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Both Islands

Start: Auckland
Finish: Christchurch
Location: Auckland
Duration: 19 days
Minimum Age: 18

Details

Explore Maori Culture, Scenic Railways, and World-Class Landscapes

This 19 Day Ultimate Showcase Coach Tour offers a premium way to explore both islands in Business Class comfort. Travelling with a small group, you’ll enjoy extra space, daily onboard Wi-Fi, and top-tier service as you visit places like Rotorua, Queenstown, and Napier. Highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine rail journey and the vibrant geothermal activity of the central North Island.

Four breathtaking cruises are included, from Milford Sound’s towering cliffs to the charm of the TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu. Each stop features 4.5-star accommodation and extended stays, so there’s time to relax and take it all in. With a mix of natural wonders, cultural gems, and relaxed travel, this tour is designed for travellers who want the very best of New Zealand.

**Please note Great Journeys New Zealand, operator of the Tranz Alpine rail journey, have advised this service may not be operating from mid April to May 2026. Once this has been confirmed we will advise accordingly, and a reduction will be applied prior to final payment for the missed attraction.**

For this departure, the TranzAlpine rail journey timetable for mid-April to May 2026 is still being finalised. Once we are informed of the confirmed schedule:

  • If the rail journey is not operating, a reduction will be applied to the final payment at 90 days prior to departure (final payment is due 60 days prior).
  • In cases where the TranzAlpine is not running, the Ultimate Coach will drive travellers through Arthur’s Pass to Franz Josef, providing a scenic and comfortable alternative.

Coach Features

  • 20 Business Class seats on a full-size coach
  • 2 door access; dedicated seat side storage with tray table; cup holder
  • Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance

Experience

  • 18 nights 4.5 star accommodation
  • 4 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 4 cruises
  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Activities
  • Ultimate Documentation Pack
  • Kauri Museum
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
  • Guided Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour and Lunch
  • Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
  • Agrodome
  • Guided Thermal mud pools and geysers
  • Te Puia traditional Māori Hāngi and Concert
  • Guided Hawke’s Bay Express
  • Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
  • Cruise on the Interislander Ferry, Premium Lounge
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Lakes District Museum
  • Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
  • Guided Larnach Castle
  • City sights tour of Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin

Meals

  • 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
  • 14 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 3 specialty dinners: Māori Hāngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch
  • 2 lunches: Hobbiton, Shire’s buffet; Milford Sound Cruise
  • 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.

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.

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.

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.
  • Luggage Tag
  • Name Badge
  • Travel Bag
  • Merchandise (if applicable)
Ultimate Tours Documentation Pack
Signature Tours Documenation Pack

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.

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