The Grand Pacific 16 day Affordable Highlights tour explores the top locations and attractions on both the North and South Islands. Starting in Christchurch visit the deep south and Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, the West Coast Glaciers before crossing the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train. Head north crossing the Cook Strait to the capital city of Wellington before 2 nights in the cultural and thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Another 2 nights in the tropical Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland, the City of Sails. A true highlights of New Zealand tour.
Escorted coach tour
This suggested tour costs from NZD$5,449 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Auckland
16 days/15 nights
Hotel 3 star
Pre and post tour options? YES
Viewed 61 times in the last 7 days
Day 1: Welcome to the South Island
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (or similar)
Day 2: Travel to Omarama and see the brilliant turquoise blue water of Lake Tekapo
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel (or similar)
Day 3: Pass Lake Benmore as you travel to Dunedin
Accommodation: Dunedin Leisure Lodge – A Distinction Hotel (or similar)
Day 4: Enter into Fiordland National Park
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Lake Te Anau (or similar)
Day 5: Visit one of the nations favourites, Milford Sound
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
Day 6: A free day and a cruise across the lake
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
Day 7: See why they call it the wild west coast
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (or similar)
Day 8: Enjoy the world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Railway
Accommodation: Quality Hotel Elms Christchurch (or similar)
Day 9: Say goodbye to the South Island
Accommodation: Ibis Wellington (or similar)
Day 10: The Capital
Accommodation: Ibis Wellington (or similar)
Day 11: Venture up the Thermal Explorer Highway
Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua Hotel (or similar)
Day 12: Are you adventurous enough to enjoy a thrilling luge ride
Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua Hotel (or similar)
Day 13: Bypass Auckland on the way to the Bay of Islands
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge (or similar)
Day 14: Enjoy a Catamaran Cruise
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge (or similar)
Day 15: Bay of Islands to Auckland
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel Auckland (or similar)
Day 16: Farewell to your new travel companions
Arrive into Christchurch where you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your tour leader and travelling companions for dinner.
Quality merchandise is great value for money and will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Tour jackets and tour caps are avai...
Read moreQuality merchandise is great value for money and will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Tour jackets and tour caps are available for purchase. Merchandise items must be ordered at the time of booking and are not available for purchase in New Zealand
HideYour accommodation: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (or similar)
The Heartland Hotel Cotswold is just minutes walk to boutique shopping at Merivale and beautiful Hagley Park. The distinctive traditional Tudor-style architecture of the Heartland Hotel Cotswold reflects Christchurch's image as the most English of cities outside of England.After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama.
Your accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel (or similar)
Positioned at the crossroads linking north, south, east and west, the Heritage Gateway Hotel features a full restaurant and cocktail bar with views of the Southern Alps, and everything you need to rest and refresh.Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.
Your accommodation: Dunedin Leisure Lodge – A Distinction Hotel (or similar)
Nestled in landscaped Gardens, the Dunedin Leisure Lodge is just a short drive from the central city and adjacent to the Botanical Gardens.This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Your accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Lake Te Anau (or similar)
The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of 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 travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
The Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is conveniently located within walking distance to the centre of Queenstown and just a few minutes stroll from the picturesque Lake Wakatipu.Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. 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.
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
The Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is conveniently located within walking distance to the centre of Queenstown and just a few minutes stroll from the picturesque Lake Wakatipu.Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Your accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (or similar)
The Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier is nestled at the base of the majestic Southern Alps in the Westland World Heritage Park. Originally built in 1928 it has been refurbished to retain its charming atmosphere.Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival, your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
*Please be aware, there are some departure dates where the train may not be available due to covid-related schedule changes outside of Grand Pacific's control. If this occurs, your journey through the incredible Arthur's Pass will continue onboard your coach. Chat to a consultant to check the current schedule for your preferred departure.
Your accommodation: Quality Hotel Elms Christchurch (or similar)
The Quality Hotel Elms in Christchurch, is located 5 minutes from the city and is the closest hotel to the largest enclosed Shopping Mall in New Zealand. Renowned for its professional and friendly staff you are guaranteed a pleasant stay.Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.
Your accommodation: Ibis Wellington (or similar)
Hotel Ibis Wellington is ideally located in Featherston Street in the heart of Wellington City and easy walking distance to Wellington's famous cafe lifestyle.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 that showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also at leisure.
Your accommodation: Ibis Wellington (or similar)
Hotel Ibis Wellington is ideally located in Featherston Street in the heart of Wellington City and easy walking distance to Wellington's famous cafe lifestyle.Depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.
Your accommodation: Distinction Rotorua Hotel (or similar)
Distinction Rotorua Hotel is located in a beautiful garden setting, with relaxing outdoor heated swimming pool. Just a short drive to the city centre and across the road from the great mountain bike trails of Whakarewarewa Forest.Today begins with a Gondola ride and breakfast at the Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Visit Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.
Your accommodation: Distinction Rotorua Hotel (or similar)
Distinction Rotorua Hotel is located in a beautiful garden setting, with relaxing outdoor heated swimming pool. Just a short drive to the city centre and across the road from the great mountain bike trails of Whakarewarewa Forest.This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy an introduction to the Bay of Islands, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.
Your accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge (or similar)
The Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia is located on the waterfront only 100 metres from Paihia wharf and township. All rooms are air-conditioned and hotel facilities include a restaurant, swimming pool, spa pool and sauna.This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront.
Your accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge (or similar)
The Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia is located on the waterfront only 100 metres from Paihia wharf and township. All rooms are air-conditioned and hotel facilities include a restaurant, swimming pool, spa pool and sauna.Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new friends.
Your accommodation: Rydges Hotel Auckland (or similar)
Nestled in the heart of Auckland's CBD, Rydges Auckland offers an ideal location. The hotel is a short stroll from business and retail districts, the Casino, the America's Cup Viaduct Village and superb waterfront restaurants.After breakfast (included) it's time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
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