Grand Pacific Tours - 16 Day Ultimate Highlights

 
1

Welcome to Christchurch

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to Christchurch!

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by one of our representative who will transfer you to your hotel.

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. The city itself has bounced back after a series of major earthquakes, and has shown its resilience with a number of new and exciting developments popping up everywhere. Meet your travelling companions this evening over a complimentary pre dinner drink. 

Some suggested excursions around Christchurch if you have time.

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

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

Accomodation: Christchurch - 1 Night (or similar)

Nice picture of the tram in Christchurch.
The George, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and river Avon and just steps from the cultural precinct and key attractions. The George will offer you a supreme comfort, with personalised stay and attentive staff. The hotel is located in the heart of Christchurch, and its just steps away from cultural precinct and key attractions.
The George - Christchurch

2

Cloud Piercer – Mt Cook National Park

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to 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 to enjoy a Scenic Flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 1 night

Mount Cook National Park

A stunning destination surrounded by the silent splendor of the Southern Alps and with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding National Park World Heritage area. There is a selection of properties within the Terrace Road campus from Hotel to Chalet and Mountainview Motels - all budgets and standards can be catered for.

Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook

3

Dunedin - Scottish City of Grace and Grandeur

Depart Mt Cook and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone buildings. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. You might be interested in a tour of the Speight’s Brewery (optional).

Some options available in and around Dunedin:

Speights Brewery Tour     

Peninsula Wildlife Cruise 

Penguins and Albatross Tour


Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 night

Nice view of the old city of Dunedin.
The former Dunedin Chief Post Office (1937), transformed the 1937 former Chief Post Office in Dunedin into an elegant 4 1/2 star luxury hotel. It occupies an entire city block in The Exchange, the historic business centre of Dunedin. The impressive building was considered a monument to the importance of the role of the state and also to Dunedin's preeminent position as the country's most prosperous city. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel offers a variety of brand new accommodation to suit everyone from the businesses traveller requiring spacious and modern facilities to those wanting a relaxing weekend away.
The Distinction Dunedin Hotel

4

Castles, Lakes and Mountains - Te Anau

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 an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to the 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 

 

Te Anau Wharf
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.
Distinction Hotel Te Anau & Villas

5

Milford Sound - ‘the Eighth Wonder of the World'

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise and lunch 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

Natural Cruise in Milford Sound
Crafted from centuries-old-schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel enjoys stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and is the perfect place to mix business and pleasure. Guests can enjoy all the hotel has to offer, with extensive leisure facilities, including heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, spa pool, sauna, gym, restaurant and bar. The modern, alpine-style accommodation sit in peaceful, scenic surroundings.
Heritage Hotel Queenstown

6

Queenstown at Leisure

Today relax and enjoy the stunning lakes & rivers - there is a bounty of vineyards, cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the wider district of QueenstownArrowtown and the Gibbston Valley. You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Queenstown and part of its charm is the array of less hectic quality activities on offer – but if interested Queenstown is home to the ultimate adventure bucket list – Just ask. 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.

Recommended excursions in and arouns Queenstown

Routeburn Day WalkHighest Bungey JumpDart River Jetboat Safari 

Wine Tasting Central Otago      

Biking Skippers Canyon      Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Gibbston Valley Wine Trail    

 


Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Queenstown TSS Earnslaw Steamship

7

Glacier Country...

The scenery is impressive all the way - Leaving Queenstown travel travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to the West Coast passing by beautiful lakes, Wanaka and Hawea before climbing over the Haast Pass into the Westland National Park. This pass was used by the Maori to trade Poumanu (Greenstone) and food. The Haast Pass is our southern most Pass that traverses the Southern Alps linking the east coast with the west coast. The scenery changes dramatically as you bid farewell to the mountains and enter the wild, rugged, yet immensely beautiful West Coast region. If time is available you may wish to take a scenic flight,

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 night (or similar)

