This tour will take you in the footsteps of the New Zealanders on the paved streets of Arras, down 20 meters deep tunnels beneath its magnificent squares; walking in trenches, and visiting moving WW1 sites in the Somme whilst learning all about the experience of the Kiwis on the Western Front.
Pickup included
Arras is blessed with a very rich architectural heritage as its two Flemish Baroque style squares : « La Place des Heroes » and « La Grand Place » will confirm. It is also a place full of history going from Roman times and across the centuries including the first world war. During these 20 minutes, your guide will take you on a journey through time.
The Wellington Quarry in Arras is a remarkable network of underground tunnels built, mostly by 500 miners from the New Zealand Tunnelling Company in 1917 before the Battle of Arras. This network of tunnels will accommodate 24,000 soldiers before the surprise assault on the 9th of April. The tunnels are accessed via a glass-walled lift down the twenty meters to the quarry floor. The tour consists of both guided and audio-guided tours on a planned path accessible for wheelchairs.
Although never captured by the enemy, Mailly-Maillet was in continuous use by troops resting from the front line. When the Germans launched their massive Spring Offensive, the New Zealand Division was hurried to the Somme and fought near the village. Our visit will take us by La Signy Farm and the Dressing Station in Mailly-Maillet.
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Arras or at Arras station, on the platform of your train, if you get there by train, and take you back there at the end of your day.