeing the New Zealand monument built on a former German trench.
- Exploring the Wellington quarry in Arras, used by New Zealand tunneling companies in preparation for the Battle of Arras.
- Learning about the countries involved in these battles through visits to important locations.
Throughout the 7-hour journey, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the New Zealanders’ critical role in these historic campaigns.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
What does the tour include and exclude? The tour includes guiding services, private transportation, and bottled water in the vehicle. However, it excludes personal expenses, souvenirs, and food, drinks, and snacks. The tour’s inclusions and exclusions are summarized in the table below:
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Guiding services | Personal expenses |
| Private transportation | Souvenirs |
| Bottled water in the vehicle | Food, drinks, and snacks |
This structured format provides a clear overview of what is and isn’t covered by the tour, allowing visitors to plan accordingly and ensure their needs are met during the New Zealand WWI battlefield exploration.
Age and Accessibility Restrictions
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 11 years old or wheelchair users due to accessibility constraints. The terrain and activities involved may be challenging for younger participants and those with mobility issues.
To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, the tour has these age and accessibility restrictions in place.
Some key considerations for this tour include:
- Uneven ground and hills at the battlefield sites
- Walking for extended periods with limited rest breaks
- Potential difficulties accessing certain areas and monuments
- Lack of specialized equipment or accommodations for wheelchair users
Tour Logistics
The tour departs from hotels in Amiens or Arras at 9:00 am, allowing participants to explore the key locations related to the New Zealand Division‘s involvement in the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras.
Over the course of the 7-hour guided tour, visitors will visit important sites, including the Caterpillar Valley, where the New Zealand Division used tanks in September 1916, and the New Zealand monument built on a former German trench.
In Arras, the tour includes a visit to the Wellington quarry, used by New Zealand tunneling companies in preparation for the Battle of Arras.
Private transportation and bottled water are provided, while personal expenses, souvenirs, and food and drinks are excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Lunch and Snacks on the Tour?
You can bring your own lunch and snacks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water in the vehicle, but any additional food or drinks are not provided. Bringing your own provisions is allowed and can be enjoyed during the tour.
Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the tour or interfering with other guests’ experience. Photography and videography may be restricted in certain areas for preservation or safety reasons.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
Yes, the tour offers a private option. Guests can book a private guided tour, which provides a personalized experience and flexibility to customize the itinerary according to their interests.
How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?
The tour involves moderate walking, with visits to important battlefield locations and monuments. Guests can expect to walk for several miles over the course of the 7-hour guided tour. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
The tour operator offers group discounts for bookings of 5 or more people. Specific discount rates are not provided, so interested groups should inquire directly with the operator for pricing details.
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Sum Up
The guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the pivotal role of the New Zealand Division in the Battles of the Somme and Arras during World War I.
Visitors will gain insights into the division’s exceptional bravery and resilience, visiting key sites like the Caterpillar Valley and the New Zealand monument.
This tour provides a comprehensive understanding of the New Zealanders’ critical contributions to these significant battles.
