Grand Pacific 25 Day New Zealand Vista by Coach & Cruise

Arrive Christchurch City

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

Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier

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. Board your coach and 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.

Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. 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.

Queenstown free day

Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Tour Guide and Coach Captain are available to assist. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine high above Queenstown at the Skyline Restaurant or board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu for a gourmet barbecue at Walter Peak Station (optional).

Queenstown to Auckland

Travel to Queenstown Airport where you will board a local flight to the City of Sails, Auckland, located in the North Island. Meet your North Island Coach Captain and enjoy an informative city tour. This afternoon includes a visit to Sky Tower at your leisure, one of New Zealands most spectacular attractions.

Auckland to the Bay of Islands via Hokianga

Depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe to enjoy an informative talk at the Kauri Museum. After lunch travel north through Dargaville to the unforgettable Footprints Waipoua encounter, home to some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world. A local guide will explain how these trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest. Continue to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Bay of Islands

Today is free to choose from the many optional activities available. You may like to take a coach trip to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach, the Hole in the Rock Cruise, or a spectacular scenic flight. The choice is yours and your Tour Guide andCoach Captain will be available to assist.

Bay of Islands to Auckland

This morning enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Farewell the Bay of Islands and drive south via Whangarei, Wellsford, and Warkworth to Matakana to visit Sculptureum, an art experience that is internationally unique. Enjoy time to wander through the Garden of Creative Diversity and to view the hundreds of displayed works in the Galleries and garden all designed to amuse and inspire. Return to Auckland where this evening is free to dine at leisure.

Auckland to Rotorua

Travel to Waikato's most visited attraction, the Hamilton Gardens. Your guide will share the story of how the Gardens were transformed into a Garden of International Significance. Visit Hobbiton for lunch followed by an experience of the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. A guide will recount the fascinating details of how the set was created. Continue to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Rotorua

Today begins with a gondola ride to the Stratosfare Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that's unlike anything you've seen before. Travel to Te Puia for a guided tour of the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to a Maori village for an interactive and educational experience which culminates with a cultural performance and traditional hangi feast.

Rotorua - Auckland

Travel to Auckland where you will board the Celebrity Solstice to commence your 14 night cruise around New Zealand and back to Australia.
Port Times Depart 20:00

Tauranga

Known as the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbours in New Zealand.
Port Times Arrive 08:00 Depart 19:00

Tauranga

Sitting on one of the largest natural harbours in the country, Tauranga is the main city in the Bay of Plenty region. Nestled beside Mount Maunganui, this sunny urban metropolis is renowned for its marine adventures. Fishing, sailing, diving and dolphin tours are abundant - as is the opportunity to swim or surf at one of its remarkable beaches. A visit to McLaren Falls or the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is a must do, and wandering The Strand - the downtown shopping and dining precinct - is reccomended.  On the water’s edge, children are easily entertained at the local playground. See the Hairy Maclary bronze sculptures, a story-book scene featuring the popular characters from Tauranga author Dame Lynley Dodd’s famous children’s books.

Cruising

Relax and enjoy the comforts of this stunning superliner. While at sea enjoy the onboard facilities, world-class cuisine and entertainment.

Wellington

Locals are particularly proud of the National Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Tongarewa. Loosely translated as "our place" from the native Maori tongue, the museum is one of the world's largest and most progressive (optional).
Port Times Arrive 08:00 Depart 18:00

Akaroa

Nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano, Akaroa is rich with beautiful bays and home to the rarest and smallest marine dolphin.
Port Times - Arrive 08:00, Depart after 18:00

Dunedin

Situated on the magnificent Otago coastline, explore Dunedin's historic architecture and beautiful botanic gardens.
Port Times Arrive 09:00 Depart 19:00

Milford, Doubtful & Dusky Sounds

Sail into the narrow fiords of Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds in the Fiordland region. Your ship will seem to shrink in comparison to the towering cliffs topped by lush mountain terrain. Scenic cruising.

Cruising

Cruise across the Tasman Sea and enjoy time at sea to further explore this luxurious ship. Try a bold collection of both familiar and unknown wines from around the world in the inviting wine bar or check out the Lawn Club - a half-acre of freshly manicured lawn on the top deck of the ship where you can enjoy casual outdoor activities in a decidedly Country Club atmosphere, and let the grass between your toes take you to places no cruise has gone before.

Cruising

Relax and enjoy the comforts of this stunning superliner. While at sea enjoy the onboard facilities, world-class cuisine and entertainment.

Hobart

Docking in Hobart gives you immediate access to Mount Wellington and its incredibly beautiful surrounds. From there you can look out over the busy harbour and yachts from all over the world.
Port Times Arrive 08:00 Depart 18:00

Cruising

Enjoy a quiet refuge by day, gazing over the sea with a cocktail in hand. Be amazed by the breathtaking views in the onboard ultimate observation lounge at the very front of the ship. The floor to ceiling windows and the expansive space will please you as you watch the world go by.

Melbourne Free Day

Arrive into Melbourne, where a short tram ride will take you into the city. Melbourne's eclectic dining scene offers an array of the world's great cuisines.
Port Times Arrive 08:00 Depart 18:00

Cruising

From morning until night, there are hundreds of different activities happening on-board your cruise ship, your Tour Guide is on hand to assist you. Dining on the ship is a highlight with the magnificent main dining room being the centrepiece and distinctive in cuisine, design and service. With an incredible range of tantalising choices that change nightly, every meal offers the chance to try something new. Expect fresh ingredients, unexpected combinations and perfect wine pairings.

Sydney

After breakfast it's time to say goodbye after a memorable New Zealand holiday.