19 Day - Fully Escorted New Zealand
Rail / Cruise / Coach Holiday |
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Featuring 5 breathtaking rail journeys and an EXCLUSIVE overnight cruise - guaranteed departure dates.
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 Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Experience the thrill of travel by steam train on this 12 kilometre return scenic journey. Travel through beautiful rural countryside on a vintage train hauled by one of the lovingly restored steam locomotives. Settle into the immaculate wood carriages and get to know the staff in vintage uniform who will clip your ticket as you listen to the panting steam engine. Visit the restoration workshops enroute before returning to the Glenbrook Station for morning tea. |
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 The TranzCoastal
This truly spectacular journey commences at the coastal port of Picton. Travel through the picturesque Marlborough wine region then continue along the east Coast via a thin wedge of land pinned between the Pacific Ocean on one side and the rugged beauty of the coastal mountains and lush, rolling farmland on the other. Enjoy a stop at the fishing village of Kaikoura, then further south, travel inland through the Canterbury Plains before arriving into Christchurch. |
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 The Taieri Gorge Ltd
A fascinating journey through rugged, spectacular scenery only accessible by train. Depart from Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station and see grand examples of Victorian stonework on bridges and tunnels plus travel across iron latticework viaducts built in the 1880’s. Take in the sights onboard modern carriages with panoramic windows and skylights plus refurbished traditional style wooden cars. Full commentary with opportunities to disembark at points of interest. |
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 Plains Vintage Railway
The "k"88, or Washington, was built in 1877 by Rogers Locomotive Works, Paterson,New Jersey. With the builders number of 2454, it is now one of the oldest operational Rogers built locomotives in the world. This "K"88 became the first locomotive to ever haul an express train between the fledgling cities of Christchurch and Dunedin on New Zealand's first main trunk railway. At the end of her working life the "K" ended up in the Oreti River as flood protection. Today, after years of dedicated restoration, the "K" is resplendent in its original loud livery of 1877 and to mainline standard. |
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 The TranzAlpine
World renowned as the Great New Zealand Rail Adventure. Travel through lush beech forests, follow rivers and lakes before travelling through the Otira Tunnel, New Zealand’s steepest gradient rail tunnel. Track slowly across the Southern Alps and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery. Continue through spectacular gorges and river valleys before making your way over massive viaducts and through patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. |
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| Day by Day Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 Homeport – Auckland (D) |
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Day 11 Canterbury - Franz Josef (B L D) |
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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
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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
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| Day 2 Auckland – Bay of Islands (B D) |
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Day 12 Franz Josef - Queenstown (B) |
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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
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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)
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| Day 3 Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise (BD) |
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Day 13 Queenstown (Free Day) (B SD) |
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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
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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.
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| Day 4 Bay of Islands - Auckland (BD) |
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Day 14 Queenstown - Te Anau (B,D) |
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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
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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 Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights)
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| Day 5 Auckland – Rotorua (BD) |
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Day 15 Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau (BLD) |
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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)
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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 return to Te Anau where some free time is available.
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| Day 6 Rotorua (B SD) |
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Day 16 Te Anau - Dunedin (B SD) |
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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.
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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)
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| Day 7 Rotorua – Wellington (BD) |
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Day 17 Dunedin(BD) |
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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)
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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.
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| Day 8 Wellington (B) |
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Day 18 Dunedin- Christchurch (B SD) |
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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.
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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 with your new found friends.
Hotel Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport
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| Day 9 Wellington – Kaikoura (BD) |
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Day 19 Christchurch - Homeport (B) |
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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
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Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a great holiday.
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| Day 10 Kaikoura - Canterbury (BD) |
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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
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(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
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| Guaranteed Departure Dates: |
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2012
September 10, 26
October 7, 14, 25
November 3, 12, 21
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2013
January 18
February 2, 8, 18, 23
March 2, 8, 13, 20, 31
April 3, 13, 18
May 4
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| Inclusions |
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- Luxury coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain
- Tour Guide
- Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in
New Zealand
- EXCLUSIVE Bay of Islands
Overnight Cruise
- 17 nights superior hotel accommodation
- Five 2 night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 5 rail journeys
- 5 cruises
- All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
- GST (New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
- Comprehensive documentation pack
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| Meals |
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- 8 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at the Cableway Restaurant - Rotorua
- 16 sumptuous dinners including
4 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert - Rotorua,
Walter Peak Homestead - Queenstown,
Haggis Ceremony - Dunedin,
Farewell Dinner - Christchurch
- 3 lunches including a specialty lunch at Longlands Restaurant & Farm - Matamata
- 4 delicious morning / afternoon teas
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| Documentation Pack |
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| This comprehensive pack contains: travel bag, ticket wallet, toiletry wet pack, New Zealand travel diary, personal name badge, luggage label, personalised itinerary, touring map, postcard and Optional Tours Directory. |
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