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: Grand Millennium Auckland (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 Māori 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, 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. Upon return to Paihia, travel south via Whangarei, before returning to Auckland.
This evening is free to explore the many eateries surrounding your hotel. Stay: Grand Millennium Auckland (B)
This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train including a delightful morning tea. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua renowned for its geothermal activity and Māori culture. Stay Two Nights: Pullman Rotorua (B/D)
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the 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 experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi 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 continue south to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Stay Two Nights: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (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. This afternoon ride the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn Station where you can explore the Cable Car Museum or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. This evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene. (B)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikōura Ranges. Meet your coach in the fishing village of Kaikōura for the journey 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 leisure. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine. (B)
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as 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. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at the township of 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)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay Two Nights: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (B)
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your crew will assist with the many optional activities available.
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 dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) - or to simply relax on board. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef. Stay: Milford Mariner (B/D)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore 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 Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (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 1800s. Enjoy a city tour of New Zealand’s oldest university city. Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (B/D)
Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to Dunedin for some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era. (B)
Today travel to the small town of Oamaru, famous for its limestone architecture before continuing to Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (B/SD)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)
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.
Please Note: For hotel arrivals later than 8pm, dinner is not included. Stay: Grand Millennium Auckland (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 indigenous Māori tribes and the British settlers. 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, 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. Upon return to Paihia, travel south via Whangarei, before returning to Auckland.
This evening is free to explore the many eateries surrounding your hotel. Stay: Grand Millennium Auckland (B)
This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train including a delightful morning tea. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua renowned for its geothermal activity and Māori culture. Stay Two Nights: Pullman Rotorua (B/D)
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the 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 experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi 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 continue south to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Stay Two Nights: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (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. This afternoon ride the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn Station where you can explore the Cable Car Museum or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. This evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene. (B)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikōura Ranges. Meet your coach in the fishing village of Kaikōura for the journey 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 leisure. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine. (B)
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as 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. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at the township of 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)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu.
This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay Two Nights: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (B)
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your crew will assist with the many optional activities available.
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 dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) - or to simply relax on board. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef. Stay: Milford Mariner (B/D)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore 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 Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (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 1800s. Enjoy a city tour of New Zealand’s oldest university city. Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (B/D)
Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander through this Garden of International Significance. Return to Dunedin for some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era. (B)
Today travel to the small town of Oamaru, famous for its limestone architecture before continuing to Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (B/SD)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Please Note: If departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening, breakfast is not included. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Thermal mud pools and geysers
- Te Puia traditional Māori Hāngi and Concert
- Te Papa, NZ's National Museum
- Wellington Cable Car
- 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
- Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea
- City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Dunedin
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Premium Economy Comfort on a full-size coach with 2 door access, seat back tray table, cup holder, restroom and daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
- Professional Coach Captain
- Experienced Tour Leader
- 17 nights 4 star accommodation
- Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- 6 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 3 rail journeys
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Signature Documentation Pack
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
- 12 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 3 specialty dinners: Māori Hāngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
- 2 delicious morning teas including a Devonshire Tea at Larnach Castle.
- 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.
- Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
- 2026: Apr 21, Apr 28 - Due to timetable scheduling or nominated maintenance days, these departures do not include the Coastal Pacific rail journey. A refund for the missed inclusion will be provided at the time of final payment in case of scheduling changes.
- 2026: Jan 17, Feb 7, Apr 28 - Due to Interislander's 'Aratere' vessel going into retirement and subsequent timetable change, Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries will replace the Interislander Ferry.
- Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds*
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Thermal mud pools and geysers
- Te Puia traditional Māori Hāngi and Concert
- Te Papa, NZ's National Museum
- Wellington Cable Car
- 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
- Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea
- City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Dunedin
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Premium Economy Comfort on a full-size coach with 2 door access, seat back tray table, cup holder, restroom and daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
- Professional Coach Captain
- Experienced Tour Leader
- 17 nights 4 star accommodation
- Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- 6 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 3 rail journeys
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Signature Documentation Pack
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
- 12 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 3 specialty dinners: Māori Hāngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
- 2 delicious morning teas including a Devonshire Tea at Larnach Castle.
- Interislander Ferry, 1 Meal Voucher per person
- 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.
- Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
- 2027: Apr 28 - Due to timetable scheduling or nominated maintenance days, these departures do not include the Coastal Pacific rail journey. A refund for the missed inclusion will be provided at the time of final payment in case of scheduling changes.
Trip Reviews (25) View All Most Recent 'Signature Rail, Cruise and Coach' Reviews
Accommodation was very good overall. We both felt very safe with both drivers but we were concerned there had been no change to the air conditioning circulation since Covid. A word about our Guide Krissy Higgan. She was wonderful. Nothing was too much trouble. Caring, fun, so easy to approach with any concerns etc. She certainly made the holiday very special.
Finally about the NZ people. They are a very friendly and relaxed group. Be prepared to wait in long queues for your coffee fix!! Which reminds me…… on the trip there were plenty of coffee/ toilet and sight seeing stops. We would both travel with Grand Pacific again. Would be very happy to deal with Hannah at Global Journeys again.
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.
Dates & Pricing
USD
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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.
Similar Tours
