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Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama

14 days 13 nights
Christchurch to Auckland
from NZD$7,315pp
was NZD$7,765pp
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The Grand Pacific 14 day New Zealand Ultimate Panorama tour uncovers the iconic attractions of both the North and South Islands. Starting in Christchurch visit the deep south and Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, the West Coast Glaciers before crossing the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train. Head north crossing the Cook Strait to the capital city of Wellington before 2 nights in the cultural and thermal wonderland of Rotorua before finishing in Auckland, the City of Sails.

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Tour full itinerary
Itinerary
Day One - Arrive in Christchurch
Tour day 1
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 1
Grand Pacific 14 day Ultimate Panorama

Enjoy an unforgettable ultimate experience in the rich culture of the South and North Island on this all-inclusive small group holiday. This tour visits beautiful Fiordland National Park, crosses the county on the TranzAlpine train and includes a visit to the country's capital. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and embrace the beauty of the thermal mud pools and geysers in Rotorua.

Grand Pacific offer quality merchandise which will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Choose between a Tour Jacket, a tour cap or there is a discounted combo price for both, ask us about purchasing these items. Merchandise items must be ordered at time of booking and are not available for purchase in New Zealand.

Arrive Christchurch City

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

Accommodation: The George (or similar)
Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & Hotels
Meals included: Dinner
The George is the essence of supreme comfort. The award winning 5 star hotel is opposite Hagley Park and just a few minutes stroll from the Botanic Gardens. Two superb award winning on site restaurants also feature.

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Day Two - Journey from Christchurch to Mt Cook
Tour day 2
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 2
Christchurch to Mt. Cook

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.

Accommodation: The Hermitage Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Hermitage Hotel ringed by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, is a world-renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884.

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Day Three - Follow the Waitaki river as you head to Dunedin
Tour day 3
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 3
Mt Cook to Dunedin via Oamaru

Depart Mt Cook and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. You might be interested in a tour of the Speight's Brewery (optional) or the chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat (optional).

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Distinction Dunedin Hotel occupies the grand Chief Post Office built in the 1930’s. This art deco inspired building has recently been transformed into a 4 star hotel with elegant décor, set in the heart of the city.

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Day Four - Travel along the Otago Peninsula on your way to Te Anau
Tour day 4
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 4
Dunedin to Te Anau

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Larnach Castle and Gardens

Larnach is New Zealand's only Castle, built in 1871 by politician and merchant, William Larnach, a man of great vision who helped shape New Zealand's early history. It was built for William's beloved first wife Eliza; it took 200 workmen three years to build the shell and a further twelve years were spent by master craftsmen to embellish the interior. The Castle is located high up on the Otago Peninsula and looks down on Dunedin city giving beautiful views. The gardens have an International Garden of Significance status and have a unique collection of specialised areas for you to explore. The Ballroom cafe is a fantastic place to rest and reflect on all you have seen while enjoying a delicious range of refreshments. As with the entire castle, the ballroom had an interesting and varied history prior to its beautiful restoration, uses ranged from a lunatic asylum, antique sales room to the penning of sheep.

Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (or similar)
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Te Anau Hotel and Villas offers a range of accommodation from hotel rooms and suites to villas. Ideally located on the lake front the hotel is just a few minutes stroll for the shops, cafes and activities on offer.

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Day Five - Cruise in Milford and wind your way to Queenstown
Tour day 5
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 5
Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown

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. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Milford Sound Cruise from Te Anau

Return luxury coach transport from Te Anau to Milford Sound, with a 1 hour 40 minute cruise along the full length of the fiord. On boarding a ReaNZ luxury glass-roofed coach in Te Anau, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the spectacular Milford Road through impressive, awe-inspiring scenery. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. Friendly coach drivers provide detailed commentary throughout the trip. On reaching Milford Sound, you board the modern, spacious vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and the wildlife. During the cruise your friendly crew provides commentary and will point out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
The 4 star deluxe Millennium Queenstown is located in the heart of Queenstown within minutes of the central shopping and entertainment area.

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Day Six - Free day in Queenstown
Tour day 6
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 6
Queenstown

This morning enjoy time exploring two of the region’s finest private gardens. Chantecler features plantings from around the world making it a garden for all seasons, whilst Blair Garden is a beautifully presented garden, where impressive vistas to the surrounding picturesque mountainous landscape can be found from many vantage points. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore Queenstown at leisure. 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 as you cruise back to Queenstown.

TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting.
Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship.
Enjoy the ambiance of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, New Zealand cheeses, tea and coffee.
After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
The 4 star deluxe Millennium Queenstown is located in the heart of Queenstown within minutes of the central shopping and entertainment area.

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Day Seven - Head north to Fox Glacier
Tour day 7
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 7
Queenstown to Arrowtown to Fox Glacier

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Next you visit Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel for your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Distinction Fox Glacier (or similar)
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
A modern, purpose-built boutique hotel. Distinctions Fox Glacier provides a balance of luxury, privacy and location, while being only a short stroll to Fox Glacier village.

