Grand Pacific Tours 16 Day Ultimate Highlights
Christchurch to Auckland
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New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Grand Pacific Ultimate

Grand Pacific Tours 16 Day Ultimate Highlights

Travel in small group luxury as you explore 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 the Auckland, the City of Sails.

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Quick Itinerary Details

Small Group Tour Guided

This suggested tour costs from NZD$9,329 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Auckland

16 days/15 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Pre and post tour options? YES

 Viewed 56 times in the last 7 days

Tour Inclusions

Agrodome
Arrowtown Lakes Distrit Museum
Auckland City Tour
Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
Cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, Bay of Islands
Kauri Museum
Larnach Castle
Rotorua Skyline Gondola and Luge Ride
Te Papa Museum of New Zealand
Te Puia Maori Hangi & Concert
TSS Earnslaw cruise and dinner at Walter Peak high country farm, Queenstown
Visit to Jade Factory
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Wellington City Tour
Complimentary pre-dinner welcome drink
15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners, 3 special dinners
Tour at a glance

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch - Mt Cook

Day 3: Mt Cook - Dunedin

Day 4: Dunedin - Te Anau

Day 5: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Day 6: Queenstown (Free Day)

Day 7: Queenstown - Fox Glacier

Day 8: Fox Glacier - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch

Day 9: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington

Day 10: Wellington

Day 11: Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua

Day 12: Rotorua

Day 13: Rotorua - Bay of Islands

Day 14: Bay of Islands

Day 15: Bay of Islands - Auckland

Day 16: Depart Auckland

Tour full itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Tram meandering through the Christchurch Streets

On arrival into Christchurch 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.

Staying in Hotel The George or similar

  • The George Christchurch typifies luxury at every level.  Located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and River Avon.  The only luxury 5-star boutique hotel in Christchurch with a one-to-one staff to guest ratio, guaranteeing impeccable service.  The modern, soothing and relaxing rooms provide everything for a memorable visit with sumptuously comfortable beds and furnishings, elegant white tiled bathrooms, generous toiletries, and room amenities to ensure you will have the most blissfully comfortable stay.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Grand Pacific Merchandise

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...

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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 available for purchase. Merchandise items must be ordered at the time of booking and are not available for purchase in New Zealand

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Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Tekapo

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 to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.

Staying in Hotel The Hermitage Hotel (Aoraki Wing)

  • Nestled in the beautiful Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect base for your next adventure surrounded by breath-taking glaciers, terminal lakes, turbulent rivers and Australasia's tallest peak, the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook soaring above at 3,724 metres. The iconic Hermitage Hotel is home to a selection of restaurants and bars and contains 164 rooms all with ensuites, complimentary wireless internet and much more.    

Lupins in the Mackenzie basin, looking toward Mt Cook

Depart Mt Cook, see Lake Benmore and follow the Waitaki River to Oamaru. Continue south to Dunedin, enjoy a city tour followed by free time. You might be interested in a tour to see local wildlife in their natural habitat (optional).

Staying in Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel

  • 2019 Travellers Choice Winner and ranked 3rd out of all hotels in NZ on TripAdvisor the Distinction Dunedin Hotel is elegant, luxurious and located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city.  The ideal combination of style and functionality. These air-conditioned Dunedin Studios offer a cloud-like super king bed and modern ensuite bathroom with a luxurious dual fixture walk-in rain shower plus complimentary Distinction toiletries.

Sunny day overlooking the Otago Peninsula

This morning 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 an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. 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 Glowworm Caves (optional).

Staying in Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

  • Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and overlooking spectacular Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland ranges this elegant 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions. You will stay in a spacious and superbly appointed room with striking views of Lake Te Anau from your window.

Milford Sound Cruise near a waterfall in the Sound

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 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 at leisure, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Staying in Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)

  • Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping and entertainment district and offers accommodation with scenic views of Queenstown city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your trip. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel.  All rooms at Millennium Hotel Queenstown are designed for complete relaxation with its inviting bed and cosy ambience, it’s a good nights rest for sure.

TSS Earnslaw sailing over to Walter Peak Homestead

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.

Staying in Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown

  • Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping and entertainment district and offers accommodation with scenic views of Queenstown city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your trip. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel.  All rooms at Millennium Hotel Queenstown are designed for complete relaxation with its inviting bed and cosy ambience, it’s a good nights rest for sure.

