- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Professional Coach Captain
- 17 nights 4-5 star accommodation
- Business Class seats on a full-size coach
- Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
- 6 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 4 rail journeys incl. TranzAlpine
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Activities
- Ultimate Documentation Pack
- No hidden extras!
New Zealand Small Group Tour Premium 2026/2027
19 Day Ultimate New Zealand - Rail, Cruise and Coach
To truly understand New Zealand, one must witness the striking contrast between the two main islands. The North Island captivates with its rich Māori heritage, geothermal wonders, and subtropics, while the South Island takes your breath away with its monumental alpine peaks, deep fiords, and pristine glaciers. Our Ultimate Highlights Small Group Tour brings these two worlds together in one impeccably organized, high-end ‘Business Class on wheels’ itinerary.
Designed specifically for travelers who refuse to choose between comfort and adventure, this curated journey limits group sizes to keep your experience intimate and agile. Skip the logistical headaches of coordinating cross-island travel, domestic connections, and luggage transfers. With an expert local guide leading the way, you are free to immerse yourself entirely in the journey, staying at handpicked boutique accommodations that capture the authentic spirit of New Zealand luxury.
Unparalleled Luxury Transport & Premium Accommodations
Travel in Sophisticated Comfort with "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 your holidays. Enjoy premium accommodation, fabulous cuisine and impeccable service on a small group tour to remember.
Experience New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery from the comfort of a state-of-the-art, custom-built 20-seat Ultimate Coach. Mirroring a premium airline experience, this full-size coach features opulent leather seating, wide panoramic windows, two-door access, dedicated seat-side storage, individual tray tables, and a clean onboard restroom.
Your professional Coach Captain remains with you from start to finish, providing expert commentary that blends geographical facts with rich local myths and legends, ensuring a highly personalized VIP touring experience. The Ultimate Coach Captains are the best in the business. They are carefully selected for their professionalism and attention to detail.
Unwind in Handpicked 4 to 5-Star Hotel Accommodations
Stay in premium hotels selected for their exceptional service, extensive guest facilities, and unique character. Every evening on this journey concludes in a sanctuary of comfort.
An Intimate Journey Through New Zealand’s Most Spectacular Landscapes
North Island: Subtropical Seas, Māori Culture & Volcanoes
Your journey begins immersed in the rich maritime history, vibrant Māori heritage, and active geothermal wonders of the North Island.
You will board a premium catamaran to navigate the sheltered, turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands, cruising out to Cape Brett. Experience the thrill of steering directly through the iconic Hole in the Rock marine archway while keeping watch for playful bottlenose dolphins. Further south in Rotorua, you gain access to the National Kiwi Hatchery, the world’s most successful kiwi conservation center. You will fall in love with the rare Kiwi chicks – New Zealand’s precious national icon.
The journey continues as you relax in panoramic glass-roof carriages on the Northern Explorer train, traveling through the volcanic heart of the island to witness the engineering marvel of the Raurimu Spiral and the majestic, snow-capped volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.
South Island – Natural Wonders, Mirror Lakes & Fiordland Overnights
The journey intensifies as you enter the dramatic, untouched landscapes of the South Island, shifting from rugged shorelines to deep alpine wilderness. You will ride the Coastal Pacific train along one of the world’s most beautiful coastal rail routes, where the roaring Pacific Ocean crashes directly against the towering Kaikōura mountain ranges. From your panoramic window, you can watch the rugged shoreline blur into neat vineyards while keeping an eye out for fur seals basking on the coastal rocks.
From the coast, you transition to the famous TranzAlpine Scenic Railway to traverse the vast Canterbury Plains and climb deep into the majestic Southern Alps on a world-renowned rail route that connects Christchurch to the wild West Coast through dramatic gorges and alpine viaducts.
The absolute crown jewel of your southern journey takes place as you step away from the day-tripping crowds and journey deep into the breathtaking silence of Doubtful Sound for an ultimate overnight cruise. You will board a traditional boutique vessel for an exclusive overnight wilderness experience in this remote fiord, navigating sheer, rainforest-clad cliffs and kayaking in pristine coves. After enjoying a chef-prepared dinner anchor-side, you will wake up to absolute, untouched isolation in the heart of Fjordland.
Legendary Tracks and Uncharted Waters
This definitive triple-way coach-cruise-rail journey represents the pinnacle of premium, low-stress exploration through the world’s most spectacular island nation. Every connection, luxury lodge, and bucket-list excursion has been meticulously synchronized to provide an effortless, all-inclusive vacation of a lifetime.
Experience the very best of New Zealand on this 19-day small group luxury tour in ultimate ‘Business Class on wheels’ comfort. Spaces on these multi-modal departures are strictly limited due to premium rail and overnight cruise capacities, making early planning essential to secure your unforgettable New Zealand story.
This is one of the best New Zealand Small Group tours available! To guarantee your preferred dates, we highly recommend planning your journey 8 to 15 months in advance. We invite you to come and make unforgettable memories on this 19-day grand adventure. Find here the itinerary of your New Zealand holiday.
OVERVIEW & PRICES
The ultimate Premium Guided Small Group New Zealand experience combining rail, cruise, coach incl. Doubtful Sound overnight cruise and world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train! ravel 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 15,169
(was NZD 15.370)
- Single Room NZD 20.209
(was NZD 20,440) - 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: Ultimate Small Group Tours
- Coach: 20 Seats Busines Class Premium
- Accommodation: 4-5 Star
Pre & Post Stays
- Auckland – $245 pp, twin share, $470 single
- Christchurch – $280 pp, twin share, $540 single
- Rates are : Room Only. No Meals.
