Overview
Destination:
New Zealand,
Start:Auckland
Finish:Christchurch
Finish:Christchurch
Duration:19 days
Tripcode:
SGPR19
Travel Period
September 2025 - September 2025
Experience the romance of rail travel, the majesty of cruising and the luxury of Premium Economy coach travel on this activity-packed 19-day tour. Visit the "best of attractions" in New Zealand including scenic rail journeys onboard the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Coastal Pacific Rail Journey and the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey. Relax on 4 cruises featuring an overnight cruise on the beautiful Milford Sound. The tour includes 2-night stays in the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin.
What's Included
- 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
- Return airfares from your homeport
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Professional Coach Captain
- Experienced Tour Leader
- 17 nights 4 star accommodation
- Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- 6 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 32 meals including breakfast daily
- 3 rail journeys
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Signature Documentation Pack
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival into Auckland you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.
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Day 2: Auckland - 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.
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Day 3: 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).
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Day 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.
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Day 5: 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 including a delightful morning tea.
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Day 6: Rotorua
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride!
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Day 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.
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Day 8: Wellington
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum.
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Day 9: Wellington - Kaikōura - Christchurch
This morning board the Interislander Ferry where you can relax in comfort in the Queen Charlotte Lounge.
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Day 10 - 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.
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Day 11 - Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world.
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Day 12: Franz Josef - Queenstown
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south 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 to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
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Day 13: 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.
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Day 14: Queenstown - 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.
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Day 15: Milford Sound - Te Anau
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return 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 Glowworm Caves (optional).
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Day 16: 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. This afternoon enjoy a tour of Olveston Historic Home, beautifully preserved merchant’s home from the turn of the century containing a wealth of precious treasures of a bygone era.
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Day 17: Dunedin
This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour.
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Day 18: Dunedin - Christchurch
Today travel to the small town of Oamaru, famous for its limestone architecture before continuing to Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
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Day 19: Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
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Map
Operator
Grand Pacific Tours is a leading travel company specializing in coach tours across New Zealand. Catering primarily to mature travelers, they offer a range of meticulously planned itineraries that showcase the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture of New Zealand. With options ranging from affordable to luxury tours, Grand Pacific ensures a comfortable and enriching travel experience. Their professional tour guides and drivers provide insightful commentary and exceptional service, making each journey memorable. Whether you’re interested in exploring the North Island, the South Island, or both.
Gallery
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