| Countries Visited:
New Zealand |
Tour Type: Low Cost
Tour Duration: 19 Days (18 Nights)
From: Auckland to Christchurch
Tour Code: GPNZ19R
Operator: Grand Pacific |
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 Click Map To Enlarge Tour Description
This extremely popular tour has been designed specifically for rail enthusiasts to enjoy the best of New Zealand at a relaxed pace. This exceptional itinerary includes five breathtaking rail journeys and the popular exclusive overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands, whilst visiting many attractions and offering a wide range of prepaid activities. Travellers will enjoy the best that New Zealand has to offer on the world famous TranzAlpine Rail Journey and a cruise on magnificent Milford Sound. Attractions Included:
Touring Included:
- Luxury coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain
- Fully Escorted
- Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 17 nights 3.5 - 4.5 star accommodation
- 1 night onboard Bay of Islands Cruise
- Six 2 night stays
- Hotel Porterage
- 5 Rail Journeys & 4 Scenic Cruises
- All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
Bon Appétit!
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Cableway Restaurant - Rotorua
- 17 sumptuous dinners including 4 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert - Rotorua, Haggis Ceremony - Dunedin, Walter Peak Homestead - Queenstown, Farewell Dinner - Christchurch
- 3 lunches including 2 specialty lunches at Longlands Dairy Farm - Matamata, BBQ Lunch & Kingston Flyer
- 3 delicious morning teas
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Day
1 |
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: Copthorne Harbour City (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 (B/D) |
Day
3 |
Overnight Bay of Islands Cruise
A memorable day lies ahead of you today. After breakfast you are free to explore Paihia before boarding the Great Sights brand new luxurious catamaran for your overnight cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Cruise past spectacular landmarks, such as the Black Rocks and Urupukapuka Island before being anchored at sea for a truly exclusive experience. You will be surrounded by nature, as the warm waters are home to an abundance of marine life such as dolphins, whales, seals and penguins. Tenders will ferry you to nearby islands as you learn of the rich history and ecology associated with this region. At sunset enjoy a buffet of local cuisine before retiring to your King Stateroom that has sea views. Stay: Ipipiri Catamaran (B/D) |
Day
4 |
Bay of Islands - Auckland
After a unique overnight stay, start the day with a leisurely breakfast before you cruise back to Opua Wharf mid-morning. Farewell the Bay of Islands and drive south via Whangarei, Wellsford and Warkworth to Auckland. Enjoy a short city tour and free time before transferring to your hotel. Stay: Copthorne Harbour City (B/D) |
Day
5 |
Auckland - Rotorua
Depart Auckland and travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 12 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. Visit the restoration workshop and on return to Glenbrook Station, morning tea will be served. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside to Longlands Dairy Farm. Enjoy a farm tour followed by a delicious home cooked lunch. This afternoon 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 - Wellington
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway before arriving at the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo where some free time is available to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. This afternoon travel via the Tongariro National Park and see the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. Visit the Southwards Car Museum, home to the most comprehensive collection of veteran and vintage cars in the southern hemisphere. Afternoon tea will be enjoyed before continuing south along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
8 |
Wellington
Enjoy an extensive city tour 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. Enjoy free time at leisure this afternoon. (B) |
Day
9 |
Wellington - Kaikoura
This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On arrival in Picton you have time for lunch before boarding the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that travels through vineyards, salt mountains and river valleys before following the thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Disembark at Kaikoura, where you have time to explore this quaint seaside village or take an optional Wings over Whales flight. This evening you will overnight at Donegal House in Kaikoura. Stay: Donegal House (B/D) |
Day
10 |
Kaikoura - Christchurch - Methven
A leisurely start to the morning before heading through to Christchurch for a city tour and lunch stop. Unfortunately the Christchurch Tram will not be operating. Following the city tour you will travel to your overnight accommodation in the Canterbury regions of either Methven or Ashburton. Stay: Methven Resort or Hotel Ashburton. (B/D) |
Day
11 |
Methven - Dunedin
This morning board the TranzAlpine, 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. Pass through the Otira Tunnel and continue through lush beech forest, skirt lakes and follow rivers as you enjoy a boxed lunch onboard. Your journey concludes at Greymouth. Travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at 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 including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious historic home. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift. Stay: Mercure Leisure Lodge (B/SD) |
Day
17 |
Dunedin
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, view the superb collection of flowers followed by a delightful morning tea. Return to the city for some free time before boarding The Taieri Gorge Railway for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station your coach will transfer you to your hotel. (B/D) |
Day
18 |
Dunedin - Christchurch
Travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. After a true Victorian welcome, enjoy an informative update on this unique Precinct. Continue to The Plains Vintage Railway to experience a ‘K’88 Steam Locomotive at work, view informative displays and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea before travelling to Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found 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) |
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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.
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 10 Sep 2012 |
28 Sep 2012 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 26 Sep 2012 |
14 Oct 2012 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 07 Oct 2012 |
25 Oct 2012 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 14 Oct 2012 |
01 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 25 Oct 2012 |
12 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 03 Nov 2012 |
21 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 12 Nov 2012 |
30 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 21 Nov 2012 |
09 Dec 2012 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 18 Jan 2013 |
05 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 02 Feb 2013 |
20 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 08 Feb 2013 |
26 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 18 Feb 2013 |
08 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 23 Feb 2013 |
13 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 02 Mar 2013 |
20 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 08 Mar 2013 |
26 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 13 Mar 2013 |
31 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 20 Mar 2013 |
07 Apr 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 31 Mar 2013 |
18 Apr 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 03 Apr 2013 |
21 Apr 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 13 Apr 2013 |
01 May 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 18 Apr 2013 |
06 May 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
| 04 May 2013 |
22 May 2013 |
AU $4,749 |
AU $6,249 |
Save $200 |
AU $4,549 |
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 $5349 | AU $123 | AU $5,472 |
| Brisbane | AU $4949 | AU $130 | AU $5,079 |
| Cairns | AU $5299 | AU $132 | AU $5,431 |
| Canberra | AU $5199 | AU $125 | AU $5,324 |
| Coolangatta | AU $4949 | AU $130 | AU $5,079 |
| Hobart | AU $5349 | AU $120 | AU $5,469 |
| Launceston | AU $5349 | AU $120 | AU $5,469 |
| Melbourne | AU $4949 | AU $130 | AU $5,079 |
| Perth | AU $5549 | AU $115 | AU $5,664 |
| Sydney | AU $4949 | AU $130 | AU $5,079 |
* 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.
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Travel in Style:
A range of stylish accessories that will complement your documentation pack. |
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
 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”.
Yes, all of our tour dates are guaranteed to depart.
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.
Grand Pacific Tours have a maximum capacity of 48 people per tour.
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!
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