17 Day Signature Festive Season

Starting From NZD $9,705
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Experience the beauty of New Zealand in the Premium Economy Comfort of a full-size coach, touring with a mid-size group of up to 32 travellers, on this fully-escorted Grand Pacific NZ coach tour. The Signature coaches are beautifully crafted, designed for New Zealand touring with delivering excellence in mind.

Tour Highlights

  • Christchurch Tram
  • Larnach Castle*
  • Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Lakes District Museum
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
  • Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
  • Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
  • Agrodome
  • Thermal mud pools and geysers*
  • Te Puia traditional Māori Hāngi and Concert
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
  • Kauri Museum
  • City sights tour of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Tour Leader
  • 2 specialty dinners: Mãori Hãngi and Concert, Rotorua; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink
  • Christmas Day Lunch at Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown

Tour Itinerary

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner

1
Arrive Christchurch (D)
Day 1
Arrive Christchurch (D)
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.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Situated right in the centre of Christchurch overlooking Cathedral Square.
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2
Christchurch (B)
Day 2
Christchurch (B)
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 also free to dine at an eatery of your choice.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Situated right in the centre of Christchurch overlooking Cathedral Square.
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3
Christchurch - Twizel (B, D)
Day 3
Christchurch - Twizel (B, D)
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 (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Twizel.
Distinction Mackenzie Country
Located in a beautiful garden setting in Twizel, the heart of the Mackenzie region.
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4
Twizel - Dunedin (B, D)
Day 4
Twizel - Dunedin (B, D)
Depart Twizel and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time.
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Right in the heart of Dunedin city this hotel is close to the railway station, shops and the Octagon.
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5
Dunedin - Te Anau (B, D)
Day 5
Dunedin - Te Anau (B, D)
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 Glowworm Caves (optional).
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
Located in the heart of Te Anau's town shopping centre and just a short stroll from Lake Te Anau.
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6
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown (B, L, D)
Day 6
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown (B, L, D)
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 a picnic 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.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Only a short downhill walk into central Queenstown.
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7
Queenstown Christmas Day (B, L)
Day 7
Queenstown Christmas Day (B, L)
Merry Christmas! Today board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet Christmas lunch and the best of NZ’s high-country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Only a short downhill walk into central Queenstown.
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8
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Franz Josef (B, D)
Day 8
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Franz Josef (B, D)
Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Franz Josef. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Located in the heart of Franz Josef village and close to Franz Josef Glacier.
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9
Franz Josef - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch (B, D)
Day 9
Franz Josef - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch (B, D)
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. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport
Conveniently only a 5 minute drive from the airport and next to the International Antarctic Centre.
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10
Christchurch - Picton - Wellington (B, D)
Day 10
Christchurch - Picton - Wellington (B, D)
Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you will board the Interislander Ferry. Enjoy your journey through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.
Hotel James Cook Grand Chancellor
Situated in the city centre of Wellington.
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11
Wellington (B)
Day 11
Wellington (B)
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 James Cook Grand Chancellor
Situated in the city centre of Wellington.
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12
Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua
Day 12
Wellington - Taupo - 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.
Pullman Rotorua Hotel
Pullman Rotorua is located in the city and only moments away from the lakefront.
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13
Rotorua-New Year's Eve (B, SD)
Day 13
Rotorua-New Year's Eve (B, SD)
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. 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. Visit Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous or. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert.
Pullman Rotorua Hotel
Pullman Rotorua is located in the city and only moments away from the lakefront.
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14
Rotorua - Bay of Islands (B, D)
Day 14
Rotorua - Bay of Islands (B, D)
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north 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 Māori tribes and the British.
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Conveniently situated only a short walk from Paihia's village centre and the wharf.
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15
Bay of Islands (B)
Day 15
Bay of Islands (B)
Today you will cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life before returning to Paihia for a free afternoon. 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 free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Conveniently situated only a short walk from Paihia's village centre and the wharf.
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16
Bay of Islands - Auckland (B, SD)
Day 16
Bay of Islands - Auckland (B, SD)
Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
Sudima Auckland City
Sudima Auckland City is a brand new 4.5-star hotel in the heart of the city.
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17
Depart Auckland (B)
Day 17
Depart Auckland (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Inclusions

Attractions Included

  • Christchurch Tram
  • Larnach Castle*
  • Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Lakes District Museum
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
  • Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
  • Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
  • Agrodome
  • Thermal mud pools and geysers*
  • Te Puia traditional Māori Hāngi and Concert
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
  • Kauri Museum
  • City sights tour of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland
    *Guided tour is included with 1 guide per 24 travellers.

Coach Features

  • 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
  • 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder
  • Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance

Experiences Included

  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Tour Leader
  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • 16 nights 4 star accommodation
  • 5 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 4 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Tours Programme
  • Classic Documentation Pack

Meals Included

  • 16 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
  • 12 sumptuous dinners including Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 2 specialty dinners:  Mãori Hãngi and Concert, Rotorua; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Auckland
  • Christmas Day Lunch Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown;
  • 1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
  • 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
    Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.

