Grand Pacific Tours | New Zealand 16 Day Signature Highlights Itinerary

Welcome to Christchurch

WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND!

On arrival into Christchurch, 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.

If you have time here are some suggested activities to help explore the area

Easygoing Cycling Tour	Punting the Avon River	Lyttelton Harbour Wildlife Cruise
Māori Cultural Evening	French Akaroa Tour	Southern Alps Ballooning
Christchurch Gondola	Clearwater Golf	Arthur's Pass TranzAlpine Hike

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel 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.

High Country Lake Tekapo

After an introductory city sights tour departs Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to beautiful Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Twizel.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Twizel - 1 night

Accommodation:

Distinction MacKenzie Country Hotel - Twizel

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.

Oamaru & Dunedin

Depart Twizel and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. While its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels, and restaurants, the residents ‘the Oamaruivans’ are certainly not. In fact quite the contrary, unlike the Victorians they (the locals) are bohemians artisans, creative’s and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops, and venues – it has to be seen to be believed and you'll love it.

Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 night

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross - 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.

Te Anau - Gateway to Fiordland

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you 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. Bid farewell to Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional)

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 night

Accommodation:

Distinction Luxmore Hotel - 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.

Stunning Milford Sound Cruise - Queenstown

The Road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into a beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. The rough-hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces, and seals are some of the things you’ll remember. 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

Accommodation:

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

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.

Queenstown - a Day of Leisure

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader are available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, including the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or get up close to a Kiwi bird.

Recommended Queenstown Excursions:

Routeburn Day Walk	Highest Bungey Jump	Explore Arrowtown
Wine Tasting Central Otago	Biking Skippers Canyon	Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise	Dart River Jetboat Safari	Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

Dinner: This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you 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.

Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Glacier Country

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Franz Josef. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 night

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef 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.

TranzAlpine Rail Journey

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine Train, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Stunning picture of the Tranzalpine Train on the South Island.

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

Interisland Ferry to 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 the quaint seaside town of Picton, where you 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

Accommodation:

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington

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.

Wellington - a day of Leisure

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli. A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Re-board your coach for a city tour. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.

Here are some sightseeing and activity suggestions while in Wellington:

National Museum - Te Papa	Visit Cuba Street	Weta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve	Wellington Cable Car	Carter Observatory

Meals: Breakfast

Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua

Heading further North we follow the Desert Road and enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park’s Mt Ruapehu. The road then takes us to a grand view of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. The stunningly blue freshwater of Lake Taupo is sitting in the South Pacific's largest volcanic crater. After Lake Taupo visit the spectacular Huka Falls then to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights

Accommodation:

Pullman Hotel Rotorua

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.

Boiling Mud, Geysers and Māori Culture

Today begins with a Gondola Ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! The next stop is 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 awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Beautiful Bay of Islands

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy an introduction to the Bay of Islands, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British - Waitangi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Bay of Islands - 2 nights

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands has a sub-tropical resort ambience, with island-influenced architecture, beautifully landscaped grounds and light airy rooms.It's a perfect base to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands. Just a short walk from Paihia's village centre and the wharf. The Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands is a 4 star hotel. The Nikau Restaurant and Lounge Bar operates within the hotel and serves a la carte or buffet breakfast or dinner.

Island Cruise and Some Leisure Time

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands onboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. The cruise includes an island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Stroll along the white sand beach, or walk to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands before returning to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Excursions available in the Bay of Islands:

Historical Island Cruise	Diving Rainbow Warrior	4WD Adventure Cape Reinga
Sailing the Islands	Sea Kayaking the Bay	Giant Kauri Forest Walk
Cultural Tour of Waitangi	Golf at Kauri Cliffs

Meals: Breakfast

Bay of Islands - Auckland

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and farewell dinner with your new-found friends.

Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

Accommodation:

Sudima Auckland City

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.

Depart Auckland

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We hope you enjoyed this tour. Our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand. Have a great homeward journey and we hope to see you again soon!

Meals: Breakfast

Notes

INCLUSIONS

TOUR CODE – SGPN16

16 Day Signature Highlights

Embrace both islands of New Zealand including the stunning Bay of Islands

STYLE Signature Mid-Size Group

COACH 32 seat Premium Economy

ACCOMMODATION 4 star

STARTS Christchurch

FINISHES Auckland

NO HIDDEN EXTRAS

PREPAID ATTRACTIONS

Larnach Castle*
Milford Sound Cruise and 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 and Luge Ride
Agrodome
Thermal mud pools and geysers*
Te Puia traditional Mãori Hãngi and Concert
Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Kauri Museum
City sights tour of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland
*Guided tour

COACH FEATURES

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

MEALS

15 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: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Mãori Hãngi and Concert, 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)

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

EXPERIENCE

Professional Coach Captain and Tour Leader
Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
Return airport transfers in New Zealand
15 nights 4 star accommodation
4 two night stays
Hotel porterage
1 rail journey
4 cruises
All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
Signature Documentation Pack

See Pricing Options

What Daniel says about this tour: The Grand Pacific 16 day Signature Highlights tour explores the top locations and attractions on both the North and South Islands. Highlights include Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, and the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Head north crossing the Cook Strait to the capital city of Wellington before 2 nights in the cultural and thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Another 2 nights in the tropical Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland, the City of Sails. A true highlights of New Zealand tour.

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