19 Day Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach Experience

Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, 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)

Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach, a day trip to Kerikeri or a spectacular scenic flight. The choice is yours and your Coach Captain will be available to assist. This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). (B)

This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning to Paihia. Travel south via Whangarei to Auckland.

Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland (B, D)

Depart Auckland and travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 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 Farm & Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch hosted by a rural New Zealand family. Continue to Rainbow Springs, spanning 22 acres of native tree’s. A highlight will be the Kiwi Encounter experience which offers a unique behind-the-scenes tour of a working kiwi nursery and hatchery.

Stay: Regent of Rotorua (2 nights) (B, D)

Today begins with a Gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua for breakfast, spectacular views and also time for a thrilling luge ride! Travel to the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia 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, SD)

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. Continue south along the Kapiti Coast to the capital city of Wellington for an extensive city tour.

Stay: InterContinental Wellington (2 nights) (B, D)

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. (Exhibition will run until April 2018, Departures in May will receive a Guided Tour as alternative). Other Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements. (B)

This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross the Cook Strait and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Met your Ultimate Coach in the fishing village of Kaikoura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch.

Stay: The George (2 nights) (B, D)

Today visit the International Antarctic Centre designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at your leisure, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. This evening is also free to enjoy one of the many eateries near your hotel. (B)

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Stay: Distinction Fox Glacier (B, D)

See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Stay: Heritage Hotel Queenstown (2 nights) (B)

Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Grand Pacific Tours Local Host is available to assist. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic 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. On arrival 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. (B, SD)

Today travel via Te Anau to Manapouri. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake to join the Fiordland Navigator for an unforgettable night in the Fiordland National Park. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.

Stay: Fiordland Navigator (B, L, D)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri. Return back to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau. This afternoon enjoy a cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Glow Worm Caves where you admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto.

Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (B, D)

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the “Edinburgh of the South”. After time for lunch board the Silver Fern railcar for a journey along spectacular clifftops overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Blueskin Bay. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station, board the coach for an informative city tour before arriving at your hotel.

Stay: Distinction Dunedin (2 nights) (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 Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Return to the city for some free time. You might like to board the The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail (optional). (B, D)

This morning travel to the city of Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue north to Pleasant Point Museum & Railway for a short rail experience followed by lunch and time to explore the preserved heritage of the South Canterbury railway. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with selected beverages and your new friends.

Stay: The George (B,L SD)

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