Glaciers

Te Waonui is the only luxury property of its kind in the area. The retreat is nestled in the lush bush with views of the natural environment at almost every turn. Located in Franz Josef, the retreat offers easy access to the many natural wonders of the South West World Heritage Area. Mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, coastline, and native flora and fauna all lie in wait at the doorstep for visitors to admire and explore.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Franz Josef

8

TranzAlpine Rail Journey - Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to 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 Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night (or similar)

TranzAlpine Train
The George, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and river Avon and just steps from the cultural precinct and key attractions. The George will offer you a supreme comfort, with personalised stay and attentive staff. The hotel is located in the heart of Christchurch, and its just steps away from cultural precinct and key attractions.
The George - Christchurch

9

Cruise to Wellington - The Arts Capital

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 board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 nights

Interislander Ferry Crossing

The 5-star InterContinental Wellington is located by the harbor waterfront and just a short walk into the City Centre to experience the capital’s history, culture and shopping. It offers an exclusive club lounge, a fitness center, 2 restaurants and a bar. The elegant guest rooms are spacious and well-furnished. 
 

The InterContinental in Wellington.

10

A Day of Leisure

Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums, theater and all kinds of shops. Dance, theater and musical performances are a Wellington specialty. As New Zealand’s capital, this city is rich in political history.

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. 

Suggested outings in and around Wellington.

 Carter Observatory   Visit Cuba StreetWeta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve 

Wellington Cable Car   

 


Meals: Breakfast

Wellington

11

The Great Lake / Rotorua

Depart Wellington and view the snowcapped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights (or similar)

Rotorua Te Puia Pohutu Geyser
Accommodation:

Rotorua’s designer 5 star Boutique Hotel and Spa offers stylish luxury accommodation, with accommodation to suit most groups of travellers from Hotel rooms to 2 bedroom family apartments situated amidst the exciting attractions and experiences Rotorua has to offer. With excellent facilities such as the restaurant, heated pool, gym and mineral bathing facilities. 

Regent of Rotorua

12

Explore Rotorua - Cultural Evening

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. 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. Free time is available 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 Mãori Hãngi and Concert.

Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Maori Rotorua

13

Beautiful Bay of Islands

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north through Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori tribes and the British. 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Bay of Islands - 2 nights

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.
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

14

Island Cruise

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. This 4-hour cruise includes a stopover on Urupukapuka island 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 from Paihia if you want to get 'Out and About'

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 Cruise

15

The City of Sails

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 farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.

Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night 

Auckland at Night
Accommodation:
Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD and entertainment hub, this hotel offers superior comfort, personal service and contemporary style. Only 2 minutes away from the Sky Tower, city attractions, entertainment and dining venues. Crowne Plaza Auckland is an award-winning Auckland hotel located in the heart of the city and offer the perfect balance of superior comfort, personal service and contemporary accommodation.
Crown Plaza Auckland

16

Bon Voyage

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We know you will enjoy our 16 Day Ultimate New Zealand Explorer 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

Bon Voyage Auckland

Notes

Inclusions >> No Hidden Extra's

Pre-paid Attractions

  • Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea 
  • Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch 
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw 
  • Lakes District Museum 
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey 
  • Cruise on the Interislander Ferry, Premium Lounge
  • 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 
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds 
  • Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise 
  • Kauri Museum 
  • Christchurch City Sights Tour 
  • Dunedin City Sights Tour 
  • Wellington City Sights Tour 
  • Auckland City Sights Tour 

Coach Features

  • 20 Business Class seats on a full-size coach
  • 2 door access; dedicated seat side storage with 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
  • 15 nights 4.5 star accommodation
  • 4 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 4 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Activities
  • UltimateDocumentation Pack

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; Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Auckland
  • 1 picnic lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
  • 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Wine Time (discounted drinks)
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
Ultimate Explorer Tour Map

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What Michelle says about this tour: I recommend this tour to those who like the luxury tour experience with the in all inclusive format. Premium luxury accommodation combine with high quality excursions to castles, lakes, mountains and wilderness. There's cultural depth too and urban adventure time. This 16 day tour takes in the absolute highlights of both islands with a touch of class!
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