New Zealand 16 Day Signature Highlights Itinerary

Welcome to Christchurch

Welcome to New Zealand!

On arrival into Christchurch, we’ll take care of the transfer from the airport to your hotel where you can settle in before exploring New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’. Take a punt on the Avon River, stroll the Botanic Gardens or visit the Riverside Market, a 7-day-trading indoor market. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.

Suggested activities if time allows:

Christchurch Gondola	Punting the Avon River	Clearwater Golf
Arthur's Pass TranzAlpine Hike	French Akaroa Tour	Southern Alps Ballooning

Meals: Dinner (not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm)

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

The Distinction Hotel is a brand new hotel opening in 2019 in the revitalised heart of Christchurch and Cathedral Square. Centrally located and a short stroll to the Botanical Gardens, New Regent Street, the Arts Centre, and Avon River. This luxury Christchurch hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites.

High Country Lake Tekapo & Twizel

After an introductory city sights tour departs Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to beautiful Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Twizel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Twizel - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Distinction MacKenzie Country Hotel - Twizel

The MacKenzie Country Hotel, Twizel, is located very in the heart of the historic MacKenzie Basin. The hotel offers 108 spacious guestrooms including 80 standard rooms and 28 deluxe rooms; all offer shower over bath ensuites with surrounding views of the spectacular Ben Ohau Ranges and Mount Cook. Enjoy a meal in the restaurant or bar by choosing from the hearty menus revealing local cuisine accompanied by a range of New Zealand wines.

Oamaru & Dunedin

Depart Twizel and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. While its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels, and restaurants, the residents ‘the Oamaruivans’ are certainly not. In fact quite the contrary, unlike the Victorians they (the locals) are bohemians artisans, creative’s and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops, and venues – it has to be seen to be believed.

Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross - Dunedin

The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is Dunedin's largest and most established hotel. Located in the heart of Dunedin, this hotel has been extensively refurbished and now provides guests with modern style, exquisite quality, convenience and exceptional service. Your every comfort is well provided for, with 178 attractive rooms and suites, extensive hotel facilities.

Te Anau - Gateway to Fiordland

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Bid farewell to Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Distinction Luxmore Hotel - Te Anau

Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable newly refurbished accommodation in one of New Zealand's most popular scenic areas - Te Anau. Within easy walking distance of the township, surrounded by all local services, this 4-star hotel welcomes guests with 2 restaurants, free self parking, a fitness centre and FREE unlimited WiFi. Luxmores management and staff take pride in providing a warm, friendly and efficient service to all guests.

Stunning Milford Sound Cruise & Queenstown

The Road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into a beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. The rough-hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces, and seals are some of the things you’ll remember. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch.

This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Millennium Hotel Queenstown is only minutes from Queenstown central shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities and offers a peaceful haven from the variety of activities in this lively city. With many guest rooms and suites to choose from the centre boasts a gym, sauna, spa, bar and restaurant, feature contemporary city-inspired designed. Many of our rooms also offer scenic views of the city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your journey.

Queenstown at Leisure

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your crew are available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, including the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to 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 gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you 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.

Recommended Queenstown Excursions:

Wine Tasting Central Otago

Highest Bungey Jump

Dart River Jetboat Safari

Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Franz Josef - Glacier Country

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Franz Josef. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier will welcome you in true New Zealand style. The Hotel makes the most of its alpine location and is only moments from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. Featuring patios or balconies, the simple, warmly decorated rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, TVs and mini-fridges, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add living areas and quality rooms with balcony views.

TranzAlpine Rail Journey to Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine Train, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Stunning picture of the Tranzalpine Train on the South Island.

Accommodation:

Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport

Located just two minutes from Christchurch International Airport this hotel offers the ideal place to rest and rejuvenate. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool or relax with your favourite drink in the Lobby Bar.All rooms offer en suite bathroom, tea & coffee making facilities, direct dial phone, high speed internet access, Flat screen TV, including Sky TV and CNN, safety deposit boxes, refrigerator, 24 hour reception and room service.

Interisland Ferry to Wellington

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to the quaint seaside town of Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington

Wellington's iconic hotel, James Cook Grand Chancellor is situated right in the heart of the city. The friendly staff and excellent service will help make your stay in Wellington a memorable one. With well appointed rooms that all have high speed internet access, Sky TV, in house movie system, iron and board, full minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. They also offer Bodyhaven Spa Style Boutique and a complimentary in-house gymnasium.

Wellington at Leisure

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli. A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Re-board your coach for a city tour. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.

Sightseeing and activity suggestions in Wellington:

National Museum - Te Papa	Visit Cuba Street	Weta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve	Wellington Cable Car	Carter Observatory

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Rotorua via Taupo

Heading further North we follow the Desert Road and enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park’s Mt Ruapehu. The road then takes us to a grand view of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. The stunningly blue freshwater of Lake Taupo is sitting in the South Pacific's largest volcanic crater. After Lake Taupo visit the spectacular Huka Falls then to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Pullman Hotel Rotorua

A brand new build completed in late 2018, the Pullman hotel in Rotorua boasts panoramic views of the city and lake area and feature a sophisticated executive lounge - a hallmark of every Pullman hotel - business lounge, chill-out lounge, restaurant and bar, gymnasium, car parking as well as five meeting rooms catering for conference and events - This is Rotorua's latest 5 Star property.

Boiling Mud, Geysers and Māori Culture

Today begins with a Gondola Ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! The next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s 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 Maori Hangi and Concert.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Paihia - The Beautiful Bay of Islands

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north to Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori tribes and the British.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Paihia - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands has a sub-tropical resort ambience, with island-influenced architecture, beautifully landscaped grounds and light airy rooms.It's a perfect base to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands. Just a short walk from Paihia's village centre and the wharf. The Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands is a 4 star hotel. The Nikau Restaurant and Lounge Bar operates within the hotel and serves a la carte or buffet breakfast or dinner.

Hole in The Rock Cruise and Leisure Time

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands onboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. The cruise includes an island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Stroll along the white sand beach, or walk to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands before returning to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Meals: Breakfast

Auckland - The City of Sails

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and farewell dinner with your new-found friends.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Sudima Auckland City

Boasting a fitness centre, bar and views of sea, Sudima Auckland City is situated in Auckland, 2 km from Masefield Beach. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. At the hotel, the rooms come with a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Depart Auckland

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We hope you enjoyed this tour. Our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand. Have a great homeward journey and we hope to see you again soon!

Meals: Breakfast

See Pricing Options

What Marcella says about this tour: The Grand Pacific 16 day Signature Highlights tour explores the top locations and attractions on both the North and South Islands. Highlights include Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, and the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Head north crossing the Cook Strait to the capital city of Wellington before 2 nights in the cultural and thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Another 2 nights in the tropical Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland, the City of Sails. A true highlights of New Zealand tour.

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