Grand Pacific Tours - Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach Itinerary

Arrive in Auckland

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

On arrival you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as your meet your travelling companions.

Meals: Dinner (not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm)

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Beautiful view of the skyline of Auckland by night.

Accommodation:

Crowne Plaza Auckland

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.

Auckland - Bay of Islands

Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach and 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. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty between the indigenous Maori tribes and the British settlers.

Meals: Breakfast, 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.

Bay of Islands (Free Day)

Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Meals: Breakfast

Bay of Islands - Auckland

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia, travel south, returning to Auckland. This evening is free to dine at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Crowne Plaza Auckland

Auckland - Rotorua

This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. Visit the restoration workshop and on return to Glenbrook Station, morning tea will be served. Depart Glenbrook and travel through the magnificent countryside of green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua to visit the National Kiwi Hatchery, for a unique behind the scenes tour of the world’s largest kiwi hatchery, where you'll learn about Kiwi, their native environment and what makes them truly iconic the world over.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Regent of Rotorua

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.

Rotorua

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. Enjoy some leisure time in the geothermal capital before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

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 then continue south to NZ’s capital city, Wellington.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

InterContinental 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.

Wellington

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your Ultimate Coach for an extensive city tour. This afternoon ride the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn Station where you will explore the cable car museum or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. This evening is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Wellington - Kaikoura - Christchurch

This morning board the Interislander Ferry, and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Meet your Ultimate Coach in the fishing village of Kaikoura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

The George - 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.

Christchurch

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. This evening is free to enjoy one of the many eateries near your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Fox Glacier

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great rail journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur's Pass 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 to the township of Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Fox Glacier - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Te Weheka Retreat - Fox Glacier

After your day exploring the West Coast, spending the night at boutique Te Weheka Retreat 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 next to the fireplace.

Fox Glacier - 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 at Arrowtown to visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to 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

Accommodation:

Rendezvous Heritage 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.

Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food 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, Specialty Dinner

Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Today travel to Manapouri. Enjoy a lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. A short ride over the Wilmot Pass brings you to the boarding point to join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) - or to simply relax on board. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Doubtful Sound - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Fiordland Navigator Doubtful Sound

The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose built vessel designed and perfectly suited to cruising and staying overnight in the remote Doubtful Sound. The Navigator has spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge and also carries kayaks and a tender craft onboard - at your disposal. As well as having comfortable accommodation.

Doubtful Sound - Te Anau

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri. Return back to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional.

Meals: Breakfast, 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.

Te Anau - Dunedin

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. Enjoy a city tour of New Zealand's oldest university city.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

The Distinction Hotel 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.

Dunedin

Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Indulge in an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom, followed by time, followed by time to stroll through this Garden of International Significance. Return to Dunedin for some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home containing a wealth of treasures from a bygone era. This evening is free to dine at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Dunedin - Christchurch

This morning travel to the city of Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue north to Pleasant Point Museum and Railway for a short rail experience followed by lunch and time to explore the preserved heritage of the South Canterbury railway. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with selected beverages and your new found friends.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Accommodation:

The George - Christchurch

Farewell from Christchurch

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Meals: Breakfast (if departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening, breakfast is not included)

Itinerary Variations
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.

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What Elizabeth says about this tour: I love the variety this tour offers. From island cruising in the Northern Bay of Islands to the deep Southern Doubtful Sound this small group luxury experience mixes in kiwi culture and heritage with stunning New Zealand scenery. With world renowned train journeys and overnight cruise at Doubtful Sound this is true `Business Class' travel.

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