Grand Pacific Tours - Ultimate New Year Itinerary

 
1

Welcome to Wellington - the Arts Capital

On arrival into Wellington you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Nestled between a dramatic harbour and bush clad hills, Wellington was recently dubbed as ‘the coolest little capital city in the world’.  The city is the country's centre for culture, politics, and home to the National Museum, Te Papa.  Wellington’s thriving cafe scene is globally recognised by coffee cognoscenti, and of course is a centre for movie production with Lord or the Rings taking centre stage.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

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.

2

New Years Eve! - Wellington

A highlight will be time to explore Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum. Enjoy an extensive city tour in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. This afternoon enjoy free time before preparing to see in the New Year with your travelling companions.

Suggested outings before heading out on the town.

National Museum - Te Papa    

Visit Cuba Street Weta Workshop Tour

Zealandia Wildlife Reserve 

Wellington Cable Car   

Carter Observatory 


Meals: Breakfast and Dinner


3

Interisland Cruise into Marlborough - Wine Country

This morning board the Interislander Ferry and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your Ultimate Coach for the short journey to Blenheim, where you will experience a unique wine and cheese tasting at Cloudy Bay Estate, one of the original winemakers in the Marlborough region. Continue south to Kaikõura.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Kaikōura - 1 Night

Accommodation:
With its superb location on the shoreline close to town, Sudima Kaikoura is blessed with stunning views of both the mountains and sea. It also puts the hotel within easy walking distance of Kaikoura’s activities, shops, restaurants, and bars. This state-of-the-art waterfront hotel has a 4.5 star rating with an outstanding in-house restaurant, a bar and conference facilities. As always, you can expect that special Sudima service. We take care of the little things, so you’re all ready for a big day – of business, sightseeing, or nature watching.
Sudima Kaikoura

4

Kaikōura and Christchurch

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.


Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Accommodation:
Featuring an on-site restaurant and free high-speed WiFi, Sudima Christchurch City is situated in Christchurch, just 500 m from Hagley Park and less than 1 km from Victoria Street. At the hotel, every room is equipped with a fridge, wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. Complete with a private bathroom, all units at Sudima Christchurch City are fitted with air conditioning, and selected rooms will provide you with a seating area. You can also enjoy streaming movies.
Sudima Christchurch City

5

Dunedin - Scottish City of Grace and Grandeur

Depart Christchurch and travel south through Oamaru a well preserved Victorian city, famous for its white stone buildings, before arriving in the grand city of Dunedin. It is for good reason that New Zealand's oldest city is known as the Edinborough of the South - 'Dunedin' comes from Dun Eideann the Scots-Gaelic name for Edinburgh, founded largely by Scottish immigrants, who raised the impressive buildings which now add much to the city's charm. These buildings incorporate a diverse array of styles from Tudor, Jacobean, Georgian, Carpenter, Gothic and Arts and Crafts styles also feature - to some very fine examples of Neo-Gothic. Dunedin is regarded as one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the Commonwealth. In Dunedin enjoy a city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure.

Some options available in and around Dunedin:

Speights Brewery Tour

   Cadbury Chocolate     Penguins and Albatross Tour

Taieri Rail Journey

   Peninsula Wildlife Cruise    Larnach Castle Tour


Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 night 

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

6

Te Anau - Gateway to Fiordland National Park

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the scandalous history on a guided tour followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Continue south through Balclutha and Gore to the lake-side town of Te Anau.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 night 

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

7

Milford Sound Cruise - Queenstown

This morning enjoy a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. Continue to Queenstown where this evening is free to dine at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 nights 

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

8

Queenstown at Leisure

Take a day to experience the beauty of Queenstown exactly as you want to. From relaxing vineyard tours or boat cruises to extreme adventure activities, Queenstown has it all. Your driver/guide will help you with your plans.

This Evening: Board the TSS Earnslaw and cruise to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax as you are treated to the best of NZ’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead.

Recommended excursions in and arouns Queenstown

Routeburn Day Walk Highest Bungey Jump Explore Arrowtown

Wine Tasting Central Otago      

Biking Skippers Canyon       Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Dart River Jetboat Safari   Gibbston Valley Wine Trail   

 


Meals: Breakfast and Special Dinner


9

Quaint Gold Mining Town / Glacier Country

Travel to Arrowtown to visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass and see the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. You may like to experience a Scenic Flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.


Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Fox Glacier - 1 night 

After your day exploring the West Coast, spending the night at Distinction Fox Glacier in the beautiful Fox Glacier Village is a real treat. Tucked into the foothills of the Southern Alps, rooms here feature their own balcony, spacious bedroom and lounge area. Spend the evening relaxing in the guest lounge or browsing through the many books in the Hotel library. 


 
Distinction Hotel - Fox Glacier

10

Tranzalpine Rail Journey - Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Enjoy the spectacular scenery through to Christchurch. This evening you will be treated to a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.

Meals: Breakfast and Special Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night 

Accommodation:
Featuring an on-site restaurant and free high-speed WiFi, Sudima Christchurch City is situated in Christchurch, just 500 m from Hagley Park and less than 1 km from Victoria Street. At the hotel, every room is equipped with a fridge, wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. Complete with a private bathroom, all units at Sudima Christchurch City are fitted with air conditioning, and selected rooms will provide you with a seating area. You can also enjoy streaming movies.
Sudima Christchurch City

11

Homeward Bound


"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

There maybe time for some last minute excursions or shopping before making your way for your outbound flight. 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.

Some Suggested Activities If You Have Time

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


Notes

INCLUSIONS

 

PRE PAID ATTRACTIONS

• Te Papa, NZ's National Museum 
• Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
• Cloudy Bay Estate Wine and Cheese Tasting

• Larnach Castle*
• Milford Sound Nature Cruise & Lunch
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
• Lakes District Museum
• TranzAlpine Rail Journey
• City Sights tour of Wellington, Christchurch & Dunedin

*Guided tour.

ULTIMATE SMALL GROUP TOURING

  • Personalised meet & 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
  • 10 nights 4.5 star hotel accommodation
  • 2 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 3 cruises
  • All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
  • Comprehensive documentation pack

MEALS

• 10 cooked breakfasts
• 8 sumptuous dinners including 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch
• 1 picnic lunch
• 1 Ultimate High Tea, Larnach Castle

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


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Profile picture for user Tracy
What Tracy says about this tour: I highly recommend this New Year's summer tour to guests who like to have some fun, see the sights and have all the finer details taken care of. Accommodation is carefully selected for charm and character, the luxury coach is super comfortable and the Tour Director goes the extra mile so guests can totally relax.
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