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New Zealand Tours

27 Day
Grand New Zealand Rail

Auckland to Christchurch (DGZR.1)
Tour Overview:
With so much to experience in New Zealand, from the Bay of islands at the northernmost tip, right down to the Fiordland National Park at the southernmost reaches, a…


Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: to Day 5: Depart UK for your pre-tour stopover
DAY 1 | DEPART FROM THE UK
Choose from five world class airlines to begin your journey. Whichever airline you choose there’s no extra cost: Air New Zealand, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, QANTAS& British Airways
Meals: On board full meal and complimentary bar service.

DAY 2 |ARRIVE AT YOUR CHOICE OF STOPOVER
Choose from eight outbound stopovers. Whichever destination you choose there’s no extra cost: Singapore, Dubai*, Los Angeles**, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, San Francisco**, Bangkok, Vancouver**

Please note, the stopover itinerary above should be used as a guide only and may vary dependent on flight schedules.

* Dubai: Regional airport departure times vary. Please call for details. ** Los Angeles/San Francisco/Vancouver: On day 1 you arrive at your stopover destination where you will be transferred to your hotel. On day 2 you will have a city orientation tour in San Francisco/Vancouver or an attraction pass in Los Angeles. Days 3 & 4 include free time to explore. On the afternoon of day 4 we transfer you back to the airport for your flight to Auckland. On the flight you cross the international dateline, therefore you arrive on day 6 and follow the tour on day 6 as detailed. USA stopovers do not include breakfast.

Arrive into your selected stopover destination for a three night stay - all included in your holiday price. You will be transferred to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.   Meals: On board full breakfast and complimentary bar service.

DAY 3 |SIGHTSEEING
Full breakfast is served at your hotel. After breakfast enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of your stopover destination. On returning from your tour, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 |FREE DAY
After breakfast, the rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5 | ONWARDS TO NEW ZEALAND
After a full buffet breakfast you have the day free for further exploration until you transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Auckland. Check in and depart for New Zealand on your overnight flight.
Meals: Breakfast



Day 6: Arrive Auckland (D)

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand! On arrival you will be met at the airport by your Scenic Tours Representative 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 (FB,D)
Your first touring day starts with a drive up the Northern Peninsular to the Bay of Islands. SCENIC ENRICH- on arrival into the Bay meet your local Maori guide who will delight you with stories about the history of the Bay, before you visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 8: Bay of Islands (FB)
Today choose from one of the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities: (1) ‘On the Edge’, the ultimate day sailing in the bay; (2) A scenic lunch cruise around the beautiful bays; (3) A cruise and tour of historic Russell and Pompallier; (4) Full day Cape Reinga Tour to the country’s northernmost tip; (5) Enjoy a Perfect Day cruise to the Poor Knight Islands; (6) Cruise & swim with dolphins (weather permitting); (7) Play 18 holes of golf at Waitangi Gold Club; or (8) Try your hand at fishing in the bay.

Meals: Breakfast


Day 9: Bay of Islands - Auckland (FB,D)
Cruise the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). This afternoon enjoy the scenic return journey to Auckland.
Two Night Stay: Auckland

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 10: Auckland (FB)
Today choose from one of the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities: (1) Sail on an America’s Cup yacht - no experience necessary; (2) Explore beautiful Waiheke Island; (3) Visit Waitakere Ranges, walk in the rainforest and along the west coast’s black sand beaches; (4) Cruise Auckland Harbour including morning tea; (5) Discover Auckland on a morning sightseeing tour; (6) Cruise in search of dolphins and whales on a high speed catamaran; (7) Enjoy Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World; or (8) Visit Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest man made structure.

Meals: Breakfast


Day 11: Auckland - Rotorua (FB,HL)

SCENIC ENRICH - This morning journey south to Longlands Homestead, a working farm, followed by a home cooked roast lamb lunch. After lunch travel to Rotorua an area renowned for its geothermal activity. Discover more of this fascinating city rich in history and Maori culture with your included visit to the newly expanded and  magnificent Rotorua Museum.
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?


Day 12: Rotorua (FB,HD)
Today choose from one of the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities: (1) Enjoy the Agrodome Sheep Show and then see the rare Kiwi at Rainbow Springs; (2) An amphibious duck tour of Rotorua’s city and lakes; (3) Enjoy a tour of Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori and Crafts Institute; (4) Relax in the geothermal pools of the Polynesian Day Spa; (5) Take a thrilling 4WD safari adventure; or (6) Visit the unique Buried Village. This evening choose one of the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE dining options: (1) Tamaki Village Hangi and Cultural Show; or (2) Dinner at the Atlas Café and Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner


Day 13: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (FB)
Today you will head south to Lake Taupo via Huka Falls. Witness the force and hear the noise as the water from NZ’s largest lake drains into its longest river - the Waitako. Spend some time exploring the lake and enjoy some of the wonderful water activities on offer, before arriving your hotel for an overngith stay.
Overnight Stay: Lake Taupo

