DaY 1 & 2 -Perth > auckland ifm / D/ b
Relax and enjoy your home pick up by private car. Transfer to the airport to meet your fellow travellers and board your flight to Auckland.On arrival you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel where we have arranged early check-in for you.
Hotel: Copthrone Hotel Harbourcity.
DAY 3 - auckland bay of islands B / d
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.
Hotel: Scenic Circle Bay 0f islands
DAY 4 - Bay of islands overnight cruise B / D
Mid morning, board the 'Ipipiri', a brand new luxurious catamaran, for your 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. Tenders will ferry you to nearby islands as you learn of the rich history and ecology associated with this region. At sunset enjoy a buffet of local cuisine before retiring to your King Stateroom that has sea views.
Overnight: Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise.
DAY 5 - bay of islands > aucklands B / d
After a unique overnight stay, start the day with a leisurely breakfast before you cruise back to Opua Wharf mid-morning. Farewell 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.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Harbourcity
DAY 6 - auckland > rotorua B / l / d
Depart Auckland and travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 12 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 Dairy Farm. Enjoy a farm tour followed by a delicious home cooked lunch. This afternoon continue to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout.
Hotel: 2 Nights at the Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua.
DAY 7 - rotorua B / d
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Skyrides 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. Later, travel out 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
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 along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.
Hotel: 2 nights at the James Cook Grand Chancellor
DAY 9 - wellington B / d
Enjoy a city sights tour of Wellington. A highlight will be a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. This afternoon enjoy free time at your own leisure.
DAY 10 - wellington > christchurch B / d
This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the TranzCoastal, a truly spectacular rail journey that links the port of Picton to Christchurch. Follow 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.
Hotel: 2 nights at the Copthorne Durham Street
DAY 11 - christchurch B / d
This morning enjoy a city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon is free and we have arranged for you to travel on the Christchurch Tramway which is the best way to visit all the “Must See” sights.
DAY 12 - christchurch > dunedin B / sd
Depart Christchurch and travel to The Plains Vintage Railway where you experience a ‘K’88 Steam Locomotive at work. View the informative displays and enjoy a delightful morning tea before travelling to Oamaru. Continue to Dunedin for a city sights tour including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious historic home. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented complete with bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift.
Hotel: Mercure Leisure Lodge (2 nights)
DAY 13 - dunedin B / d
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you enjoy a guided tour. Next visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, view the superb collection of flowers followed by a delightful morning tea. 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.
DAY 14 - dunedin > te anau B / d
Travel to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. Admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto before arriving at your hotel.
Hotel: 2 nights at the Distinction Luxmore Hotel.
DAY 15 - milford sound B / l / d
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. Return to Te Anau with free time available.
DAY 16 - te anau > queenstown B / sd
Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. 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.
Hotel: 2 nights at the Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lakeview Rooms)
DAY 17 - queenstown - Free Day B
Today and tonight is free for you to enjoy this picturesque town.
DAY 18 - franz josef B / D
Depart Queenstown and travel 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 Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers before continuing to Franz Josef.
Hotle: Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
DAY 19 - franz josef > christchurch B / D
Travel to Hokitika, famous for its greenstone then continue to Greymouth where you board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel through lush beech forest, skirt lakes and rivers til you climb through the Otira Tunnel to Arthur’s Pass in the centre of the Southern Alps. Descend through spectacular gorges and river valleys before completing your journey at Christchurch. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner including musical entertainment with your new found friends.
Hotel: Copthorne Durham Street.
DAY 20 - christchurch > perth B /ifm
Time to say goodbye! You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a great holiday. On arrival in Perth your drivers will be waiting to take you home safely.
tour price
March Tour Price - per person:
• Twin Share $6015.00*
• Single Supplement $1150.00
* The above price includes $120pp of airline taxes which are subject to change.
October Tour Price - per person:
• Twin Share $5990.00*
• Single Supplement $1320.00
* The above price includes $120pp of airline taxes which are subject to change.
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