- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Experienced Tour Leader
- Professional Coach Captain
- 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
- 17 nights 4 star accommodation
- Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- 6 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 3 rail journeys incl TranzAlpine
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Signature Documentation Pack
- No hidden Extras
19 Great Days New Zealand Group Tour - Signature Rail, Cruise and Coach
Fully Escorted Group Tour New Zealand 2025/2026
This Signature New Zealand experience combining rail, coach and Milford Sound overnight cruise. Discover the highlights of the North Island and the South Island
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 best New Zealand Signature Group Tours available!
New Zealand has a rich and fascinating history; a variety of postcard landscapes and friendly down-to-earth people who embrace the spirit of hospitality. Your Signature tour will take you on an unforgettable journey in a mid-size group and in Premium Economy Comfort. Each day is a new discovery!
Experience the romance of rail travel, the majesty of cruising and the luxury of Premium Economy coach travel on this activity-packed 19-day tour. Visit the “best of attractions” in New Zealand including scenic rail journeys onboard the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Coastal Pacific Rail Journey and the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey. Relax on 4 cruises featuring an overnight cruise on the beautiful Milford Sound. The tour includes 2-night stays in the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin.
- 5-Star Nature and Signature Extras: Signature Group Touring itineraries are specifically tailored to provide a premium level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel in style and enjoy several extras.
- 4-Star Hotel Accommodation: The hotels used are stylish, centrally located and offer deluxe service. These hotels have a large range of facilities available and many offer swimming pools, gyms and a choice of dining options. All the service standards are aimed towards looking after your every need.
- Premium Economy on Wheels
- Professional Coach Captain: Handpicked for their expert knowledge and extensive driving experience, the Coach Captain will be on hand to assist you with every aspect of the tour. Enjoy the professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and many laughs along the way.
- Fully Escorted Touring: An experienced Grand Pacific Tour Leader will accompany you throughout the tour. Not only will they make you feel welcome and relaxed, but they will also ensure you enjoy a memorable Kiwi experience.
This is one of the best New Zealand Group tours available!
We invite you to come and make unforgettable memories on this 19-day grand signature adventure. Let’s create your extraordinary story in New Zealand together! Find here the itinerary of your New Zealand holiday.
OVERVIEW
Enjoy the best of New Zealand in Premium Economy Comfort on a mid-size group tour and witness 3 spectacular rail journeys including the world-renowned TranzAlpine.
Experience the Tour Highlight: Milford Sound Overnight Cruise! For a majestic experience, spend the night on board the Milford Mariner. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound with commentary by a specialist nature guide. View the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. You are bound to encounter seals, maybe dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) – or to simply relax on board. As evening falls, enjoy a delicious carvery buffet, prepared by an onboard chef. Take in some stargazing before retiring to your cabin. Next morning, indulge in a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the breathtaking fiord.
p.P. in Double/Twin Share:
NZD 12,270
(was NZD 12.560)
- Single Room NZD 16.120
(was NZD 16,410) - All prices in NZD (New Zealand Dollar)
- incl. 15% GST (New Zealand Goods & Services Tax)
- Currency converter
- Duration: 19 Days
- Starts: Auckland
- Finishes: Christchurch
- Style: Signature Mid-Size Group Tours
- Coach: 32 Seats Premium Economy
- Accommodation: 4 Star
Pre & Post Stays
- Auckland – $230 pp, twin share, $450 single
- Christchurch – $215 pp, twin share, $405 single
Experience
INCLUSIONS
Attractions & Highlights:
- Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Thermal mud pools and geysers
- Te Puia traditional Māori Hāngi and Concert
- Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
- Wellington Cable Car
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
- Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Tram
- HIGHLIGHT TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- HIGHLIGHT Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea
- Auckland City Sights Tour
- Wellington City Sights Tour
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
- Dunedin City Sights Tour
Experience
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Experienced Tour Leader
- Professional Coach Captain
- 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
- 17 nights 4 star accommodation
- Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- 6 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 3 rail journeys incl TranzAlpine
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Signature Documentation Pack
- No hidden Extras
Accommodation & Meals:
4-Star Hotel Accommodation: The hotels used are stylish, centrally located and offer deluxe service. These hotels have a large range of facilities available and many offer swimming pools, gyms and a choice of dining options. All the service standards are aimed towards looking after your every need.
