Grand Pacific Tours - 19 Day Ultimate Showcase Itinerary

 
1

Welcome to Auckland!

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel and, depending at what time you'll arrive, will then have some time to explore the city of Auckland before meeting your travelling companions over a complimentary pre dinner drink.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Explore Waiheke Island    Island Kayaking Adventure    America’s Cup Sailing
Whale and Dolphin SafariRelax on the BeachRangitoto Island Cruise & Walk
West Coast Wine Tour  

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

 

Auckland City of Sails
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

2

The Beautiful 'Bay of Islands'

Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Mãori tribes and the British. 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Bay of Island - 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

3

A Day of Leisure

The beaches in this region are considered some of the world’s finest with their perfect white sand and crystal-clear water. Rich in culture, history and natural resources, Paihia is the place of friendly locals, happy cafes and people enjoying life whether it is swimming with dolphins, taking in a spot of retail therapy, bush walking or just lazing on the beach. The Bay of Islands, with shimmering safe waters and superb beaches has plenty of recreational activities in among the 144 islands: sail, fish, swim, dive, snorkel, charter a launch or paddle a sea kayak around the islands. Paihia is the perfect stepping stone into the Bay of Islands, and a wonderful place for people of all ages to visit.


Excursions available around 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

Seaside Russell

4

Morning Cruise / on to the City of Sails

Your morning starts aboard a luxury catamaran to cruise around 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. After returning to Paihia, farewell the Bay of Islands and drive south via Whangarei, Wellsford and Warkworth to Auckland.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night
 

 

Cruise the Bay of Islands
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

5

City Tour / Hobbiton / Rotorua

This morning enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to Sky Tower, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions. Continue through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. This is followed by 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights (or similar)

Hobbiton
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

6

Everything Rotorua

Today begins with a Gondola Ride at the Skyline Rotorua for breakfast, spectacular views and also time for a thrilling luge ride! 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

Rotorua

7

Art Deco Napier

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as “The Art Deco Capital”, to see the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the Hawkes Bay or to take a Guided Art Deco Walk at your leisure (optional).

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Napier - 1 night

Art Deco City Napier

Styled to complement its remarkable location on the edge of the beautiful Hawke's Bay, Scenic Hotel Te Pania boasts design awards for its style and offers an unmatched level of service to leisure travellers with a high four star accommodation rating. Enjoy the central waterfront location and the extensive sea views that all rooms share. Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street with many shops, cafes and restaurants.

Scenic Hotel Te Pania - Napier

8

Wellington

The capital of New Zealand, Wellington, is our destination for this afternoon. This colourful city is a stronghold for culture and the arts, not to mention stunningly located on the edge of a picturesque harbour and at the foot of rolling green hills.

Enjoy an extensive city tour in New Zealand’s capital,  at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, there is time to explore Gallipoli: A scale of War exhibition.

Some suggested outings while in the 'Capital of Cool'.

Carter Observatory Visit Cuba StreetWeta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve     

 Wellington Cable Car    

 


Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington- 1 night

Wellington

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.

9

Interisland Cruise / Kaikoura

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 wine  tasting at Cloudy Bay Estate, one of the original winemakers in the Marlborough region. Continue south to Kaikõura. 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 night 

Interislander Ferry Crossing
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

10

Kaikoura to 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 (or similar)

Kaikoura Coastline
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

11

TranzAlpine Train Journey into Glacier Country

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass National Park located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your Ultimate coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef Glacier to Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Fox Glacier - 1 night (or similar)

Tranz Alpine Train

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

12

Following the Wild West Coast to Queenstown

See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 nights

Queenstown
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

13

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

Jetboat Queenstown

14

Te Anau - Gateway to Fiordland National Park

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to picturesque Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to the lakeside town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). The caves have only been recently rediscovered, because someone had known they were there as Te Anau is a shortened form of “Te Ana-au” which means “the cave of the swirling water current”. Getting to the caves involves a scenic cruise to the western shores.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 nights 

 

Te anau
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

15

Cruise on the Majestic Milford Sound

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 beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. We show you the 'Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain' and the 'Mirror Lakes'. The rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord, including lunch.

This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

16

Dunedin - Scottish City of Grace and Grandeur

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the “Edinburgh of the South”. Enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. 

Some options available in and around Dunedin:

Speights Brewery Tour

   Penguins and Albatross Tour  Peninsula Wildlife Cruise 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 night

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

17

Mt Cook National Park

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour with time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Mt Cook - 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

18

High Country Lakes / Christchurch

This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a Scenic Flight and Glacier Landing (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and see the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.

Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night (or similar)

Lake Tekapo
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

19

Homeward Bound

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We are sure you will enjoy the 'Ultimate New Zealand Luxury Coach 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. 

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: Breakfast

People punting the Avon River.

Notes

Valid: Sep 2023 – May 2024 

19 Day Ultimate Showcase
Discover the best of New Zealand’s iconic regions and attractions in a small group

STYLE: Ultimate Small Group
COACH: 20 seat Business Class
ACCOMMODATION: 4.5 star

STARTS: Auckland
FINISHES: Christchurch


NO HIDDEN EXTRAS

PREPAID ATTRACTIONS 
• Kauri Museum 
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds 
• Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise 
• Sky Tower 
• Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour and Lunch* 
• 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 
• Cloudy Bay Estate Wine Tasting 
• TranzAlpine Rail Journey 
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw 
• Lakes District Museum 
• Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch 
• Larnach Castle* 
• City sights tour of Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch 
*Guided 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 
• 18 nights 4.5 star accommodation 
• 4 two night stays 
• Hotel porterage 
• 1 rail journey 
• 4 cruises 
• All sightseeing and prepaid attractions 
• Extensive Optional Activities
• Ultimate  Documentation Pack 

MEALS 
• 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua 
• 15 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 3 specialty dinners: Mãori Hãngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch 
• 2 lunches: Hobbiton, Shire’s buffet; Milford Sound Cruise
• 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle 
• Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks) 
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.

Discovery Ultimate Tour Map

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What Natalie 2 says about this tour: I recommend this 19 tour to folk who enjoy premium accommodation and VIP treatment. While the pace in the luxury coach is relaxed, the multiple cruises, excursions and sights will thrill you as you journey through our North and South islands. You'll enjoy the local knowledge and professionalism of the Tour Director who ensures your total comfort.
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The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price