Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre dinner drink.
Dinner Included
Hotel: The George
Day 2
After an introductory city sights tour, depart Christchurch and travel through Conterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel
Day 3
Depart Mt. Cook and see Lake Benmore before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. You might be interested in a tour of the Speight’s Brewery or the chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Hotel: Distinction Dunedin
Day 4
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 the Fiordland and your overnight stay. An optional visit to Te Anau Worm Cave is available.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Day 5
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where your launch for a nature cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic 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 free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine resorts.
Breakfast and Lunch Included
Hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Day 6
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. There are many sightseeing options available including the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or get up close to a Kiwi bird. This evening you will board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you.
Breakfast and Speciality Dinner Included
Hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and VIllas
Day 7
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. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight over the spectacular glaciers before arriving to the hotel—the flight is optional.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Hotel: Distinction Fox Glacier
Day 8
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as on 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 Plaines to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Hotel: The George
Day 9
Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. 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 for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Hotel: InterContinental Wellington
Day 10
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. Re-board your coach for a city tour. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.
Breakfast Included
Hotel: InterContinental Wellington
Day 11
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.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Hotel: Regent of Rotorua
Day 12
Today begins with a gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua for breakfast, with spectacular views and time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. 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. Enjoy free time before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.
Breakfast and Speciality Dinner Included
Hotel: Regent of Rotorua
Day 13
Depart Rotorua and travel north to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue to the Bay of Islands and this afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Day 14
This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board 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 for a free afternoon where a range of optional activities are available. This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise—optional.
Breakfast Included
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Day 15
Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville 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 including selected beverages with your new found friends.
Breakfast and Speciality Dinner Included
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Auckland
Day 16
The last day! You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after memorable New Zealand holiday.
Breakfast Included