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Day Eight - Hop aboard the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Tour day 8
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 8
Fox Glacier to Arthur's Pass, TranzAlpine train to Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival, your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
*Please be aware, there are some departure dates where the train may not be available due to schedule changes outside of Grand Pacific's control. If this occurs, your journey through the incredible Arthur's Pass will continue onboard your coach. Chat to a consultant to check the current schedule for your preferred departure.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Arthur's Pass to Christchurch

From Arthur's Pass, the train slowly descends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. It then crosses the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the South Island's largest city which is also known as the Garden City. Enjoy the Garden City's many attractions which include Ferrymead Heritage Park, the International Antarctic Centre, Ko Tane Maori and Cultural experience, Christchurch Casino, punting on the Avon River, the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, and so much more.

Accommodation: The George (or similar)
Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & Hotels
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
The George is the essence of supreme comfort. The award winning 5 star hotel is opposite Hagley Park and just a few minutes stroll from the Botanic Gardens. Two superb award winning on site restaurants also feature.

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Day Nine - Cross the Cook Striaght to Wellington
Tour day 9
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 9
Christchurch to Picton to Wellington

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.

Interislander Ferry Picton to Wellington

The 92 km journey between Picton and Wellington takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds. This region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays offer remarkable photographic opportunities.
From the Cook Strait, spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and often dolphins and sea birds are seen. After crossing the strait you approach Wellington Harbour and pass many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse (1859). Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site which recorded the country's highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph).

Accommodation: InterContinental Wellington (or similar)
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay in modern luxury in the heart of New Zealand’s capital city, adjacent to the scenic harbour. This hotel offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine at three restaurants, including the award-winning Chameleon. An ideal base to explore the business, shopping and cultural centres of Wellington.

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Day Ten - Spend a day in the country's 'Capital of Cool', Wellington
Tour day 10
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 10
Full day in Wellington

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

Gallipoli: The Scale of our War Exhibit

This one of a kind exhibition depicts the story of 8 ordinary New Zealanders who found themselves in unusual circumstances. The sculptures are captured at 2.4 times human scale, they are breathtaking and took 24,000 hours to create!
Technology was also used to create 3-D maps and projections, miniatures, models, dioramas, and a range of interactive experiences that bring New Zealand’s Gallipoli story to life.

Accommodation: InterContinental Wellington (or similar)
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast
Stay in modern luxury in the heart of New Zealand’s capital city, adjacent to the scenic harbour. This hotel offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine at three restaurants, including the award-winning Chameleon. An ideal base to explore the business, shopping and cultural centres of Wellington.

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Day Eleven - Drive through the rolling hills onto Rotorua
Tour day 11
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 11
Wellington to Taupo to Rotorua

Depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel & Spa occupies a great location within walking distance of the lakefront, the government gardens and the city centres shops and restaurants. Luxury rooms are well equipped and on-site facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and spa treatments.

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Day Twelve - Explore the thermal wonderland of Rotorua
Tour day 12
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 12
Rotorua

Today begins with a Gondola ride and breakfast at the Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Visit Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

Skyline Gondola Rotorua and 1 Luge Ride

Take the Skyline Scenic Gondola ride up the side of the dormant volcano Mount Ngongotaha (487 metres above sea level) where you can experience spectacular views of the city and lake. At the top, you will find the INZPIRED Store, the Jelly Belly Store, and the Market Kitchen or Stratosfare Restaurant. As well as the famous Luge, here you can whizz down a choice of 3 purpose built tracks.

Agrodome Farm Show

Set on a 350-acre working sheep and cattle farm with 1200 sheep and 120 beef cattle, the Agrodome gives its visitors a hands-on, live farming experience. The Farm Show stars a cast of talented animals – not just sheep! The remarkable farm dogs will amaze you, as they demonstrate their ability to respond to commands and keep those sheep (and ducks!) in line. Pet and have your photo taken with cute lambs and other baby farm animals. Then pop across to the herding area to watch a free live dog trial after the show!

Te Pō - Indigenous Evening Experience

Enjoy an in depth experience of the customs and traditions of Māori, with a traditional pōwhiri (Māori welcoming ceremony), a warrior's challenge and a full kapa haka (Māori performing arts) concert. Feeding guests is regarded by Māori as an honour and a sign of a tribe's mana (standing), so a sumptuous banquet is provided during the evening. This banquet combines contemporary cuisine with a traditional hangi (earth-cooked oven meal). Following dessert, you will be transported to enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Guests can wander around the illuminated natural attractions, including the world famous Pohutu geyser, while enjoying more Māori-inspired delicacies and a hot drink.

Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel & Spa occupies a great location within walking distance of the lakefront, the government gardens and the city centres shops and restaurants. Luxury rooms are well equipped and on-site facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and spa treatments.

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Day Thirteen - Head north to Auckland; the city of sails
Tour day 13
Grand Pacific Tours 14 Day Ultimate Panorama - Day 13
Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton

This morning depart Rotorua and travel to Hobbiton for an experience of the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. A guide will escort you through the ten acre site recounting fascinating details of how the set was created. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch before travelling north to Auckland.

Hobbiton Movie Set tour from Shires Rest

Become immersed in the The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set. Located just outside of Matamata in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region, your tour will begin with a drive through a picturesque sheep farm. You'll then be taken through Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the Party Tree while your guide shares behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Auckland (or similar)
Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Crowne Plaza Auckland is an upscale hotel ideally located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD and entertainment hub. Offering superior comfort, personal service and contemporary style and an abundance of attractions, entertainment and dining in close proximity.

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Day Fourteen - Depart Auckland
Tour day 14
Depart Auckland

After breakfast (included) it's time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

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Sep 8, 2023
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