From Historic Rails to Milford Sunsets – A True NZ Showcase
Journey through New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes on a 19-day adventure that blends heritage railways, iconic cruises, and Premium Economy coach travel. You’ll ride the historic Glenbrook Railway, glide through coastal beauty on the Coastal Pacific, and cross the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine. This tour captures the country’s natural drama from the comfort of well-paced, mid-size group touring.
Cruise through shimmering lakes and hidden harbours, and enjoy an unforgettable overnight stay on Milford Sound surrounded by towering cliffs. With peaceful nights in 4-star accommodation and misty sunrises on the water, it’s a relaxed yet rich experience. Whether you're a nature lover or a train enthusiast, this Signature tour offers the perfect mix of adventure and comfort.
*Hotter than Hot Deal: Save $500 per person on 12 Sep, 1 Oct & 9 Oct 2026 Departure
*Book by 31 August 2026*
Coach Features
32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
A Grand Pacific Tours representative will be waiting to welcome you to Auckland and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink while meeting your Tour Leader and fellow travellers. Accommodation: Grand Millennium Auckland
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands (B, D)
A morning city tour of Auckland highlights its harbour and vibrant culture before travelling to Matakohe for a visit to the Kauri Museum, where fascinating stories of New Zealand’s pioneering past are shared. The journey continues via Whangārei to Paihia, the heart of the stunning Bay of Islands. A guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds provides insight into the historic agreement between the Māori tribes and the British Crown.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights)
Day 3: Bay of Islands – Free Day (B)
A full free day allows time to enjoy optional activities such as a Cape Reinga coach tour via Ninety Mile Beach or a scenic flight over the stunning coastline. The evening is also at leisure, with an option to join a relaxing dinner cruise.
Day 4: Bay of Islands – Auckland (B)
A scenic cruise through the Bay of Islands takes in Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, with the chance to see dolphins and marine life. The return journey to Auckland includes a stop in Whangārei, and the evening is free to explore the city’s lively dining scene.
Accommodation: Grand Millennium Auckland
Day 5: Auckland – Rotorua (B, D)
A morning visit to Glenbrook Vintage Railway offers a nostalgic steam train journey through rolling countryside, including a delightful morning tea. Travel continues through lush farmland before arriving in Rotorua, known for its geothermal wonders and Māori culture.
Accommodation: Pullman Rotorua (2 nights)
Day 6: Rotorua (B, SD)
Begin the day with a gondola ride to Skyline Rotorua, where breakfast is served with spectacular views. There’s also time for a luge ride before visiting the Agrodome for a unique farming experience. The afternoon is free before heading to Te Puia, home to boiling mud pools and geysers. The evening features a traditional Māori Hāngi dinner and cultural performance.
Day 7: Rotorua – Wellington (B, D)
Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls, then enjoy free time in the lakeside town of Taupō before continuing through the Tongariro National Park to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.
Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (2 nights)
Day 8: Wellington (B)
A visit to Te Papa Museum includes time to explore the Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition, an immersive experience using cutting-edge technology. A city tour follows, with the afternoon free to explore. A ride on the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn Station is included, with access to the Cable Car Museum and Botanic Gardens. The evening is at leisure to discover Wellington’s renowned food scene.
Day 9: Wellington – Kaikōura – Christchurch (B, D)
A morning Interislander Ferry journey offers stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton. From here, board the Coastal Pacific train, travelling between the Kaikōura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean. The coach meets the group in Kaikōura for the journey to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)
Day 10: Christchurch (B)
The morning includes a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, where an interactive experience brings Antarctica to life. A city tour follows, with the afternoon free to explore at leisure, including a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram.
Day 11: Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass – Franz Josef (B, D)
One of the world’s greatest train journeys, the TranzAlpine, takes you through rugged landscapes, deep gorges, and the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Continue by coach to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone (pounamu), before arriving in Franz Josef, with an option for a scenic flight over the glaciers (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 12: Franz Josef – Queenstown (B)
A journey south along the West Coast leads through the spectacular Haast Pass before arriving in Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The evening is free to dine at one of the city’s many renowned restaurants.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 13: Queenstown – Free Day (B, SD)
A free day in Queenstown allows time to experience optional activities, with assistance available from the tour crew. The evening features a scenic cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station, where a gourmet barbecue dinner awaits at the Colonel’s Homestead. A farm tour and live piano music onboard complete the experience.
Day 14: Queenstown – Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B, D)
A visit to Arrowtown and the Lakes District Museum starts the day before travelling via Te Anau to Milford Sound. Boarding the Milford Mariner, an overnight cruise offers a rare opportunity to experience the fiord’s beauty in the evening tranquillity. Stunning waterfalls, rainforest, and wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and penguins, surround the journey. A buffet dinner is prepared onboard, with options to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak.
