19 Day Ultimate Rail, Cruise and Coach

Experience the romance of rail travel, the majesty of cruising and the luxury of Business Class coach travel on this activity-packed 19-day tour. Visit the "best of attractions" in New Zealand including scenic rail journeys onboard the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Coastal Pacific Rail Journey and the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey. Relax on 4 cruises featuring an overnight cruise on the beautiful Doubtful Sound. The tour includes 2-night stays in the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin.

Contact Us

Example Itinerary

  • 01

    Auckland

    DAY 1

    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.

  • 02

    Auckland - Bay of Islands

    DAY 2

    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.

  • 03

    Bay of Islands

    DAY 3

    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).

  • 04

    Bay of Islands - Auckland

    DAY 4

    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.

  • 05

    Auckland - Rotorua

    DAY 5

    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 magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for dairying. Continue to Rotorua to visit the National Kiwi Hatchery, for a unique behind the scenes tour of the world’s largest kiwi hatchery.

  • 06

    Rotorua

    DAY 6

    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.

  • 07

    Rotorua - Wellington

    DAY 7

    Explore Fox Glacier, a stunning natural wonder on New Zealand’s West Coast, where ancient ice meets lush rainforest. Known for its breathtaking glacier walks and scenic helicopter tours, it offers an unforgettable alpine adventure.

  • 08

    Wellington

    DAY 8

    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 which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also at leisure .

  • 09

    Wellington - Kaikoura - Christchurch

    DAY 9

    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. 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.

  • 10

    Christchurch

    DAY 10

    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.

  • 11

    Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Fox Glacier

    DAY 11

    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.

  • 12

    Fox Glacier - Queenstown

    DAY 12

    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.

  • 13

    Queenstown

    DAY 13

    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.

  • 14

    Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

    DAY 14

    Today travel via Te Anau 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.

  • 15

    Doubtful Sound - Te Anau

    DAY 15

    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).

  • 16

    Te Anau - Dunedin

    DAY 16

    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.

  • 17

    Dunedin

    DAY 17

    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. There is time to explore this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. 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 of a bygone era.

  • 18

    Dunedin - Christchurch

    DAY 18

    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.

  • 19

    Christchurch

    DAY 19

    Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Itinerary Excursions:

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

Cruise on the Interislander Ferry, Premium Lounge

Coastal Pacific Rail Journey

International Antarctic Centre

Christchurch Tram

TranzAlpine Rail Journey

Lakes District Museum

Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Larnach Castle

Pleasant Point Museum and Railway

City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin

Request a consultation Call us Brochure

Departure Dates: September to May

Contact Us
*Dates will depend on availability

Speak to our New Zealand experts

Paul Webster

Paul

Australia & New Zealand Expert

 Tracey Bates

Tracey

Australia & New Zealand Expert

 Jenny Taylor-Page

Jenny

Australia & New Zealand Expert
Request a consultation Call us

Find out more about New Zealand

Explore New Zealand