Grand Pacific 25 Day New Zealand Vista by Coach & Cruise
Discover the best of New Zealand’s North and South Islands on this all inclusive cruise and fully escorted small group holiday. This tour includes the beautiful Bay of Islands in the North as well as a TranzAlpine rail journey in the South Island. Enjoy 14 nights of cruising on board the Celebrity Solstice Cruise, 10 nights of premium accommodation between days 1-10 including an endless range of pre paid attractions. Many iconic experiences are included – Auckland's Sky Tower, a tour of an ancient Kauri forest, Hobbiton movie set tour, thermal mud pools and geysers and more!

Included in this tour package
- Accommodation: 24 nights, Hotel 4 star
- Includes: All lunches onboard Celebrity Solstice Cruise
- Includes: All breakfasts
- Includes: 20 dinners
- Includes: Airport transfers
- Escorted Coach Cruise Bonus: A US$150 onboard credit per person plus a choice of classic beverage pacakge, free internet package or a further US$150 per person onboard credit.
- Included: A US$50 onboard credit per stateroom
- Includes: Professional Coach Captain
- Includes: TranzAlpine Train from Arthur's Pass to Christchurch
- Includes: Footprints Waipoua Forest Tour
- Includes: Matakohe Kauri Museum
- Includes: Hamilton Gardens Guided Tour
- Includes: Hobbiton Movie Set
- Includes: Tamaki Maori Village show and dinner
- Includes: Agrodome Show and Farm Tour
- Includes: Rotorua Skyline Gondola and luge ride
- Includes: Entry to Auckland Sky Tower
- Includes: Auckland City Sights Tour
- Includes: Entry to Auckland Sky Tower
- Includes: Waitangi Treaty Grounds



At a glance - Grand Pacific 25 Day New Zealand Vista by Coach & Cruise
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch. Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch Airport
Day 2: Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Franz Josef. Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown. Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 4: Queenstown. Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 5: Queenstown - Auckland. Accommodation: Skycity Hotel Auckland
Day 6: Auckland - Hokianga - Bay of Islands. Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Day 7: Bay of Islands (Free Day). Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Day 8: Bay of Islands - Auckland. Accommodation: Skycity Hotel Auckland
Day 9: Auckland - Rotorua. Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua
Day 10: Rotorua. Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua
Day 11: Rotorua - Auckland. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 12: Tauranga. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 13: Tauranga Free Day. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 14: Cruising. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 15: Wellington. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 16: Akaroa. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 17: Dunedin. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 18: Dusky, Doubtful & Milford Sounds. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 19: Cruising. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 20: Cruising. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 21: Hobart. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 22: Cruising. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 23: Melbourne. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 24: Cruising. Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Day 25: Sydney.
Back to topGrand Pacific 25 Day New Zealand Vista by Coach & Cruise - Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

Arrive Christchurch City
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.
Your Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch Airport
Located 2 minutes from the Christchurch International Airport the Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport is just 15 minutes from Christchurch City Centre.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Franz Josef

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.
Your Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Located in the heart of Franz Josef Village the hotel offers all the amenities you would expect and is close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown

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.
Your Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
The 4 star deluxe Millennium Hotel Queenstown is located in the heart of Queenstown within minutes of the central shopping and entertainment area.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Queenstown

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).
Your Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
The 4 star deluxe Millennium Hotel Queenstown is located in the heart of Queenstown within minutes of the central shopping and entertainment area.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Queenstown - Auckland

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.
Your Accommodation: Skycity Hotel Auckland
With over 323 recently refurbished rooms, this modern and spacious hotel allows you to relax in style while enjoying the world-class casino, more than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars, a theatre, free live entertainment on selected nights and the iconic Sky Tower - all right on your doorstep!
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Auckland - Hokianga - Bay of Islands

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.
Your Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands is located within the Waitangi Treaty grounds, surrounded by native bush and the beautiful Bay of Islands Harbour.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Bay of Islands (Free Day)

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.
Your Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands is located within the Waitangi Treaty grounds, surrounded by native bush and the beautiful Bay of Islands Harbour.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Bay of Islands - Auckland

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.
Your Accommodation: Skycity Hotel Auckland
With over 323 recently refurbished rooms, this modern and spacious hotel allows you to relax in style while enjoying the world-class casino, more than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars, a theatre, free live entertainment on selected nights and the iconic Sky Tower - all right on your doorstep!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Auckland - Rotorua

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.
Your Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua
The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none on the very shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: 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.
Your Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua
The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none on the very shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua.
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Day 11: Rotorua - Auckland

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
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Tauranga

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
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Tauranga Free Day

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.
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Cruising

Cruising
Relax and enjoy the comforts of this stunning superliner. While at sea enjoy the onboard facilities, world-class cuisine and entertainment.
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Wellington

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
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Akaroa

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
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Dunedin

Dunedin
Situated on the magnificent Otago coastline, explore Dunedin's historic architecture and beautiful botanic gardens.
Port Times Arrive 09:00 Depart 19:00
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Dusky, Doubtful & Milford Sounds

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.
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19: 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.
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20: Cruising

Cruising
Relax and enjoy the comforts of this stunning superliner. While at sea enjoy the onboard facilities, world-class cuisine and entertainment.
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21: Hobart

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
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 22: Cruising

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.
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 23: Melbourne

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
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 24: Cruising

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.
Your Accommodation: Celebrity Solstice Cruise
Overnight cruising on the Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 25: Sydney

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