19 Day Classic Rail, Cruise & Coach
Beginning in Auckland, this tour features breathtaking rail journeys, visits the glacier region and includes a Milford Sound overnight cruise.19 Day Classic Rail, Cruise & Coach
From Auckland to Christchurch, this tour combines the best of coach, rail and and an overnight cruise on spectacular Milford Sound.Save NZ$300 pp
Save NZ$300 per person on tours departing: 19th September 2021 and 21st April & 4th May 2022. Book now!Tour Type: | Group Tours |
From: | Auckland to Christchurch |
Departs: | Selected dates |
Duration: | 19 days |
Tour Code: | CGPR19 |
Regions Visited
Click on the region name to view more information about the regionTour Inclusions
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 48 seats on a Classic touring coach, 2 door access; overhead travel bag storage, Restroom; panormaic viewing
- Professional Coach Captain
- 17 nights 4 star accommodation
- Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- Hotel porterage
- 3 rail journeys
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
- 14 sumptuous dinners including 4 specialty dinners: Māori Hāngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner, Christchurch
- 2 lunches
- 2 delicious morning teas
- Enjoy GPT Wine Time (discounted drinks)
- Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway
- Paradise Valley Springs
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Thermal mud pools and geysers
- Te Puia traditional Māori Hāngi and Concert
- Wellington Tramway Museum
- Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
- Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Tram
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- HIGHLIGHT Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- Larnach Castle
- Haggis Ceremony and Gift
- Olvston Historic Home
- City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin
Frequently Asked Questions – GroupTours
What is a Group tour?
What could be better than travelling with a group of like-minded people, on a coach tour operated by one of our preferred operators, AAT Kings or Grand Pacific Tours. You will be taken care of from your arrival into New Zealand through to your departure.
Do these tours departure every day?
The departure dates are stipulated on our website. Should a date not fit into your schedule, please contact us as we would gladly make alternative arrangements for you.
I am a single traveller, can I be matched up with another single traveller in a twin room?
Yes, you can pay on a share twin basis. You will be matched with a fellow traveller of the same gender, however we are unable to guarantee compatibility.
What is included in my tour?
5 star coach transportation, experienced coach captain with full commentary, some tours include a tour manager. Accommodation, activities and meals as stipulated in the itinerary.
Can I join or leave a tour part way through?
Yes, should you wish to we can arrange this for you. However, there will be no deduction in the cost for unused services.
Does the tour include transfers on arrival and departure?
You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to the tour hotel to meet your fellow travellers. At the completion of the tour you will be transferred to the airport in ample time for your departure flight.
Can I add accommodation onto my tour, at the beginning or the end of the tour?
Yes, this is pre or post accommodation. Just let us know and we can include that in your tour.
I am prone to motion sickness, can I guarantee a forward seat?
All tours operate a seat rotation system for the enjoyment of all travellers. All travellers must participate in seat rotation as a condition of booking. Due to this we are unable to guarantee forward seating.
How much luggage can I bring on tour?
Each traveller is entitled to travel with one suitcase. Maximum suitcase weight allowed is 23kg (50lbs). All luggage is entirely at the ‘owners risk’ whilst on tour and we strongly recommend that travel insurance be taken out by each traveller to cover accidental damage or loss. All travellers are supplied with luggage tags. This will assist the Coach Captain to identify your luggage when loading the coach throughout your tour and the delivery of luggage to your room.
What clothing should I bring on tour?
Whilst on tour, dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants. The seasons are more pronounced and the weather is more changeable. In summer, a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting during the months of May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing. You may have the option to relax and unwind in thermal hot pools so don’t forget to pack your swimwear.
What can I expect weather wise?
As much as we would like to say 100% sunshine, that is beyond us so the New Zealand Met service have the following averages.
Spring: September, October, November - average daytime temperature 16 – 19 Celsius (61 – 66 Fahrenheit)
Summer: December, January, February - average daytime temperature 20 – 25 Celsius (68- 77 Fahrenheit)
Autumn/Fall: March, April, May - average daytime temperature 17-21 Celsius (62 – 70 Fahrenheit)
Winter: June, July, August - average daytime temperature 12 - 16 Celsius (53 – 61 Fahrenheit)
Do I need to tip in New Zealand?
If you wish to reward someone for a job well done it is always much appreciated.
Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Most visitors to New Zealand do not require a visa to enter for the purpose of a holiday or vacation under the visa waiver program. If you do need a visa to visit New Zealand then you should contact the New Zealand consulate in your home country well before your departure date. We recommend you also check with your local travel agent or airline for any visa requirements to New Zealand particularly if you are passing through Australia. Information on the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) can be found here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta
What currency is used in New Zealand?
The New Zealand dollar is the only legal tender in New Zealand. View a guide between your local currency and the New Zealand dollar. Please note: Your tour and all purchases using a credit card in New Zealand will be charged in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) at the current exchange rate at the time of purchase.
Do I require travel insurance?
We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. Factors may arise that require you to cancel or amend your holiday, so it is essential you are covered for any costs that may be incurred. We recommend purchasing your travel insurance locally at the same time as you book your tour and flights. Pacific Travel Ltd does not sell travel insurance.
Day By Day Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO AUCKLAND

