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16 Day Highlights of New Zealand Tour
Low Cost Coach Tour starting in Christchurch and finishing in Auckland
Countries Visited: New Zealand 
Tour Type: Low Cost
Tour Duration: 16 Days (15 Nights)
From: Christchurch to Auckland
Tour Code: GPNZ16
Operator: Grand Pacific
from AU $3,299 pp
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Tour Description

This fully inclusive tour offers unbeatable value and provides an excellent coverage of both the North and South Islands. Beginning in Christchurch, discover the delights of the South Island such as Dunedin, Milford Sound and Queenstown. Spend 8 days touring the North Island, visiting cultural Rotorua, the stunning Bay of Islands and finishing the tour in Auckland - the 'City of Sails'.

Attractions Included:

Touring Included:

  • Luxury coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • 15 nights 3.0 - 3.5 star accommodation
  • Four 2 night stays
  • Hotel Porterage
  • 4 Scenic Cruises
  • All sightseeing and pre paid attractions

Bon Appétit!

  • 15 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Cableway Restaurant - Rotorua
  • 13 sumptuous dinners including 3 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert - Rotorua, Haggis Ceremony - Dunedin, Walter Peak Homestead - Queenstown, Farewell Dinner - Auckland
  • 1 picnic lunch
  • 1 delicious morning tea

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Day
1
Arrive Christchurch
Fly from your homeport to Christchurch where you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel (flight not included). Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (D)
Day
2
Christchurch - Omarama
After a city tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel (B/D)
Day
3
Omarama - Dunedin
Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. After a true Victorian welcome, enjoy an informative update on this unique Precinct where several amazing buildings and shops are on show. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Stay: Mercure Leisure Lodge (B/D)
Day
4
Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers, followed by a delightful morning tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Superior Rooms) (B/D)
Day
5
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay: Mercure Queenstwon Resort (2 nights) (B/L)
Day
6
Queenstown at leisure
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain is available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, whether it be the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or the helicopter ride of a lifetime. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in 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/D)
Day
7
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Fox Glacier
Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers. Stay: Heartland Hotel Glacier Country (B/D)
Day
8
Fox Glacier - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin and across the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch at approx 6:30pm. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold or Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport (B/D)
Day
9
Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel along the East Coast to the fishing village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. Stay: Ibis Wellington (2 nights) (B/D)
Day
10
Wellington
Today explore this exciting region and enjoy an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight will be a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure late this afternoon. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. (B)
Day
11
Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua
Depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls, then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) (B/D)
Day
12
Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Cableway Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Next visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Some free time is available before an afternoon transfer to see the boiling mud pools and the awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. (B/D)
Day
13
Rotorua - Auckland - Bay of Islands
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Stay:Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge (2 nights) (B/D)
Day
14
Bay of Islands
This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. This evening enjoy a moving cultural experience at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds presented by Culture North. (B/D)
Day
15
Bay of Islands - Auckland
Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening you will be treated to a special farewell dinner including musical entertainment with your new friends. Stay: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City (B/D)
Day
16
Depart Auckland
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)
Grand Pacific Brochure Itinerary is based on 2012/13 departures. Click on the icon to the left if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure.

16 Day Highlights of New Zealand Tour Reviews

Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys. 2 Reviews, Average Rating 3.5 of 5.
The tour was wonderful. New Zealand is the most beautiful place I have ever been. Our driver was great and it was nice to have him for both parts of our trip. The food was good and my only complaint was too many roast buffets. Overall I would give the tour a 10/10.
Maren Kenvil (Australia)
Tour Date 01/04/2011
My husband & I, together with my brother & sister in law (from New South Wales) and two friends from Melbourne, decided to do the tour together, we joined the rest of the group in Christchurch. We had the best tour ever, well planned, the food was lovely. Craig, our driver/guide, on the South Island, did a great job keeping us informed of all places of interest we went to and during the journey as well. In the North Island, we met Eric, our driver/guide, who did an excellent job as well. The only disappointment was at the Ibis Hotel in Wellington which did not compare to any other hotels we stayed. We did inform the Manager at the Farewell dinner, otherwise we had a great time and will recommend the tour to our friends and relatives.
Desiree Luquet (Australia)
Tour Date 18/01/2011

Tour Prices

Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012/13 Season Sale! Save up to $400 per couple & 1 FREE Night pre or post tour! Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

START DATE END DATE BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
10 Sep 2012 25 Sep 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
12 Sep 2012 27 Sep 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
22 Sep 2012 07 Oct 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
30 Sep 2012 15 Oct 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
03 Oct 2012 18 Oct 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
05 Oct 2012 20 Oct 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
12 Oct 2012 27 Oct 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
27 Oct 2012 11 Nov 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
03 Nov 2012 18 Nov 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
05 Nov 2012 20 Nov 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
14 Nov 2012 29 Nov 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
23 Nov 2012 08 Dec 2012 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
18 Jan 2013 02 Feb 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
05 Feb 2013 20 Feb 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
06 Feb 2013 21 Feb 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
09 Feb 2013 24 Feb 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
18 Feb 2013 05 Mar 2011 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
23 Feb 2013 10 Mar 2011 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
08 Mar 2013 23 Mar 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
13 Mar 2013 28 Mar 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
16 Mar 2013 31 Mar 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
17 Mar 2013 01 Apr 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
26 Mar 2013 10 Apr 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
31 Mar 2013 15 Apr 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
01 Apr 2013 16 Apr 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
04 Apr 2013 19 Apr 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
13 Apr 2013 28 Apr 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
18 Apr 2013 03 May 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299
02 May 2013 17 May 2013 AU $3,499 AU $4,519 Save $200 AU $3,299

Note: All of the departures above are Guaranteed to depart.

