19 Day New Zealand Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday

Inclusions

• Return airfares from Brisbane or Coolangatta including pre-paid taxes 
• Meet and greet on arrival with return airport transfers in New Zealand
• 17 nights superior accommodation with five 2 night stays
• An exclusive overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands
• Luxury coach travel with professional Coach Captain and Tour Guide
• 5 spectacular Rail Journeys
• 41 meals including breakfast daily and 4 specialty dinners
• Over $1,050 worth of sightseeing and pre paid attractions

Itinerary

Day 1    Homeport - Auckland
Fly from your homeport to Auckland where you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.Hotel Copthorne Hotel Harbourcity

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 pass through Whangarei to Paihia. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Day 3    Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise
A memorable day lies ahead of you today. After breakfast you are free to explore Paihia before boarding Ipipiri, the Great Sights 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 in a sheltered bay 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. Overnight Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise

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. Hotel Copthorne Hotel Harbourcity

Day 5    Auckland - Rotorua
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 Restaurant & 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. Hotel Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior Rooms. 2 nights)

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. Enjoy some free time 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.

Day 7    Rotorua - Wellington
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 this afternoon visit Southward Car Museum, home to a comprehensive collection of veteran and vintage cars. Enjoy afternoon tea before continuing south along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington. Hotel James Cook Grand Chancellor (2 nights)

Day 8    Wellington
Enjoy an extensive city tour in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight will be a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Enjoy free time at leisure this afternoon.

Day 9    Wellington - Kaikoura
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. Experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) to view the amazing whales this region is renowned for. Hotel Donegal House

Day 10    Kaikoura - Canterbury
A leisurely start this morning with time to enjoy the tranquil setting. Travel south through some of the finest farmland areas to Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. A short drive through the Canterbury region brings you to your hotel. Hotel Methven Resort or Hotel Ashburton

Day 11    Canterbury - Franz Josef
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. Pass through the Otira Tunnel and continue through lush beech forest, skirt lakes and follow rivers as you enjoy a boxed lunch onboard.
Your journey concludes at Greymouth. Travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 12    Franz Josef - Queenstown
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 and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lakeview Rooms. 2 nights)

Day 13    Queenstown (Free Day)
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 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 on your return cruise.

DAay14    Queenstown - Te Anau
This morning travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. This evening cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Glow Worm Caves. Admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto. Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Rooms. 2 nights)

Day 15    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 onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available.

Day 16    Te Anau - Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin for 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, Haggis Ceremony and gift. Hotel Mercure Leisure Lodge (2 nights)

Day 17    Dunedin
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, view the superb collection of flowers followed by a delightful morning tea. Return to the city for some free time before boarding The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station your coach will transfer you to your hotel.

Day 18    Dunedin - Christchurch
Travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. After a true Victorian welcome, enjoy an informative update on this unique Precinct. Continue to The Plains Vintage Railway to experience a ‘K’88 Steam Locomotive at work, view informative displays and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea before travelling to Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner. Hotel Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport

Day 19     Christchurch - Homeport
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Departure dates and Prices*

*Terms and Conditions

• Prices current as at 16 May 2012
• Prices are per person in AUD$ based on twin share, unless otherwise stated
• Prices are valid for travel ex Brisbane and Coolangatta
• Prices are subject to change (eg. due to currency fluctuation)
• Offer is subject to change to availability and may be withdrawn at any time
• Further conditions apply - please see the Grand Pacific Tours New Zealand Rail/Coach Holidays 2012/13 brochure