Tour Type: Small Group Tour Duration:19 Days Tour Starts In:Auckland Tour Finishes In:Christchurch
from NZ $7099 pp
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Tour Description
Experience a Fully Escorted small group tour combining rail, coach & an exclusive overnight cruise. This tour will excite both rail enthusiasts and their travelling companions who wish to enjoy the best of New Zealand at a relaxed pace. Experience the Bay of Islands with an overnight stay on 'Ipipiri', a luxury vessel with King Staterooms and plenty of relaxation time to take in the serenity. On five rail journeys you will experience an operating steam railway; the wild spirit of the coast on the Coastal Pacific; the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine one of the world's great train journey and the rugged & spectacular Taieri Gorge River. See more of New Zealand by rail, coach and cruise!
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!
18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Skyrides Restaurant in Rotorua
17 sumptuous dinners including 4 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert in Rotorua, Haggis Ceremony in Dunedin, Walter Peak Homestead in Queenstown, Farewell Dinner with wine in Christchurch (Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm)
2 lunches including a specialty lunch at Longlands Dairy Farm, Matamata
Arrive in Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Your afternoon is free to explore this cosmopolitan city. Perhaps a visit to the 'Viaduct' harbour - a vibrant area of the city full of restaurants, cafes right on the wharf. The ''Viaduct'' is within easy walking distance of your accommodation in downtown Auckland. Stay:Pullman Auckland (D)
Day 2
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, 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 pass through Whangarei to Paihia. 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, Deluxe Rooms (B/D)
Day 3
Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise
A memorable day lies ahead of you today. After breakfast you are free to explore Paihia before boarding Ipipiri, 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 in a sheltered bay 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:Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise (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:Pullman Auckland (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 short farm talk 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:Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Lakeview Rooms (2 nights) (B/L/D)
Day 6
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. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling out to seethe boiling mud pools and the awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. (B/SD)
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, Superior Rooms (2 nights) (B/D)
Day 8
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. (B)
Day 9
Wellington - Christchurch
This morning board the Interislander Ferry and enjoy the comfort of the exclusive Kaitaki Plus Lounge as you cross the Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that links the port of Picton to Christchurch. Follow the thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Continue across the Northern Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch. Stay: Huntley Lodge (2 nights) (B/SD)
Day 10
Christchurch
Enjoy an introductory city tour of Christchurch followed by a visit to the International Antarctic Centre designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This afternoon enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of your Lodge. (B/D)
Day 11
Christchurch - Fox Glacier
Board the TranzAlpine and 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 lush beech forest, skirt lakes and follow rivers as you enjoy a boxed lunch onboard. Your journey concludes at Greymouth where your coach and driver will be waiting to greet you. Travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone then continue via Franz Josef to Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Stay:Distinction Fox Glacier (B/L/D)
Day 12
Fox Glacier - 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:Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights) (B)
Day 13
Queenstown (Free Day)
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Tour Guide and Coach Captain are available to assist. 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)
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 onboard. 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 known as the “Edinburgh of the South”. Enjoy 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, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Stay:Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (B/SD)
Day 17
Dunedin
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. Return to the city where free time is available before boarding the Taieri Gorge 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. Stay:MacKenzie Country Inn, Deluxe Rooms (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 where amazing buildings and shops are on show. Continue to Ashburton where you will visit 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 including selected beverages with your new found friends. Stay: Huntley Lodge (B/SD)
Day 19
Christchurch - Homeport
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.
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
07 Sep 2012
25 Sep 2012
AU $7,299
AU $9,149
Save $200
AU $7,099
08 Nov 2012
26 Nov 2012
AU $7,299
AU $9,149
Save $200
AU $7,099
11 Jan 2013
29 Jan 2013
AU $7,299
AU $9,149
Save $200
AU $7,099
28 Mar 2013
15 Apr 2013
AU $7,299
AU $9,149
Save $200
AU $7,099
17 Apr 2013
05 May 2013
AU $7,299
AU $9,149
Save $200
AU $7,099
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 $7799
AU $123
AU $7,922
Brisbane
AU $7499
AU $130
AU $7,629
Cairns
AU $7699
AU $132
AU $7,831
Canberra
AU $7649
AU $125
AU $7,774
Coolangatta
AU $7499
AU $130
AU $7,629
Hobart
AU $7799
AU $120
AU $7,919
Launceston
AU $7799
AU $120
AU $7,919
Melbourne
AU $7499
AU $130
AU $7,629
Perth
AU $8049
AU $115
AU $8,164
Sydney
AU $7499
AU $130
AU $7,629
* 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.