New Zealand in WWI on the Somme & Artois from Amiens, Arras

A detailed look at New Zealand’s WWI history on the Western Front from Amiens and Arras

Setting out on a tour dedicated to New Zealand’s role in WWI offers a compelling glimpse into a pivotal chapter of history. This 7-hour experience takes you through key battlegrounds, tunnels, and memorials, providing a respectful yet engaging narrative of Kiwi soldiers’ sacrifices. It’s a deeply moving way to connect with the past, especially if you’re interested in military history or tracing your family heritage.

What we love most about this tour is the expert guidance provided by knowledgeable local guides, who bring history to life with detailed stories and insights. Plus, the visit to the underground Wellington Quarry really stands out—fascinating and haunting in its scale and purpose. However, a point to consider is the long day of walking and standing—comfortable shoes and clothes are essential, and it’s not suited for children under 11 or wheelchair users.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, those with a personal connection to WWI, or travelers who want a meaningful, educational experience beyond typical sightseeing. If you’re traveling in the Hauts-de-France region and eager to explore the Kiwi contribution to the war effort, this private trip from Amiens or Arras offers both depth and authenticity.

Key Points

• Thoroughly curated experience focusing on New Zealand’s WWI involvement on the Western Front.
• Expert guides enhance understanding with detailed stories, context, and personal insights.
• Visit key sites including battle remains, memorials, cemeteries, and underground tunnels.
• Private transport ensures comfort and flexibility throughout the day.
• 7-hour duration provides an in-depth, well-paced exploration with time for reflection.
• Not suitable for children under 11 or those with mobility challenges, due to walking and site constraints.

Exploring the WWI Battlefields and Memorials

This tour offers a rare opportunity to step directly into the sites where New Zealand soldiers fought and suffered during WWI. From the moment you depart your Amiens or Arras hotel at 09:00 am, the journey is packed with history and reverence. The route is well-structured, with stops that not only highlight the military significance but also tell personal stories of the soldiers and their families.

The Battle of the Somme and the Caterpillar Valley

The first stop is the Caterpillar Valley, a location that saw fierce fighting during the first major battle involving the NZ Division. Here, you’ll see the remains of the battlefield, which help visitors understand the scale and chaos of the conflict. What makes this spot particularly meaningful is the visit to the cemetery and memorial for the missing soldiers—a sobering reminder of the human cost. Our reviewers mention that guides like [name or guide] add a layer of storytelling that makes these sites resonate more deeply.

The NZ Monuments and Tunnels

Next, the tour visits the NZ monument built over a former German trench, which offers a striking visual link between the past and present. Standing there, you can appreciate the strategic importance of these trenches that were vital during WWI.

A highlight for many is the visit to the Wellington Quarry in Arras. This underground network, crafted by NZ tunneling companies, shows how soldiers prepared for underground attacks. You’ll see the tunnels where soldiers hid, worked, and planned, giving a tangible sense of the grit and ingenuity involved. Our review from December notes, “The guide’s stories made the tunnels so much more vivid—you could almost hear the echoes of the past.”

Memorials and Cemeteries

The tour also includes visits to memorials and cemeteries honoring the fallen, many of which are beautifully maintained and packed with personal stories. These sites are often quiet and contemplative, ideal for reflection on the sacrifices made.

The Practicalities and Comforts of the Tour

A key advantage of this experience is the private transportation. This means you won’t be balancing on crowded buses or rushing between sites. Instead, you’ll have a comfortable vehicle with bottled water provided—perfect for staying hydrated on what can be a physically demanding day.

The tour lasts about 7 hours, striking a balance between detailed insight and manageable pacing. It departs at 09:00 am, giving you a full day to immerse yourself but also allowing for some flexibility to reflect or ask questions.

The Tour Itinerary in Detail

• Departure from Amiens or Arras at 09:00 am, heading towards the Somme battlefield.
• Introduction to the wider WWI context, with stops at important sites that demonstrate the alliances and battles of the era.
• Visit to the Caterpillar Valley, including the cemetery and a memorial for the missing soldiers, with stories that breathe life into the static stones.
• Walk to the NZ monument, perched over a German trench, illustrating the strategic and engineering efforts behind the war.
• Travel to Arras to explore the Wellington Quarry, where the NZ tunneling companies prepared for the April 1917 attack. The tunnels reveal the hidden, underground war that was as brutal as the surface fighting.
• Return to your hotel in Amiens or Arras, filled with new understanding and respect for the sacrifices of the soldiers.

Authentic Insights and Reviews

Reviewers commend the knowledgeable guides, noting that they “helped us understand the lead-up and preparation for the offensive from all perspectives.” One mentioned how the visual aids and photographs used during the tour helped contextualize what they saw in the present-day sites, bridging past and present vividly.

The emotional impact is clear—visiting the cemeteries and memorials leaves many feeling humbled. The guides’ ability to weave stories of individual soldiers and the broader battles makes the experience not just educational but deeply personal.

Value and Price Analysis

At $696 for a group of up to three people, this tour offers a personalized, in-depth exploration of NZ’s WWI history. Considering the inclusion of guiding services, private transportation, and bottled water, the cost is reasonable for a private, tailored experience.

If you’re someone who appreciates expert storytelling and wants to avoid the hassle of planning logistics yourself, this tour provides convenience and depth. Compared to larger group tours, a private experience ensures your questions are answered, and you can focus on the parts of the story that resonate most with you.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history enthusiasts, family groups with an interest in WWI, or travelers with a personal connection to New Zealand. It’s ideal if you want to go beyond generic battlefield visits and explore specific Kiwi contributions. Due to the physical nature of the sites, not suitable for children under 11 or wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.

In short, if you value authentic stories, expert guides, and a respectful, immersive experience, this tour delivers.

The Sum Up

For anyone wanting a detailed, meaningful journey through WWI battlefields with a focus on New Zealand’s role, this tour ticks all the boxes. The combination of expert guidance, carefully curated sites, and the powerful underground tunnels creates an experience that’s both educational and emotionally impactful. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to connect with history on a personal level, remembering the courage and sacrifices made.

The private nature of the tour ensures a comfortable, flexible, and intimate experience, making it well worth the investment. Whether you’re a history buff, a Kiwi visiting France, or someone eager to see the stories behind the medals, this tour offers a compelling and respectful way to honor the past.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, giving ample time to explore key sites without feeling rushed.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 09:00 am from your hotel in Amiens or Arras.

Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private group experience, tailored to your party, providing a more personalized visit.

What is included in the price?
Guiding services, private transportation, and bottled water are included. Food, drinks, and souvenirs are not.

Is this suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 11 due to the walking and site conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are essential since there will be walking and outdoor sites.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and French, providing explanations in either language.

Is there any additional fee for entrance to sites?
No, as the tour covers the sites’ external visits, but check in advance if special access is needed.

Embarking on this tour is a meaningful way to honor history, understand the sacrifices made, and appreciate the ingenuity and resilience of the soldiers. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that marries education with emotion—perfect for those who want their history with heart.