Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch, 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.
Stay: The George or similar
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Mt Cook
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.
Stay: The Hermitage Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Mt Cook - Dunedin
Depart Mt Cook, see Lake Benmore and follow the Waitaki River to Oamaru. Continue south to Dunedin, enjoy a city tour followed by free time. You might be interested in a tour to see local wildlife in their natural habitat (optional).
Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning, 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 Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).
Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy 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 at leisure, and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Stay: Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Queenstown (Free Day)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown, with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. 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 singalong by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Stay: Heritage Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
Day 7: Queenstown - Franz Josef
Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold-mining village, and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Next, you visit Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel.
Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Franz Josef - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, 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. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Stay: The George
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you will board the Interislander Ferry and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.
Stay: InterContinental Wellington (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Wellington
A highlight this morning will be time to explore the 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 coach for an extensive city tour showcasing the history and culture on display. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.
Stay: InterContinental Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua
Depart Wellington and view the snow-capped 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.
Stay: Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: 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! 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 Māori Hāngi and Concert.
Stay: Regent of Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
Day 13: Rotorua - 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.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Bay of Islands
This morning, you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands, including an island visit aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock,’ keeping an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia, enjoy a free afternoon with optional activities available, or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant waterfront atmosphere. This evening is also at leisure, with an optional relaxing dinner cruise.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15: Bay of Islands - Auckland
Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei 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 with selected beverages as you celebrate with your newfound friends.
Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
Day 16: Depart Auckland
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
