Grand Pacific Tours - Ultimate New Year Itinerary

On arrival into Wellington you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Nestled between a dramatic harbour and bush clad hills, Wellington was recently dubbed as ‘the coolest little capital city in the world’.  The city is the country's centre for culture, politics, and home to the National Museum, Te Papa.  Wellington’s thriving cafe scene is globally recognised by coffee cognoscenti, and of course is a centre for movie production with Lord or the Rings taking centre stage. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

A highlight will be will be time to explore Gallipoli: A scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum.. Enjoy an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Reboard your Ultimate Coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. This afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink to toast the New Year with your fellow travellers. 

Suggested outings before heading out on the town.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning board the Interislander Ferry and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy breakfast as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your Ultimate Coach for the southbound journey along the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, to Kaikōura. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Kaikōura - 1 Night

This morning enjoy a leisurely start in this seaside village, where the mountains meet the sea. Kaikōura is renowned as one of the best places to see Sperm whales and other marine mammals. There is an opportunity to take a scenic flight to view the year-round population of Sperm whales (optional, weather permitting). Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Depart Christchurch and travel south through Oamaru, famous for its limestone. In Dunedin enjoy a city tour followed by some free time. You might be interested in a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat (optional). 

Some activity options available in and around Dunedin:

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night 

This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the scandalous history on a guided tour followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Continue south through Balclutha and Gore to the lake-side town of Te Anau. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 Night 

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 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 at leisure, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights 

Take a day to experience the beauty of Queenstown exactly as you want to. From relaxing vineyard tours or boat cruises to extreme adventure activities, Queenstown has it all. Your driver will help you with your plans.

This Evening: Board the TSS Earnslaw and cruise to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax as you are treated to the best of NZ’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 as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Recommended excursions in and around Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Travel to Arrowtown an old goldmining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass and see the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Next you visit Franz Josef, if time is available you may like to experience a Scenic Flight (optional) weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel for your overnight stay. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 Night 

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Enjoy the spectacular scenery through to Christchurch where your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. This evening you will be treated to a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.

Meals: Breakfast, Special Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night 

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

There maybe time for some last minute excursions or shopping before making your way for your outbound flight. Our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Some Suggested Activities If You Have Time:

Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.