- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Business Class seats on a full-size coach
- Professional Coach Captain
- 15 nights 4.5-5 star accommodation
- 4 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Ultimate Documentation Pack
- No hidden extras!
16 Great Days Ultimate New Zealand – Highlights New Zealand
Premium Small Group Tour New Zealand 2025/2026
Explore the majestic South Island and diverse North Island in ultimate style
Prepare for the journey of a lifetime as you set off on this tour across New Zealand’s striking landscapes. This is one of the most exciting New Zealand Small Group tours available!
Experience New Zealand’s most iconic attractions in style on the Ultimate 20 seat coach. Key highlights in the South Island include a cruise on breathtaking Milford Sound and a spectacular rail journey on the world-renowned TranzAlpine. In the Bay of Islands in the North Island, experience a cruise onboard a luxury catamaran where you’ll sail to the famous Hole in the Rock. Enjoy two-night stays in the popular cities of Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua and the Bay of Islands.
New Zealand is more than just a travel destination; it’s an explosion of experiences that will awaken every sense and evoke a sense of wonder you’ve never felt before. There comes a time in our lives when we begin to prefer quality over quantity and crave more comfort and style on our holidays. Enjoy premium accommodation, fabulous cuisine and impeccable service on a small group tour to remember.
- 5-Star Nature and 5-Star Treatment plus VIP Extras: Ultimate Small Group Touring itineraries are specifically tailored to provide a Business Class level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel in style and enjoy several unique extras.
- 4.5 – 5-Star Hotel Accommodation: You will stay at a selection of premium hotels in unique locations, or large hotels with a spirited ambience that suits the location. Enjoy a premium level of comfort, extensive guest facilities and thoughtful touches that create a long-lasting experience.
- Business Class on Wheels: Be dazzled by the state-of-the-art design, purpose-built Ultimate Coach featuring 20 Business Class leather seats, panoramic viewing, extensive onboard features and a level of comfort unparalleled by any other vehicle.
- Professional Coach Captain: The Ultimate Coach Captains are the best in the business. They are carefully selected for their professionalism and attention to detail. They are there from start to finish and will attend to your needs and ensure a personal touring experience. Enjoy their professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and laughs as you journey through New Zealand.
This is one of the most exciting New Zealand Small Group tours available!
We invite you to come and make unforgettable memories on this 16-day grand adventure. Let’s create your extraordinary story in New Zealand together! Find here the itinerary of your New Zealand holiday.
OVERVIEW
Experience the majestic South Island and diverse North Island featuring the stunning Bay of Islands, a spectacular rail journey on the world-renowned TranzAlpine and the Milford Sound cruise. Travel in a small group on the Ultimate Coach, providing a Business Class level of comfort, service and quality without compromise.
p.P. in Double/Twin Share:
NZD 13,200.00
- Single Room NZD 16.800.00
- All prices in NZD (New Zealand Dollar)
- incl. 15% GST (New Zealand Goods & Services Tax)
- Currency converter
- Duration: 16 Days
- Starts: Christchurch
- Finishes: Auckland
- Style: Ultimate Small Group Tours
- Coach: 20 Seats Business Class Premium
- Accommodation: 4.5-5 Star
Pre & Post Stays
- Auckland – $230 pp, twin share, $450 single
- Christchurch – $265 pp, twin share, $520 single
Experience
INCLUSIONS
Attractions & Highlights:
- Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
- Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry, Premium Lounge
- 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
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
- Dunedin City Sights Tour
- Wellington City Sights Tour
- Auckland City Sights Tour
Experience
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Business Class seats on a full-size coach
- Professional Coach Captain
- 15 nights 4.5-5 star accommodation
- 4 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Ultimate Documentation Pack
- No hidden extras!
Accommodation & Meals:
4.5 – 5 star Hotel Accommodation: You will stay at a selection of premium hotels in unique locations, or large hotels with a spirited ambience that suits the location. Enjoy a premium level of comfort, extensive guest facilities and thoughtful touches that create a long-lasting experience.
- 15 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: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Māori Hāngi and Concert, Rotorua; Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Auckland
- 1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
- 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
- Enjoy GPT Wine Time (discounted drinks)
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
5 Star Treatment and VIP Extras
Ultimate Small Group Touring itineraries are specifically tailored to provide a Business Class level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel in style and enjoy several unique extras.
- Ultimate documentation pack including travel bag and ticket wallet
- Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner
- Boxed mints and souvenir water bottle
- Intimate Farewell Dinner including selected beverages
Coach & Guide Features:
- Business Class seats on a full-size coach
- 2 door access; dedicated seat side storage with tray table; cup holder
- Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
- Professional Coach Captain: The Ultimate Coach Captains are the best in the business. They are carefully selected for their professionalism and attention to detail. They are there from start to finish and will attend to your needs and ensure a personal touring experience.
