Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach

Day 1  Auckland  
Arrive into Auckland and be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative at the airport who will transfer you to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow companions for a welcome reception.  

Days 2-3  Auckland to Bay of Islands
Start your journey with a city tour of Auckland before travelling to the Kauri Museum for an informative talk. Continue to the Bay of Islands, visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to hear the history of the famous treaty signed here. Day 3 is free to explore this stunning region.  

Day 4  Bay of Island to Auckland
This morning, explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran, before travelling back to Auckland.

Day 5  Auckland to Rotorua  
Travel on a beautifully restored steam train, the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Enjoy morning tea at the station before continuing to the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua.

Day 6  Rotorua  
Ride the Skyline Gondola this morning and enjoy breakfast with spectacular views. The afternoon is free to explore this geothermal wonderland and enjoy a thrilling Maori cultural performance and hangi feast this evening.  

Days 7-8  Rotorua to Wellington
Continue south via spectacular Huka Falls, scenic Lake Taupo and rugged Tongariro National Park en route to Wellington. On day 8, visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum and embark on a city tour.  

Days 9-10  Wellington to Christchurch  
Cross the Cook Strait through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board the Coastal Pacific for a spectacular rail journey, before re-joining your luxury coach in Kaikoura and travelling to Christchurch. On day 10, tour the International Antarctic Centre and enjoy a city tour followed by the Christchurch Tram.  

Day 11  Christchurch to Fox Glacier  
Board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel in style through breathtaking gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass. Transfer by luxury coach to Fox Glacier where free time allows for an optional scenic flight over the glaciers.  

Days 12-13  Fox Glacier to Queenstown  
Travel south to Queenstown where day 13 is free to explore. In the evening, board the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship and cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a barbecue dinner.  

Day 14  Queenstown to Doubtful Sound
Today is a real highlight as you board the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight cruise on the pristine waters of Doubtful Sound.  

Days 15-16  Doubtful Sound to Dunedin  
Sail to Deep Cove and re-join your luxury coach to Te Anau for an afternoon at leisure. On day 16, head to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s.  

Day 17  Dunedin  
Drive along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour of this historic landmark. Enjoy an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom before returning to Dunedin for some free time.  

Days 18-19  Dunedin to Christchurch  
Travel north to Pleasant Point Museum & Railway to explore the preserved heritage of the South Canterbury railway. After breakfast on day 19, transfer to the airport for your onward travels after a memorable holiday.