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19 Day Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach
Highlights include a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise, four breathtaking rail journeys, visits to Auckland, Bay of Islands, Fox Glacier & much more!
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Inclusions:
- Return airfares from either Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Professional Coach Captain
- 17 nights 4.5 star accommodation
- Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
- 6 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 4 rail journeys
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Ultimate Documentation Pack
Prepaid Attractions:
- Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway
- National Kiwi Hatchery Tour
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
- Thermal mud pools and geysers
- Te Puia traditional Māori Hāngi and Concert
- Te Papa, NZ's National Museum
- Wellington Cable Car
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
- Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Tram
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Lakes District Museum
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- HIGHLIGHT - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
- Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
- Pleasant Point Museum and Railway
- Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Dunedin City Sights Tour
Meals:
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
- 12 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 3 specialty dinners: Māori Hāngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch
- 2 lunches: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise; Pleasant Point Museum and Railway
- 2 delicious morning teas including an Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
- Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
- Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm
Tour Information: This tour has set departure dates as follows:
2026:
- 01, 05, 09, 19 September
- 05,12, 28 October
- 05 November
- 02, 18 December
2027:
- 05, 11, 14, 26 January
- 10, 26 February
- 04, 16, 29 March
- 02, 15, 24 April
- 05 May
**SEASONAL OFFER** Save $250 per person travelling on these selected departures:
- 2026: September departures
- 2027: 05 May
Coach Features:
- 20 Business Class seats on a full-size coach
- 2 door access; dedicated seat side storage with tray table; cup holder
- Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
Tour Itinerary: (B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner. (SD) Specialty Dinner.
DAY 1: Arrive Auckland (D)
On arrival into Auckland you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Auckland
DAY 2: Auckland - Bay of Islands (B,D)
Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach and enjoy a city tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’, before travelling to Matakohe to enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori tribes and the British. Hotel: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights)
DAY 3: Bay of Islands (Free Day) (B)
Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). Hotel: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
DAY 4: Bay of Islands - Auckland (B)
This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands including an island visit aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia, travel south, returning to Auckland. This evening is free to dine at leisure. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Auckland
DAY 5: Auckland - Rotorua (B,D)
This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train including a delightful morning tea. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua to visit the National Kiwi Hatchery, for a unique behind the scenes tour of the world’s largest kiwi hatchery. Hotel: Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)
DAY 6: Rotorua (B,SD)
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Enjoy some leisure time in the geothermal capital before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert. Hotel: Regent of Rotorua
DAY 7: Rotorua - Wellington (B,D)
Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park and then continue south to NZ’s capital city, Wellington. Hotel: InterContinental Wellington (2 nights)
DAY 8: 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 Ultimate Coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also at leisure. Hotel: InterContinental Wellington
DAY 9: Wellington - Kaikōura - Christchurch (B,D)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy breakfast 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 Kaikōura Ranges. Meet your Ultimate Coach in the fishing village of Kaikōura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch. Hotel: The George (2 nights)
DAY 10: Christchurch (B)
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. This evening is free to enjoy one of the many eateries near your hotel. Hotel: The George
DAY 11: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Fox Glacier (B,D)
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 Ultimate Coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to the township of Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Hotel: Te Weheka Retreat
DAY 12: Fox Glacier - Queenstown (B)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into Arrowtown to visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to 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. Hotel: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)
DAY 13: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food 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. Hotel: Heritage Queenstown
DAY 14: Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (B,L,D)
Today travel via Te Anau to Manapouri. Enjoy lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. A short ride over the Wilmot Pass brings you to the boarding point to join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef. Overnight: Fiordland Navigator
DAY 15: Doubtful Sound - Te Anau (B,D)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
DAY 16: Te Anau - Dunedin (B,D)
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. Enjoy a city tour of New Zealand’s oldest university city. Hotel: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (2 nights)
DAY 17: Dunedin (B)
Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. There is time to explore this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Return to Dunedin for some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era. Hotel: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
DAY 18: Dunedin - Christchurch (B,L,SD)
This morning travel to the city of Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue north to Pleasant Point Museum and 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 newfound friends. Hotel: The George or similar
DAY 19: Depart Christchurch (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Description:
Grand Pacific Tours is recognised as the market leader for providing a comprehensive range of all inclusive, value for money New Zealand coach tours. Family owned and operated, we pride ourselves on the highly professional and personalised service we offer to thousands of travellers every year.
Taking a coach holiday is the best way to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. From the time you arrive in New Zealand, a friendly smile awaits. Our professional crew will provide a high standard of service and have been specially trained to perform Grand Pacific Tour’s itineraries, meaning you can relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.
Key Selling Points:
● Ultimate Small Group Touring (20 seats), designed for the ‘Business Class’style of traveller
● Signature Mid-Size Group Touring (32 seats) offering a ‘Premium Economy’experience
● A range of itineraries to suit all durations, budgets and interests and 180+ GUARANTEED departure dates to choose from
● NO HIDDEN EXTRAS - Pay one price inclusive of airfares and taxes, a personalised Meet and Greet on arrival in New Zealand with return airport transfers, hotel porterage, coach travel, accommodation, most meals including specialty dining, all sightseeing and prepaid attractions!
● RESERVED DINING - Most meals are included, and all of our groups are provided with priority reserved dining at breakfast and dinner
Child Policy:
● Children under 18 years are not permitted on all tours.
Terms and conditions
Prices are per person, twin share, inclusive of pre-payable taxes and subject to availability at time of booking for new bookings only. Price correct as at 03 October 2025. GPT has compiled the content of all tour itineraries based on the knowledge that all accommodation and attraction suppliers will be fully operational for the touring season. If for any reason the component of a tour is not available at the time of touring, a replacement or refund will be provided. Any refund amount is based on GPT’s negotiated pricing and not retail prices. ^Guaranteed Departures – GPT promote guaranteed departures with full expectation of delivering this. Prior to the season commencing, GPT will reconfirm the selection of guaranteed departure dates that will travel and reserve the right to remove selected dates based on sell time. If any travellers are affected the GPT team will be in contact at this time to make alternative arrangements for travel on a near or future date. Conditions relating to Travel in New Zealand will be provided prior to your tour commencing. Price does not include the fee for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority for any Australian Residents not holding an Australian passport. International flights are on select days of the week. Valid for sales and travel as specified. Blackout dates & seasonal surcharges do apply during peak periods as availability becomes limited. All prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Conditions, amendment and cancellation fees apply. Free nights & discounts are already included in costs. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. ABN 61 087 521 355
Cancellation Policy for Grand Pacific Tours
November 12, 2025 - November 12, 2035
Cancellation Policy:
● 60 days or more prior to departure Loss of deposit plus the cost of the airline ticket if issued
● 15 and 59 days prior to departure 50% of the tour package price
● 8-14 days prior to departure 75% of the tour package price
● 7 days or less prior to departure 100% of the tour package price
● If a traveller wishes to cancel their existing booking and transfer to a new departure date, the above cancellation fees still apply
Deposit Requirements:
● A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required for all Ultimate Group Touring and is due within 7 days of booking.
● A further deposit to cover the airfare and taxes is required at time of booking.
● Grand Pacific Tours require all guests complete a "Good To Go" Form detailing dietary requests and more
● Tour documentation will be sent directly to guests approximately two weeks prior to tour departures
Refund Policy:
● Refunds are not available for any unused portion of any itinerary
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‘19 Day Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach, New Zealand’
Package code: 1031