Arrowtown High Street

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Fox Glacier

  • Nestled beneath the towering Southern Alps on the stunning West Coast of New Zealand sits the Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel offering luxurious hotel accommodation in one of the world's most ruggedly beautiful environments.  Distinction Fox Glacier's hotel rooms are recently refurbished, beautifully appointed and feature their own private balcony, luxurious bedroom and lounge area and spacious ensuite bathroom with a separate shower and bath.  Escape into the peaceful ambiance of your spacious room and breathe in the fresh alpine air from your own balcony.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to 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. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Staying in Hotel The George

  • The George Christchurch typifies luxury at every level.  Located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and River Avon.  The only luxury 5-star boutique hotel in Christchurch with a one-to-one staff to guest ratio, guaranteeing impeccable service.  The modern, soothing and relaxing rooms provide everything for a memorable visit with sumptuously comfortable beds and furnishings, elegant white tiled bathrooms, generous toiletries, and room amenities to ensure you will have the most blissfully comfortable stay.

Interislander ferry crossing the Cook Strait

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikõura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you will board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.

Staying in Hotel InterContinental Wellington (Premium Room) (2 nights)

  • Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington is the most centrally located and experienced global five-star hotel in New Zealand’s capital city. It is the seamless and personal service of the team that makes your Wellington accommodation and travel experience truly memorable. Staying in the sophisticated styling of a Premium Guest Room you will enjoy an enriching stay featuring walk-in showers, with handheld and rain shower heads, digital lighting controls and much more. Feel rejuvenated in the morning after a tranquil night’s sleep on your king bed inspired to uncover the New Zealand capital.

Cable Car descending Wellington's hill

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 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.

Staying in Hotel InterContinental Wellington (Premium Room)

  • Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington is the most centrally located and experienced global five-star hotel in New Zealand’s capital city. It is the seamless and personal service of the team that makes your Wellington accommodation and travel experience truly memorable. Staying in the sophisticated styling of a Premium Guest Room you will enjoy an enriching stay featuring walk-in showers, with handheld and rain shower heads, digital lighting controls and much more. Feel rejuvenated in the morning after a tranquil night’s sleep on your king bed inspired to uncover the New Zealand capital.

Wellington City scape at Dusk

Depart Wellington and view the snowcapped 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.

Staying in Hotel Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)

  • The Regent of Rotorua is an exquisitely designed oasis of understated elegance located in the Rotorua city centre, featuring contemporary decor with a touch of opulence. The rooms offer a taste of glamour including king beds, leather headboards, sumptuous linens and down pillows/duvet.

Agrodome Farm Show

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! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Free time is available 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 Māori Hāngi and Concert.

Staying in Hotel Regent of Rotorua

  • The Regent of Rotorua is an exquisitely designed oasis of understated elegance located in the Rotorua city centre, featuring contemporary decor with a touch of opulence. The rooms offer a taste of glamour including king beds, leather headboards, sumptuous linens and down pillows/duvet.

Maori themed fence panelling

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue through Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori tribes and the British.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights)

  • Any time of year is ideal for escaping to the Bay of Islands in the ‘Winterless North’, and this property, situated at the entrance to the seaside town of Paihai, is the perfect resort-style retreat.

    The entire property has been extensively refurbished and expanded, and the attention to detail is sure to impress.  The island-influenced architecture with expansive sub-tropical gardens, water features, extensive guest facilities and easy walking access to Paihia’s main local attractions makes this 4-star Hotel a standout.

Hole in the Rock Cruise

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, enjoy a free afternoon where a range of optional activities are available, or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. This evening is also at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

  • Any time of year is ideal for escaping to the Bay of Islands in the ‘Winterless North’, and this property, situated at the entrance to the seaside town of Paihai, is the perfect resort-style retreat.

    The entire property has been extensively refurbished and expanded, and the attention to detail is sure to impress.  The island-influenced architecture with expansive sub-tropical gardens, water features, extensive guest facilities and easy walking access to Paihia’s main local attractions makes this 4-star Hotel a standout.

Farewell your travel companions when you finish your GP Tour

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 newfound friends.

Staying in Hotel The Grand by SkyCity

  • Located in the heart of the city experience The Grand by SkyCity, a lavish hideaway resting high above the bustling night life of the city streets below.

    A place of understated luxury, bursting with warmth, where those seeking excitement can revel in the elegant sophistication of this uniquely intimate refuge.

    The light and spacious rooms have been designed with luxury in mind. They offer locally sourced amenities and combines natural materials with modern ergonomic design to maximise comfort. The soft furnishings reflect the hues and textures of the unique Auckland landscape.

Auckland skyscape

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

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