Tour Type:Small Group Tour Duration:16 Days (15 Nights) From:Christchurch toAuckland Tour Code:GPNZ16UE Operator:Grand Pacific
from AU $5,249 pp
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Tour Description
Explore all the highlights of both the North and South Island at an affordable price. When travelling by the ultimate coach throughout New Zealand, it's the natural beauty that puts the magic in your day. Snowy mountains, volcanoes, boiling mud pools, sandy beaches, fiords, wilderness lakes and mighty glaciers, you will see it all on your 16 Day small group holiday. You will hardly have to put your hand in your pocket as the tour includes a meet and greet on arrival in New Zealand; return airport transfers; 15 nights premium accommodation; all sightseeing attractions including 4 cruises and 30 meals including several speciality evenings. Meet new friends and see the best New Zealand has to offer.
15 nights premium hotel accommodation including hotel porterage
Four 2 night stays
4 scenic cruises
Professional Coach Captain & full commentary
Fully escorted
Meet and Greet on arrival in New Zealand
Personal return airport transfers in New Zealand
Comprehensive sightseeing and admissions
Deluxe documentation set travel bag, ticket wallet, toiletry wetpack, travel diary, personal name badge, luggage label, personalised itinerary, touring map, postcard and Optional Tours Directory
Bon Appétit!
15 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Skyrides Restaurant - Rotorua
13 sumptuous dinners including 4 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert - Rotorua, Haggis Ceremony - Dunedin, Walter Peak Homestead - Queenstown, Farewell Dinner with wine - Auckland (Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm)
Arrive in Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Your afternoon is free to explore this wonderful city. Stay: Huntley Lodge (D)
Day 2
Christchurch - Twizel
Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, 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 Twizel. Stay:MacKenzie Country Inn, Deluxe Rooms (B/D)
Day 3
Twizel - Dunedin
Depart Twizel 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:Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (B/SD)
Day 4
Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you 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, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay:Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (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 Milford Sound 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:Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights) (B/L)
Day 6
Queenstown - Free Day
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/SD)
Day 7
Queenstown - Fox Glacier - Franz Josef
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 he Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Time s available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional)
over the spectacular glaciers. Stay:Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Douglas Wing (B/D)
Day 8
Franz Josef - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Stay: Huntley Lodge (D)
Day 9
Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel along the East Coast to the seaside 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 and enjoy the comfort of the exclusive Kaitaki Plus Lounge for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. Stay:James Cook Grand Chancellor, Superior Rooms (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 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:Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Lakeview Rooms (2 nights) (B/D)
Day 12
Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Skyrides 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/SD)
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:Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Deluxe Rooms (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. (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 wine with your new found friends. Stay:Pullman Auckland (B/SD)
Day 16
Auckland - Homeport
Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)
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.
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
24 Oct 2012
08 Nov 2012
AU $5,449
AU $6,879
Save $200
AU $5,249
30 Jan 2013
14 Feb 2013
AU $5,449
AU $6,879
Save $200
AU $5,249
13 Mar 2013
28 Mar 2013
AU $5,449
AU $6,879
Save $200
AU $5,249
07 May 2013
22 May 2013
AU $5,449
AU $6,879
Save $200
AU $5,249
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
Adelaide
AU $5899
AU $123
AU $6,022
Brisbane
AU $5649
AU $130
AU $5,779
Cairns
AU $5849
AU $132
AU $5,981
Canberra
AU $5799
AU $125
AU $5,924
Coolangatta
AU $5649
AU $130
AU $5,779
Hobart
AU $5899
AU $120
AU $6,019
Launceston
AU $5899
AU $120
AU $6,019
Melbourne
AU $5649
AU $130
AU $5,779
Perth
AU $6149
AU $115
AU $6,264
Sydney
AU $5649
AU $130
AU $5,779
* 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.
Jacket $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 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.
The latest edition to the Grand Pacific Tours fleet is the Ultimate Touring Coach. Pure indulgence with only 20 deluxe leather seats, this vehicle has been purpose built for our Ultimate Small Group Touring programme. The onboard features provide a level of comfort never offered before, boasting 20 luxurious reclining leather seats on a full size vehicle complemented with calf and footrest support. Additional features include a centre galley with fridge for cold water storage and magazine rack. Each traveller will receive personal headphones to enjoy onboard entertainment from a choice of four music channels. Each seat includes a wood grain timber panelled storage area to house your travel bag, timber side table with built in cup holder and individual 240 volt outlet ideal for charging your camera, music player or phone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Grand 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.
The latest edition to the Grand Pacific Tours fleet is the Ultimate Touring Coach. Pure indulgence with only 20 deluxe leather seats, this vehicle has been purpose built for our Ultimate Small Group Touring programme. The onboard features provide a level of comfort never offered before, boasting 20 luxurious reclining leather seats on a full size vehicle complemented with calf and footrest support. Additional features include a centre galley with fridge for cold water storage and magazine rack. Each traveller will receive personal headphones to enjoy onboard entertainment from a choice of four music channels. Each seat includes a wood grain timber panelled storage area to house your travel bag, timber side table with built in cup holder and individual 240 volt outlet ideal for charging your camera, music player or phone.