- 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 star accommodation
- 4 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Documentation Pack
- No hidden extras!
Luxury Small Group Tour New Zealand
16 Day Ultimate Highlights New Zealand
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. The 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
Every evening on this journey concludes in a sanctuary of comfort. Stay in premium hotels selected for their exceptional service, extensive guest facilities, and unique character. You will experience the finest hospitality.
An Intimate Journey Through New Zealand’s Most Spectacular Landscapes
South Island – Natural Wonders, Fjords & Historic Treasures
Beginning in Christchurch, you’ll explore the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes. Travel through glacier-carved valleys, pristine lakes, and vibrant alpine towns while experiencing some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery.
Featuring an extensive list of iconic attractions including the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey and the iconic Milford Sound Cruise. Visit the historic Larnach Castle, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the legendary TSS Earnslaw, and discover why the South Island is renowned for its dramatic mountains, wildlife, and natural beauty.
North Island – Māori Culture, Geothermal Landscapes & Bay of Islands
Continue north to discover the North Island’s unique combination of culture, scenery, and cinematic history. Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua with its geysers, thermal springs, and Māori cultural experiences. Visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set for a magical journey through the lush landscapes of Middle-earth.
Explore scenic countryside, charming towns, and vibrant cities before concluding your journey in Auckland, New Zealand’s cosmopolitan harbour city and the perfect finale to an extraordinary adventure across both islands.
Luxury New Zealand Panorama – From Christchurch to Auckland
Experience the very best of New Zealand on this 16-day small group luxury tour in ultimate ‘Business Class on wheels’ comfort. From the majestic Southern Alps to vibrant North Island towns, enjoy exclusive experiences including the TranzAlpine scenic rail journey, Milford Sound cruise, Hole in the rock dolphin cruise, Larnach Castle, and the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. Travel in comfort, explore hidden gems, and discover why New Zealand is a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and luxury travelers alike.
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 16-day grand adventure. Find here the itinerary of your New Zealand holiday.
OVERVIEW & PRICES
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 13,190
(was NZD 13.290)
- Single Room NZD 17.920
(was NZD 18,120) - All prices in NZD (New Zealand Dollar)
- Duration: 16 Days
- Starts: Christchurch
- Finishes: Auckland
- Style: Ultimate Small Group Tours
- Coach: 20 Seats Business Class Premium
- Accommodation: 4-5 Star
Pre & Post Stays
- Auckland – $240 pp, twin share, $460 single
- Christchurch – $270 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
- Business Class seats on a full-size coach
- Professional Coach Captain
- 15 nights 4-5 star accommodation
- 4 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 4 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Documentation pack
- No hidden extras
Activities & Experiences:
- Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea *)
- HIGHLIGHT – Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- HIGHLIGHT – TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
- 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
*) Guided 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.
- 15 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
- 12 sumptuous dinners including 3 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Māori Hāngi and Concert, Rotorua; Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Auckland
- Pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner, Christchurch
- 1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
- 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
- Interislander Ferry, 1 Meal Voucher per person
- Discounted drinks: GPT Hotel Wine Time
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.
- 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 1-4 seats left, Green – seats available
2026 Sold out
2027
- 12-Jan-27 – 27-Jan-27 – Sold out
- 26-Jan-27 – 10-Feb-27 – Sold out
- 13-Feb-27 – 28-Feb-27 – Sold Out
- 22-Feb-27 – 09-Mar-27 – Sold Out
- 10-Mar-27 – 25-Mar-27 – Sold Out
- 26-Mar-27 – 10-Apr-27 – Sold out
- 01-Apr-27 – 16-Apr-27 – Sold out
- 14-Apr-27 – 29-Apr-27
- 04-May-27 – 19-May-27
- 04-Sep-27 – 19-Sep-27
- 27-Sep-27 – 12-Oct-27
- 10-Oct-27 – 25-Oct-27
- 19-Oct-27 – 03-Nov-27
- 11-Nov-27 – 26-Nov-27
- 17-Nov-27 – 02-Dec-27
- 04-Dec-27 – 19-Dec-27
2028
- 12-Jan-28 – 27-Jan-28
- 26-Jan-28 – 10-Feb-28
- 13-Feb-28 – 28-Feb-28
- 22-Feb-28 – 08-Mar-28
- 10-Mar-28 – 25-Mar-28
- 26-Mar-28 – 10-Apr-28
- 01-Apr-28 – 16-Apr-28
- 18-Apr-28 – 03-May-28
- 12-May-28 – 27-May-28
ENQUIRE HERE
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 pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions and Local Host, who will join you for dinner and welcome you to New Zealand.
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. Indulge in an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom, this is followed by time to stroll through this Garden of International Significance. 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 Legacy 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. 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 Millenium Hotel 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 indigenous Māori tribes and the British settlers.
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. 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)
Kia Ora. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. If departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening, breakfast is not included.
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.
