Tour Type:Premium Tour Duration:19 Days (18 Nights) From:Auckland toChristchurch Tour Code:GPNZ19 Operator:Grand Pacific
from AU $4,049 pp
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Tour Description
This tour offers luxury travel at a relaxed pace. There is no better way to see New Zealand! The 19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour is a comprehensive holiday through both the North and South Islands, incorporating visits to some of the lesser-known regions of New Zealand such as the Art Deco city of Napier and the wine-producing region of Wairarapa. The tour also features superior hotel accommodation with a number of two night stays, making this a very comfortable and relaxed holiday.
Arrive Auckland
Fly from your homeport to Auckland where you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel (flight not included). Stay:Pullman Auckland (D)
Day 2
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. 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:Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B/D)
Day 3
Bay of Islands at leisure
Today is at leisure for you to explore an array of exciting activities available in the beautiful Bay of Islands (own expense). Perhaps you would enjoy a day tour to the very top of New Zealand including a drive along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach before visiting the lighthouse at Cape Reinga. You may prefer an interesting tour of Russell to gain an insight into New Zealand’s earliest European history, or visit the Kerikeri basin to browse through its fine arts and crafts. There are also many water activities. Swim with dolphins, sail on a Tall Ship, or try your hand at fishing. The choice is yours and your Coach Captain will be available to assist. (B/D)
Auckland - Rotorua
This morning enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to the spectacular Sky Tower. Continue through the magnificent countryside to Longlands Dairy Farm. Enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch hosted by a rural New Zealand family. Next, continue to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Stay:Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior Rooms) (2 nights) (B/L/D)
Day 6
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. 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 7
Rotorua - Napier - Masterton
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as “The Art Deco Capital”, where a city tour will showcase the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world. Enjoy some free time to explore the fascinating architecture before travelling through the Wairarapa, an emerging cool-climate wine region. Stay:Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park (B/D)
Day 8
Masterton - Greytown - Wellington
Today travel through the quaint townships of Carterton and Greytown to Martinborough, home to family owned boutique wineries and olive groves. Enjoy time to explore this delightful wine village where the streets have been laid out in the shape of the Union Jack. Travel through the picturesque Rimutaka Mountain Range to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Enjoy an extensive city tour which will highlight the history and culture on show here. Stay:James Cook Grand Chancellor (B/D)
Day 9
Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
Enjoy free time this morning to explore Wellington at leisure. Suggested options include a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum or a tour through the Parliament Buildings. This afternoon board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim. Stay:Scenic Hotel Marlborough or Chateau Marlborough (B/D)
Day 10
Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch
Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine then travel to the quaint fishing village of Kaikoura. Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. Stay:Sudima Hotel (B/D)
Day 11
Christchurch - Franz Josef
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel through spectacular gorges 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 to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Stay:Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (B/D)
Day 12
Franz Josef - Queenstown
See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay:Mercure Resort (Lakeview Rooms) (2 nights) (B)
Day 13
Queenstown at leisure
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain is available to assist. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic 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 14
Queenstown - Te Anau
Enjoy a leisurely start before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. This evening you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay:Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Rooms) (2 nights) (B/D)
Day 15
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
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 return to Te Anau where some free time is available. (B/L/D)
Day 16
Te Anau - Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin for an informative city tour followed by some free time at leisure. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Stay:Mercure Leisure Lodge (B/SD)
Day 17
Dunedin - Twizel
Travel 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 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. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Twizel for your overnight stay. Stay:MacKenzie Country Inn (B/D)
Day 18
Twizel - Mt Cook - Christchurch
This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapoo and view the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new friends. Stay:Sudima Christchurch (B/SD)
Day 19
Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will 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.
19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys.
4 Reviews,
Average Rating 3.3
of 5.
