19 Day Signature Showcase Mid-Size Group Tour

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

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A Grand Pacific Tours representative will be there to greet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink while meeting your Tour Leader and fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Auckland

The journey north begins with a visit to the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, where stories of New Zealand’s pioneering past come to life. Travel via Whangārei to Paihia, set in 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)

A full free day allows time to explore, with optional activities such as a Cape Reinga tour via Ninety Mile Beach or a scenic flight over the Bay of Islands. The evening is also at leisure, with the option to join a relaxing dinner cruise.

A cruise through the Bay of Islands takes in Cape Brett and the iconic Hole in the Rock, with the chance to spot dolphins and marine life. Returning to Paihia, the journey south passes through Whangārei, before arriving back in Auckland. The evening is free to explore the city’s dining options.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Auckland

A city tour of Auckland highlights its harbour and cultural landmarks before heading south through rolling farmland to Hobbiton™. A guided tour of the 12-acre film set includes a buffet lunch at the Green Dragon Inn and the chance to step inside a fully immersive Hobbit Hole interior. The journey continues to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and Māori culture.
Accommodation: Pullman Rotorua (2 nights)

Start the day with a gondola ride to Skyline Rotorua, where breakfast is served with spectacular views. There’s time for an exciting luge ride before visiting the Agrodome, home to an interactive farming experience. The afternoon is free before heading to Te Puia, where boiling mud pools and the famous Pōhutu Geyser showcase Rotorua’s geothermal wonders. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Māori Hāngi feast and cultural performance.

The journey follows the Thermal Explorer Highway, stopping at the mighty Huka Falls and Lake Taupō before reaching Napier, home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of Art Deco architecture. A ride on the Hawke’s Bay Express provides an engaging introduction to the city’s history, followed by free time to explore.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Travelling south to Wellington, a city tour introduces the capital’s vibrant culture and history. The afternoon is free to explore, with the hotel conveniently located near the waterfront.
Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

A visit to Te Papa Museum includes the powerful Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition. Later, board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton, before a short drive to Blenheim.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Marlborough

A morning drive through Marlborough wine country leads to the coastal town of Kaikōura, before continuing to Christchurch for a city sights tour.
Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

A breathtaking rail journey aboard the TranzAlpine takes you through deep gorges, towering viaducts, and the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. The journey continues to Hokitika, known for its pounamu (greenstone), before arriving in Franz Josef, with an option for a scenic glacier flight (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Spectacular views of the Southern Alps frame the drive south along the West Coast, passing through Fox Glacier and the Haast Pass before arriving in Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The evening is free to explore the city’s dining scene.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)

A free day to explore Queenstown, with optional activities including a jet boat ride or a Skippers Canyon tour. The evening features a scenic cruise aboard the 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.

A relaxed morning before visiting Arrowtown, a historic gold mining village. The journey continues to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, with the option to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (2 nights)

A scenic drive leads to Milford Sound, where a cruise through the spectacular fiord reveals towering waterfalls and Mitre Peak, with lunch onboard. The return to Te Anau includes free time, with the option to watch Ata Whenua – Shadowland, a breathtaking film showcasing Fiordland’s untouched beauty.

A journey through Gore and Balclutha leads to Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. A visit to Larnach Castle includes a guided tour, time in its award-winning gardens, and Devonshire Tea.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

The journey north includes a stop in Oamaru, known for its limestone architecture. Following the Waitaki River, travel past Lake Pukaki to view Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, with an option for a scenic flight over the Southern Alps (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Distinction Mackenzie Country

The turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Sheep Dog Statue are key highlights before returning to Christchurch. A pre-dinner drink and farewell dinner provide a final opportunity to celebrate the journey.
Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

A transfer to the airport is provided for the departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable New Zealand adventure.