Tour Type: Special Interest Tour
Duration: 19 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $5549 pp
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19 Day Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday Touring Route:
Attractions Included:
Touring Included:
- Luxury coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain
- Fully Escorted
- Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 17 nights 3.5 - 4.5 star accommodation
- 1 night onboard Bay of Islands Cruise
- Six 2 night stays
- Hotel Porterage
- 5 Rail Journeys & 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
- 3 lunches including 2 specialty lunches at Longlands Dairy Farm - Matamata, BBQ Lunch & Kingston Flyer
- 3 delicious morning teas
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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: Copthorne Harbour City (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 (B/D) |
Day
3 |
Overnight Bay of Islands Cruise
A memorable day lies ahead of you today. After breakfast you are free to explore Paihia before boarding the Great Sights 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 at sea 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. Stay: Ipipiri Catamaran (B/D) |
Day
4 |
Bay of Islands - Auckland
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. Stay: Copthorne Harbour City (B/D) |
Day
5 |
Auckland - Rotorua
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. 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 - Wellington
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. This afternoon travel via the Tongariro National Park and see the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. 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. Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
8 |
Wellington
An extensive city sights tour this morning will highlight Wellington’s tremendous history and culture. This afternoon enjoy free time. You may choose to visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum or consider other options available. (B/D) |
Day
9 |
Wellington - Kaikoura
This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On arrival in Picton you have time for lunch before boarding the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that travels through vineyards, salt mountains and river valleys before following the thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Disembark at Kaikoura, where you have time to explore this quaint seaside village or take an optional Wings over Whales flight. This evening you will overnight at Donegal House in Kaikoura. Stay: Donegal House (B/D) |
Day
10 |
Kaikoura - Christchurch - Methven
A leisurely start to the morning before heading through to Christchurch for a city tour and lunch stop. Unfortunately the Christchurch Tram will not be operating. Following the city tour you will travel to your overnight accommodation in the Canterbury regions of either Methven or Ashburton. Stay: Methven Resort or Hotel Ashburton. (B/D) |
Day
11 |
Methven - Dunedin
Depart Methven and travel to The Plains Vintage Railway where you experience a 'K'88 Steam Locomotive in 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. Stay: Mercure Leisure Lodge (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
12 |
Dunedin
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. Grand examples of Victorian stonework on bridges and tunnels, plus iron latticework viaducts can be seen along with breathtaking views as you travel to Pukerangi. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station your coach will transfer you to your hotel. (B/D) |
Day
13 |
Dunedin - Te Anau
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. 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. Next visit Gibbston Valley Winery for a unique wine tour experience including tastings with some local cheeses. 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 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 - Franz Josef Glacier
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, 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 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 disembarking at Springfield Station. The coach will then journey to Methven, a quaint village 1 hour South of Christchurch. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner including musical entertainment with your new found friends. Stay: Methven Resort (B/D) |
Day
19 |
Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to Christchurch 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 Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday tour in pdf format. |
from NZ $5,549
19 Day Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday
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3.8
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19 Day Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 19 Day Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday. |
This trip exceeded our expectations and someday we will return to New Zealand as it is such a beautiful country. Food, bathrooms, accomodations and tour were all excellent. Thanks for a great tour.
Bob & Doris Wygal (United States)
Tour Date 22/10/2011 |
The 19 days I spent in New Zealand was absolutely wonderful. The Grand Pacific Tour was extremely well organised, Craig our coach captain was knowledgable with a great sense of humour. Fay was professional and pleasant and they worked well together. New Zealand is such a special place, the people are lovely, helpful and friendly. I will definitely return & I particularly loved Queenstown! I think at times it was a little bit rushed & would have appreciated even 30 minutes more shopping time in some of the very interesting towns like Kaikoura and Omeru but otherwise it was fantastic. Lots of highlights and wonderful memories. Thanks very much.
