Grand Pacific Tours – 14 Day Signature Panorama Itinerary

 
1

Welcome to the Garden City!

'Haere Mai’ - Welcome to New Zealand.

From the airport, we’ll take care of the transfer to your hotel where you can settle in before exploring New Zealand’s Garden City’. Take a punt on the Avon River, stroll the Botanic Gardens or visit the Re Start Mall, made entirely of colourful shipping containers. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.


Some suggested activities while in Christchurch.

Easygoing Cycling Tour   Punting the Avon River   Lyttelton Harbour Wildlife Cruise
Māori Cultural EveningFrench Akaroa TourSouthern Alps Ballooning
Christchurch GondolaClearwater GolfArthur's Pass TranzAlpine Hike


Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Quality Hotel Elms Christchurch or similar - 1 night

Christchurch
The Distinction Hotel is a brand new hotel opening in 2019 in the revitalised heart of Christchurch and Cathedral Square. Centrally located and a short stroll to the Botanical Gardens, New Regent Street, the Arts Centre, and Avon River. This luxury Christchurch hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites.
Distinction Hotel Christchurch

2

High Country Lakes

Our journey begins with a tour of the top sights in Christchurch before heading down through the southern Canterbury Plains. Get acquainted with the beautiful sights of the South Island as we cruise a highway where the towering Southern Alps soar into the sky on one side and endless fields stretch into the distance on the other. The bright, azure blue of Lake Tekapo will take your breath away; surrounded by golden tussock, the contrast is otherworldly.

See the Church of the Good Shepherd, perched on the edge of the lake and the Sheep Dog Statue. The opportunity is available (Weather permitting) of taking a scenic flight over the Southern Alps before we continue on to Twizel, our destination for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Twizel - 1 night

Lake Tekapo
The MacKenzie Country Hotel, Twizel, is located very in the heart of the historic MacKenzie Basin. The hotel offers 108 spacious guestrooms including 80 standard rooms and 28 deluxe rooms; all offer shower over bath ensuites with surrounding views of the spectacular Ben Ohau Ranges and Mount Cook. Enjoy a meal in the restaurant or bar by choosing from the hearty menus revealing local cuisine accompanied by a range of New Zealand wines.
MacKenzie Country Hotel

3

The Architectural Delights of Oamaru and Dunedin

Depart Twizel and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 night

Larnach Castle in Dunedin.
The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is Dunedin's largest and most established hotel. Located in the heart of Dunedin, this hotel has been extensively refurbished and now provides guests with modern style, exquisite quality, convenience and exceptional service. Your every comfort is well provided for, with 178 attractive rooms and suites, extensive hotel facilities, and a very high standard of service. This has earned the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross a 4-star plus Qualmark rating, as well as the Enviro-Silver award.
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross - Dunedin

4

Te Anau - Gateway to Fiordland National Park

Our morning begins with a fascinating tour of New Zealand’s only castle. Larnach Castle is perched on the edge of the Otago Peninsula and is home to beautiful gardens and panoramic views out to the ocean. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).  

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 night

Lake Te anau
Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable newly refurbished accommodation in one of New Zealand's most popular scenic areas - Te Anau. Within easy walking distance of the township, surrounded by all local services, this 4-star hotel welcomes guests with 2 restaurants, free self parking, a fitness centre and FREE unlimited WiFi. Luxmores management and staff take pride in providing a warm, friendly and efficient service to all guests.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel

5

Milford Sound Cruise - Queenstown

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 a picnic lunch.

This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 nights 

Cruise Milford Sound

Millennium Hotel Queenstown is only minutes from Queenstown central shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities and offers a peaceful haven from the variety of activities in this lively city. With many guest rooms and suites to choose from the centre boasts a gym, sauna, spa, bar and restaurant, feature contemporary city-inspired designed. Many of our rooms also offer scenic views of the city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your journey.

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

6

Queenstown at Leisure

Experience Queenstown exactly how you want to today. Famous for adrenaline-pumping activities, choose to embark on a thrilling jet boat ride or white water rafting adventure. For those who prefer to take it easy, stroll the walking tracks of the Botanic Gardens or take a wine tasting tour in the Gibbston Valley.

This evening, we cruise across Lake Wakatipu on New Zealand’s oldest steamship (over 100 years old), the TSS-Earnslaw, before enjoying a special dinner and sheep shearing demonstration at Walter Peak Station.

Recommended Queenstown Excursions:

Routeburn Day WalkHighest Bungey JumpExplore Arrowtown

Wine Tasting Central Otago      

Biking Skippers Canyon      Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise  Dart River Jetboat Safari      

Gibbston Valley Wine Trail


Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Jet Boating Queenstown

7

Historic Arrowtown & Franz Josef

Our destination this morning is only a short drive from Queenstown the charming, historic village of Arrowtown. Gold mining heritage comes alive on the banks of the Arrow River in the form of restored buildings and the Lakes District Museum. Afterwards, we continue on to the West Coast; driving over Haast Pass and alongside soaring peaks and emerald-green rainforests.

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Franz Josef. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.


Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 night

Fox Glacier
Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier will welcome you in true New Zealand style. The Hotel makes the most of its alpine location and is only moments from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The highly regarded Hot Pools are within walking distance. Featuring patios or balconies, the simple, warmly decorated rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add living areas. (formerly known as the Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel) has quality rooms with balcony views and special access.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

8

Tranzalpine Rail Journey - Christchurch

We continue north to Hokitika, a creative town with a colourful history, stopping at the Greenstone Factory for an insight into the spiritual beliefs associated with this special semi-precious gem. Afterwards, we arrive at Arthur’s Pass where we board the Tranz Alpine railway and embark on a magnificent journey across the width of the country, admiring gorges, forests and soaring peaks on what has been labelled one of the world’s top 6 train journeys. Arriving in Christchurch, we are picked up by the coach and transported to tonight’s hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

TranzAlpine Scenic Rail
The Distinction Hotel is a brand new hotel opening in 2019 in the revitalised heart of Christchurch and Cathedral Square. Centrally located and a short stroll to the Botanical Gardens, New Regent Street, the Arts Centre, and Avon River. This luxury Christchurch hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites.
Distinction Hotel Christchurch

9

Christchurch - Picton - Wellington

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you will board the InterIslander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 nights

InterIslander
Wellington's iconic hotel, James Cook Grand Chancellor is situated right in the heart of the city. The friendly staff and excellent service will help make your stay in Wellington a memorable one. With well appointed rooms that all have high speed internet access, Sky TV, in house movie system, iron and board, full minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. They also offer Bodyhaven Spa Style Boutique and a complimentary in-house gymnasium.
James Cook Wellington

10

Wellington - Our Cool Little Capital

This morning we gain an insight into the unique history, culture and lifestyle of the harbour side capital city of Wellington. We explore Gallipoi: A scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. This evening, explore Wellington’s eclectic and bustling restaurant scene, where you can dine on delicious food accompanied by New Zealand wine or craft beers. As tonight is a free evening to choose your own dining arrangements.

Here are some sight seeing and activity suggestions while in Wellington:

National Museum - Te Papa    Visit Cuba StreetWeta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve 

Wellington Cable Car   

Carter Observatory 


Meals: Breakfast

Picture of a statue on the harbour in Christchurch.

11

Geothermal Rotorua via Lake Taupo

We bid farewell to the coast this morning, driving north through the rolling farmland of the Manawatu and towards the desolate, otherworldly environment of the Central Volcanic Plateau. Winding through Tongariro National Park we soak up views of three volcanoes – Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, standing proud and sentinel over the landscape. We continue past Taupo stopping to witness the magnificent fury of the Huka Falls before arriving in Rotorua, home to geothermal wonders and fascinating Maori legends. This will be our home for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights 

Rotorua
Accommodation:

A brand new build completed in late 2018, the Pullman hotel in Rotorua boasts panoramic views of the city and lake area and feature a sophisticated executive lounge - a hallmark of every Pullman hotel - business lounge, chill-out lounge, restaurant and bar, gymnasium, car parking as well as five meeting rooms catering for conference and events - This is Rotorua's latest 5 Star property.

Pullman Hotel Rotorua

12

Explore Rotorua - Māori and Hāngī

A special breakfast experience awaits us this morning. We ride the Skyline Gondola up a local mountain to dine on a delicious meal with magnificent views over Rotorua, over Rotorua, there is also time for a thrilling luge ride!. Afterwards, we enjoy the kiwi humour on offer at the Agrodome Sheep Show Free time is available this afternoon before embarking on a guided tour of Te Puia. Boiling mud pools and huge geysers decorate the landscape in a restless natural splendour. This evening, we gain an insight into the Maori way of life during an entertaining Concert and Hangi Feast.


Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Maori Cultural Rotorua

13

Auckland - City of Sails

This morning depart Rotorua and travel through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for 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. Continue north to Auckland for an orientation tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Explore Waiheke Island    Island Kayaking Adventure    America’s Cup Sailing
Auckland's Sky TowerRelax on the BeachRangitoto Island Cruise & Walk
West Coast Wine TourWhale and Dolphin SafariMuriwai Surf Beach


Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night 

Auckland
Accommodation:
Boasting a fitness centre, bar and views of sea, Sudima Auckland City is situated in Auckland, 2 km from Masefield Beach. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. At the hotel, the rooms come with a private bathroom with free toiletries.
akl

14

Homeward Bound

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

Today it’s time to bid farewell to New Zealand and your travelling companions. Your transfer will pick you up from the hotel and transport you to the airport to catch your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Bonvoyage

Notes

INCLUSIONS

14 Day Panorama

PRE PAID ATTRACTIONS

  • Larnach Castle*
  • Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Lakes District Museum
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
  • Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
  • Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge Ride
  • Agrodome
  • Thermal mud pools & geysers*
  • Traditional Maori Hangi & Concert
  • Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour*
  • City sights tour of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland

*Guided tour 

TOURING

  • 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
  • 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder
  • Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance

EXPERIENCE

  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Tour Leader
  • 13 nights 4 star accommodation
  • 3 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 3 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Tours Programme
  • Classic Documentation Pack

MEALS

  • 11 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 3 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Mãori Hãngi and Concert, Rotorua;
  • 13 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
  • Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Auckland
  • 1 picnic lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
  • 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm

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What Emma says about this tour: The Panorama is one of my favourite tours. All of the iconic inclusions including Milford Sound, Queenstown, Rotorua, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch and Auckland.
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