New Zealand ultimate showcase

19 days, 18 nights Grand Pacific Tours luxury package

Save up to $375pp* + free night in Auckland RAA member offer

Sep 2022 - May 2023 Selected departures

Book by 30 September 2022

What to expect

Discover the best of New Zealand on a small group tour aboard the luxurious Ultimate Coach. This itinerary is tailored to provide a business class level of comfort, service, and quality without compromise. Part of a VIP experience, you’ll enjoy stylish travel aboard a full-size, state of the art coach with a maximum of only 20 travellers. Enjoy extensive onboard features, VIP Extras, handpicked premium hotels and many inclusions.

What you'll love

Adventure and thrills

Culture and history

Gourmet food and drinks

Stunning landscapes and sights

Perfect for

Couples getaway

Luxury travel

Solo travellers

What's included

18 nights in 4.5 star accommodation
18 cooked breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 high tea, 15 dinners

Prepaid attractions

Kauri museum
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Hole in the rock dolphin cruise
Sky Tower
Hobbiton™ movie set tour and lunch
Skyline Rotorua gondola and luge ride
Agrodome
Thermal mud pools and geysers*
Te Puia traditional Mãori hãngi and concert
Te Papa, NZ’s national museum
Cruise on the Interislander ferry
Cloudy Bay Estate wine tasting
TranzAlpine rail journey
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
Lakes district museum
Milford Sound cruise and lunch
Larnach Castle*
City sights tour of Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin

*Guided tour.

Your itinerary

Days 1 to 5: Auckland - Rotorua

On arrival into Auckland you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.

Learn more

Day 1: Auckland

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 The Grand by SkyCity or similar

Dinner

Day 2: Auckland - Bay of Islands

Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, 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 travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Mãori tribes and the British.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights)

Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Bay of Islands

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 at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Breakfast

Day 4: Bay of Islands - Auckland

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands 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 via Whangarei before returning to Auckland.

Hotel The Grand by Skycity or similar

Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Auckland - Rotorua

This morning enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to Sky Tower, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions. Continue through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton™ for a buffet lunch. This is followed by a guided tour of the movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will recount details of how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

Hotel Regent of Rotorua or similar (2 nights)

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 6 to 9: Rotorua - Wellington

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua, where spectacular views are on offer.

Learn more

Day 6: Rotorua

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 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 Mãori Hãngi and Concert.

Breakfast and specialty dinner

Day 7: Rotorua - Napier

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Hear informative commentary of the city’s fascinating history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city, you might choose to do a guided walk (optional).

Hotel Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Breakfast and dinner

Day 8: Napier - Wellington

Travel south this morning into Wellington for a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here. At Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, there is time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Hotel InterContinental Wellington (Deluxe Room)

Breakfast and dinner

Day 9: Wellington - Picton - Kaikōura

This morning board the Interislander Ferry and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your Ultimate Coach for the short journey to Blenheim, where you will experience a unique wine and cheese tasting set amongst the wine barrels at Cloudy Bay Estate, one of the original winemakers in the Marlborough region. Continue south to Kaikõura.

Hotel Sudima Kaikõura

Breakfast and dinner

Days 10 to 13: Kaikōura - Queenstown

Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. At the seaside village of Kaikōura, where the mountains meet the sea, Sperm Whales and other marine mammals are often seen.

Learn more

Day 10: Kaikōura - Christchurch

This morning enjoy a leisurely start in this seaside village, where the mountains meet the sea. Kaikōura is renowned as one of the best places to see Sperm whales and other marine mammals. There is an opportunity to take a scenic flight to view the year-round population of Sperm whales (optional, weather permitting). Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch.

Hotel The George

Breakfast

Day 11: Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Fox Glacier

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 Distinction Fox Glacier

Breakfast and dinner

Day 12: Fox Glacier - Queenstown

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 picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is at leisure, you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Hotel Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)

Breakfast

Day 13: Queenstown

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, a heritage tour of scenic Skippers Canyon or get up close to a Kiwi bird. 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.

Breakfast and specialty dinner

Days 14 to 19: Queenstown - Christchurch

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum.

Learn more

Day 14: Queenstown - Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights)

Breakfast and dinner

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. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 16: Te Anau - Dunedin

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy a city tour followed by some free time at leisure.

Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Breakfast and dinner

Day 17: Dunedin - Mt Cook

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour with time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. This is followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.

Hotel The Hermitage Hotel (Aoraki Wing)

Breakfast and dinner

Day 18: Mt Cook - Christchurch

This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.

Hotel The George

Breakfast and specialty dinner

Day 19: Christchurch

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

Breakfast

Your route

Options and details

Departure dates:

26 Sep 2022, 14 Oct 2022, 12 Nov 2022, 4 Dec 2022, 19 Jan 2023, 4 Feb 2023, 22 Feb 2023, 1 Mar 2023, 23 Mar 2023, 17 Apr 2023, 7 May 2023

Deposit

$500 per person deposit is required for Ultimate Small Group Touring within 7 days of booking.

Pricing from $9504 per person, twin share reflects a $375 saving off the regular tour price on selected tour departures in Sep 2022 and May 2023. See terms and conditions for more details regarding travel dates, and other pricing.

Terms and conditions

Special offer T&Cs: *Conditions Apply. Price valid ex ADL and includes pre paid taxes (subject to change). **Save up to $750 per couple ($375 per person) on selected departures in Sep 2022 and May 2023. All other departures will save $175 per person off the brochure price. Maximum savings are included in the advertised price. Bonus Night is a pre tour night in Auckland at the nominated tour hotel, subject to availability upon request. Only if a hotel is not available at the time of booking, receive $100 per person, twin share discount instead. Special Offer: not valid on group departures, no further discounts apply, not to be used in conjunction with any other special offer, for new bookings only until 30 September 2022, unless sold out prior and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Itinerary is subject to change. Must quote “North Island NOW Deal” at time of booking to be applied. Refer to the COVID disclaimer in our booking conditions regarding post COVID travel. Price does not include the fee for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority for any Australian Residents not holding an Australian Passport, Refer to www.immigration.govt.nz/nzeta for further information. Health & Safety Policy is available at www.gptnz.com.

GPT 19 Day Ultimate Showcase- tour code - UGPS19

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Frequently asked questions

What fitness level will be needed?

This trip is: Moderate

Leisurely pace with increased walking on uneven ground and cobblestone surfaces, climbing and descending stairs, plus standing for a reasonable length of time in museums or at points of interest. You must be able to get on/off transportation unassisted, manage distances at airports and railway stations without assistance, and handle your luggage as required.

Please carefully consider your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.

Overview

New Zealand ultimate showcase