2025 Dates Added

19 Day Ultimate Showcase

This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5

 

Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.

 

As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.

Pace
Balanced

A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.

Escorted Type
Partially Escorted
Train
TranzAlpine
Small Group Tour
800 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Travel with Grand Pacific Tours
Professional Coach Captain
Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
Return airport transfers in New Zealand
18 nights 4.5 star accommodation
4 two night stays
Hotel porterage
1 rail journey
4 cruises
All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
Extensive Optional Tours Programme
Ultimate Documentation Pack
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
14 sumptuous dinners and 3 specialty dinners: Mãori Hãngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Intimate Farewell Dinner with selected beverages, Christchurch
Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner
2 lunches including a Shire’s buffet lunch: Hobbiton™
1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
Enjoy GPT Wine Time (discounted drinks)

✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.

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What we love about this tour

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Itinerary

Hotel
Crowne Plaza Auckland or Similar
Meals
Dinner

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 as you meet your travelling companions.

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. 

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. 

Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Hotel
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe for 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 or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

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 at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Hotel
Crowne Plaza Auckland or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands including an island visit aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia travel south via Whangarei before returning to Auckland. This evening is free to dine at leisure.

Hotel
Regent of Rotorua or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to Sky Tower, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions. Continue through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton™ for a buffet lunch. This is followed by a guided tour of the Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will recount details of how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

Hotel
Regent of Rotorua or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua, where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is 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 Mãori Hãngi and Concert.

Hotel
Scenic Hotel Te Pania or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Hear informative commentary of the city’s fascinating history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city, you might choose to do a guided walk (optional).

Hotel
InterContinental Wellington or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Travel south this morning into Wellington for a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here. At Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, there is time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Hotel
Sudima Kaikõura or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

This morning board the Interislander Ferry and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy breakfast as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your Ultimate Coach for the short journey to Blenheim, where you will have time to explore this beautiful region at your leisure. Continue south to Kaikōura.

Hotel
The George or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning enjoy a leisurely start in this seaside village, where the mountains meet the sea. Kaikōura is renowned as one of the best places to see Sperm whales and other marine mammals. There is an opportunity to take a scenic flight to view the year-round population of Sperm whales (optional, weather permitting). Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch.

Hotel
Distinction Fox Glacier or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

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 Ultimate Coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to the township of Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Hotel
Heritage Queenstown or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue 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 at leisure, you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Hotel
Heritage Queenstown or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of scenic Skippers Canyon or get up close to a Kiwi bird. 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.

Hotel
Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Hotel
Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

Hotel
Distinction Dunedin Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy a city tour followed by some free time at leisure.

Hotel
The Hermitage Hotel (Aoraki Wing) or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour with time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. This is followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.

Hotel
The George or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.

Meals
Breakfast

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

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. 

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Inclusions

  • Travel with Grand Pacific Tours
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • 18 nights 4.5 star accommodation
  • 4 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 4 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Tours Programme
  • Ultimate Documentation Pack
  • Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
  • 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
  • 14 sumptuous dinners and 3 specialty dinners: Mãori Hãngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Intimate Farewell Dinner with selected beverages, Christchurch
  • Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner
  • 2 lunches including a Shire’s buffet lunch: Hobbiton™
  • 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Wine Time (discounted drinks)

  • Kauri Museum
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
  • Sky Tower
  • Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour and Lunch*
  • Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
  • Agrodome
  • Thermal mud pools and geysers*
  • Te Puia traditional Mãori Hãngi and Concert
  • Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
  • Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Lakes District Museum
  • Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Lunch
  • Larnach Castle*
  • City sights tour of Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin
    *denotes guided tour

Fine Print

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

  1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
  2. Pay a 1st installment of $500.00 per person within 7 days.
  3. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

  • Your booking is confirmed
  • Your departure date is within 11 months
  • You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances. 

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $3,395.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share
Not Available

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to
present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.

Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Group Size
2 - 20

Children
On Ultimate Small Group Touring and Signature Mid-Size Group Touring, children under 16 years are not permitted. 

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

  • $200.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
  • $400.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

  • $235.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
  • $470.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

  • Flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Please note that your tour is operated by Grand Pacific Tours and documentation is provided via delivery to your residential address approximately 14 days prior to departure.

In order to ensure a smooth process for delivery of your documents, you will receive a phone call directly from Grand Pacific Tours leading up to the delivery dispatch date to confirm your delivery address details.

Please ensure you answer this call and provide accurate details to the supplier. In the event that an incorrect address is provided there may be additional costs to redirect the delivery to the correct address.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above please do not hesitate to contact us.

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