Tour Type: Premium Escorted Tour
Duration: 19 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $4849 pp
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19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour Touring Route:
Attractions Included:
Touring Included:
- Luxury coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain
- Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 18 nights deluxe 3.5 - 4.5 star hotel accommodation
- Four 2 night stays
- Hotel Porterage
- 4 Scenic Cruises
- All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
Bon Appétit!
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Cableway Restaurant - Rotorua
- 17 sumptuous dinners including 4 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert - Rotorua, Haggis Ceremony - Dunedin, Walter Peak Homestead - Queenstown, Farewell Dinner - Christchurch
- 2 lunches including 1 specialty lunch at Longlands Dairy Farm - Matamata
- 1 delicious morning teas at Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens
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Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
Fly from your homeport to Auckland where you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel (flight not included). Stay: Pullman Auckland (D) |
Day
2 |
Auckland - Bay of Islands
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 travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of 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. Stay: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
3 |
Bay of Islands at leisure
Today is at leisure for you to explore an array of exciting activities available in the beautiful Bay of Islands (own expense). Perhaps you would enjoy a day tour to the very top of New Zealand including a drive along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach before visiting the lighthouse at Cape Reinga. You may prefer an interesting tour of Russell to gain an insight into New Zealand’s earliest European history, or visit the Kerikeri basin to browse through its fine arts and crafts. There are also many water activities. Swim with dolphins, sail on a Tall Ship, or try your hand at fishing. The choice is yours and your Coach Captain will be available to assist. (B/D) |
Day
4 |
Bay of Islands - Auckland
This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Stopover at Otehei Bay before returning to Paihia. Travel south via Whangarei to Auckland. Stay: Pullman Auckland (B/D) |
Day
5 |
Auckland - Rotorua
This morning enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to the spectacular Sky Tower. Continue through the magnificent countryside to Longlands Dairy Farm. Enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch hosted by a rural New Zealand family. Next, continue to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior Rooms) (2 nights) (B/L/D) |
Day
6 |
Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Cableway 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. Some free time is available before an afternoon transfer to see the boiling mud pools and the awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. (B/D) |
Day
7 |
Rotorua - Napier - Masterton
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier “The Art Deco Capital Of The World”, for a tour of this city that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931. Enjoy some free time to explore the fascinating architecture before travelling through the Wairarapa, an emerging cool-climate wine region, known for its world-class pinot noirs and sauvignon blancs. At the hotel a pre dinner wine and cheese experience will be presented. Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park (B/D) |
Day
8 |
Masterton - Greytown - Wellington
Today travel through the quaint townships of Carterton and Greytown to Martinborough, home to family owned boutique wineries and olive groves. Enjoy time to explore this delightful wine village where the streets have been laid out in the shape of the Union Jack. Travel through the picturesque Rimutaka Mountain Range to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Enjoy an extensive city tour which will highlight the history and culture on show here. Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor (B/D) |
Day
9 |
Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
Enjoy free time this morning to explore Wellington at leisure. Suggested options include a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum or a tour through the Parliament Buildings. This afternoon board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim. Stay: Scenic Hotel Marlborough or Chateau Marlborough (B/D) |
Day
10 |
Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch
Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine then travel to the quaint fishing village of Kaikoura. Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch. A city sights tour will showcase the grand architecture, historic homesteads, immaculate parks and the picturesque Avon River. Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold, Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport or Pavilions Hotel (B/D) |
Day
11 |
Christchurch - Twizel
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 (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Twizel. Stay: MacKenzie Country Inn (B/D) |
Day
12 |
Twizel - Dunedin
Depart Twizel and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin, a well preserved Victorian city. Enjoy an informative city tour including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious historic home. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Stay: Mercure Leisure Lodge (B/D) |
Day
13 |
Dunedin - Te Anau
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers, followed by a delightful morning tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Rooms) (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
14 |
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
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 return to Te Anau where some free time is available. (B/L/D) |
Day
15 |
Te Anau - Queenstown
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. Stay: Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lakeview Rooms) (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
16 |
Queenstown at leisure
Today is a free day. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Here you can take a thrilling jet boat ride, pan for gold, 4WD tours into NZ back country, take a wine trail, fish for trout or take a leisurely stroll through Queenstown's excellent shopping area and alongside the Lake Wakatipu. Your Coach Captain is available to assist in any bookings or advice. The evening is also free. You may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. (B) |
Day
17 |
Queenstown - Fox Glacier - Franz Josef
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. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (B/D) |
Day
18 |
Franz Josef - Arthur’s Pass - 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. Travel through lush beech forest, skirt lakes and follow rivers till you climb through the Otira Tunnel to Arthur’s Pass in the centre of the Southern Alps. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends and dinner hostess. Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold, Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport or Pavilions Hotel (B/D) |
Day
19 |
Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B) |
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Click on the icon to download the 19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour tour in pdf format. |
from NZ $4,849
19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour
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19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour. |
We had a wonderful time on our trip. We had 2 wonderful drivers (one on the North Island and one for the South Island) who were informative, helpful, and creative. The trip was as good as other top companies we have toured with. The accomodations were great and so was the food. I am so glad that most meals were included in the price. We would most definitely tour with Grand Pacific Tours again.