On arrival into Auckland, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.
Accommodation: Grand Millennium
DAY 2: AUCKLAND / BAY OF ISLANDS

Enjoy a city tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’, before travelling to Matakohe to enjoy 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 Mãori tribes and the British.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
DAY 3: BAY OF ISLANDS AT LEISURE

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 free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
DAY 4: BAY OF ISLANDS / AUCKLAND

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands 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. Upon return to Paihia, travel south via Whangarei, call into the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree before returning to Auckland.
Accommodation: Grand Millennium
DAY 5: AUCKLAND / ROTORUA

This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. Visit the restoration workshop and on return to Glenbrook Station, morning tea will be served. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua to visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand-feed rainbow trout.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
DAY 6: ROTORUA

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. 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. 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.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
DAY 7: ROTORUA / WELLINGTON

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 and then continue south to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.
Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
DAY 8: 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. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon and this evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene.
Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
DAY 9: WELLINGTON / CHRISTCHURCH

This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikōura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged scenic coastline on the other travelling through numerous tunnels and across several bridges. Enjoy a two-night stay in the garden city of Christchurch.
Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
DAY 10: CHRISTCHURCH

Today visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by a city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at leisure, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine.
Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
DAY 11: CHRISTCHURCH / ARTHUR'S PASS / FRANZ JOSEF

This morning board the TranzAlpine, 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 coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
DAY 12: FRANZ JOSEF / QUEENSTOWN

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you 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. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel
DAY 13: QUEENSTOWN AT LEISURE

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will assist with the many optional activities available. 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.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel
DAY 14: QUEENSTOWN / MILFORD SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE

This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for your amazing overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.
Accommodation: Milford Mariner
DAY 15: MILFORD SOUND / TE ANAU

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
DAY 16: TE ANAU / DUNEDIN

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800’s. Today Dunedin is New Zealand’s oldest university city.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
DAY 17: DUNEDIN

This morning travel 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. Return to Dunedin for a city tour followed by some free time. Optional activities you might be interested in including a tour of Speights Brewery or the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Tonight, a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
DAY 18: DUNEDIN / CHRISTCHURCH

This morning visit Olveston Historic Home, a prosperous merchants’ home from the turn of the century before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport
DAY 19: FAREWELL FROM CHRISTCHURCH

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
01 September 2021 - 31 May 2022
Start Date | End Date | Single traveller | Share / Twin | Guaranteed departure | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
19 September 2021 | 7 October 2021 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
7 October 2021 | 25 October 2021 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
14 October 2021 | 1 November 2021 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
1 November 2021 | 19 November 2021 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
21 November 2021 | 9 December 2021 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
8 January 2022 | 26 January 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
2 February 2022 | 20 February 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
12 February 2022 | 2 March 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
18 February 2022 | 8 March 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
2 March 2022 | 20 March 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
13 March 2022 | 31 March 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
22 March 2022 | 9 April 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
31 March 2022 | 18 April 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
6 April 2022 | 24 April 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
21 April 2022 | 9 May 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
4 May 2022 | 22 May 2022 | $10,909 NZD | $8,159 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |