19 Day Signature Rail Cruise & Coach

Starting From NZD $10,415
Map
We Tour NZ > Tours > 19 Day Signature Rail Cruise & Coach

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, fully escorted from Auckland. The Signature coaches are beautifully crafted, designed for New Zealand touring with delivering excellence in mind.

Tour Highlights

  • 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 Mãori Hãngi and Concert
  • Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
  • Cruise on the Interislander Ferry, (for departures after April 2024 in the Queen Charlotte Lounge)
  • Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
  • International Antarctic Centre
  • Christchurch Tram
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • HIGHLIGHT Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
  • Speights Brewery Tour and Tasting* (only for tours departing up to April 2024)
  • Larnach Castle
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Tour Leader
  • 4 specialty dinners: Mãori Hãngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Speights Ale House, Dunedin; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch

Tour Itinerary

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

1
Arrive Auckland (D)
Day 1
Arrive Auckland (D)
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 when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner. Accommodation at Sudima Auckland City for all departures up to April 2024, accommodation at Sky City Hotel for all departures after April 2024.
Sudima Auckland City
Sudima Auckland City is a brand new 4.5-star hotel in the heart of the city.
Read more
Sky City Hotel
Located right at the iconic Auckland Sky Tower, this hotel is located in the middle of the CBD and close to shopping and dining.
Read more
2
Auckland - Bay of Islands (B, D)
Day 2
Auckland - Bay of Islands (B, D)
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.
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Conveniently situated only a short walk from Paihia's village centre and the wharf.
Read more
3
Bay of Islands Free Day (B)
Day 3
Bay of Islands Free Day (B)
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).
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Conveniently situated only a short walk from Paihia's village centre and the wharf.
Read more
4
Bay of Islands - Auckland (B)
Day 4
Bay of Islands - Auckland (B)
This morning 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. Upon return to Paihia, travel south via Whangarei before returning to Auckland.
Sudima Auckland City
Sudima Auckland City is a brand new 4.5-star hotel in the heart of the city.
Read more
5
Auckland - Rotorua (B, D)
Day 5
Auckland - Rotorua (B, D)
This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train including a delightful morning tea. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua renowned for its geothermal activity and Māori culture.
Pullman Rotorua Hotel
Pullman Rotorua is located in the city and only moments away from the lakefront.
Read more
6
Rotorua (B, SD)
Day 6
Rotorua (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 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.
Pullman Rotorua Hotel
Pullman Rotorua is located in the city and only moments away from the lakefront.
Read more
7
Rotorua - Wellington (B, D)
Day 7
Rotorua - Wellington (B, 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 and continue south to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.
Hotel James Cook Grand Chancellor
Situated in the city centre of Wellington.
Read more
8
Wellington (B)
Day 8
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. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon and this evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene.
Hotel James Cook Grand Chancellor
Situated in the city centre of Wellington.
Read more
9
Wellington - Kaikoura - Christchurch (B, D)
Day 9
Wellington - Kaikoura - Christchurch (B, D)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry (for departures after April 2024 relax in comfort in the Queen Charlotte Lounge), cross the Cook Strait and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikōura Ranges. Meet your coach in the fishing village of Kaikōura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Situated right in the centre of Christchurch overlooking Cathedral Square.
Read more
10
Christchurch (B)
Day 10
Christchurch (B)
Today visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at leisure. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Situated right in the centre of Christchurch overlooking Cathedral Square.
Read more
11
Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Franz Josef (B, D)
Day 11
Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Franz Josef (B, D)
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 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.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Located in the heart of Franz Josef village and close to Franz Josef Glacier.
Read more
12
Franz Josef - Queenstown (B)
Day 12
Franz Josef - Queenstown (B)
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.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Only a short downhill walk into central Queenstown.
Read more
13
Queenstown Free Day (B, SD)
Day 13
Queenstown Free Day (B, SD)
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.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Only a short downhill walk into central Queenstown.
Read more
14
Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B, D)
Day 14
Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B, D)
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.
Milford Mariner - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
A purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.
Read more
15
Milford Sound - Te Anau (B, D)
Day 15
Milford Sound - Te Anau (B, D)
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).
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.
Read more
16
Te Anau - Dunedin (B, D)
Day 16
Te Anau - Dunedin (B, D)
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. Today Dunedin is New Zealand’s oldest university city. For departures before April 2024, visit Speight’s Brewery, a Dunedin icon, for an informative and interactive tour through this working brewery. The tasting session will be followed by a delicious dinner at the Ale House restaurant. For departures after April 2024 enjoy a tour of Olveston Historic Home, beautifully preserved merchant’s home from the turn of the century containing a wealth of precious treasures of a bygone era.
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Right in the heart of Dunedin city this hotel is close to the railway station, shops and the Octagon.
Read more
17
Dunedin (B, SD)
Day 17
Dunedin (B, SD)
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 or optional activities. This evening is also free to dine at leisure.
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Right in the heart of Dunedin city this hotel is close to the railway station, shops and the Octagon.
Read more
18
Dunedin - Christchurch (B, SD)
Day 18
Dunedin - Christchurch (B, SD)
For departures up to April 2024-This morning visit Olveston Historic Home, a prosperous merchants’ home from the turn of the century before travelling to Oamaru. For departures after April 20204 - Today travel to the small town of Oamaru, famous for its limestone architecture before continuing to Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Situated right in the centre of Christchurch overlooking Cathedral Square.
Read more
19
Depart Christchurch (B)
Day 19
Depart Christchurch (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

