19 Day New Zealand Signature Rail, Cruise and Coach Itinerary

1

Welcome to AUCKLAND

‘Haere Mai’ and welcome to the ultimate New Zealand holiday.

Upon arriving at Auckland Airport you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Check in and freshen up before spending the remainder of the day exploring the ‘City of Sails’. Stroll the walkways of the Viaduct, peruse the boutique shops of the central city or visit the Sky Tower, the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building, for fantastic views of the harbour and beyond.

This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Explore Waiheke Island	Island Kayaking Adventure	America’s Cup Sailing
Auckland's Sky Tower	Relax on the Beach	Rangitoto Island Cruise & Walk
West Coast Wine Tour	Whale and Dolphin Safari	Muriwai Surf Beach

Meals: 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.

2

The Enchanted Bay of Islands

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.

This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Bay of Island - 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.

3

A Day of Leisure

Today is a day at leisure to choose from the many optional activities available, including a tall sailing ship experience or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free and 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	Dolphin Swimming	Giant Kauri Forest Walk
Cultural Tour of Waitangi	Golf at Kauri Cliffs	Sea Kayaking the Bay

Meals: Breakfast

4

Bay of Islands - Auckland

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, call into the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree before returning to Auckland.

Meals: Breakfast and 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.

5

Vintage Rail Journey

Leaving Auckland, our path takes us to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a 15-kilometre (9 mile) journey back in time on a vintage steam train that’s been beautifully restored. We tour the restoration workshop and enjoy morning tea back at the Station. Afterwards, we continue through stunning countryside to Rotorua, our home for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 night

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.

6

Lets Explore Rotorua

We start the day with panoramic views over Rotorua aboard a Gondola Ride, there is also time for a luge ride! The next stop is 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

7

Rotorua - Wellington

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.

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.

8

Wellington Tour & Leisure Time

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli. A scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon and this evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene.

Here are some suggested excurions in and around Wellington

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

Meals: Breakfast

Beautiful picture of the harbour of Wellington.

9

Inter-Island Cruise - Coastal Pacific Train - Christchurch

This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait, and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged scenic coastline on the other. Travel through numerous tunnels and across several bridges before departing the train in Kaikoura. Travel south by coach through some of the finest farmland area’s to the garden city of Christchurch.

Meals - Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 nights

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.

10

The Garden City

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 your leisure, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine.

Some Suggested Activities Options for Christchurch

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: Breakfast

11

TranzAlpine Train Journey into Glacier Country

Embark this morning on one of the top six train journeys in the world, on board the TranzAlpin e Railway. Spanning the width of the South Island, this journey showcases spectacular gorges, ribbon-like rivers, massive viaducts, and soaring peaks – don’t forget your camera! We disembark at Arthur’s Pass and continue on to Hokitika, a small town steeped in gold mining and pioneering history that is famous for its pounamu (greenstone).

Later in the afternoon, we reach our destination for the night – Franz Josef Village, home to the ancient flow of ice that is the Franz Josef Glacier. Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views high above the glaciers with an optional scenic flight.

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.

12

Southern Alps - Queenstown

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you journey inland, crossing the Haast Pass and driving on to the bustling resort town of Queenstown. Admire the soaring Remarkables Mountain Range and soak up the panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, the shores on which the town is built. Tonight, enjoy a magical evening of free time; here, the options for drinks beside the lake or delicious dining are endless.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

13

Queenstown at Leisure

Explore everything Queenstown has to offer and do it your way on a day of leisure. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader can assist you in crafting the perfect day. You can get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling wilderness jet boat ride or a white water rafting adventure, or if you prefer something more relaxing like a wine tour in the stunning vineyards of the Gibbston Valley, you won’t be disappointed.

In the evening, prepare for a very special night across the other side of Lake Wakatipu. We board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise to Walter Peak Station where we enjoy a delightful meal of delicious country cuisine. A short farm tour follows our dining experience before we re-board the ship for a return journey complemented by live piano music.

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

Meals: Breakfast and Speciality Dinner

14

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

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.
The Milford Sound is home to three species of dolphin, along with fur seals and penguins. Return under sail and anchor overnight in Harrison Cove. An opportunity to sea-kayak or explore the shoreline from the tender vessels. Stay in a private cabin with en suite, enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Onboard Milford Mariner - 1 night

Accommodation:

Milford Mariner

For the ultimate Milford Sound experience, spend the night aboard the Mariner and wake up to the dawn of a new day in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove, where you can join the nature guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) and kayaks. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax on deck and soak in the beauty of this amazing place or go for a swim (if you’re brave enough). As evening falls, enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon, prepared freshly by our onboard chef. Then relax in the company of fellow travellers or indulge in some star-gazing before retiring to your private cabin

15

Milford Sound - Te Anau

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast aboard the boat before cruising out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to soak up more stunning fiord scenery. Returning back to the wharf, we meet the coach and enjoy the sights of the Milford Road once more on the way back to Te Anau.

Return back 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 Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 night

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel Te Anau & Villas

Located on the Te Anau lake front, a short stroll from the Te Anau town centre, Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas is perfectly situated for you to make the most of this beautiful area. The rooms are very comfortable and the hotel has all the facilities you would expect from a property of this standard.Distinction Te Anua Hotel and Villas, offering chic, elegant accommodation. This 4 Star hotel is surrounded by extensive landscaped gardens where you can enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Te Anua and the Fiordland ranges.

16

Dunedin - Scottish City of Grace and Grandeur

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. Today Dunedin is New Zealand’s oldest university city. This afternoon visit Speight’s Brewery, a Dunedin icon, for an informative and interactive tour through this working brewery. The tasting session will be followed by a delicious dinner at the Ale House restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 nights

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.

17

Larnach Castle

This morning travel 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.

Return to Dunedin for a city tour followed by some free time. Optional activities you might be interested in, include the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

18

Dunedin - Christchurch

This morning visit Olveston Historic Home, containing treasures from a bygone era before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. This evening enjoy a pre dinner drink and farewell dinner with your new-found friends.

Meals: Breakfast and SpecialtyDinner

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.

19

Homeward Bound

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We are sure you will enjoy this tour and 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, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Meals: Breakfast

Notes

Valid: Sep 2023 – May 2024

19 Day Signature Rail, Cruise and Coach
Combining rail, coach and breathtaking cruises including Milford Sound overnight cruise

STYLE Signature Mid-Size Group
COACH 32 seat Premium Economy
ACCOMMODATION 4 star

STARTS Auckland
FINISHES Christchurch

NO HIDDEN EXTRAS

PREPAID ATTRACTIONS
• 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 Mãori Hãngi and Concert
• Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
• 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
• Speights Brewery Tour and Tasting*
• Larnach Castle*
• Olveston Historic Home*
• City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington,
Christchurch and Dunedin
*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

EXPERIENCE
• Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
• Return airport transfers in New Zealand
• Professional Coach Captain • 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
• Extensive Optional Activities
• Signature Documentation Pack

MEALS
• 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
• 14 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 4 specialty dinners: Mãori Hãngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Speights Ale House, Dunedin; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
• 2 delicious morning teas
• Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.