 

Visited Locations

  • Christchurch
    Christchurch is an fascinating city to explore. It was once a historic garden city. Since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes it has turned into a fascinating city of regeneration and growth.
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  • Twizel
    Twizel is the largest town in the South Island's Mackenzie District. It was purpose-built in the 1960s to provide a home for workers involved with the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme. And today's its location makes it great base of mountain climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, horse trekking and hiking.
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  • Dunedin
    Known as the 'Edinburgh of the South', Dunedin is a city that wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The small city boasts some eye-catching architecture and is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
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  • Te Anau
    A two hour drive from Queenstown, Te Anau is a Southland town. A pretty lakeside town, it’s known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park.
    Read more
  • Milford Sound
    Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the "eighth wonder of the world", Milford Sound is a stunning fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island.
    Read more
  • Queenstown
    Queenstown is a stunning resort town, renowned for its beauty and wealth of adventure activities, it sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps mountains, Queenstown is also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns.
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  • Arrowtown
    Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, a short 15min drive from Queenstown. One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River.
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  • Franz Josef
    Franz Josef is the name of both the glacier and the nearby village. The small but lively Franz Josef Waiau village is surrounded by lush rainforest with the high snow-capped Alps rising above it.
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  • Arthur’s Pass
    A small alpine village of Arthur's Pass is located between Canterbury and the West Coast of the South Island. Climbing to more than 900 metres through Arthur's Pass National Park, it is the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps.
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  • Picton
    Right in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds you will find Picton. This picturesque port town is home to great cafés, restaurants, galleries and specialty shops. It is the heart of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
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  • Wellington
    Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and the location of our parliament. Located at the bottom of the North Island it sits on the Cook Straight, which divides the North and South Islands.  Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington".
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  • Taupō
    Taupō sits in the heart of New Zealand's North Island, on the shores of the magnificent Lake Taupō. Its lakefront settings and outdoor sports ranging from fishing to jet-boating distinguish this popular holiday/vacation destination.
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  • Rotorua
    Rotorua is an inland city that is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture experiences, 18 lakes, and three major rivers in a beautiful natural environment.
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  • Auckland
    Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Maori, is New Zealand’s largest city. It is based around 2 large and picturesque harbours. 'The City of Sails' is known as such because of the many yachts often seen on those harbours.
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  • The Bay of Islands
    The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region in the north of the North Island. It is known for its beauty, stunning beaches, deep sea fishing & importance to New Zealand history. It is paradise for those that love beaches and water activities with a little colonial history thrown in.
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Attractions

  • City sights tour of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland
  • Larnach Castle
    Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, a short distance from Dunedin, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell. Then master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior.
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  • Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
    Cruise Milford Sound, the most well-known and accessible of all the fiords in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area. Its 16 kilometre (14 nautical miles) length is lined by sheer rock faces that soar 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) or more from the water. 
    Read more
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
    The TSS Earnslaw offers one of the best ways to see Queenstown’s surrounding landscape. Cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship taking in the views at a leisurely pace.
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  • Lakes District Museum
    Arrowtown's Lakes District Museum was established in 1948 as a Centennial of Otago project. Appropriately set in the former gold mining town, the museum started life in the billiard rooms of the Ballarat Hotel. It then shifted to the current home, the former Bank of New Zealand building, in 1955.
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  • Tranzalpine Rail Journey
    Enjoy a very special view of the South Island’s striking natural landscape. Take the Tranz Alpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth. See epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
    Read more
  • Interislander Cook Strait Ferry
    Considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, The Interislander is one of The Great Journeys of New Zealand. It is New Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry, sailing between Wellington and Picton several times a day connecting the North & South Islands' road and rail networks.
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  • Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum
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  • Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge
    Skyline Rotorua is an iconic all-weather attraction in Rotorua. It is one of the most spectacular ways to take in the 180-degree views of Lake Rotorua, the city and surrounding district.
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  • Agrodome
    The world-renowned Agrodome farm show is a must on any visit to Rotorua.  It is set in 350-acres of lush farmland, only 10 minutes from Rotorua city centre.
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  • Te Puia Thermal Mud Pools & Geysers
    Discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands near Rotorua at Te Puia. See dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush.
    Read more
  • Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
    Board your cruise and take in the stunning views of the Bay of Islands. You'll glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett. Here a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island/Motukōkako or, as it is popularly known, the “Hole in the Rock”.
    Read more
  • Kauri Museum
    The Kauri Museum is located midway between Auckland and the Bay of Islands in Matakohe. Discover the history and the legacy of New Zealand's ancient kauri forest, and the associated industries.
    Read more
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most important historic sites. Here, Aotearoa's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Today there is lots to see and do that connects visitors to that history.
    Read more

Available Dates

Dates Price per person
Available
19 Dec 2025 - 04 Jan 2026 Guaranteed Departure
$ 10249.00 - $ 13149.00
$ 9705.00 - $ 12373.00
17 Day Signature Festive Season
Days
17
Price from
NZD $9,705 per person twin share