Arrive Auckland

Meals: Two Course 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. Hotel Crowne Plaza Auckland

Auckland to Bay of Islands

Overnight: Scenic Hotel, Bay of Islands (B,L,D)

This morning we depart Auckland, making our way to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri tree. Continue through Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. 2 Night Stay: Scenic Hotel, Bay of Islands (B,L,D)

Bay Of Islands

Meals: Full Breakfast, Two Course Dinner

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, enjoy a free afternoon where a range of optional activities are available, or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. This evening is also at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Kauri Museum, Auckland

Overnight: Sky City Hotel, Auckland

Farewell the Bay of Islands and travel south to Matakohe where we stop for a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Continue to Auckland’s north shore for some free time at leisure. This evening we dine with magnificent views over Auckland harbour and the city at Orbit Revolving Restaurant. 1 Night Stay: Sky City Hotel, Auckland (B,L,D)

Hobbiton, Rotorua

Overnight: Distinction Rotorua (B,L,D) • Meals: Lunch

Depart Auckland and travel through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a guided tour of the movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies followed by a Marque festival lunch at Hobbiton. 2 Night Stay: Distinction Rotorua (B,L,D)

Rotorua

Meals: Full Breakfast, Two Course 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 the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Free time is available 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. Hotel Regent of Rotorua

Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Wellington

Overnight: James Cook Grand Chancellor, Wellington (B,L,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 to Wellington, the capital and southernmost point on the Cook Strait. 2 Night Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor, Wellington (B,L,D)

Wellington

Meals: Full Breakfast

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 which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements. Hotel InterContinental Wellington

Interislander Ferry, Coastal Pacific, Christchurch

Overnight: Distinction Hotel Christchurch (B,L,D)

This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross the Cook Strait and enjoy the scenery as we travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side, the rugged scenic coastline on the other, and travels through numerous tunnels and across several bridges. Enjoy a two night stay in the garden city of Christchurch. 2 Night Stay: Distinction Hotel Christchurch (B,L,D)

Christchurch

Meals: Two Course Dinner

Today is a free day to explore Christchurch at leisure. Enjoy a journey on board the Christchurch Tram, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. The all-day ticket allows you to visit the central city sights onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram. This evening is free to dine at leisure. Hotel The George

TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Hokitika, Franz Josef

Overnight: Scenic Hotel, Franz Josef Glacier (B,L,D)

This morning board the TranzApine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges, making our way to Greymouth. Boarding our coach, we then travel via Hokitika to Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight with snow landing (optional, weather permitting). 1 Night Stay: Scenic Hotel, Franz Josef Glacier (B,L,D)

Haast Pass, Queenstown

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as we 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. 2 Night Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront, Queenstown (B,L,D)

Free Day in Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu evening cruise

Meals: Lunch, Two Course Dinner

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing-along by the piano on the return cruise. ‍*Lunch is at own expense today. (B,SD)

Arrowtown, Te Anau

This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Follow the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu around the Devil’s Staircase to Kingston with The Remarkables Ranges to your left. Continue on through the lovely Southland countryside where sheep, cattle and deer farming predominate before reaching Te Anau. 1 Night Stay: Distinction Hotel Luxmore, Te Anau (B,L,D)

Milford Mariner

Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling to Milford Sound to board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise. Relax and take in the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, mountains and wildlife. Enjoy dinner on board this evening. 1 Night Stay: Milford Mariner Cruise (B,L,D)

Gore, Balclutha, Dunedin

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin (B,L,SD)

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin for a city tour, then the remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. Tonight, a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis ceremony and gift. 2 Night Stay: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin (B,L,SD)

Dunedin & Surrounds

Meals: Lunch

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Olveston House, a prestigious historic Home, before travelling to Larnach Castle, where we learn about its tragic and scandalous history. After lunch, we join a wildlife cruise to the spectacular Taiaroa Head, where sightings of New Zealand fur seals and albatross are common. (B,L,D)

Dunedin, Oamaru, Christchurch

Overnight: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch (B,L,SD) • Meals: Two Course Dinner

We farewell Dunedin, travelling via Moeraki and Oamaru to Christchurch. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening with your newfound friends. 1 Night Stay: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch (B,L,SD)

Flights home

Meals: Full Breakfast, Lunch, Two Course Dinner

This morning we have one last opportunity to take in a Melbourne icon, with a visit to Queen Victoria Market. Taste the freshest produce and purchase local wares to take home at this famous site. We then board the coach, farewell the city and make our way to the airport for our respective Carbon Neutral flights home. B = Full Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner