Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Trip Style
Classic
Trip Code
CGPR19
Overview
Read 20 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Grand Pacific's 19 Day Classic Rail, Cruise & Coach. 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 three breathtaking rail journeys and the popular overnight cruise in the Milford Sound, 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...read more a cruise on magnificent Milford Sound.
Itinerary
On arrival into Auckland you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Stay: Grand Millennium (D)
Enjoy a city tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’, before travelling to Matakohe to enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. 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 Mãori tribes and the British. Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (B/D)
Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). (B)
This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Upon return to Paihia, travel south via Whangarei, call into the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree before returning to Auckland. Stay: Grand Millennium (B/D)
This morning enjoy a city sights tour of Auckland before travelling to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 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 of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Stay Two Nights: Distinction Rotorua (B/L/D)
Today begins with a Gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Travel to the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that's unlike anything you've seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. (B/SD)
Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park and then continue south to the capital city of Wellington. Stay Two Nights: James Cook Grand Chancellor (Executive Room) (B/D)
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. Enjoy free time at leisure this afternoon. This evening is also free to dine out at one of the many fine local restaurants. (B)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged scenic coastline on the other. Travel through numerous tunnels and across several bridges before departing the train in Kaikoura. Travel south by coach through some of the finest farmland area’s to the garden city of Christchurch. Stay Two Nights: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (B/D)
Today visit the International Antarctic Centre designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at your leisure, or spend the afternoon at leisure. (B)
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. Board your coach and 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 (Douglas Wing) (B/D)
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 situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay Two Nights: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (B)
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain and Tour Leader are 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. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at 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)
This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau, to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for your amazing overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord's spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife - you're bound to encounter seals and if you're lucky maybe dolphin and penguins. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef. Stay: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise (B/D)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the fiord. Return to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Glow Worm Caves where you can admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto (optional). Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Rooms) (B/D)
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800’s. Today Dunedin is New Zealand’s oldest university city. Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (B/D)
This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to the city for a city tour followed by some free time. You might be interested in a tour of Speights Brewery (optional) or the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat (optional). Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift. (B/SD)
This morning visit Olveston House, a prestigious historic home before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your newfound friends. Stay: Sudima Christchurch Airport (B/D)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Matakohe Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided tour
- Hole in the Rock Cruise
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway
- Paradise Valley Springs
- Skyline Gondola & Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Geothermal mud pools & geysers
- Te Puia traditional Maori Hangi & Concert
- Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
- Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Tram
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- Highlight Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- Olveston House guided tour
- Haggis Ceremony & Gift
- Larnach Castle
- City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Dunedin
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 48 seat modern coach travel, 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain and Tour Leader
- 17 nights 4 star accommodation
- Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- Hotel porterage
- 4 rail journeys
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Comprehensive documentation pack
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Stratosfare Restaurant - Rotorua
- 14 sumptuous dinners including 3 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Haggis Ceremony, Dunedin
- 2 delicious morning teas
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm
Trip Reviews (20) View All Most Recent 'Classic Rail, Cruise & Coach' Reviews
4.75
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Grand Pacific New Zealand Tour 3 Douglas, United States, Jan 2020
Grand Pacific was very accommodating in allowing us to join the tour on day four due to our initial tour operator cancelling our tour just 2.5 months prior to our arrival in New Zealand. The tour had a great pace and involved several modes of transportation. This included coach, boats and trains. The overall experience was excellent and the tour guide ...read more and drivers were extremely knowledgeable and worked very well together. The nightly accommodations were very good. All were clean and outfitted with updated amenities. As there are sections of travel within New Zealand which take long periods to transit, the days on either side are usually filled with close by excursions and activities.
Global Journeys was excellent to work with and was in continuous contact to assure all elements of the booking were completed on time. We were extremely satisfied with our agent, Hannah, and her ability to work out the unique elements of our booking. We would use again and recommend both Global Journeys and Grand Pacific Tours to our family and friends.
