Overview
Itinerary
On arrival in Auckland you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre-dinner drink. Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland (D)
Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, 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. 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, a day trip to Kerikeri or a spectacular scenic flight. The choice is yours and your Coach Captain will be available to assist.
This evening is also at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). (B)
This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands including an island visit 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. On return to Paihia travel south via Whangarei before returning to Auckland. This evening is free to dine at leisure. Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland (B)
This morning embark on a city sights tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’. Depart Auckland and travel 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: Regent of Rotorua (B/L/D)
Today begins with a Gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua for breakfast with spectacular views and 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 the awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for.
This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi 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)
Travel south this morning into Wellington for a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here. At Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, there is time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Stay: InterContinental Wellington (Premium Room) (B/D)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy breakfast as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your Ultimate Coach for the southbound journey along the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, to Kaikoura. Stay: Sudima Kaikoura (B/D)
This morning enjoy a leisurely start in this seaside village, where the mountains meet the sea. Kaikōura is renowned as one of the best places to see Sperm whales and other marine mammals. There is an opportunity to take a scenic flight to view the year-round population of Sperm whales (optional, weather permitting). Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch for an orientation tour. Stay: The George (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 located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your Ultimate coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Stay: Te Weheka Retreat (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 at leisure, you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay Two Nights: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (B)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. 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)
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.
This evening you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay Two Nights: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (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 through Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Continue along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where you’ll hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. A delicious Ultimate High Tea is included, along with time to wander around the Garden of International Significance. Stay: Distinction Dunedin (B/D)
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Stay: The Hermitage Hotel (B/D)
This morning 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. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends. Stay: The George (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 Cruise
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour & Lunch
- Skyline Gondola & Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Thermal Mud Pools & Geysers
- Te Puia traditional Maori Hangi & Concert
- Hawke’s Bay Express
- Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum
- Interislander Ferry, Premium Lounge
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
- Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
- City sights tour of Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Ultimate Small Group Tour Coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats on a full-size vehicle, 2 door access and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain
- 18 nights 4.5 star accommodation
- 4 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Ultimate Documentation Pack
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Stratosfare Restaurant in Rotorua
- 14 sumptuous dinners including 3 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner with selected beverages, Christchurch
- 2 lunches: Hobbiton, Shire’s buffet; Milford Sound Cruise
- 1 Ultimate High 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
- Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm
Trip Reviews (11) View All Most Recent 'Ultimate Showcase' Reviews
Our hotels were of a very high standard (the best of them all being “Distinction Dunedin” - where we each had a suite of 3 rooms & our own washing machine & dryer!). The only complaint heard re our hotels was that a couple of the showers were over baths - which for access & safety reasons, were not favoured by some of the older travellers in our group. Our meals & choice of courses was wonderful - from our buffet breakfasts to our 3 course dinners each night, there was always a wonderful choice that showcased the very best of NZ food. I’m sure we all put on weight (& I’m very glad I packed some elastic waisted pants!!).
The itinerary was well paced & thought out, with so many of NZ’s main attractions & stunning scenery included & there was plenty of opportunity to do optional extras during free time. Having two night stays in some places was great & we always had regular opportunities to stretch our legs & use the loos when travelling. As with all group tours, I imagine the people you’re travelling with can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of it - & I was lucky to be blessed with a fantastic group of 19 other travellers from all around the globe. Everyone mixed, we all got on well, had many laughs & all watched out for each other, & as a first time older solo traveller (I lost my husband 2 years ago) - this really made my trip.
I do remember telling my husband some years back that you’d never ever find me on one of those “geriatric coach tours” - but things change, & I’ve now done it & absolutely loved it!! Only problem is that this tour has set the bar very high for any future tours I may do! Thanks so much for organising it for me Georgie.
There were some that were, IMO, way over the top with drink prices, eg. $19-24 for a glass of local wine and $15 for a beer. These tend to take the edge of an otherwise enjoyable stay, more so when you see the same wine the next day for $12 a bottle in the high street bottle shop. That is not a reflection on GPT but something they may wish to consider when reviewing their contracts with these hotel chains. By and large an excellent holiday made easy by Linda, the coach captain.
Some of the regional accommodation lacked the appropriate standard in terms of organisation and flexibility towards special diets. This feedback was provided to Grand Pacific. Highlights were unsurpassed scenery as in beautiful lakes, snow capped mountains, rolling green hills, deep canyons and spectacular glaciers. Weather was a bit unpredictable during October so a better time to travel to NZ would be during summer. Met a great group of fellow travellers who made the trip hugely memorable. Booking with Global Journeys was well managed and professional.
Availability
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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. 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 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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