Accommodation: Milford Mariner
Day 15: Milford Sound – Te Anau (B, D)
A morning cruise explores more of Milford Sound, heading toward the Tasman Sea (weather permitting). Returning to the wharf, rejoin the coach and travel to Te Anau for an afternoon at leisure, with an optional visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
Day 16: Te Anau – Dunedin (B, D)
A journey through Gore and Balclutha leads to Dunedin, famous for its Edwardian and Victorian architecture from the gold rush era. A city tour introduces New Zealand’s oldest university city.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (2 nights)
Day 17: Dunedin (B)
A visit to Larnach Castle includes a guided tour of its fascinating history and time to explore its Garden of International Significance. A Devonshire Tea follows. The afternoon is free, with optional activities such as a wildlife excursion or a visit to Olveston Historic Home.
Day 18: Dunedin – Christchurch (B, SD)
A stop in Oamaru, known for its limestone architecture, is included before returning to Christchurch. A pre-dinner drink and farewell dinner provide a chance to reminisce about the journey.
Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Day 19: Depart Christchurch (B)
After a memorable New Zealand adventure, a transfer to the airport is provided for the departing flight.
Frequently asked questions
Grand Pacific Tours (GPT) can accommodate limited dietary requests, including Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free, Diabetic, and life-threatening allergies (requiring an EpiPen). These requests are forwarded to hotels and attraction suppliers but cannot be guaranteed and do not form part of your contract with us.
Meal options may be limited, as GPT operates volume group tours with buffet or à la carte menus. Due to the complexity of coordinating meals across an extended itinerary, religious dietary requests (such as Hindu Vegetarian, Kosher, or Halal) cannot be accommodated. Any additional dietary intolerances must be self-managed.
Airline meal options are subject to airline restrictions and may vary.
Award-Winning Travel Documentation
Grand Pacific Tours provides one of the most comprehensive documentation packs in the travel industry. Our travel agent partners have recognised our commitment to quality, awarding us multiple accolades for delivering the best documentation packs available.
Documentation Pack Inclusions
Each traveller receives a durable travel bag, ticket wallet, luggage tag, and personal name badge. The ticket wallet includes a detailed tour itinerary, an Optional Activities Directory, a map, a questionnaire, and an emergency contact card.
Contents of Your Documentation Pack
Ticket Wallet – Includes flight itinerary (if applicable), tour itinerary, tour questionnaire, Optional Activities Directory, touring map, resealable plastic bag (for customs), and an Emergency Contact card.
Note: Contents of the Documentation Pack can vary each season.
Travellers Residing in Australia
Your Grand Pacific Tours (GPT) documentation, including any merchandise, will be sent to you approximately two weeks before departure. These items will not be available once you have departed Australia.
Travellers Residing Outside of Australia
Your personalised itinerary will be emailed to you. Your GPT documentation and any merchandise will be available for collection at your first night's accommodation, as per your tour itinerary.
If you do not require certain items from the Documentation Pack, please return them to the GPT Representative on the first morning of your tour, and they will be recycled. You can also view the contents of the Documentation Pack on our website before arriving in New Zealand. If your pack is not available at your hotel, please contact GPT.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide documentation in advance.
Optional activities must be booked with the Grand Pacific Tours Crew while on tour. Payment is made directly to the activity operator.
Please contact us if you want a soft copy of the brochure.
Packing for a trip overseas can be tricky, but we recommend travelling light. If you forget something, you’ll be able to pick it up along the way.
Packing Tips:
Clothing: Smart casual outfits are suitable for most occasions. Temperatures can vary, so pack light layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of the season.
Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, but heavy hiking boots aren’t necessary.
Accessories: Bring a sunhat, sunblock, sunglasses, and a swimsuit for beaches and hot pools.
Luggage Allowance:
To make travel easy, please limit your luggage to:
1 medium-sized suitcase (maximum 23kg / 50lbs) – stored in the coach’s luggage compartment and not accessible during the day.
1 small day bag or soft backpack – perfect for items you need during the day, like a jacket, sunhat, camera, or water bottle.
We understand that everyone wants a great view of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, so we operate a seat rotation policy on all our tours. This ensures fairness and gives everyone the chance to enjoy different perspectives during the journey.
While we can’t guarantee seats near the front, rotating seats keeps things fair for everyone.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend bringing any medication you might need.
Departure Dates
Frequency: Departures September to May. Please check Departure Date in booking form (these dates are subject to confirmation as all dates are subject to availability).
Pricing
Sep 2026 - May 2027
Cost per person
Tour Price
Our Price
Twin Share
AU$10,919*
AU$10,769*
Single Room
AU$14,469*
AU$14,319*
*Prices are based on a land-only package and do not include seasonal discounts and festive season surcharges on select departures dates. Airfares from Australia can be added at an extra cost.
*Save $250 per person on May and September departures
2026-27
Extra Nights Pre/Post Tour per person
Auckland
Christchurch
Twin Share
AU$205
AU$190
Single Room
AU$410
AU$380
These prices are exclusive to Australian visitors. International guests, please contact us for pricing. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Coach Tours
Train & Rail Journeys
Cruises