Meals: Breakfast


Day 14: Lake Taupo - Wellington (FB,D)
Travel to Taumaranui where you will board the ‘Overlander’ train. Enjoy a magnificent afternoon journey up the famous Raurimu Spiral onto New Zealand’s awesome volcanic plateau. Travel through Tongariro National Park to Wellington.
Two Night Stay: Wellington

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 15: Wellington (FB)
Included today is your pass on the Hop On - Hop Off bus, which visits the main sights of Wellington. Included in your pass is entry to Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. Relax and explore the city at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast


Day 16: Wellington - Ashburton (FB,D)

Cruise across Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On board you will have access to the Kaitaki Plus Premier 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 Coastal Pacific train and head south along the Pacific Ocean coastline to Kaikoura. Disembark the train and continue by coach to Ashburton.
Overnight Stay: Ashburton

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 17: Ashburton - Franz Josef
Today’s touring is an unforgettable journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine railway. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass and continue via Hokitika to view Franz Josef Glacier, a stunning landscape hewn by ice and a living remnant of the last Ice Age.
Overnight Stay: Franz Josef

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 18: Franz Josef - Queenstown (FB,HD)
A highlight today is an exhilarating jet boat ride on the mighty Haast River in Mount Aspiring National Park. Continue to picturesque Queenstown. This evening choose one of the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE dining options: (1) Cruise Lake Wakatipu on board the TSS Earnslaw historic steamship then dine at Walter Peak station; (2) Ride the gondola to Skyline Restaurant; (3) Dinner at Lombardi’s Restaurant; or (4) Dine at Threesixty Restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner


Day 19: Queenstown (FB)
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps, Queenstown was named because it was ‘fit for Queen Victoria’. Today Queenstown is recognised as New Zealand’s premier visitor destination. Today, choose from one of the following SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities: (1) A tour of local country gardens followed by morning tea; (2) An indulgent therapeutic massage or foot revitalisation (3) Enjoy a guided tour of local wineries with lunch; (4) Take an exhilarating ride through Shotover Canyon in a jet boat; (5) See the beautiful scenery of the Southern Lakes region on a 4WD tour; (6) Enjoy a scenic guided tour to historic Skippers Canyon; or (7) Relax on board the legendary Million Dollar Cruise.

Meals: Breakfast


Day 20: Queenstown - Te Anau (FB,HD)
Enjoy the beauty of the Fiordland National Park. Included today is an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound, the most accessible of Fiordland’s magnificent glacier-carved fiords. This evening choose one of the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE dining options: (1) A delicious buffet dinner at Hilights Restaurant; or (2) A casual café style dinner at Bailiez Café.
Overnight Stay: Te Anau

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner


Day 21: Te Anau - Invercargill (FB,D)
Travel to Bluff for a ferry trip to Stewart Island, home of Rakiura National Park (weather permitting). Today choose from one of the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities: (1) Cruise Paterson and visit Ulva Island’s wildlife sanctuary; (2) Enjoy a guided tour of Oban and bays; or (3) A walking tour of the island. Return to Invercargill.
Overnight Stay: Invercargill

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 22: Invercargill - Dunedin (FB,D)
Enjoy the scenery today as we travel to Dunedin. This afternoon depart from the magnificently restored Dunedin station for your rail journey into the heart of Taieri Gorge. Marvel at the spectacular scenery, wild landscapes and towering viaducts.
Two Night Stay: Dunedin

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 23: Dunedin (FB)
Today choose from one of the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities: (1) A guided tour of Larnach Castle and its magnificent gardens; (2) A trip to see the famous and unique Yellow-eyed penguins; (3) Visit the Albatross Centre and see these magnificent birds in a natural habitat; or (4) A guided tour of Speight’s Brewery.

Meals: Breakfast


Day 24: Dunedin - Lake Tekapo (FB,D)
This morning board the historic Seasider train taking you on one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world along the coastal cliffs of the Otago region. Re-board the coach and enjoy a stop at the Moeraki Boulders before continuing north. Stop to view Mount Cook (weather permitting) before reaching Lake Tekapo.
Two Night Stay: Lake Tekapo

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 25: Lake Tekapo (FB,HD)
Visit Mount Cook National Park to view the spectacular peaks (weather dependent), glaciers and permanent snow fields. Enjoy entry into the fascinating Sir Edmund Hillary Centre. Later, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd situated on Lake Tekapo’s edge. Tonight enjoy a private cocktail party and farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner


Day 26: Lake Tekapo - Your Flight Home (FB)
Your tour concludes this morning and you’ll be transferred* back to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Alternatively why not extend your holiday in New Zealand, visit family and friends or arrange a stopover on the way back?

*Please note, because Lake Tekapo is several hours drive from Christchurch Airport, there will be no more than three separate transfers to the airport throughout the day. You will join the transfer which best matches your flight.


Day 27: Arrive UK
Welcome home!

Brochure: IS/AUNZ/GBP1213
Tour code: DGZR.1