16 Day Ultimate Highlights Small Group Tour

Note on meals included: (B) Breakfast | (L) Lunch | (D) Dinner | (SD) Specialty Dinner

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On arrival in Christchurch, a Grand Pacific Tours representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink as you meet your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: The George or similar

Start the day with a city sights tour before travelling through the Canterbury Plains to the stunning Lake Tekapo. Visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and the iconic Sheep Dog Statue. Take in the breathtaking views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, with the option of a scenic flight (weather permitting).
Accommodation: The Hermitage Hotel

Journey past Lake Benmore and follow the Waitaki River to Oamaru before continuing to Dunedin. After a city tour, enjoy free time to explore or opt for a wildlife tour to see native species in their natural habitat.
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where a guided tour reveals its fascinating history. Wander the internationally recognised gardens before enjoying an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. Continue through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. You may wish to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Experience a breathtaking drive to Milford Sound, where you’ll board a cruise to admire the dramatic cliffs, Bowen Falls, and Mitre Peak while enjoying lunch. Travel onwards to Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, for a two-night stay. The evening is free to explore the city’s vibrant dining scene.
Accommodation: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)

Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. Choose from a range of optional activities, such as a jet boat ride or a Skippers Canyon tour. In the evening, board the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner, take a short farm tour before cruising back with live piano music onboard.

Visit Arrowtown, a historic goldmining village, before travelling via the scenic Haast Pass to the wild West Coast. Stop at Fox Glacier before arriving in Franz Josef, where an optional scenic flight over the glaciers is available (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Stop in Hokitika, famous for its pounamu (greenstone), before boarding the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Travel through dramatic gorges, the Waimakariri Basin, and the Canterbury Plains before arriving back in Christchurch.
Accommodation: The George

Journey along the East Coast to Kaikōura, then continue through Marlborough wine country to Picton. Board the Interislander Ferry, where you’ll enjoy the exclusive Premium Lounge as you sail through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.
Accommodation: InterContinental Wellington (2 nights)

Visit Te Papa Museum to explore the Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition, which brings history to life through cutting-edge technology. Then, enjoy a city tour before free time in the afternoon and evening to explore Wellington’s cafés, shops, and waterfront at your leisure.

Travel north, passing the majestic peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro, before stopping at Huka Falls. Continue along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal city of Rotorua.
Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)

Start the day with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua, with spectacular views over the city. Take an optional luge ride before visiting the Agrodome, where an interactive farm show provides insight into New Zealand’s agricultural heritage. In the evening, visit Te Puia to see bubbling mud pools and powerful geysers, followed by a traditional Māori hāngi dinner and cultural performance.

Depart Rotorua and travel north through Whangārei to the Bay of Islands. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed between Māori chiefs and the British in 1840.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights)

Set off on a scenic cruise around the Bay of Islands, stopping at an island before sailing to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. The afternoon is free for optional activities, such as a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Travel south via Matakohe, where you’ll visit the Kauri Museum to learn about New Zealand’s ancient forests. Continue to Auckland for a city tour before a farewell dinner with selected beverages.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Auckland

After a memorable New Zealand adventure, transfer to the airport for your departure