Ultimate Rail, Coach & Cruise - 19 Days

This small group guided tour of New Zealand’s North & South Islands combines rail, luxury coach travel and an exclusive overnight cruise.  Travel onboard a full sized motorcoach with just 20 luxury leather reclining seats.   On five rail journeys you will experience an operating steam railway, the Coastal Pacific train, the spectacular Taieri Gorge River and the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine. Experience the Bay of Islands with an overnight stay on “Ipipiri”, a luxury vessel with plenty of relaxation time.

Tour Highlights

- Travel onboard the Ultimate Touring Coach

- See the highlights of New Zealand's North & South Islands

- Exclusive Bay of Islands overnight cruise

- 5 rail journeys & 5 cruises

- 42 meals

Day 1  Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your travelling companions for dinner*. Overnight at the Hotel Crowne Plaza.

Meal included: dinner (not included for passengers arriving later than 8pm).

Day 2  Auckland to 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 pass through Whangarei to Paihia. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Overnight at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (Deluxe Room).

Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 3  Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise
After breakfast you are free to explore Paihia before boarding Ipipiri, a luxurious catamaran for an overnight cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Cruise past spectacular landmarks, such as the Black Rocks and Urupukapuka Island before being anchored in a sheltered bay for a truly exclusive experience. You will be surrounded by nature, as the warm waters are home to an abundance of marine life such as dolphins, whales, seals and penguins. At sunset enjoy a buffet of local cuisine before retiring to your King Stateroom that has sea views. Overnight onboard Ipipiri.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 4  Bay of Islands to Auckland
After a unique overnight stay, start the day with a leisurely breakfast before you cruise back to Opua Wharf mid-morning. Bid farewell to the Bay of Islands and drive south via Whangarei, Wellsford and Warkworth to Auckland. Enjoy a short city tour and free time before transferring to your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel Crowne Plaza.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 5  Auckland to Rotorua
Depart Auckland and 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 magnificent countryside to Longlands Farm & restaurant. Enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch before continuing to Rotorua and a visit to Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Overnight at the Regent Hotel of Rotorua.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6  Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Cableway Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling out to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. Overnight at the Regent Hotel of Rotorua.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 7  Rotorua to Wellington
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway before arriving at the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo where some free time is available to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park and see the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. This afternoon visit the Southwards Car Museum, home to the most comprehensive collection of veteran and vintage cars in the southern hemisphere. Afternoon tea will be enjoyed before continuing south to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Overnight at the Hotel Intercontinental.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 8  Wellington
This morning enjoy an extensive tour of New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight will be a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon and evening. Overnight at the Hotel Intercontinental.

Meals included: breakfast.

Day 9  Wellington to Christchurch
This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a spectacular rail journey that follows the thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Continue across the Northern Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch. Overnight at the George.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 10  Christchurch
Enjoy an introductory city tour of Christchurch followed by a visit to the International Antarctic Centre designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This afternoon enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of your Lodge. Overnight at the Huntley Lodge.

Meal included: breakfast.

Day 11  Christchurch to Fox Glacier
Board the TranzAlpine and travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur's Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone then continue via Franz Josef to Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Overnight at the Distinction Fox Glacier.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 12  Fox Glacier 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. Overnight at the Millennium Hotel Queenstown.

Meals included: breakfast.

Day 13  Queenstown (Free Day)
Today is free to enjoy the many sightseeing options and your Tour Guide and Coach Captain are available to assist. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. 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 Millennium Hotel Queenstown.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner.

Day 14  Queenstown to Te Anau
This morning travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village,  then continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. This evening cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Glow Worm Caves. Admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto. Overnight at the Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas.

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. Overnight at the Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas.

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". Enjoy an informative city tour including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious historic home. Overnight at the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 17  Dunedin
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour.  Visit the Garden of International Significance followed by a delightful morning tea in the Grand Ballroom. Return to the city where free time is available before boarding The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail. On return to Dunedin's historic Edwardian Railway Station your coach will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 18  Dunedin to Christchurch
Travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. After a true Victorian welcome, enjoy an informative update on this unique Precinct where amazing buildings and shops are on show. Continue to Ashburton where you will visit The Plains Vintage Railway to experience a 'K'88 Steam Locomotive at work, view informative displays and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea before travelling to Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends. Overnight at the George Hotel.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner.

Day 19 Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight after a memorable New Zealand Holiday.

Meal included : breakfast.

This tour is operated by Grand Pacific Tours.

Small Group Touring

Ultimate Tours are limited to just 20 passengers travelling aboard a purpose built full size coach. The beauty of travelling in a smaller group is that every aspect of your tour is more personal. You will enjoy a close bond with your travelling companions and as there are smaller numbers, travel is at a more relaxed pace with more free time to explore at your leisure.

The Ultimate Coach

Purpose built for the Ultimate Tour Series, this is a vehicle in a class of it’s own. A full size coach fitted with just 20 deluxe leather seats (normal coaches seat 49). Your deluxe coach features:

- Leather seats, fully reclining with extra width calf and footrest support for added comfort.
- Panoramic viewing, air conditioning & seat belts
- Wood grain timber panelled storage to store your onboard travel bag
- A centre galley equipped with fridge for drinks storage
- Individual 240 volt power outlets available to charge your camera or mobile phone.
- State of the art music system with multiple music channels, radio, CD & DVD with your own personal set of headphones.

Premium Accommodation

Your accommodation is in a carefully picked collection of stylish hotels chosen to enhance your Ultimate tour. All hotels are highly regarded for their superior level of comfort, extensive guest facilities and excellent locations.

Ultimate Tour Extras

As part of every Ultimate Tour you will receive a number of exclusive extras;
- A deluxe documentation pack made of a fine Ruskin material, designed to last a lifetime (this will waiting for you on arrival in New Zealand).
- An intimate farewell dinner on your final night including selected beverages It’s easy to spot the tours in the exclusive “Ultimate” range - they’re all called Ultimate!

Because these tours are exclusive they all sell out fast, so be sure to book early.

This tour departs from Auckland on the following dates:

2013
September - 7
November - 14

2014
January - 11
March - 9
April - 15

Price Includes
- Ultimate touring coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats on a full size vehicle, 2 door access and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain
- Fully Escorted
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Bay of Islands overnight cruise
- 17 nights hotel accommodation
- Hotel porterage
- 5 rail journeys
- 5 cruises
- All sightseeing and pre paid attractions as described in the itinerary
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast in Rotorua
- 16 sumptuous dinners including 3 speciality dinners in Rotorua, Dunedin, Queenstown & Christchurch
- 3 lunches including a specialty lunch at Matamata,
- 5 delicious morning / afternoon teas
- Luggage handling at hotels (one suitcase per person)

Not included
-  Flight to/from New Zealand - We can arrange these for you, please ask us for an airfare when making your enquiry.
-  Gratuities for driver/guide