Overview

16 Days Escorted Ultimate Explorer operated by Grand Pacific Tours

Discover the most sought after destinations of New Zealand’s North and South Islands in small group luxury. Experience the scenic magic of vibrant New Zealand in Christchurch, Fiordland, Queenstown, and the West Coast Glaciers. Cross the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Railway to experience Christchurch and Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, before venturing on to the cultural mecca and geothermal marvel of Rotorua. Enjoy two nights unwinding in the beautiful Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland, the “City of Sails.”

Trip at a Glance

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch / 1 night: Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch – Mt Cook / 1 night: Mt Cook

Day 3: Mt Cook – Dunedin / 1 night: Dunedin

Day 4: Dunedin – Te Anau / 1 night: Te Anau

Day 5: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown / 2 nights: Queenstown

Day 6: Queenstown (Free Day )

Day 7: Queenstown – Fox Glacier / 1 night: Fox Glacier

Day 8: Fox Glacier – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch / 1 night: Christchurch

Day 9: Christchurch – Picton – Wellington / 2 nights: Wellington

Day 10: Wellington

Day 11: Wellington – Taupo – Rotorua / 2 nights: Rotorua

Day 12: Rotorua

Day 13: Rotorua – Auckland – Bay of Islands / 2 nights: Bay of Islands

Day 14: Bay of Islands

Day 15: Bay of Islands – Auckland / 1 night: Auckland

Day 16: Depart Auckland

Trip Highlights

• Devonshire tea at Larnach Castle, situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula
• Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
• Visit the innovative Lakes District Museum
• Experience a journey on the scenic TranzAlpine Railway
• Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
• Experience Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum
• Ride the Skyline Rotorua Gondola
• Visit Rotorua’s famed Agrodome
• Learn about New Zealand’s iconic kiwi at Rainbow Springs
• Experience a traditional Maori hangi and concert
• Enjoy a Dolphin / Hole in the Rock cruise
• Visit the renowned Kauri Museum
• Enjoy city sights tours of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington & Auckland

Detailed Itinerary

16 Days Escorted Ultimate Explorer operated by Grand Pacific Tours

Day 1 – Arrive Christchurch

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. 1 night: Christchurch.

Day 2 – Christchurch to Mt Cook

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. 1 night: Mt Cook.

Day 3 – Mt Cook to Dunedin

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. The sweet tooth might like to tour Cadbury World (optional) whilst others might be interested in a tour of the Speight’s Brewery (optional). 1 night: Dunedin.

Day 4 – Dunedin to Te Anau

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Take time to enjoy a walk around thecastle’s internationally acclaimed garden followed by Devonshire Tea in the grand ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). 1 night: Te Anau.

Day 5 – Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown

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. 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 restaurants. 2 nights: Queenstown.

Day 6 – Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain is available to assist with the 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 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 at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then re-board the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Day 7 – Queenstown to Fox Glacier

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining 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 Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel.1 night: Fox Glacier.

Day 8 – Fox Glacier to Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one 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 Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. 1 night: Christchurch.

Day 9 – Christchurch to Picton to Wellington

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 board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. 2 nights: Wellington.

Day 10 – Wellington

Today explore this exciting region and enjoy an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight will be time spent at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure this afternoon. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Day 11 – Wellington to Taupo to Rotorua

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. 2 nights: Rotorua.

Day 12 – Rotorua

Today begins with a Gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a 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 Rainbow Springs, spanning 22 acres of native trees. A highlight will be the Kiwi Encounter experience, which offers a unique behind-the-scenes tour of a working kiwi nursery and hatchery. Some free time is available 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 13 – Rotorua to Auckland to Bay of Islands

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy an introduction to the Bay of Islands, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. 2 nights: Bay of Islands.

Day 14 – Bay of Islands

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 via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront.

Day 15 – Bay of Islands to Auckland

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. 1 night: Auckland.

Day 16 – Depart Auckland

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

Accommodations

16 Days Escorted Ultimate Explorer operated by Grand Pacific Tours

Accommodations will be arranged by your tour operator, Grand Pacific Tours