Overview
Itinerary
On arrival into Auckland, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.
This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner. Stay: SkyCity Hotel (D)
Depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe for 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 Māori tribes and the British Government in 1840. Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (B/D)
Today is a free day to explore the stunning Bay of Islands. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will be on hand to assist with the many optional activities available including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach, a spectacular scenic flight over the crystal-clear turquoise waters found in the Bay of Islands or a tour of historic Russell.
This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). (B)
This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Return to Paihia and travel south via Whangarei to Auckland where you will enjoy a city sights tour. This evening is free to explore the many eateries surrounding your hotel. Stay:SkyCity Hotel (B)
Enjoy a leisurely start before visiting Sky Tower, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions. Depart Auckland and travel through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. This is followed by a guided tour of the Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will recount details of how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle Earth. Stay Two Nights: Pullman Rotorua (City View Room) (B/L/D)
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at the Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is 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 Mãori cultural performance which features the graceful poi dance and ferocious haka. This is followed by a Hãngi feast prepared in the traditional way, over hot coals and buried in the ground. (B/SD)
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 an impressive collection of art deco buildings. Enjoy some free time to explore the fascinating architecture before travelling through the Wairarapa, an emerging cool-climate wine region. Stay: Copthorne Hotel Solway Park Wairarapa (B/D)
Enjoy a leisurely start before travelling to Greytown. Drive through the scenic Rimutaka Mountain Range into Wellington for a city tour of the nation’s capital. A highlight this afternoon 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. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner. Stay: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (Executive Room) (B/SD)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Dolphin & Hole in the Rock Cruise
- Sky Tower
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour & Lunch
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Thermal mud pools and geysers Guided tour
- Te Puia traditional Maori Hangi & Concert
- Te Papa, NZ's National Museum
- City sights tour of Auckland, Napier & Wellington
- Premium Economy comfort on a full-size coach, 2 door access, seat back tray table, cup holder, restroom and daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
- Professional Coach Captain and Tour Leader
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 8 nights 4 star accommodation
- 2 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 cruise
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Signature Documentation Pack
- 8 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
- 6 sumptuous dinners including Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 2 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi and Concert, Rotorua; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Wellington
- 1 lunch: Hobbiton, Shire’s buffet
- Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm
Trip Reviews (6) Most Recent 'Signature North Island' Reviews
All the accommodation was fine including the fire drill at 7am in our Rotorua Hotel. The meals were all of a high standard. Due to the cyclones and floods that had occurred just before the tour began, we missed out on a number of sights and venues, however, Tour Director Barry, went out of his way to ensure we experienced the places that we could get to. I intend doing another NZ tour, but include both islands, in the next 2 years. Hannah, from Global Journeys, was efficient in setting up the tour and keeping me informed pre-departure, and I will continue using GJ for future tours.
Only regret was that the hangi seemed staged; because it wasn't in an authentic Maori village.
Brochure
Grand Pacific New Zealand (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. 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.
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. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Grand Pacific. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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