Overview

Experience a Fully Escorted tour combining rail, coach and an EXCLUSIVE overnight cruise

Bridge & Wickers have partnered Grand Pacific Tours, a New Zealand only specialist touring company offering an "all inclusive" style of touring that represents great value for money and includes, what we consider, the highest quality standard of product.

Limited to only 20 travellers their ‘Ultimate’ range of tours will redefine your opinion of a coach holiday. The 20 seats are extra wide luxurious fully reclinable leather seats, supported by the sturdy calf and footrests and a number of onboard entertainment facilities including personal radio, CD and DVD.

The tours offer premium accommodation and fabulous cuisine complemented with New Zealand’s highly distinctive premium wines.

DAY 1: Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland where you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. (Includes dinner)

Hotel Hyatt Regency Auckland

DAY 2: Auckland - Bay of Islands

Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe then pass through Whangarei to Paihia. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands - Deluxe Rooms (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 3: Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise

A memorable day lies ahead of you today. After breakfast you are free to explore Paihia before boarding Ipipiri, the Great Sights brand new luxurious catamaran for your overnight cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Cruise past spectacular landmarks, such as the Black Rocks and Urupukapuka Island before being anchored in a sheltered bay for a truly exclusive experience. You will be surrounded by nature, as the warm waters are home to an abundance of marine life such as dolphins, whales, seals and penguins. Tenders will ferry you to nearby islands as you learn of the rich history and ecology associated with this region. At sunset enjoy a buffet of local cuisine before retiring to your King Stateroom that has sea views.

Overnight Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 4: Bay of Islands - Auckland

After a unique overnight stay, start the day with a leisurely breakfast before you cruise back to Opua Wharf mid-morning. Farewell the Bay of Islands and drive south via Whangarei, Wellsford and Warkworth to Auckland. Enjoy a short city tour and free time before transferring to your hotel.

Hotel Hyatt Regency Auckland (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 5: Auckland - Rotorua

Depart Auckland and travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 12 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. Visit the restoration workshop and on return to Glenbrook Station, morning tea will be served. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside to Longlands Dairy Farm. Enjoy a short farm talk followed by a delicious home cooked lunch. This afternoon continue to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. 2 nights at the Hotel

2 nights at the Millennium Rotorua - Lakeview Rooms (Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

DAY 6: Rotorua

Today begins with a Gondola ride to Skyrides Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling out to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 7: Rotorua - Wellington

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway before arriving at the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo where some free time is available to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. This afternoon travel via the Tongariro National Park and see the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. Visit the Southwards Car Museum, home to the most comprehensive collection of veteran and vintage cars in the southern hemisphere. Afternoon tea will be enjoyed before continuing south along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.

2 nights at the Hotel James Cook Grand Chancellor - Superior Rooms (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 8: Wellington

Today explore this exciting region and enjoy an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight will be a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure this afternoon.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 9: Wellington - Christchurch

This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the TranzCoastal, a truly spectacular rail journey that links the port of Picton to Christchurch. Follow the thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Continue across the Northern Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch.

2 nights at the Hotel Millennium Hotel Christchurch - Superior Cathedral Square Rooms (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 10: Christchurch

This morning enjoy a city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon is free and we have arranged for you to travel on the Christchurch Tramway which is the best way to visit all the “Must See” sights.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 11: Christchurch - Dunedin

Depart Christchurch and travel to The Plains Vintage Railway where you experience a ‘K’88 Steam Locomotive at work. View the informative displays and enjoy a delightful morning tea before travelling to Oamaru. Continue to Dunedin for a city sights tour including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious historic home. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented complete with bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift.

2 nights at the Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 12: Dunedin

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you enjoy a guided tour. Next visit

Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, view the superb collection of flowers followed by a delightful morning tea. Return to the city and board The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail. Enjoy breathtaking views as you travel to Pukerangi. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station your coach will transfer you to your hotel.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 13: Dunedin - Te Anau

Travel to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. Admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto before arriving at your hotel.

2 nights at the Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 14: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau

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 a picnic lunch. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. (Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

DAY 15: Te Anau - Queenstown

Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak

Station. On arrival sit back and relax, as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in 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.

2 nights at the Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 16: Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain and Tour Escort will be happy to assist. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

(Includes breakfast)

DAY 17: Queenstown - Franz Josef

Depart Queenstown and travel 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 Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers before continuing to Franz Josef.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier - Douglas Wing (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 18: Franz Josef - Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika, famous for its greenstone then continue to Greymouth where you board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel through lush beech forest, skirt lakes and follow rivers till you climb through the Otira Tunnel to Arthur’s Pass in the centre of the Southern Alps. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Christchurch. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner including wine with your new found friends.

Millennium Hotel Christchurch - Superior Cathedral Square Rooms (Includes breakfast and dinner)

DAY 19: Christchurch - Homeport

Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand Holiday. (Includes breakfast)