Experience
INCLUSIONS
Highlights & Experiences
Highlights:
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 17 nights 4-5 star accommodation
- Business Class seats on a full-size coach
- Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
- 6 two night stays
- 4 rail journeys incl TranzAlpine
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing, attractions, activities
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Ultimate documentation pack
- No hidden extras
Activities & Experiences:
- Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway
- National Kiwi Hatchery Tour
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
- 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
- HIGHLIGHT – Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Tram
- HIGHLIGHT – TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Lakes District Museum
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- HIGHLIGHT – Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
- Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
- Pleasant Point Museum and Railway
- Auckland City Sights Tour
- Wellington City Sights Tour
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
- Dunedin City Sights Tour
Accommodation & Meals
4-5 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.
- 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; Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch
- 2 lunches: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise; Pleasant Point Museum and Railway
- 2 delicious morning teas including an Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
- Interislander Ferry, 1 Meal Voucher per person
- Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
Coach & Guide Features (Business Class on wheels)
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. 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.
- 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.
5 Star Treatment and VIP Extras
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.
- 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
Additional Info
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
Red – sold out, Yellow – usually 1-5 seats left, Green – available
2026:
- 01-Sep-26 – 19-Sep-26 – Sold out
- 05-Sep-26 – 23-Sep-26 – Sold out
- 09-Sep-26 – 27-Sep-26 – Sold out
- 19-Sep-26 – 07-Oct-26 – Sold out
- 21-Sep-26 – 09-Oct-26 – Sold out
- 29-Sep-26 – 17-Oct-26 – Sold out
- 05-Oct-26 – 23-Oct-26 – Sold out
- 10-Oct-26 – 28-Oct-26 – Sold out
- 12-Oct-26 – 30-Oct-26 – Sold out
- 28-Oct-26 – 15-Nov-26 – Sold out
- 05-Nov-26 – 23-Nov-26 – Sold out
- 14-Nov-26 – 02-Dec-26 – Sold out
- 20-Nov-26 – 08-Dec-26 – Sold out
- 28-Nov-26 – 16-Dec-26 – Sold out
- 02-Dec-26 – 20-Dec-26 – Sold out
- 04-Dec-26 – 22-Dec-26 – Last Seats
- 18-Dec-26 – 05-Jan-27 – Sold out
2027:
- 05-Jan-27 – 23-Jan-27 – Sold out
- 11-Jan-27 – 29-Jan-27 – Sold out
- 14-Jan-27 – 01-Feb-27 – Sold out
- 26-Jan-27 – 13-Feb-27 – Sold out
- 02-Feb-27 – 20-Feb-27 – Sold out
- 10-Feb-27 – 28-Feb-27 – Sold out
- 17-Feb-27 – 07-Mar-27 – Sold out
- 26-Feb-27 – 16-Mar-27 – Sold out
- 04-Mar-27 – 22-Mar-27 – Sold out
- 08-Mar-27 – 26-Mar-27 – Sold out
- 16-Mar-27 – 03-Apr-27 – Sold out
- 29-Mar-27 – 16-Apr-27 – Sold out
- 02-Apr-27 – 20-Apr-27 – Sold out
- 15-Apr-27 – 03-May-27 – Last Seats
- 24-Apr-27 – 12-May-27
- 05-May-27 – 23-May-27
ENQUIRE HERE
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 as you meet your travelling companions.
Hotel Crowne Plaza Auckland
Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands (B,D)
Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach and 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 beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty between the indigenous Māori tribes and the British settlers.
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 you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands. 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, travel south, returning to Auckland. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
Hotel Crowne Plaza 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 the magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua to visit the National Kiwi Hatchery, where you’ll learn about Kiwi, their native environment and what makes them truly iconic the world over.
Hotel Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)
Day 6: 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! Enjoy some leisure time in the geothermal capital 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 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 then continue south to NZ’s capital city, Wellington.
Hotel InterContinental Wellington (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 Ultimate 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 at leisure.
Hotel InterContinental Wellington
Day 9: Wellington – Kaikōura – Christchurch (B,D)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry and 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 Ultimate Coach in the fishing village of Kaikōura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch.
Hotel The George (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 your leisure. This evening is free to enjoy one of the many eateries near your hotel.
Hotel The George
Day 11: Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass – Fox Glacier (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 Ultimate Coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to the township of Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Hotel Te Weheka Retreat
Day 12: Fox Glacier – Queenstown (B)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving at Arrowtown to visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free, and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 13: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with 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 Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Day 14: Queenstown – Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (B,L,D)
Today travel to Manapouri. Enjoy lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. A short ride over the Wilmot Pass brings you to the boarding point to join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) – or to simply relax on board. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef.
Overnight Fiordland Navigator
Day 15: Doubtful Sound – Te Anau (B,D)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).
Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villa
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 Distinction Dunedin Hotel (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. Indulge in an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom, followed by time to stroll through this Garden of International Significance. 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 from a bygone era. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Day 18: Dunedin – Christchurch (B,L,SD)
This morning travel to the city of Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue north to Pleasant Point Museum and Railway for a short rail experience followed by lunch and time to explore the preserved heritage of the South Canterbury railway. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with selected beverages and your newfound friends.
Hotel The George or similar
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
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.
Get in touch for your unforgettable New Zealand journey. 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.
