- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Business Class seats on a full-size coach
- Professional Coach Captain
- 18 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!
19 Great Days Ultimate New Zealand - Showcase New Zealand Premium
Premium Small Group Tour New Zealand 2025/2026
Discover the best of New Zealand’s iconic regions and attractions in a small group
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 amazing New Zealand Small Group tours available!
Discover the “must see attractions” of New Zealand from top to bottom on this 19-day tour. Featuring the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour & Lunch, geothermal Rotorua and it’s Maori culture, Napier’s beautifully preserved Art Deco architecture, the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey, picturesque Queenstown and scenic Milford Sound. Enjoy 4 cruises including Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu where you will cruise on the vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw.
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 best New Zealand Small Group tours available!
We invite you to come and make unforgettable memories on this 19-day grand adventure. Let’s create your extraordinary story in New Zealand together! Find here the itinerary of your New Zealand holiday.
OVERVIEW
Discover the best of New Zealand’s iconic regions in a small group on the Ultimate Coach. Experience Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour and Lunch, Napier’s beautifully preserved art deco architecture, picturesque Queenstown, a spectacular rail journey on the world-renowned TranzAlpine and Milford Sound. 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 13,780
(was NZD 14.080)
- Single Room NZD 18.020
(was NZD 18,320) - 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 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:
- Kauri Museum
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
- Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour and Lunch
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Thermal mud pools and geysers
- Te Puia traditional Māori Hāngi and Concert
- Hawke’s Bay Express
- Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry, Premium Lounge
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
- Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
- Auckland City Sights Tour
- Napier 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
- Professional Coach Captain
- 18 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.
- 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
- 14 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: Hobbiton, Shire’s buffet; 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
- 03-Sep-25 – 21-Sep-25
- 11-Sep-25 – 29-Sep-25 Sold out
- 26-Sep-25 – 14-Oct-25
- 19-Oct-25 – 06-Nov-25 Sold out
- 26-Oct-25 – 13-Nov-25
- 12-Nov-25 – 30-Nov-25 Sold out
- 16-Nov-25 – 04-Dec-25
- 26-Nov-25 – 14-Dec-25
- 03-Dec-25 – 21-Dec-25
2026
- 07-Jan-26 – 25-Jan-26
- 19-Jan-26 – 06-Feb-26
- 04-Feb-26 – 22-Feb-26 Sold out
- 22-Feb-26 – 12-Mar-26 Sold out
- 01-Mar-26 – 19-Mar-26 Sold out
- 10-Mar-26 – 28-Mar-26 Sold out
- 23-Mar-26 – 10-Apr-26
- 17-Apr-26 – 05-May-26
- 03-May-26 – 21-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 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 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 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, travel south, returning to Auckland. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
Hotel Crowne Plaza Auckland
Day 5: Auckland – Rotorua (B,L,D)
This morning embark on a city sights tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’. Depart Auckland and travel through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. A guided tour of the 12-acre set, will take you past whimsical Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the Green Dragon Inn. You can now venture beyond the door and into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior for a fully immersive experience.
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! Next stop is 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 Regent of Rotorua
Day 7: Rotorua – Napier (B,D)
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Board the Hawke’s Bay Express and hear informative commentary on the city’s fascinating history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Day 8: Napier – Wellington (B,D)
Travel south this morning into Wellington for a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here. At Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, there is time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.
Hotel InterContinental Wellington
Day 9: Wellington – Picton – Kaikōura (B,D)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy breakfast as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your Ultimate Coach for the southbound journey along the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, to Kaikōura.
Hotel Sudima Kaikōura
Day 10: Kaikōura – Christchurch (B)
This morning enjoy a leisurely start in this seaside village, where the mountains meet the sea. Kaikōura is renowned as one of the best places to see Sperm whales and other marine mammals. There is an opportunity to take a scenic flight to view the year-round population of Sperm whales (optional, weather permitting). Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch for an orientation tour.
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 into 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 – Te Anau (B,D)
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).
Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights)
Day 15: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau (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 lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua – Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).
Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Day 16: Te Anau – Dunedin (B,D)
Travel through Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Continue along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where you’ll hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. A delicious Ultimate High Tea is included, along with time to wander around the Garden of International Significance.
Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Day 17: Dunedin – Mt Cook (B,D)
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
Hotel The Hermitage Hotel
Day 18: Mt Cook – Christchurch (B,SD)
This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found 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.
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.