Book Your Grand Pacific Tour & Flights Together

All inclusive, twin share, per person prices below.
DEPARTURE CITY TOUR PLUS
AIRFARE
PREPAID
TAXES*
ALL INCLUSIVE
TOTAL
AdelaideAU $3999AU $123AU $4,122
BrisbaneAU $3699AU $130AU $3,829
CairnsAU $3979AU $132AU $4,111
CanberraAU $3929AU $125AU $4,054
CoolangattaAU $3699AU $130AU $3,829
HobartAU $3999AU $120AU $4,119
LauncestonAU $3999AU $120AU $4,119
MelbourneAU $3699AU $130AU $3,829
PerthAU $4249AU $115AU $4,364
SydneyAU $3699AU $130AU $3,829

* Note: Flight prices based on 2012 departures. Prepaid taxes are subject to change. Exact amount will be confirmed at the time of booking. Any discounts offered on the land only prices, also apply to the all inclusive prices above.

Travel in Style:

A range of stylish accessories that will complement your documentation pack.
 

Grand Pacific Tours offer a range of stylish accessories that will complement your documentation pack. These items offer great value for money and will be a memento of your New Zealand holdiay for many years to come. Order any of these items with Global Journeys at the time of booking, as they are not available in New Zealand. Please ask when requesting a quote.

Grand Pacific Tour MechandiseJacket $AU 58, Vest $AU 48 & Cap $AU 20 (includes delivery).

General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: Grand Pacific Tours

Grand Pacific ToursGrand Pacific Tours are the market leaders in luxury coach holidays to New Zealand. We offer an extensive range of Luxury Coach and Rail tours as well as Special Interest tours throughout New Zealand. Grand Pacific Tours offers an "all inclusive" style of touring that represents the best value for money and includes the highest quality standard of product.



Frequently Asked Questions

Will the coach be comfortable and modern?

Grand Pacific Tours utilise modern, luxury touring coaches. All coaches feature air conditioning, reclining cloth trim seats, panoramic windows, CD and DVD player, entertainment system, lowering devices, air bag suspension, restroom, two door access and cold water storage. Traveller comments on the vehicles utilised by Grand Pacific tours can be described in one word - “Excellent”.

Are all tours guaranteed to depart?

Yes, all of our tour dates are guaranteed to depart.

What documentation will I receive?

This depends on the touring style you are booking. You will receive paper documents in a complimentary leather travel wallet as well as luggage labels and a useful booklet containing valuable holiday information. You will also receive a map of the region you are visiting when you get on tour.

When will I receive my travel documents?

Documents for Grand Pacific guided tours are delivered to the hotel or address you are staying at prior to your tour depending on the tour type chosen. We also provide you with a tour itinerary and arrival instructions by email, once we have all your flight information and personal details.

Can merchandise be purchased once in New Zealand? What if I order a jacket and it is the incorrect size?

Merchandise needs to be added at the time of booking (or prior to final monies being paid) and can't be purchased once on tour. You will receive your merchandise as part of your documentation pack approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. If the jacket is an incorrect size then it can be returned and an alternate jacket can be sent. A $5.00 postage and handling fee is required for any jacket exchanges.

Who travels on Grand Pacific tours?

Our tours are geared towards the senior market, therefore most of our travellers are between 55-80 years of age. We do of course have clients travelling that are either younger or older than this average age. Due to the nature of our tours we have found that children under 5 years of age are not suitable to travel on our tours. We do offer child rates (on application) for children between 5-11 years of age.

How many other people will I be travelling with?

Grand Pacific Tours have a maximum capacity of 48 people per tour.

Do I need to tip my Tour Director, Driver or Driver guide?

New Zealanders, like Australians, do not depend on tips for their income, however tipping in appreciation for extra-special service is at the discretion of the visitor.

Can I travel with children on Grand Pacific tours?

Due to the nature of our tours we have found that children under 5 years of age are not suitable to travel on our tours. We do offer child rates (on application) for children between 5-11 years of age.

Where can I find out more information on Grand Pacific?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Grand Pacific including more FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on what to expect on tour, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).


Airport Transfer Information

Free Airport Transfers

Grand Pacific offers a hotel or airport transfer at the start and end of your tour, or in-conjunction with pre or post accommodation booked with Global Journeys & Grand Pacific. All flight information must be given to Global Journeys at least 6 weeks prior to departure so that transfers can be booked. If you book your own pre or post accommodation then transfers cannot be included.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Kirby O'Connor

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Kirby O'Connor
Aussie & Kiwi Specialist
Email: kirby@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: Australian & New Zealand Touring Specialist
Tour Details:
Tour Date:  
No. of Travellers: Adults: Children: (6-11 years)
Accommodation:
Contact Details (Australia Residents Only):
Full Name:
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Contact Phone: (e.g. (xx) xxxx xxxx)
E-mail Address:
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Flights:
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Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:
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Comments:
Please specify if you want any touring merchandise, and include your chest size if selecting a tour jacket. Also specify if you have any special requirements. e.g dietary, physical, medical.

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