Overview
Itinerary
On arrival in Auckland you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre-dinner drink. Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland (D)
Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach and enjoy an Auckland city sights tour before travelling to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue through Whangarei to the Bay of Islands.
This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (Deluxe Rooms) (B/D)
Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight.
This evening is also at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). (B)
This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands including an island visit aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia, travel south, returning to Auckland. This evening is free to dine at leisure. Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland (B)
This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train including a delightful morning tea. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua to visit the National Kiwi Hatchery, for a unique behind the scenes tour of the world’s largest kiwi hatchery. Stay Two Nights: Regent of Rotorua (B/D)
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Enjoy some leisure time in the geothermal capital before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert. (B/SD)
Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park and then continue south to the capital city of Wellington. Stay Two Nights: InterContinental Wellington (B/D)
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your Ultimate Coach for an extensive city tour. This afternoon ride the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn Station where you can explore the Cable Car Museum or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. This evening is at leisure. (B)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy breakfast as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikōura Ranges. Meet your Ultimate Coach in the fishing village of Kaikōura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch. Stay Two Nights: The George (B/D)
Today visit the International Antarctic Centre designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch.
This afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at your leisure, one of Christchurch's leading attractions.
This evening is also free to enjoy one of the many eateries near your hotel. (B)
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur's Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Stay: Te Weheka Retreat (B/D)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu.
This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay Two Nights: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown or similar (B)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many options available.
This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. (B/SD)
Today travel via Te Anau to Manapouri. Enjoy lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. A short ride over the Wilmot Pass brings you to the boarding point to join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) - or to simply relax on board. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef. Stay: Fiordland Navigator (B/L/D)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (B/D)
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. Enjoy a city tour of New Zealand’s oldest university city. Stay Two Nights: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (B/D)
Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. There is time to explore this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Return to Dunedin for some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era. (B/D)
This morning travel to the city of Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue north to Pleasant Point Museum & Railway for a short rail experience followed by lunch and time to explore the preserved heritage of the South Canterbury railway.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with selected beverages and your new friends. Stay: The George or similar (B/L/SD)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Hole in the Rock Cruise
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway
- National Kiwi Hatchery Tour
- Skyline Gondola & Luge Ride
- Te Puia traditional Maori Hangi & Concert
- Thermal Mud Pools & Geysers Guided Tour
- Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum
- Wellington Cable Car
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry, Premium lounge
- Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Tram
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Lakes District Museum
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
- Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
- Pleasant Point Museum and Railway
- City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Dunedin
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Ultimate Small Group Tour Coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats on a full-size vehicle, 2 door access and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain
- 17 nights 4.5 star accommodation
- Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
- 6 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 5 rail journeys
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Ultimate Documentation Pack
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Stratosfare Restaurant in Rotorua
- 13 sumptuous dinners including 3 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner with selected beverages, Christchurch
- 2 lunches: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise; Pleasant Point Museum and Railway
- 2 delicious morning teas including an Ultimate High Tea at Larnach Castle
- Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm
Trip Reviews (14) View All Most Recent 'Ultimate Rail, Cruise and Coach' Reviews
We usually book our own trips and were told that we had to go through Global Journeys in Australia or New Zealand. We chose Australia. I believe when you use a Travel Agent, they do everything for you. No problems, no stress. I had noticed that there was an irregularity in the departure from Christchurch to Perth. Our transport was organised for the day we were suppose to fly out, yet our fly out day was the next day. There was a bit of confusion and a "typo" was blamed for the error and yet we had to pay for the alteration to the booking. My husband was fuming and a verbal altercation ensued. He wanted to speak to the Manager and was told that the agent was the Manager. It was a bit of a bad taste left in the mouth. Time passed and we were asked to change departure time from Christchurch due to the connecting flight (so there was plenty of time), no problems didn't cost anything that was a bonus. I was looking at the booking again and noticed that there was a error in the departure time from Perth, the booking was reflecting a time of 29:50 hours. I asked the agent to check and after a few emails to clarify the typo. The agent has since been made up to Managing Director, thought she owned the Company. Another agent was assigned to our booking and there was no problems.
(CEO. Thanks for your feedback Bernard and Tracey, and we're really happy you enjoyed your journey through NZ - Grand Pacific are fantastic operators as can be seen with the other reviews we receive. We've taken onboard your feedback regarding your flight timing issue. In a perfect world we'd all have no problems and no stress and hopefully next time that's the case! Cheers Campbell)
The tour itself was extremely well coordinated and organised and our coach captain kept us all in order and took very good care of all our wants and needs. He was patient and knowledgeable and kept us amused and entertained during the sometimes necessarily long journeys, and we felt very safe and secure in his care.
There was a good choice of excursions at the various tour stops and the standard of hotels used was generally extremely high, with good locations with the overnight stay on the boat through Doubtful Sound being one of the highlights of the whole trip for me, along with the helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. The only comment I would make is that the trip could have been improved if we had stayed 3 nights and not 2 at most of the towns. With the excursions taking up the free time it would have been great to have more free time to explore each place, as fort the majority of tourists this will be the only time they get to visit NZ given the distances most had travelled to get there.
Our highlight was the overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, having just 47 other passengers as company on the overnight trip to this secluded and beautiful region of New Zealand. WOW a special place. This trip could be improved with a few additional days and a visit to a winery will top it off. Well done Grand Pacific and thank you. A special thank you to Georgie from Global Journeys who arranged our trip and kept us up-to-date with our booking.
Brochure
Grand Pacific New Zealand Festive Season (2025)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Flights Included:
All departures can be booked with return flights from Australia to New Zealand included. Please select the flight option when you enquire with us.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Grand Pacific. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Grand Pacific. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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