We have been home for a short while now but just wanted to send you a note to say what a wonderful time we had in New Zealand. We started out a little sceptical of a coach tour, never having been on one before but from day one we had a ball. The others on the tour came from both Australia and overseas and we all got along so well. Indeed we have made several lasting friendships. The scenery of the country was magnificent, the people friendly and welcoming and the knowledge of the coach captains enormous. Every day there was something new and exciting on the itinery. Very occasionally there was a hotel room that might have been better but the same could not be said of the meals which were always plentiful, well presented and delicious. On the final day the train was over an hour late (can’t blame you for that) and we were running late for the farewell dinner but we still had a great time. If we were to be critical of anything it might be that the method of seat rotation was not well explained to the new people joining the group on the South Island. Overwhelmingly this tour has our endorsement. The people with whom we travelled, and we had the best, put the icing on the cake. For your part, we thank you for the manner in which you helped and kept us informed from the very first enquiry until the day the tour began. We would have no hesitation in booking future tours with your company.
Peter & Marion Wilson (Australia) Tour Date 27/03/2011
We just loved it. What a magical country. The inclusions and activities were just perfect. The places we visited, the activities we participated in were great. Had a good mix of people on the tour and we have made friends that we intend keeping in touch with. Accommodation was of very high standard including the meals. The Tours & Activities were also if a very high standard & our Guides both on the North Island and South Island were both good men. Enjoyed the fact that Cole Marsh our guide on North Island was Maori. His passion for his culture was infectious and the history he shared with us was very informative. Towards the end of our tour on South Island the devastating Earthquake hit Christchurch. We were due to go back into Christchurch the day after the Earthquake. Naturally that couldnt happen. The way our Guide Warren, handled the whole situation was to be admired. Alternate arrangements were made, we were found accommodation, fed and looked after very well. Nothing but admiration for Warren he was under his own personal stress with his family back in Christchurch, but made our needs a priority. Would recommend this Tour to anyone - just great. Only thing was we needed a holiday to get over our holiday!
Colleen & Justin Wells (Australia) Tour Date 06/02/2011
The trip was great offering variety of sights and also some time to relax. Grand pacific Tours offered a professional service and the couch drivers were very good. There was some difficulty with the seat rotation when we left the North Island and new people joind us on the South Island. This caused some unpleasantness for the passengers which they need to sort out. They were very quick to find us alternate accommodation as we were due into Christchurch the day after the earthquake. We were very pleased about that.
Christine & Douglas Goodall (Australia) Tour Date 06/02/2011
Very well organised. Had a great time. Wonderful country and people. Early morning rises took a bit of getting use to. Watch your waste line. Would loved to have stayed longer.
Fred & Jen Dierkx (Australia) Tour Date 22/01/2011
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
12 Sep 2012
30 Sep 2012
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
24 Sep 2012
12 Oct 2012
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
05 Oct 2012
23 Oct 2012
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
18 Oct 2012
05 Nov 2012
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
27 Oct 2012
14 Nov 2012
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
05 Nov 2012
23 Nov 2012
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
14 Nov 2012
02 Dec 2012
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
23 Nov 2012
11 Dec 2012
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
19 Jan 2013
06 Feb 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
06 Feb 2013
24 Feb 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
09 Feb 2013
27 Feb 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
16 Feb 2013
06 Mar 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
24 Feb 2013
14 Mar 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
04 Mar 2013
22 Mar 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
08 Mar 2013
26 Mar 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
14 Mar 2013
01 Apr 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
17 Mar 2013
04 Apr 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
29 Mar 2013
16 Apr 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
04 Apr 2013
22 Apr 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
09 Apr 2013
27 Apr 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
19 Apr 2013
07 May 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
02 May 2013
20 May 2013
AU $4,249
AU $5,649
Save $200
AU $4,049
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 $4749
AU $123
AU $4,872
Brisbane
AU $4449
AU $130
AU $4,579
Cairns
AU $4719
AU $132
AU $4,851
Canberra
AU $4649
AU $125
AU $4,774
Coolangatta
AU $4449
AU $130
AU $4,579
Hobart
AU $4749
AU $120
AU $4,869
Launceston
AU $4749
AU $120
AU $4,869
Melbourne
AU $4449
AU $130
AU $4,579
Perth
AU $5039
AU $115
AU $5,154
Sydney
AU $4449
AU $130
AU $4,579
* 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.
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”.
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.
The 19 Day Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday includes 5 Rail journeys and an overnight Cruise in the Bay of Islands. This tour is also fully escorted and includes 5 two night stays. The 19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour includes one rail journey. The 19 Day Grand includes a night in Masterton (wine region) and a night in Blenheim. There are 4 two night stays.
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.
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”.