New Zealand Tours

New Zealand Tours



Your Choice of Airline & Outbound Stopover

  • Your choice of five world class airlines, choose from Air New Zealand, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and Singapore Airlines
  • Choose from 7 outbound 3 night stopovers including Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Macau, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Singapore

Tour Highlights

  • Welcome dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers
  • Tour the Bay of Islands including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Cruise the ‘The Hole in the Rock’ (weather permitting)
  • Visit Whakarewarewa geothermal village
  • Travel up the Raumiru Spiral on the Overlander Train
  • Cruise through Marlborough Sounds
  • Board the Tranz Coastal Train and journey down the east coast of the South Island
  •  Journey on the famous TranzAlpine Railway
  • View the awesome Franz Josef Glacier
  • Jet boat ride on the mighty Haast River
  • Cruise unforgettable Milford Sound
  • Explore Stewart Island
  • Ride the historic Taieri Gorge train from Dunedin
  • Travel on the Seasider train along the amazing coastal cliffs of Otago
  • View Mount Cook (weather permitting)

Scenic Free Choice
Scenic FreeChoice inclusions in the following locations:

  • Bay of Islands – choice of 8 Scenic FreeChoice inclusions
  • Rotorua – choice of 8 Scenic FreeChoice inclusions
  • Queenstown – choice of 7 Scenic FreeChoice inclusions
  • Stewart Island – choice of 3 Scenic FreeChoice inclusions
  • Dunedin – choice of 4 Scenic FreeChoice inclusions

Scenic Dining

  • 36 superb meals including 21 buffet breakfasts, 1 highlight lunch, 5 highlight dinners and 9 dinners
  • Scenic FreeChoice dining in Bay of Islands, Rotorua and Queenstown

Your Choice of Optional Inbound Stopover

  • Your choice of optional inbound stopovers which include exciting and vibrant cities, exotic beach destinations and cruises around South East Asia and the Middle East.

25 Day
Grand New Zealand Rail

Auckland to Christchurch (DGZR.1)



Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: to Day 5 : Depart the UK for your pre-tour stopover

You have the option of flying with one of five world class airlines, with departures from a number of UK airports to suit your individual requirements. Choose from Air New Zealand, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, QANTAS and Singapore Airlines.

Scenic Tours include a three night city stopover on your outward journey. Choose from seven outbound 3 night stopovers including Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Macau, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Singapore.

Stopovers are dependent on which airline you choose to fly with.



Day 6: Arrive Auckland (D)
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred* to your hotel. Tonight meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at our welcome briefing followed by dinner.
Overnight Stay: Auckland

Meals: Dinner



Day 7: Auckland – Bay of Islands (B,HD)
Your first touring day starts with a drive to the Bay of Islands. Visit the unique Kauri and Pioneer Museum then continue up the Northland Peninsula to the breathtaking Waipoua Forest to view the giant Kauri tree ‘Tane Mahuta’. You will then visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Tonight is a SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining evening – choose from: Dinner in the hotel followed by the Sound and Light show at the Waitangi Treaty grounds; dinner onboard the stylish Sugar Boat; or a scenic dinner cruise down the Waitangi River onboard the Ratanui.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner



Day 7: Bay of Islands (B,D)

Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day where you choose your preferred activity from: ‘On the Edge’, the ultimate day sail in the bay; a scenic lunch cruise on the bay; a cruise and tour of historic Russell and Pompallier; a full day tour to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand; cruise and swim with the dolphins; play 18 holes of golf at Waitangi Golf Club; enjoy a Perfect Day cruise to the Poor Knight Islands; or try your hand at fishing in the bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner



Day 9: Hole in the Rock cruise – Auckland (B,D)
This morning cruise through the Bay of Islands to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). This afternoon enjoy the scenic return journey to Auckland.
Overnight Stay: Auckland

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner



Day 10: Longlands Homestead – Rotorua (B,HL)
Today we visit Longlands Homestead for a hearty roast lamb lunch and a farm tour. Then it’s on to the WhakarewarewaVillage for a guided tour and a trip to the Pohutu Geyser.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua  

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch

Unique, Boutique & Luxury: Why not upgrade your accommodation to spend two nights at the Hamurana Country Estate or Treetops Lodge & Estates?



