In April 2027, join SOE Expeditions on an extraordinary 10-day journey across Tunisia, following the trail of the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), retracing Montgomery’s legendary Left Hook and honouring the New Zealand soldiers whose courage helped turn the tide of the North African campaign.

This is the story of desert reconnaissance, audacious manoeuvre and extraordinary battlefield leadership. It is also the story of New Zealand’s Māori warriors, whose actions at Tebaga Gap and Takrouna became defining moments in the history of the New Zealand Army.

The LRDG, operated deep behind enemy lines, navigating some of North Africa’s most unforgiving terrain. Their reconnaissance helped identify routes through the Jebel Dahar that enabled the Eighth Army to outflank the Axis defences of the Mareth Line. This intelligence and the wider Allied manoeuvre contributed to the advance towards Tebaga Gap and the decisive fighting of March 1943.

At Tebaga, we explore the actions of the 28th (Māori) Battalion, including Second Lieutenant Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu VC. On 26–27 March 1943, Ngārimu led his platoon in the assault on Hikurangi, a forward feature below Point 209. Wounded but refusing to leave his men, he continued to lead the defence against repeated German counter-attacks until he was killed. His Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously for his exceptional courage and leadership.

Our journey continues to Takrouna, where New Zealand troops faced a formidable enemy position on a steep, rocky summit in April 1943. Here, the actions of Sergeant Haane Manahi and his fellow soldiers became part of the enduring legacy of the Māori Battalion. We examine the assault, the terrain and the fighting that made Takrouna one of the most memorable actions of the Tunisian campaign.

Across 10 days, we travel from Djerba and the Mareth Line into the Matmata hills, the desert beyond Ksar Ghilane and the approaches to Tebaga Gap, before continuing north towards Takrouna and Tunis. Along the way, we explore the LRDG’s desert tactics, Montgomery’s operational manoeuvre and the experiences of the men who fought across this extraordinary landscape.

Expect immersive battlefield exploration, expert historical guidance and nights beneath the vast desert sky. Stand on the ground where reconnaissance shaped strategy, where infantry fought for every ridge and where courage under fire became legend.
We conclude in Tunis with a remembrance visit, reflecting on the human cost of the campaign and the legacy of those who fought.

From the LRDG’s desert patrols to the Māori warriors of Tebaga and Takrouna, this is more than a battlefield tour. It is a journey into the history, terrain and extraordinary courage that shaped the North African campaign.

Day 1 — Arrival & Djerba
Arrive in Tunis and connect onwards to Djerba. Meet the group, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a welcome briefing introducing the New Zealand campaign.

Day 2 — The Mareth Line
Visit the Mareth Line Museum and surviving defensive positions. Discover the formidable obstacle Montgomery’s left hook was designed to outflank.

Day 3 — Medenine, Matmata & LRDG Country
Explore New Zealand’s defensive battle at Medenine, visit Matmata’s underground dwellings, and then travel by 4×4 into the Dahar hills to investigate the reconnaissance story around Wilder’s Gap.

Day 4 — Ksar Rhilane & the Desert Flank
Explore the desert landscape and Ksar area around Ksar Rhilane. Learn why securing the western flank mattered to the New Zealand Corps’ movement.

Day 5 — Tebaga Gap & Point 209
Explore the battlefield by 4×4 and on foot. Follow the Māori Battalion’s assault and Moana Ngārimu’s Victoria Cross action on Hikurangi, below Point 209.

Day 6 — El Hamma & Gabès
Follow the breakthrough towards El Hamma and Gabès, discovering how the advance threatened the Mareth defenders’ rear and helped force their withdrawal.

Day 7 — El Jem & Roman Tunisia
Travel north to El Jem’s magnificent Roman amphitheatre. Explore its arena, galleries and towering tiers, discovering another chapter of Tunisia’s history.

Day 8 — Enfidaville & Takrouna
Explore Takrouna’s approaches, village and heights where access permits. Follow the New Zealand brigade battle and Haane Manahi’s remarkable actions. return to Tunis.

Day 9 — Sfax War Cemetery & Remembrance
Visit Sfax for a remembrance visit among the Commonwealth graves, including Moana Ngārimu’s resting place. Afterwards, travel to Tunis for the final overnight stay and farewell dinner.

Day 10 — Departure from Tunis
Transfer to Tunis airport for your return flight, bringing the expedition to a close.