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19 Day Signature, Rail, Cruise and Coach

Combining rail, coach and breathtaking cruises including Milford Sound overnight cruise

Days
19

Pricing From
$9699

North Island / South Island
Book Now

Overview

19 Day Signature Rail Cruise and Coach Tour

Discover the enchantment of rail travel, the grandeur of cruising, and the comfort of Premium Economy coach journeys on this fully escorted 19 Day Signature, Rail, Cruise and Coach across New Zealand. Experience the pinnacle of scenic travel with exclusive rail journeys including the nostalgic Glenbrook Vintage Railway, the coastal delights of the Pacific Rail Journey, and the globally celebrated TranzAlpine Rail Journey.

Indulge in the tranquillity of cruising with four remarkable cruises, highlighted by an unforgettable overnight stay on the stunning Milford Sound. The tour offers the luxury of two-night stays in some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations: the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin, ensuring a deeply engaging and leisurely exploration of each.

With each destination offering a blend of unique attractions and experiences, this tour is perfect for those seeking to capture the essence of New Zealand’s beauty in style and comfort.

Signature Mid-Size Coach

Signature Mid-Size Coach

Signature Mid-Size Coach

Signature Mid-Size Coach

Signature Mid-Size Coach

Signature Mid-Size Coach

Signature Mid-Size Coach

Signature Mid-Size Coach

Signature Mid-Size Coach

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Arrive Auckland (D)

Itinerary may change starting September 2025. Please enquire upon booking.

On arrival into Auckland, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner (if arriving before 8pm).

Hotel SkyCity Hotel  

Day 2Auckland - Bay of Islands (B,D)

Enjoy a city tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’, before travelling to Matakohe to enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori tribes and the British.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) 

Day 3Bay of Islands (Free Day) (B)

Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Day 4Bay of Islands - Auckland (B)

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Upon return to Paihia, travel south via Whangarei, before returning to Auckland. This evening is free to explore the many eateries surrounding your hotel.

Hotel SkyCity Hotel 

Day 5Auckland - Rotorua (B,D)

This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train including a delightful morning tea. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua renowned for its geothermal activity and Māori culture.

Hotel Pullman Rotorua (City View Room. 2 nights)

Day 6Rotorua (B,SD)

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is 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 Māori Hāngi and Concert.

Day 7Rotorua - Wellington (B,D)

Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park and continue south to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.

Hotel James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (Executive Room. 2 nights)

Day 8Wellington (B)

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon and this evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene.

Day 9Wellington - Kaikoura - Christchurch (B,D)

This morning board the Interislander Ferry where you can relax in comfort in the Queen Charlotte Lounge. Enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikōura Ranges. Meet your coach in the fishing village of Kaikōura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)

Day 10Christchurch (B)

Today visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at leisure. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine.

Day 11Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef (B,D)

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as 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 the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)

Day 12Franz Josef - Queenstown (B)

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south 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. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)

Day 13Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will assist with the many optional activities available. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food 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.

Day 14Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B,D)

This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for your amazing overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife - you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) - or to simply relax on board. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.

Overnight Milford Mariner

Day 15Milford Sound - Te Anau (B,D)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (Deluxe Room)

Day 16Te Anau - Dunedin (B,D)

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. This afternoon enjoy a tour of Olveston Historic Home, beautifully preserved merchant’s home from the turn of the century containing a wealth of precious treasures of a bygone era.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (2 nights) 

Day 17Dunedin (B,D)

This morning travel 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. Return to Dunedin for a city tour followed by some free time for optional activities. This evening is also free to dine at leisure.

Day 18Dunedin - Christchurch (B,SD)

Today travel to the small town of Oamaru, famous for its limestone architecture before continuing to Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Day 19Depart Christchurch (B)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Cost per person twin share in Australian Dollars

September 2024 - May 2025  
Land Only
AU$9,699
Single Supplement
AU$3,050
Extra nights accommodation Pre/Post Tour
City  Twin Share Single
Auckland  AU$165 AU$330
Christchurch  AU$160 AU$320
Extra night rates are per person in Australian Dollars, based on room only. 
September 2025 - May 2026
Land Only
AU$10,499
Single Supplement
AU$3,350
Extra nights accommodation Pre/Post Tour
City  Twin Share Single
Auckland  AU$200 AU$400
Christchurch  AU$180 AU$360
Extra night rates are per person in Australian Dollars, based on room only. 

* Please Note*

Prices are correct at time of printing, but are subject to exchange rate variations and component price changes.

Payment

  • Deposit: $300 per person on booking
  • Full Payment: 75 Days before travel
  • Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full on booking

Cancellation Charges

  • 60 days or more prior to departure, loss of deposit plus the cost of the airline ticket if issued.
  • Between 8 and 59 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour package price.
  • 7 days or less prior to departure, 100% of the tour package price.

If a traveller wishes to cancel their existing booking and transfer to a new departure date inside 60 days, the administration fees may still apply.

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Arrive Auckland (D)

Itinerary may change starting September 2025. Please enquire upon booking.

On arrival into Auckland, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner (if arriving before 8pm).

Hotel SkyCity Hotel  

Day 2Auckland - Bay of Islands (B,D)

Enjoy a city tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’, before travelling to Matakohe to enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori tribes and the British.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) 

Day 3Bay of Islands (Free Day) (B)

Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Day 4Bay of Islands - Auckland (B)

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Upon return to Paihia, travel south via Whangarei, before returning to Auckland. This evening is free to explore the many eateries surrounding your hotel.

Hotel SkyCity Hotel 

Day 5Auckland - Rotorua (B,D)

This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train including a delightful morning tea. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua renowned for its geothermal activity and Māori culture.

Hotel Pullman Rotorua (City View Room. 2 nights)

Day 6Rotorua (B,SD)

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is 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 Māori Hāngi and Concert.

Day 7Rotorua - Wellington (B,D)

Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park and continue south to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.

Hotel James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (Executive Room. 2 nights)

Day 8Wellington (B)

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon and this evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene.

Day 9Wellington - Kaikoura - Christchurch (B,D)

This morning board the Interislander Ferry where you can relax in comfort in the Queen Charlotte Lounge. Enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikōura Ranges. Meet your coach in the fishing village of Kaikōura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)

Day 10Christchurch (B)

Today visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at leisure. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine.

Day 11Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef (B,D)

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as 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 the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)

Day 12Franz Josef - Queenstown (B)

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south 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. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)

Day 13Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will assist with the many optional activities available. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food 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.

Day 14Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B,D)

This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for your amazing overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife - you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) - or to simply relax on board. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.

Overnight Milford Mariner

Day 15Milford Sound - Te Anau (B,D)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (Deluxe Room)

Day 16Te Anau - Dunedin (B,D)

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. This afternoon enjoy a tour of Olveston Historic Home, beautifully preserved merchant’s home from the turn of the century containing a wealth of precious treasures of a bygone era.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (2 nights) 

Day 17Dunedin (B,D)

This morning travel 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. Return to Dunedin for a city tour followed by some free time for optional activities. This evening is also free to dine at leisure.

Day 18Dunedin - Christchurch (B,SD)

Today travel to the small town of Oamaru, famous for its limestone architecture before continuing to Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Day 19Depart Christchurch (B)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

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