Virginia Rasheed (Australia)
Tour Date 04/10/2011 |
Excellent booking system with prompt and clear answers to all pre tour requests for information. Hotels very centrally located, clean, good facilities, comfortable and large rooms. Large number of excellent meals included in the tour - range of buffet and menu - would have preferred fewer buffets as after 19 days they all begin to look the same, even if they were excellent! Very comfortable coach with plenty of leg room, except for back seat. Drivers very good but felt they need to give non stop commentary all day which really got on our nerves especially when they went onto politics, sport etc. We would rather they concentrated on driving! Included excursions were fantastic and incredible value for money when compared with the purchase price if bought as an individual - we felt you could make much more of this is your advertising material. The rail journeys were all great experiences as was the catamaran overnight experience - real highlights of the holiday. Many thanks.
Richard Swan (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 18/02/2011 |
We had a really great time. It was very well organised and a good choice of venues & activities. Good hotels too. The main criticism would be we often felt rushed arriving at the hotel with not really enough time to change/shower before eating. An additional free day might have been nice too!
Irene Goodfellow & Richard Finn (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 31/01/2011 |
It was a well organised tour and we had a splendid time. Unfortunately, the weather was not very kind to us but that could not be helped. The itinerary was just about right. If I were to change anything I would suggest a la carte meals in the evenings as opposed to buffet with the same monotony of food.
Diamond Versi (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 18/01/2011 |
We were very pleased with the tour - the itinerary, the accommodations and food, the coach captains the tour director. That you had a designated contact person was a plus, as we had some special requests, which were handled seamlessly. In fact we originally planned to tour with Collette Vacations, but their communications were so poor that we gave up on them and turned to you. We were a little surprised that the tour was conducted by Grand Pacific rather than Relaxing Journeys, but we had no complaints. As we said above, everything was handled seamlessly. My only suggestion about the tour is that there are too many train rides, which can be reduced for some other activities.
Bertrand & Bernice Fang (United States)
Tour Date 03/11/2010 |
This was the best thing we have ever done in our lives! By the time we arrived home my husband had forgotten how to wash up! The countryside was spectacular, the drivers and guide were superb and the other passengers on the trip were always out for a wonderful time - and we didn't have to wait for anyone who was perpetually late. I think it would have been helpful if the times for the next day's activities were more simply explained or maybe written down for us who have seniors moments. I have told all our friends how fabulous it was and thoroughly recommended your company.
John & Lorraine Fanning (Australia)
Tour Date 26/09/2010 |
A most enjoyable tour even if I was the only Brit amongst 34 Aussies!!! The coaches were comfortable and as they were 48 seaters we had plenty of room to move to other seats if they were free. The Guide and drivers were first class and could not do enough to ensure we had a good time. The itinerary was nicely varied and the fact that most stops were for two nights meant that one could unpack the suitcase and do some laundry.T he hotels were all good quality and the rooms excellent. Food was first rate everywhere. I'd waited some 59 years to visit and I was not disappointed. The hospitality and friendliness of your people reminded me of what it was like in the UK many years ago, don't lose it. Only problem I had was the dreadful rate of exchange, but then you can't have everything!! Thank you for your help in making my trip one of a lifetime (and I've travelled quite extensively around Europe and further afield). I would certainly recommend Relaxing Journeys and Grand Pacific.
Peter Seabrook (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 04/10/2009 |
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 |
| 05 Feb 2012 |
23 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 08 Feb 2012 |
26 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 18 Feb 2012 |
07 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 23 Feb 2012 |
12 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 02 Mar 2012 |
20 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 04 Mar 2012 |
22 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 06 Mar 2012 |
24 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 10 Mar 2012 |
28 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 16 Mar 2012 |
03 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 22 Mar 2012 |
09 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 31 Mar 2012 |
18 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 04 Apr 2012 |
22 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 13 Apr 2012 |
01 May 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 18 Apr 2012 |
06 May 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
| 04 May 2012 |
22 May 2012 |
G |
NZ $5799 |
Free Night & $250 |
NZ $5549 |
*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 $1,550 |
*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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