- 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: Māori Hāngi and Concert, Rotorua; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
- 2 delicious morning teas including a Devonshire Tea at Larnach Castle
- Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
Signature Benefits
Signature Group Touring itineraries are specifically tailored to provide a premium level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel in style and enjoy several unique extras.
- Signature documentation pack including a travel bag and ticket wallet
- Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Farewell Dinner
Coach & Guide 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
Fully Escorted Touring: An experienced Grand Pacific Tour Leader will accompany you throughout the tour. Not only will they make you feel welcome and relaxed, but they will also ensure you enjoy a memorable Kiwi experience.
Professional Coach Captain: Handpicked for their expert knowledge and extensive driving experience, the Coach Captain will be on hand to assist you with every aspect of the tour. Enjoy the professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and many laughs along the way.
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 – 22-Sep-25 Sold out
- 12-Sep-25 – 30-Sep-25 Sold out
- 01-Oct-25 – 19-Oct-25
- 09-Oct-25 – 27-Oct-25 Sold out
- 27-Oct-25 – 14-Nov-2 Sold out
- 11-Nov-25 – 29-Nov-25 Sold out
- 26-Nov-25 – 14-Dec-25
- 06-Dec-25 – 24-Dec-25
2026:
- 02-Jan-26 – 20-Jan-26
- 17-Jan-26 – 04-Feb-26
- 24-Jan-26 – 11-Feb-26
- 07-Feb-26 – 25-Feb-26 Sold out
- 18-Feb-26 – 08-Mar-26
- 14-Mar-26 – 01-Apr-26
- 30-Mar-26 – 17-Apr-26
- 06-Apr-26 – 24-Apr-26
- 28-Apr-26 – 16-May-26
ITINERARY
Your daily New Zealand tour details:
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (SL) Specialty Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
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.
Hotel Grand Millennium Auckland
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 Māori tribes and the British.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights)
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).
Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
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. This evening is free to explore the many eateries surrounding your hotel.
Hotel Grand Millennium Auckland
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.
Hotel Pullman Rotorua (2 nights)
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 Māori Hāngi and Concert.
Hotel Pullman Rotorua
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 Hotel Grand Chancellor (2 nights)
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. This afternoon ride the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn Station where you can explore the Cable Car Museum or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. This evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene.
Hotel James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Day 9: Wellington – Kaikōura – Christchurch (B,D)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry 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.
Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)
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.
Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel
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. 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.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 12: Franz Josef – Queenstown (B)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 13: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your crew 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.
Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown
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. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) – or to simply relax on board. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.
Overnight Milford Mariner
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).
Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
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. Enjoy a city tour of New Zealand’s oldest university city.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (2 nights)
Day 17: Dunedin (B)
Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to Dunedin for some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Day 18: Dunedin – Christchurch (B,SD)
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.
Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel
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.
COACH FEATURES
Premium Economy Comfort on Wheels
Maximum 32 Travellers
- 32 Premium Economy Comfort leather and cloth reclining seats
- 2 + 1 armchair seating configuration for better panoramic viewing
- Adjustable arm and headrests and seat belts
- Individual seat back tray table, cup holder and USB charging port
- Multi-media entertainment systems with three screens
- 2 door access, restroom, air conditioning and electrical sockets
- Cold water storage available
- Complimentary daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
32 Seat Coach 2+1 Seating
- Travel in style on a full-size, premium coach with a maximum of 32 travellers and enjoy onboard features.
- Seat Rotation Policy: The configuration of the coach seating is two seats on the left side of the aisle and an individual seat on the right side, all with panoramic viewing. All travellers will rotate and enjoy the variety of armchair comfort in the dual seats but also will experience the same Premium Economy Comfort on other days in a spacious individual window seat. For two people travelling together, the individual seats will flow in front and behind each other.
- Coach Luggage Limit: 1 suitcase + Travel Bag per person
Professional Coach Captain
- Handpicked for their expert knowledge and extensive driving experience, the Coach Captain will be on hand to assist you with every aspect of the tour. Enjoy the professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and many laughs along the way.
Fully Escorted Touring
- An experienced Grand Pacific Tour Leader will accompany you throughout the tour. Not only will they make you feel welcome and relaxed, but they will also ensure you enjoy a memorable Kiwi experience.
ENQUIRE HERE
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.
