Grand New Zealand Tour - 19 Days

Day 1  Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to the hotel in time to meet the rest of your tour group for dinner this evening.* Overnight at the Hotel Pullman Auckland. Meals included: Dinner.*

* Passengers must arrive into New Zealand before 8pm to receive the welcome dinner.

Day 2  Auckland to Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Visit the Matakohe Kauri Museum then continue through Dargaville and Whangarei to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, location of the ‘signing of the treaty’ between the Maori and the British. Overnight: Scenic Circle Bay of Islands Hotel, Paihia. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 3  Bay of Islands
Today is a free day. Perhaps you could take one of many activities available (costs payable locally), including Cape Reinga Coach Trip via Ninety Mile Beach, a full day to Keri Keri or swimming with the dolphins. The option is yours and your coach captain will assist. Overnight at Scenic Circle Bay of Islands Hotel Paihia. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 4  Bay of Islands to Auckland
This morning cruise aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole-in-the-Rock. Travel south via Whangarei to Auckland. Overnight at the Hotel Pullman Auckland. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 5  Auckland to Rotorua
This morning enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to the Sky Tower, Auckland’s top attraction. Continue via Cambridge to Matamata and Longlands Dairy Farm where a short farm talk is followed by a delicious home cooked lunch. This afternoon travel to the geothermal town of Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Wildlife Park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Overnight at Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 6  Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola Ride to Cableway Restaurant for a buffet breakfast with spectacular views. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display & sheep dog trial. Some free time is available before an afternoon transfer to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers of Rotorua. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. Overnight at the Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 7  Rotorua to Masterton
Depart Rotorua and travel the Thermal Explorer Highway. Visit the Volcanic Activity Centre, Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Travel to Napier, (The Art Deco Capital of the World) for a guided tour of this city, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931. Free time will follow before travelling through the Wairarapa, an emerging cool climate wine region. Overnight at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 8  Masterton to Wellington
Today travel through the quaint township of Greytown. Enjoy time exploring this delightful village where the streets have been laid out in the shape of a Union Jack. Travel through the picturesque Rimutaka Mountain Range to New Zealand's capital, Wellington. Enjoy a city tour which will highlight the history and culture of the city. Overnight at the James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel. Meals included: breakfast, dinner.

Day 9  Wellington to Blenheim (via Picton)
Enjoy some free time this morning, perhaps to visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum or take a tour of the Parliament Buildings This afternoon board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim. Overnight at the Scenic Hotel Marlborough or the Chateau Marlborough. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 10  Blenheim to Christchurch (via Kaikoura)
Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Visit a local winery before travelling to the fishing village of Kaikoura, then on to the Garden City of Christchurch. A tour will introduce you to the city. Overnight at the Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 11  Christchurch to Franz Josef
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 located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Overnight at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 12  Franz Josef to Queenstown
See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. 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. Overnight at the Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lakeview Room). Meals included: breakfast.

Day 13  Queenstown (Free Day)
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain is available to assist. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon or the helicopter ride of a lifetime. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax, as you are treated to the best of New Zealand's high country cuisine in 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. Overnight at the Mercure Queenstown Resort  (Lakeview Room). Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 14  Queenstown to Te Anau
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Tonight after dinner you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Overnight at the Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Room). Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 15  Milford Sound Excursion
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 a picnic lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. Tonight after dinner you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Overnight at the Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Room). Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 16  Te Anau to Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the "Edinburgh of the South" and enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Overnight at the Mercure Leisure Lodge. Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 17  Dunedin to Twizel
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers followed by a delightful morning tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. After a true Victorian welcome, enjoy an informative update on this unique precinct where several amazing buildings and shops are on show. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Twizel for your overnight stay. Overnight at the MacKenzie Country Inn. Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 18  Twizel to Mt Cook & Christchurch
This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and see the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends. Overnight at the Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport. Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 19  End of Tour
Time to say goodbye. Your tour concludes with the check-out from your hotel and a transfer to the airport. Meals included: Breakfast.

This tour is operated by Grand Pacific Tours.

DEPARTURE DATES

2012
September: 12, 24
October: 5, 18, 27
November: 5, 14, 23

2013
January: 19
February: 6, 9, 16, 24
March: 4, 8, 14, 17, 29
April: 4, 9, 19
May: 2

Tour Price Includes:

- Meet and greet on arrival in Auckland
- 18 nights popular grade accommodation
- Return airport transfers
- Luxury coach travel
- Professional trained driver/guide
- Luggage handling at hotels (one suitcase per person)
- 18 cooked breakfasts
- 17 dinners, including 4 specialty dinners
- 2 lunches
- All sightseeing and admissions as stated in the itinerary
- Interisland Ferry

Not Included
- Flight to/from New Zealand
- Gratuities for driver/guide

Extend Your Stay:

Why not take the opportunity to relax before or after your long flight by adding one or more pre or post tour nights:

Auckland: Twin £63 / Single £125*
Christchurch: Twin £63 / Single £125*

* Prices are per person per night