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

Exploring New Zealand’s WWI Heritage on the Somme & Arras from Amiens or Arras

When you think of New Zealand’s role in World War I, images of brave soldiers and historic battlefields might come to mind. But exploring that history firsthand can be tricky without a knowledgeable guide and the right logistics. This 7-hour private tour offers an in-depth journey into the NZ Division’s involvement on the Western Front, starting from either Amiens or Arras. For a reasonable price of $696 per group (up to 3 people), you’ll visit some of the most significant sites that mark New Zealand’s sacrifices, including battle remains, underground tunnels, and memorials.

What we love most about this experience is the opportunity to walk through the actual sites where Kiwi soldiers fought, especially the remains of the Battle of the Somme and the Arras tunnels. The tour’s focus on personal stories, combined with physical sites like the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery and the Wellington Tunnels, helps bring history to life. Plus, the private group setting means you get personalized attention and a flexible schedule.

A key consideration is that the tour is quite full, packing in a lot into a single day, which might feel rushed if you’re looking for a slow, reflective experience. Also, it’s designed for travelers over 11 years old and not suitable for wheelchair users, so keep that in mind if traveling with younger kids or those with mobility issues. This tour is best suited for history enthusiasts, especially those with a personal connection to New Zealand or a keen interest in WWI battlefields.

Key Points

• Personalized Private Tour: Ensures a flexible, intimate experience with a knowledgeable guide.
• Historic Sites Covered: Includes battlefields, memorials, tunnels, and cemeteries significant to New Zealand’s WWI history.
• Expert Guidance & Context: Guides provide deep insights, helping you understand the military strategies and personal stories.
• In-Depth Experience: Visits both above-ground memorials and underground tunnels, offering a full picture of the wartime environment.
• Good Value for History Buffs: At $696 for up to three, the cost includes private transportation and bottled water, making it a convenient all-in-one package.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 11 or wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting early at 09:00 am from either Amiens or Arras, this 7-hour private tour is designed for those eager to understand the significant contribution of New Zealand troops during WWI, particularly around the Somme and Arras battlefields. The journey combines historical narration with visits to key sites, making it an educational and emotionally impactful day.

Departure & Introductory Stops

Once you’re picked up, your guide (likely named in reviews, such as “Glen” or “Sarah”) will orient you to the overall significance of the Western Front and give a quick overview of the other nations involved in the battles. This helps contextualize the New Zealanders’ role within the massive war effort.

Battle of the Somme at Caterpillar Valley

The first major stop is the Caterpillar Valley, where the NZ Division fought during the 1916 Battle of the Somme. Here, you’ll see remnants of trench warfare and battlefield artifacts that still tell stories of fierce combat. The highlight is the cemetery and memorial for the missing, which serve as poignant reminders of the war’s human cost. Visitors often remark on how moving it is to stand where soldiers once fought and to reflect on the bravery involved.

A notable feature is the New Zealand monument, built on a German trench, which provides a striking visual connection to the battlefield’s history. We loved how guides explain the use of tanks in September 1916, helping us understand the evolution of warfare tactics.

Underground Tunnels at Arras

Next, the tour moves to Arras, where you’ll visit the Wellington Tunnels, built by the NZ tunneling companies in preparation for the April 1917 attack. Walking through these tunnels, you get a sense of the engineering prowess and the dangerous underground work that helped prepare the battlefield. The tunnels are open to the public and allow you to imagine the intense underground warfare that was crucial to the battle.

According to reviews, guides do an excellent job of illustrating how these tunnels were constructed and their strategic importance. As Tracey from New Zealand notes, “Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and ensured we had a good understanding of the lead-up and preparation for the offensive from all angles.” This kind of insight elevates the experience well beyond just visiting a site.

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Reflection & Return

After the tunnels, the tour wraps up with a drive back to your hotel, giving you time to absorb what you’ve seen. The transportation is private and comfortable, with bottled water provided for refreshment.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This experience combines comprehensive storytelling with visits to key physical sites, making history tangible. Unlike large group tours, the private format offers flexibility and ensures your guide’s full attention. The inclusion of both above-ground memorials and underground tunnels provides a layered perspective of WWI.

We also appreciate the emphasis on authentic sites — walking through battle remnants and tunnels helps foster a genuine connection to history, which is often lost in more superficial tours.

Value and Cost

At $696 for up to three people, the price might seem steep, but it includes private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and bottled water. Given the depth of the experience and the convenience of door-to-door service, many find this to be a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re a history enthusiast or traveling with a small group.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes — much of the tour involves walking on uneven terrain and in tunnels.
• Bring layers of clothing, as weather can vary, and underground tunnels can be cool.
• Note that children under 11 and wheelchair users may find the tour unsuitable due to the physical nature of the sites visited.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This trip is perfect for history buffs, particularly those with a personal or familial connection to New Zealand’s WWI efforts. It’s also well-suited for adults interested in military history or travelers seeking a meaningful, full-day experience that offers both education and reflection. The guide’s depth of knowledge ensures that even those with a passing interest will come away with a new appreciation for the sacrifices made.

This isn’t a casual sightseeing tour — expect a lot of walking, standing, and thoughtful storytelling. If you’re curious about the engineering feats of WWI tunneling or want to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought and fell, you’ll find this trip deeply satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, private transportation is part of the package, making it easy and comfortable to travel between sites.

What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts about 7 hours, starting around 09:00 am, with a return to your hotel afterwards.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers flexibility if your plans change.

Are meals included? No, food and drinks are not included, but bottled water is provided. You might want to bring snacks or plan for lunch on your own.

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s not recommended for children under 11, mainly due to the physical aspects of tunnels and battlefield sites.

Is the tour available in languages other than English? Yes, guides are available in both English and French.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes and clothes are essential, along with a camera if you want to capture the sights.

How many people will be in my group? This is a private tour for up to 3 people, ensuring personalized attention.

Will I learn about other nations involved in WWI? Yes, the guide provides an overview of the countries involved, giving context to the Kiwi contributions.

Final Thoughts

This private tour from Amiens or Arras offers a rare chance to connect with New Zealand’s WWI history through direct site visits and expert storytelling. It’s a meaningful way to honor the sacrifices made on the Western Front, especially if you value authentic experiences and attention to detail.

The inclusion of battlefield remains, memorials, and underground tunnels makes this tour particularly powerful for those interested in the tangible aspects of history. The personalized guidance ensures you’ll leave with a deepened understanding, not just of events but of the human stories behind them.

In short, this experience is an excellent choice if you want a thoughtful, immersive, and well-organized battlefield tour that honors the bravery of those who fought. It’s especially suited for history enthusiasts, family groups, and travelers seeking a respectful yet engaging exploration of WWI from a Kiwi perspective.

Whether you have a family connection to New Zealand, a passion for military history, or simply want to see the places where history happened, this tour will likely be a memorable, educational highlight of your trip.

Start planning your journey to pay tribute to the brave soldiers of WWI — a day of reflection, insight, and authentic connection awaits.

You can check availability for your dates here: