Small Group Tour - Ultimate Explorer (16 days)
Christchurch - Mt Cook - Dunedin - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Fox Glacier - Wellington - Rotorua - Auckland - Bay of Islands
Tour Dates: 2019 27th Sep / 13th Oct / 28th Oct / 12th Nov / 05th Dec
Tour Dates: 2020 11th Jan / 26th Jan / 01st Mar / 10th Mar / 29th Mar / 06th May
Maximum Guests: 20
Tour Costs:
Cost @ NZD$8,499/ twin
Cost @ NZD$11,079 / single
DAY 1: Arrive Christchurch (D)
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.
Hotel The George
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.
Hotel The George
DAY 2: Christchurch - Mt Cook (B,D)
After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through thsouthern 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.
Hotel The Hermitage Hotel
After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through thsouthern 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.
Hotel The Hermitage Hotel
DAY 3: Mt Cook - Dunedin (B,D)
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 (optional) or a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre to see Albatross in their natural habitat (optional).
Hotel Distinction 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. You might be interested in a tour of the Speight’s Brewery (optional) or a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre to see Albatross in their natural habitat (optional).
Hotel Distinction Dunedin
DAY 4: Dunedin - Te Anau (B,D)
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 theFiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
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 theFiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
DAY 5: Te Anau - Milford Sound- Queenstown (B,L)
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board 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 yearround 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.
Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board 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 yearround 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.
Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
DAY 6: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Grand Pacific Tours Local Host 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 reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Grand Pacific Tours Local Host 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 reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
DAY 7: Queenstown - Fox Glacier (B,D)
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.
Hotel Distinction 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.
Hotel Distinction Fox Glacier
DAY 8: Fox Glacier - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch (B,D)
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.
Hotel The George
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.
Hotel The George
DAY 9: Christchurch - Picton- Wellington (B,D)
Travel through the Lewis Pass and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you continue to the Marlborough Country, famous for it’s food & wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Straight to Wellington.
Hotel InterContinental Wellington (2 nights)
Travel through the Lewis Pass and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you continue to the Marlborough Country, famous for it’s food & wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Straight to Wellington.
Hotel InterContinental Wellington (2 nights)
DAY 10: Wellington (B)
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for a city tour.
Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for a city tour.
Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.
DAY 11: Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua (B,D)
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.
Hotel Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)
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.
Hotel Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)
DAY 12: Rotorua (B,SD)
Today begins with a gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua for breakfast with champagne, spectacular views and also 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 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.
Today begins with a gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua for breakfast with champagne, spectacular views and also 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 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 - Auckland - Bay of Islands (B,D)
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue through Whangarei to the Bay of Islands.
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.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (Deluxe Room. 2 nights)
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue through Whangarei to the Bay of Islands.
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.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (Deluxe Room. 2 nights)
DAY 14: Bay of Islands (B)
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. This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).
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. This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).
DAY 15: Bay of Islands - Auckland (B,SD)
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.
Hotel Crowne Plaza 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.
Hotel Crowne Plaza Auckland
DAY 16: Depart Auckland (B)
Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Included Attractions:
- Larnach Castle*
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise & Lunch
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
- Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Kiwi Encounter*
- Rainbow Springs*
- Thermal mud pools & geysers*
- Te Puia Traditional Maori Hangi & Concert
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds*
- Dolphin / Hole in the Rock Cruise
- Kauri Museum*
- City sights tour of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington & Auckland
Tour Inclusions:
• Ultimate Small Group Tour Coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats on a full size vehicle,
2 door access and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain
- Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 15 nights 4.5 star hotel accommodation
- 4 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
- GST (New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
- Comprehensive documentation pack
- BONUS Group photo
Meals:
- 15 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
- 12 sumptuous dinners including 3 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Maori Hangi & Concert, Rotorua; Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Auckland
- 1 picnic lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
- 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle