Signature Rail, Cruise & Coach

Day 1 Auckland                                                        
Arrive into Auckland and be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative at the airport who will transfer you to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow companions for a welcome reception.                                                        

Days 2-3 Auckland to Bay of Islands  
Start your journey with a city tour of Auckland before travelling to the Kauri Museum for an informative talk. Continue to Paihia in the heart of the Bay of Islands, visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds en route to hear the history of the famous treaty signed here. Day three is free to explore this stunning region.                                                        

Day 4 Bay of Island to Auckland                      
This morning, cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep your eyes peeled for resident dolphins and other marine life, before travelling south back to Auckland.        

Day 5 Auckland to Rotorua            
Travel on board the Glenbrook Vintage Railway this morning for a 15km trip on a beautifully restored steam train. Enjoy morning tea at the station before continuing to Paradise Valley Springs, a wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout.          

Day 6 Rotorua                  
Ride the Skyline Gondola this morning and enjoy breakfast with spectacular views. After a thrilling ride down on the luge, visit the Agrodome for a spot of farming entertainment. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before heading to Te Puia to the boiling mud pools that Rotorua is famous for. This evening, enjoy a Maori cultural performance with a hangi feast.      

Days 7-8 Rotorua to Wellington  
Continue south via spectacular Huka Falls, scenic Lake Taupo and rugged Tongariro National Park en route to Wellington. On day eight, visit Te Papa National Museum and embark on a city tour.  

Days 9-10 Wellington to Christchurch            
Cross the Cook Strait through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board the Coastal Pacific for a spectacular rail journey between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges, travelling through numerous tunnels and across several bridges. On day 10, visit the International Antarctic Centre and embark on a city tour. This afternoon, journey on board the Christchurch Tram.                                            

Day 11 Christchurch to Franz Josef              
Board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel in style through breath taking gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass. This evening, transfer by coach to Franz Josef where free time allows for an optional scenic flight over the glaciers.    

Days 12-13 Franz Josef to Queenstown                
Travel south along the west coast to Queenstown. Day 13 is free to explore Queenstown as you wish. In the evening, board the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship to  cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead.          

Day 14 Queenstown to Milford Sound        
This morning, travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for an amazing overnight cruise on the pristine waters of Milford Sound.                                    

Days 15-16 Milford Sound to Dunedin                    
After a hearty breakfast, sail to Deep Cove and re-join the coach to travel to Te Anau for an afternoon at leisure. On day 16, travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its Edwardian and Victorian architecture.                                  

Day 17 Dunedin                    
Drive along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour of this historic landmark, followed by a delicious Devonshire tea in the Grand Ballroom before returning to Dunedin for an afternoon city tour.                                

Days 18-19 Dunedin to Christchurch      
Visit Olveston Historic Home, a prosperous merchants home en route to Christchurch. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. After breakfast on day 19, transfer to the airport for your onward travels after a memorable holiday.