Alvin & Nickolyn Russell (United States)
Tour Date 08/11/2011 |
We had the best time - NZ is a most beautiful place. The tour was well organised and drivers from both North & South Islands were helpful, available and always there for us - to recommend help and advise, they kept everyone safe and had the best sense of humour making our long days shorter by passing the time with DVD's, tapes and expert knowledge of the different areas travelled. Our group of 48 were easy to travel with, good humoured and we all got along famousley. We were sorry our holiday had to end and e-mail adresses were exchanged for future correspondance. Thank you Grand Pacific for a great holiday!
Terence & Margaret Veitch (Australia)
Tour Date 08/11/2011 |
I just completed the 19 day Grand Pacific Tour to New Zealand departing April 4th from Auckland, booked through Relaxing Journeys. I have travelled to many countries but this was by far the most beautiful and best organized trip I have ever done. We were blessed with beautiful weather throughout the holiday. The two guides - Steve Maurice in the North Island and Alex Rollinson in the South Island were exceptional coach captains. All of the hotels were excellent and the meals were equally as good. It was definitely a 'trip of a lifetime' and I thank you very much.
Ann Spiars (Canada)
Tour Date 04/04/2011 |
We have been home for a short while now but just wanted to send you a note to say what a wonderful time we had in New Zealand. We started out a little sceptical of a coach tour, never having been on one before but from day one we had a ball. The others on the tour came from both Australia and overseas and we all got along so well. Indeed we have made several lasting friendships. The scenery of the country was magnificent, the people friendly and welcoming and the knowledge of the coach captains enormous. Every day there was something new and exciting on the itinery. Very occasionally there was a hotel room that might have been better but the same could not be said of the meals which were always plentiful, well presented and delicious. On the final day the train was over an hour late (can?t blame you for that) and we were running late for the farewell dinner but we still had a great time. If we were to be critical of anything it might be that the method of seat rotation was not well explained to the new people joining the group on the South Island. Overwhelmingly this tour has our endorsement. The people with whom we travelled, and we had the best, put the icing on the cake. For your part, we thank you for the manner in which you helped and kept us informed from the very first enquiry until the day the tour began. We would have no hesitation in booking future tours with your company.
Peter & Marion Wilson (Australia)
Tour Date 27/03/2011 |
We had a wonderful holiday with a great crowd of people. Both of the drivers we had were good and the commentaries were very interesting - we certainly learnt a lot about New Zealand during our 19 day trip. The advantage with a holiday like this is the lack of stress! No driving, no searching on the map to get to the tourist site or find accommodation, no carrying cases, in fact we just sat back and enjoyed ourselves. Perhaps sometimes we found we had done a lot of kilometers in one day - but if you don't move around, you don't see anything, that's sure. We definitely saw a lot! Unfortunately, we didn't see Christchurch - of course, we knew this wouldn't be possible before leaving Switzerland, and can only be thankful we weren't in the town during the earthquake. During our stay at the Cotswold Hotel, we took the opportunity of walking just as far as the 'no go zone' and saw some of the damage. We did this in order to tell people back here in Europe about the situation. However, everyone we met told us that they had been 'lucky' when compared with the earthquake in Japan! Many thanks to Georgie for all her help in booking our journey ... we'd love to go back again, but will definitely have to save up first.
Brenda & Pierre-Andre Girardbille (Switzerland)
Tour Date 14/03/2011 |
We just loved it. What a magical country. The inclusions and activities were just perfect. The places we visited, the activities we participated in were great. Had a good mix of people on the tour and we have made friends that we intend keeping in touch with. Accommodation was of very high standard including the meals. The Tours & Activities were also if a very high standard & our Guides both on the North Island and South Island were both good men. Enjoyed the fact that Cole Marsh our guide on North Island was Maori. His passion for his culture was infectious and the history he shared with us was very informative. Towards the end of our tour on South Island the devastating Earthquake hit Christchurch. We were due to go back into Christchurch the day after the Earthquake. Naturally that couldnt happen. The way our Guide Warren, handled the whole situation was to be admired. Alternate arrangements were made, we were found accommodation, fed and looked after very well. Nothing but admiration for Warren he was under his own personal stress with his family back in Christchurch, but made our needs a priority. Would recommend this Tour to anyone - just great. Only thing was we needed a holiday to get over our holiday!
Colleen & Justin Wells (Australia)
Tour Date 06/02/2011 |
The trip was great offering variety of sights and also some time to relax. Grand pacific Tours offered a professional service and the couch drivers were very good. There was some difficulty with the seat rotation when we left the North Island and new people joind us on the South Island. This caused some unpleasantness for the passengers which they need to sort out. They were very quick to find us alternate accommodation as we were due into Christchurch the day after the earthquake. We were very pleased about that.
