Your holiday itinerary (ex Perth, Western Australia)
Day 1. Perth to Auckland (Inflight)
Our courtesy home collection will transfer you to Perth Airport for your overnight flight to Auckland.
Day 2. Auckland (BD)
On arrival into Auckland, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel including immediate hotel check-in and breakfast. Overnight: Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland
Day 3. Auckland to Bay of Islands (BD)
Today enjoy an Auckland city sights tour before travelling to Matakohe to enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful 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. Overnight: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Bay of Islands
Day 4. 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 (at own expense). This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (at own expense). Overnight: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Bay of Islands
Day 5. Bay of Islands to Auckland (BD)
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. Enjoy a picnic lunch before travelling south via Whangarei, call into the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree before arriving into to Auckland’s north shore. You will see stunning views of Rangitoto Island, Auckland Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. Overnight: Spencer on Byron, Auckland
Day 6. Auckland to Rotorua (BD)
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 of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua to visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Overnight: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Rotorua
Day 7. Rotorua (BD)
Today begins with a Gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon 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. Overnight: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Rotorua
Day 8. Rotorua to Wellington (BD)
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 the capital city of Wellington. Overnight: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, Wellington
Day 9. Wellington (B)
Enjoy an extensive city tour in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Enjoy free time at leisure this afternoon. This evening is also free to dine out at one of the many fine local restaurants (at own expense). Overnight: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, Wellington
Day 10. Wellington to Christchurch (BD)
This morning, board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged scenic coastline on the other. Travel through numerous tunnels and across several bridges before departing the train in Kaikoura. Travel via coach south through some of finest farmland areas to the garden city of Christchurch. Overnight: Distinction Churchurch, Christchurch
Day 11. 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, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free. Overnight: Distinction Christchurch, Christchurch
Day 12. TranzAlpine Rail Journey (BD)
This morning, board the TranzAlpine, 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 arriving at Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional at own expense, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef
Day 13. Franz Josef to Queenstown (B)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south 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 to dine at one of the many fine restaurants (at own expense). Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown
Day 14. Queenstown Free Day (BD)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown. Your Tour Guide and Coach Captain are available to assist with the many options available. 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 that 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 on your return cruise. Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown
Day 15. Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (BD)
This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for your amazing overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife - you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the on-board chef. Overnight: Milford Mariner, Milford Sound
Day 16. Milford Sound to Te Anau (BD)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return 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 will admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto. Overnight: Distinction Luxmore, Te Anau
Day 17. Te Anau to Dunedin (BD)
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin. 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. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift. Overnight: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin
Day 18. Dunedin (BD)
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour. Next visit Glenfalloch Restaurant for a delightful morning tea. Return to the city for some free time. Overnight: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin
Day 19. Dunedin to Christchurch (BD)
This morning visit Olveston House, a prestigious historic home before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends. Overnight: Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport, Christchurch
Day 20. Christchurch and Homeward Bound (B)
It’s time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Perth via Auckland after a memorable New Zealand holiday. Our courtesy small charter vehicle will be waiting to take you safely home.
This tour is hosted by villa’s New Zealand touring partner.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. FreeCall 1800 066 272 for details.