Day 11: Rotorua (B,HD)
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day where you choose what you’d like to do from the following Scenic FreeChoice inclusions: the Agrodome sheep shearing and farm dog show; an amphibious duck tour of Rotorua’s city and lakes; relax in the geothermal mineral pools of the Polynesian Day Spa; take a thrilling 4WD safari adventure; visit the Buried Village; explore Rotorua Museum; see the rare Kiwi at Rainbow Springs; or enjoy a tour of Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts institute. Tonight is a SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining evening – choose from: Tamaki Village Hangi and Cultural Show;experience stonegrill cuisine in a local restaurant; or gourmet buffet dinner at the Atlas Café and Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner



Day 12: The Overlander Train Journey (B)
Today you will head south via Lake Taupo to Taumaranui where you will board the Overlander train. Enjoy a magnificent afternoon journey up the famous Raumiru Spiral onto New Zealand’s awesome volcanic plateau. Travel through Tongariro National Park to Wellington. 
Two Night Stay: Taumaranui

Meals: Breakfast



Day 13: Wellington (B,D)
Visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner



Day 14: Marlborough Sounds – Christchurch (B,D)
This morning board the InterIslander ferry and cruise through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds to South Island. Onboard you will have exclusive access to the Kaitaki Premier Luxury lounge where you can enjoy continuous hot and cold snacks along with complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, internet, newspapers and magazines. Board the TranzCoastal train and journey south along the Pacific Ocean coastline of New Zealand.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 15: TranzAlpine – Franz Josef Glacier (B,HD)
Today enjoy an unforgettable journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine rail­way. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass and continue on by coach to Hokitika to see skilled craftsmen carving Pounama (Jade). View Franz Josef Glacier before arriving in the village of Franz Josef and enjoying a five course gourmet menu this evening.
Overnight Stay: Franz Josef Glacier

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner



Day 16: Franz Josef – Queenstown (B,HD)
A highlight today is a scenic jet boat ride on the mighty Haast River in Mount Aspiring National Park. Continue on to picturesque Queenstown. Tonight is a SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining evening – choose from: a cruise of Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw followed by dining at Walter Peak station; a gondola ride up to Skyline restaurant and a meal with views of Queenstown; a relaxing à la carte dinner at Lombardis restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Unique, Boutique & Luxury: Why not upgrade your accommodation to spend two nights at the Evergreen Lodge?



Day 17: Queenstown (B)
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day where you choose what you’d like to do from the following Scenic FreeChoice inclusions: an indulgent therapeutic massage or foot revitalisation; a tour of local country gardens followed by morning tea; a guided walk through Mount Aspiring National Park and the Routeburn Valley; a guided tour of local wineries with lunch; an exhilarating ride through Shotover Canyon in a jet boat; see the beautiful scenery of the Southern Lakes region on a 4WD tour; or enjoy a tour to historic Skippers Canyon.

Meals: Breakfast



Day 18: Milford Sound – Te Anau (B,D)
After breakfast we journey to Fiordland whilst admiring the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the fascinating alpine desert. On arrival in Fiordland National Park, you will experience an unforgettable cruise on magnificent Milford Sound.
Overnight Stay: Te Anau

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner



Day 19: Stewart Island – Invercargill (B,D)
This morning journey to Bluff for your ferry trip to Stewart Island (weather permitting) and home to the Rakiura National Park.  Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day where you choose what you’d like to do from the following Scenic FreeChoice inclusions: cruise Paterson Inlet and visit Ulva Island’s open wildlife sanctuary; explore Oban and the surrounding bays on a guided tour; or enjoy a State Guided Walking Tour. Return to Invercargill. 
Overnight Stay: Invercargill

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner



Day 20: Invercargill – Dunedin (B,D)
Enjoy the scenery today as we travel to Dunedin.  This afternoon depart the magnificently restored Dunedin station for your rail journey into the heart of the Taieri Gorge. Marvel at the ever-changing, spectacular scenery, wild landscapes and towering viaducts.
Two Night Stay: Dunedin

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Home Stay: Alternatively, experience the warmth and hospitality of a local family during an overnight Home Stay. These are included in your tour at no extra cost, but must be pre-booked.



Day 21: Dunedin (B)
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day where you choose what you’d like to do from the following Scenic FreeChoice inclusions: a guided tour of Larnach Castle; a trip to see the famous Yellow-eyed penguins or albatross; visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary and encounter New Zealand’s native flora and fauna in a protected and natural environment; or a guided tour of Speight’s Brewery.

Meals: Breakfast



Day 22: Dunedin – Mount Cook – Lake Tekapo (B,D)
Board the historic Seasider train for a spectacular journey along the cliffs of coastal Otago. Reboard the coach and see the Moeraki boulders before continuing north. Stop to view Mount Cook (weather permitting) before continuing to our accommodation on the shores of Lake Tekapo.
Overnight Stay: Lake Tekapo

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner



Day 23: Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (B,HD)
This morning we stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd, situated on Lake Tekap’'s edge. Continue on to Christchurch. Tonight's highlight dinner begins with drinks and canapes on board the historic Christchurch tram, then to a local restaurant for an intimate farewell dinner.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner



Day 24: Christchurch – Your flight home (B)
Your tour concludes this morning and you’ll be transferred* back to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast



Day 25: Arrive UK
Welcome home.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary. 



Brochure: IS/AUNZ/GBP1011
Tour code: DGZR.1