- Enjoy their professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and laughs as you journey through New Zealand.
Not included in the price:
- Flights (International flights to New Zealand can be booked here)
- Entry and visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions, meals, and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
TOUR DEPARTURE DATES
2025
- 04-Sep-25 – 19-Sep-25
- 27-Sep-25 – 12-Oct-25
- 10-Oct-25 – 25-Oct-25
- 19-Oct-25 – 03-Nov-25
- 12-Nov-25 – 27-Nov-25
- 17-Nov-25 – 02-Dec-25
- 04-Dec-25 – 19-Dec-25
2026
- 12-Jan-26 – 27-Jan-26
- 26-Jan-26 – 10-Feb-26
- 13-Feb-26 – 28-Feb-26
- 22-Feb-26 – 09-Mar-26
- 10-Mar-26 – 25-Mar-26
- 26-Mar-26 – 10-Apr-26
- 01-Apr-26 – 16-Apr-26
- 14-Apr-26 – 29-Apr-26
- 04-May-26 – 19-May-26
ITINERARY
Your daily New Zealand tour details:
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (SL) Specialty Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
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 as you meet your travelling companions.
Hotel The George or similar
Day 2: Christchurch – Mt Cook (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 to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.
Hotel The Hermitage Hotel
Day 3: Mt Cook – Dunedin (B,D)
Depart Mt Cook, see Lake Benmore and follow the Waitaki River to Oamaru. Continue south to Dunedin, enjoy a city tour followed by free time. You might be interested in a tour to see local wildlife in their natural habitat (optional).
Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Day 4: Dunedin – Te Anau (B,D)
This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. 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).
Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Day 5: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown (B,L)
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 at leisure, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 6: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. 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.
Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Day 7: Queenstown – Franz Josef (B,D)
Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village and 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.
Hotel Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Day 8: Franz Josef – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch (B,D)
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to 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 Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Hotel The George
Day 9: 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 and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.
Hotel InterContinental Wellington
Day 10: 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 InterContinental Wellington
Day 11: Wellington – Taupo – Rotorua (B,D)
Depart Wellington and view the snowcapped 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.
Hotel Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)
Day 12: Rotorua (B,SD)
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, live sheep shearing 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
Day 13: 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.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights)
Day 14: Bay of Islands (B)
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
Day 15: Bay of Islands – Auckland (B,SD)
Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei 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 farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.
Hotel Crowne Plaza Auckland
Day 16: Depart Auckland (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
COACH FEATURES
Business Class on Wheels
There comes a time in our lives when we begin to prefer quality over quantity and crave more comfort and style on our holidays. Enjoy premium accommodation, fabulous cuisine and impeccable service on a small group tour to remember. Be dazzled by the state-of-the-art design, purpose-built Ultimate Coach featuring 20 Business Class leather seats, panoramic viewing, extensive onboard features and a level of comfort unparalleled by any other vehicle.
Maximum 20 Travellers
- 20 Business Class reclining leather seats with adjustable headrest and calf support
- Panoramic viewing, air conditioning, seat belts and onboard restroom
- Wood grain timber tray table with built-in cup holder
- Seat side personal storage providing easy access to your travel bag
- Personal audio control unit with multiple music channels and a complimentary set of headphones
- Stylish centre galley area equipped with refrigerated drinking fountain and fridge units
- Complimentary daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance and USB charging port
- A range of glossy magazines
20 Seat Coach. 1+1 Seating
- Travel in style on a full-size, state-of-the-art coach with a maximum of only 20 travellers and enjoy extensive onboard features. Seat layout may vary between Ultimate coaches.
Coach Luggage Limit: Up to 2 suitcases + Travel Bag per person
Professional Coach Captain
- The Ultimate Coach Captains are the best in the business. They are carefully selected for their professionalism and attention to detail. They are there from start to finish and will attend to your needs and ensure a personal touring experience.
- Enjoy their professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and laughs as you journey through New Zealand.
ENQUIRE HERE
"What I loved about this tour was that the guide was not afraid to get off the beaten track and show us the real country. This was an experience I would definitely want to come back to."
Alene Elvine
HR Manager
“Our tour was everything I hoped for, and more. Great Days really makes a difference, I would have never discovered the beautiful places we stopped at."
Jona Gerber
Designer
Get in touch for your unforgettable New Zealand holiday. That’s what we are here for. Behind this website are real people who are at your disposal with expertise and passion for this extraordinary place in the world. We know where to go as we live here – and we are looking forward to sharing our hidden gems with you.
