Ultimate Kiwi Small Group Adventure - 20 Nights by Cruise, Coach & Rail!

DAY 1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND **BONUS FREE NIGHT**

On arrival into Auckland you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Hotel Crowne Plaza Auckland

DAY 2: AUCKLAND (D)

Today is yours to explore this great city at your won pace. This evening meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre dinner drink.

Hotel Crowne Plaza Auckland

DAY 3: AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS (B,D)

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 beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (Deluxe Room. 2 nights)

DAY 4: BAY OF ISLANDS (FREE DAY) (B)

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 and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

DAY 5: BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND (B,D)

This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning to Paihia. Travel south, call into the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree before arriving in Auckland.

Hotel Crowne Plaza Auckland

DAY 6: AUCKLAND - ROTORUA (B,D)

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. Travel through magnificent countryside of green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, home to the world’s largest kiwi hatchery for a unique behind-the-scenes tour where over 1800 kiwi chicks have been hatched to date.

Hotel Regent of Rotorua (2 nights) or similar

DAY 7: ROTORUA (B,SD)

Today begins with a gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time 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 Maori Hangi and Concert.

DAY 8: ROTORUA - WELLINGTON (B,D)

Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls and lakeside town of Taupo. Travel via the Tongariro National Park to the Wellington Tramway Museum to view a display of tramway history and enjoy a nostalgic trip on one of the original trams that served Wellington city.

Hotel InterContinental Wellington (Deluxe Room. 2 nights)

DAY 9: WELLINGTON (B)

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also at leisure. 

DAY 10: WELLINGTON - KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH (B,D)

This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross the Cook Strait and enjoy the scenery as you 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.

Hotel The George (2 nights)

DAY 11: CHRISTCHURCH (B)

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 also free to enjoy one of the many eateries near your hotel.

DAY 12: CHRISTCHURCH - ARTHUR’S PASS - FOX GLACIER (B,D)

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 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.

Hotel Distinction Fox Glacier

DAY 13: FOX GLACIER - QUEENSTOWN (B)

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 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.

Hotel Heritage Queenstown (2 nights) or similar

DAY 14: QUEENSTOWN (FREE DAY) (B,SD)

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many options 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.

DAY 15: QUEENSTOWN - DOUBTFUL SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE (B,L,D)

Today travel via Te Anau to Manapouri. Enjoy a picnic 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. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.

Overnight Fiordland Navigator

DAY 16: DOUBTFUL SOUND - TE ANAU (B,D)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri. Return 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 Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

DAY 17: TE ANAU - DUNEDIN (B,D) 

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Pukerangi to board The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail. On arrival at Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station your coach will transfer you to the hotel. 

Hotel Distinction Dunedin (2 nights)

DAY 18: DUNEDIN (B,D)

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour with time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Return to the city for an informative city tour followed by some free time. You might be interested in the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat (optional).

DAY 19: DUNEDIN - CHRISTCHURCH (B,L,SD)

This morning travel to the city of Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue north to Pleasant Point Museum & 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 friends.

Hotel The George

DAY 20: CHRISTCHURCH (B)

Today after breakfast the day is yours to explore beautiful Christchurch.

Hotel The George

DAY 21: DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

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

2019

Oct 9, 11
Nov 13, 19, 27
Dec 17

2020

Jan 5, 10, 25 
Feb 9, 16
Mar 7, 14, 27
Apr 1, 14

• 19 nights 4.5 star hotel accommodation
• Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

WHAT IS THE LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE ON TOUR?

Each traveller is entitled to travel with ONE suitcase on tour measuring (length + width + depth) no more than 140cm (55”). Weight limits also apply to luggage due to Occupational Health and Safety issues. Approximately, the maximum suitcase weight allowed is 23kg (50lbs).

WHAT SHOULD MY CLIENTS PACK?

Layers! New Zealand can experience 4 seasons in one day, all year round. Whilst on tour, dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants. You can expect some rain, so include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting during the months of May and September, pack warm winter garments. You may have the option to relax and unwind in thermal hot pools so don’t forget to pack your swimwear.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN NEW ZEALAND?

Sep-Oct
Auckland 11 - 18
Rotorua 7 - 17
Wellington 9 - 15
Queenstown 7 - 17
Christchurch 5 - 16

Nov-Feb
Auckland 12 - 24
Rotorua 12 - 24
Wellington 13 - 20
Queenstown 12 - 22
Christchurch 10 - 22

Mar-May
Auckland 13 - 20
Rotorua 9 - 18
Wellington 11 - 17
Queenstown 8 - 18
Christchurch 6 - 16

These are average minimum/maximum temperatures in Celsius only. They could vary by up to 4 - 6 degrees. The average New Zealand temperature decreases as you travel south. January and February are the warmest months, and July is the coldest month of the year. The weather in New Zealand is changeable and it is always best to be prepared.