Global Journeys was excellent to work with and was in continuous contact to assure all elements of the booking were completed on time. We were extremely satisfied with our agent, Hannah, and her ability to work out the unique elements of our booking. We would use again and recommend both Global Journeys and Grand Pacific Tours to our family and friends.
New Zealand Rail, Cruise and Coach trip around both islands 3 Lynette, NSW, Australia, Jan 2020
What a wonderful trip. Great coach drivers on both islands and a wonderful tour guide, nothing was too much trouble. The two night stays at some locations were a blessing and made the trip less tiring. Plenty of free time and most meals and activities were included. Excellent value. Would recommend this tour with no hesitations. Fully enjoyable.
Amazing New Zealand 1 Tricia & Maria, NSW, Australia, Jan 2020
Our Grand Pacific tour of New Zealand was amazing. Jo the tour guide was fabulous and her knowledge and love for her country made the experience even better. The tour group were great and many friendships were formed. Highly recommend Grand Pacific and will certainly be visiting New Zealand again. Thanks Global Journeys for your trouble free servic ...read moree.
Sheep to sheep tour of NZ 2 Sam, United States, Nov 2019
We saw whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, kiwis, and herds of grazing cattle, sheep, horses, and deer. We also saw some politicians in their natural habitat (Parliament, in Wellington). The Gallipoli exhibit, in the Te Papa Museum was well worth the trip. (We needed more time for that). The trip was packed with sights and information. We need some time ...read more to decompress and research some questions that arose during the tours, to better understand the significance of what we saw. For example, we have to read the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi. There was a lot of time spent on the road, in the bus. WiFi would have been useful.
Excellent tour through New Zealand by Coach, Train and Boat 0 Bruce, VIC, Australia, Oct 2019
Booked our Grand Pacific 19 day tour through Global Journeys (a first for us who usually like to do it ourselves)! The whole experience from booking through to the holiday and return was simple and worry free. Amazing job by Global Journeys who never once balked at all my questions!! (Joke, they were excellent). The Grand Pacific tour was excellent, ...read more well run with great food and accommodation. While the pace was full on we loved every minute of our trip. Our highlight being the helicopter flight to land on the Glacier from Franz Josef. Blessed with a great morning.
Coach Tour of New Zealand 2 Lyn , VIC, Australia, Sep 2019
Fantastic trip all around. From the easy booking with Jemma at Global Journeys, no question was too stupid! The bus tour with Grand Pacific Tours was exceptional. The care & consideration of all of their staff was A1. The bus drivers Murray & John were the best you could ask for, their expertise and driving skills were second to none & their local knowledge ...read more and entertaining banter was great. Tour guide Kerrie was fantastic & she went over & beyond what was expected to make sure everyone was looked after & happy, always had “plan b, c & d" ready in case they were needed. The accommodation was first rate & the meals provided were all good. I would travel with Grand Pacific again without any hesitation. Loved, loved, loved the whole trip.
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Thursday 23 Feb 2023
Monday 13 Mar 2023
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Saturday 25 Feb 2023
Wednesday 15 Mar 2023
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Thursday 02 Mar 2023
Monday 20 Mar 2023
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Auckland Mega Deal
Friday 31 Mar 2023
Tuesday 18 Apr 2023
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Key
Definite Departure. Minimum numbers reached for this departure to operate.
Available Departure. Minimum numbers not yet reached, so while this departure is expected to operate, it’s not yet a Definite Departure.
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Exclusive savings, PLUS receive a pre or post tour night in Auckland + entry to the All Blacks Experience.
Exclusive Global Journeys Savings. Available for a limited time or until sold out.
Additional saving on select departures.
Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Flights Included:
All departures can be booked with return flights from Australia to New Zealand included. Please select the flight option when you enquire with us.
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Flights Included:
All departures can be booked with return flights from Australia to New Zealand included. Please select the flight option when you enquire with us.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Grand Pacific.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Grand Pacific.
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