Overview
19 Days
Auckland
Christchurch
Signature
4 Star
Premium
18-99 Years
32
Fully Guided
Itinerary
On arrival in 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: Crowne Plaza Auckland (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. 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. Return to Paihia and travel south via Whangarei to Auckland. This evening is free to explore the local eateries surrounding your hotel. Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland (B)
This morning, enjoy a city sights tour before departing Auckland. Journey through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. A guided tour of the 12-acre set, will take you past whimsical Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the Green Dragon Inn. You can now venture beyond the door and into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior for a fully immersive experience. Stay Two Nights: Pullman Rotorua (B/L/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)
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 the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Board the Hawke’s Bay Express and hear informative commentary on the city’s fascinating history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city. Stay: Scenic Hotel Te Pania (B/D)
This morning, travel south to Wellington for a city tour of New Zealand’s capital, showcasing its rich history and vibrant culture. After arriving at your central hotel, you’ll have time at leisure to explore the sights, stroll down to the harbour, or relax before rejoining your group for dinner. Stay: 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. This afternoon board the Interislander Ferry and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim. Stay: Scenic Hotel Marlborough (B/D)
Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine, then travel to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch for a city sights tour. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (B/D)
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 located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to 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 along the West Coast to Fox Glacier township. 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 to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay Two Nights: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (B)
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride (optional) or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon (optional).
This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring 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)
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Stay Two Nights: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (B/D)
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 lunch onboard.
This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional). (B/L/D)
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South' and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will 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. Stay: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (B/D)
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River as you marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay. Stay: Distinction Mackenzie Country (B/D)
Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in 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)
Trip Inclusions
- Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Lunch
- 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
- Hawke’s Bay Express
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
- Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea
- City sights tour of Auckland, Napier, 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, daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
- Professional Coach Captain
- Experienced Tour Leader
- 18 nights 4 star accommodation
- 4 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Signature Documentation Pack
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
- 15 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 lunches: Hobbiton, Shire’s buffet; Milford Sound Cruise
- 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: 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: May 6 - Due to timetable scheduling or nominated maintenance days, these departures do not include the TranzAlpine rail journey. A refund for the missed inclusion will be provided at the time of final payment in case of scheduling changes.
Operator
As the market leader for New Zealand Coach Holidays, we have something for everyone! Travel in style on our Ultimate Small Group Touring series (maximum of 20 travellers) or our Signature Touring series (premium economy comfort on a full size coach with smaller group size of 32.) with itineraries to suit all budgets and interests. Choose from Signature; Cruise & Coach and Special Interest Tours, with over 200 guaranteed departures per year. We take care of it all leaving you to get on with creating incredible holiday memories!
Trip Reviews (37)
The accommodation was great, although a couple of the places were a bit tired and some up to three kilometres from town e.g. Queenstown. Showers over the bath make it difficult for people with limited mobility. The quality of meals generally were of a good standard although a little repetitive, being a roast meal most nights, everyone really looked forward to the nights we had a-la-carte menus. The coach was not equipped with Wi-Fi. Would suggest future travellers to New Zealand thoroughly research other operators before signing with Grand Pacific. Thanks to Yvonne for professionally organising our travel yet again with Global Journeys.
I dealt with Jemma Rosen from Global Journeys, read more she was excellent, very prompt service. I will definitely go through Global Journeys for any future tours I decide to do. Thanks to all.
Download Brochure
Grand Pacific New Zealand (2025-26)
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
19 Days Auckland Christchurch
Operated By: Grand Pacific