  • 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 Mãori Hãngi and Concert
  • Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
  • Cruise on the Interislander Ferry, (for departures after April 2024 in the Queen Charlotte Lounge)
  • Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
  • International Antarctic Centre
  • Christchurch Tram
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Lakes District Museum
  • HIGHLIGHT Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
  • Speights Brewery Tour and Tasting* (only for tours departing up to April 2024)
  • Larnach Castle*
  • Olveston Historic Home*
  • City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin
    *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
  • 17 nights 4 star accommodation
  • Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
  • 6 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 3 rail journeys
  • 4 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Tours Programme
  • Classic Documentation Pack

Meals Included

  • 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
  • 12 sumptuous dinners including Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 3 specialty dinners: Mãori Hãngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
  • 2 delicious morning teas
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
    Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.

Visited Locations

  • 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.
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • 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".
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • 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.
    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.
    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
  • 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
  • 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.
    Read more

Attractions

  • City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin
  • 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
  • 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
  • Glenbrook Vintage Railway
    The Glenbrook Vintage Railway is a heritage steam railway in Glenbrook, rural South Auckland. The line and its fleet is a true inspiration for any rail or history enthusiast.
    Read more
  • Paradise Valley Springs
    Paradise Valley Springs first opened to the public in 1939 as a trout springs.  Today the park is set in a very natural and well-maintained New Zealand bush environment.
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • 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
  • Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum
    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.
    Read more
  • Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
    The Coastal Pacific train takes you along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty between Picton & Christchurch.
    Read more
  • International Antarctic Centre
    The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch. A range of immersive experiences allow everyday visitors to see, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica.
    Read more
  • Christchurch Tram
    The Christchurch Tram is a unique experience combining history and sightseeing. The beautifully restored heritage trams are one of the city’s best loved attractions.
    Read more
  • 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
  • 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.
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
    This Milford Sound overnight cruise provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound adventure. You’ll depart from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon and cruise Milford Sound accompanied by our specialist nature guide.
    Read more
  • Speights Brewery Tour
    The Speight's Brewery tour takes you through the historic brewery that has been brewing Speight’s in Dunedin since 1876. You will be able to see, touch and smell the ingredients that go into the award-winning beers. And you'll get to sample the iconic history of the oldest working brewery in New Zealand.
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • Olveston Historic Home
    Dunedin's historic Olveston was built for Dunedin businessman, collector and philanthropist David Theomin.  Designed by acclaimed English architect Sir Ernest George, Olveston was built as a family home. Like Larnach Castle, it was furnished with fine art, furniture and artefacts.
    Read more

Available Dates

Dates Price per person
On Request
14 Oct 2024 - 01 Nov 2024 Guaranteed Departure
$ 11199.00 - $ 14659.00
$ 10415.00 - $ 13632.00
Available
26 Nov 2024 - 14 Dec 2024 Guaranteed Departure
$ 11199.00 - $ 14659.00
$ 10415.00 - $ 13632.00
Available
11 Dec 2024 - 29 Dec 2024 Guaranteed Departure
$ 11299.00 - $ 14759.00
$ 10508.00 - $ 13725.00
Available
04 Jan 2025 - 22 Jan 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 11199.00 - $ 14659.00
$ 10415.00 - $ 13632.00
Available
17 Jan 2025 - 04 Feb 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 11199.00 - $ 14659.00
$ 10415.00 - $ 13632.00
On Request
30 Mar 2025 - 17 Apr 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 11199.00 - $ 14659.00
$ 10415.00 - $ 13632.00
Available
06 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 11199.00 - $ 14659.00
$ 10415.00 - $ 13632.00
Available
21 Apr 2025 - 09 May 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 10899.00 - $ 14359.00
$ 10415.00 - $ 13632.00
19 Day Signature Rail Cruise & Coach
Days
19
Price from
NZD $10,415 per person share twin
Save over NZ$900 per person twin share on selected departures