Christine & Douglas Goodall (Australia)
Tour Date 06/02/2011 |
The Grand New Zealand Tour was excellent. Our driver/guides/tour organizers for both the North and South islands were very knowledgeable, organized and responsible for keeping us on schedude. Accommodation and meals were good and in some cases, better than expected. The activities included in the tour were very good. Overall, very good value for the price. Grand Pacific was very accommodating in finding alternative accommodation and arranging for transportation and other needs as a result of the Christchurch earthquake. Indeed, my travel companion, Doris, had left 2 items of clothing behind in Rotorura and had asked if they could be brought to Christchurch for pickup on what was to be our last day of the tour. We had determined that this would not be possible due to the earthquake, however, a Grand Pacific staff member met us at the Christchurch airport with the parcel of clothing items before we left the country. This was exceptional service under the circumstances.
Corinne Chapman (Canada)
Tour Date 06/02/2011 |
Very well organised. Had a great time. Wonderful country and people. Early morning rises took a bit of getting use to. Watch your waste line. Would loved to have stayed longer.
Fred & Jen Dierkx (Australia)
Tour Date 22/01/2011 |
Fantastic! That is how we would describe the recent tour that we took on the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Firstly thank you so much for giving us the opportunity of doing the 19 day tour with the option of starting on the 4th day. In so doing we were able to see the highlights that we wanted to see, based on the dates that we arrived in New Zealand. Secondly thank you for setting up an itinerary that was varied, fun-filled and well-balanced with activities that were very much to our liking. Naturally there were times when we would have liked to have more time at certain sites but we understood that the driver had a schedule to respect and he could not allow more time there. Our driver/tour director, Alex Rollinson, was awesome. Well-informed, courteous, humorous and very helpful, he kept the group in high spirits and on schedule. We were, however, surprised to learn that he was to assume both roles of driver and tour director for the entire 19 days. It seemed a great deal to ask of this man considering some of the highways and mountain roads that he had to drive. We thank him for a wonderful safe journey. We would recommend this tour to anyone who would want to visit New Zealand without having any worries or hassles to deal with. The accommodations were generally very good. Only the hotel at Franz Josef left a little to be desired. Food was generally very good. We met so many wonderful people who were sharing in this wonderful experience with us. We truly loved New Zealand and hope to return some day to visit the northern most part that we were unable to see. Thank you Georgina for your help in planning and helping us to realize this dream of ours to see New Zealand. Rest assured that we have come back with so many fond memories of this journey.
Cynthia McDonald & Ron Mundle (Canada)
Tour Date 17/11/2010 |
What a wonderful time we both had! The coach was comfortable, our driver Cole, was friendly, informative and kept us amused with anecdotes and all his local knowledge. The hotels were good and food very good. we would definately go again!! Thank -You!
Murray & Susan Kelly (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 27/10/2010 |
We enjoyed every minute of the tour. We were well looked after by our coach captains. The choice of hotels was very good. Everything ran like clockwork. We would recommend this tour to everyone. NZ is a wonderful country, with friendly people and beautiful scenery.
Ben & Wilhelmina Smit (Australia)
Tour Date 19/01/2010 |
We had a fantastic holiday. South Island was especially beautiful. The coach was fine, the drivers & guides were excellent. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally was also good. It was our first ever coach tour. If we had some 'niggles' these were: some of the attractions were not at all intersting, but the majority were fine & a couple of days involved too much driving with very little to break the journey. Maybe there was nothing significant to stop and look at on those days? Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
Peter & Linda Day (Australia)
Tour Date 24/09/2009 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save $250 per person off the brochure price for this tour & receive a FREE night on us! Exclusive to Relaxing Journeys. Deposit this month to qualify
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Tour
Status |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 01 Feb 2012 |
19 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 06 Feb 2012 |
24 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 09 Feb 2012 |
27 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 19 Feb 2012 |
08 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 02 Mar 2012 |
20 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 04 Mar 2012 |
22 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 08 Mar 2012 |
26 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 14 Mar 2012 |
01 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 17 Mar 2012 |
04 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 22 Mar 2012 |
09 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 27 Mar 2012 |
14 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 04 Apr 2012 |
22 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 09 Apr 2012 |
27 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 16 Apr 2012 |
04 May 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
| 02 May 2012 |
20 May 2012 |
G |
NZ $5099 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $4849 |
*Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart.
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Tour Discounts & Supplements:
Optional extras & optional single traveller supplement |
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| Single Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $1,500 |
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
Travel in Style Merchandise:
A range of stylish accessories that will complement your documentation pack. |
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Grand Pacific Tours offer a range of stylish accessories that will complement your documentation pack. These items offer great value for money and will be a memento of your New Zealand holdiay for many years to come. Order any of these items with Relaxing Journeys at the time of booking, as they are not available in New Zealand. Please ask when requesting a quote.
 Jacket $NZ 80, Vest $NZ 70 & Cap $NZ 35 (includes delivery). |
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