On an epic exploration of New Zealand, explore the iconic 
landscapes of the North and South Islands, travel aboard 
superb railways and experience a warm Māori welcome.
Days 1-3. London to Auckland
Your holiday begins as we board our 
flight to Auckland via Singapore or 
Hong Kong. Arriving on Day 3, we 
transfer to our centrally located hotel.
 
Days 4 & 5. The Bay of Islands  
Driving north towards Paihia, we stop 
at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to 
learn about New Zealand’s founding 
document. On Day 5, we enjoy a cruise 
around the scenic Bay of Islands.
Day 6. Auckland sightseeing 
We drive back to Auckland, visiting 
the Kawiti Glowworm Caves enroute. 
Later, we embark on a sightseeing 
tour of Auckland, admiring the views 
from Bastion Point, then call at Parnell 
Village to explore Viaduct Harbour.
Days 7 & 8. The wonders of Rotorua
Our day starts with a journey on the 
Glenbrook Vintage Railway before 
continuing to Rotorua. On Day 8, we 
visit Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest 
and Te Puia, then enjoy a hāngī dinner 
at the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
Grand Tour of 
New Zealand
42
“The whole trip was 
mind-blowing and I’ll 
never forget the tigers.”
Brian, 2024
YOUR ITINERARY
Days 9 & 10. New Zealand’s capital
A highlight awaits as we board the 
renowned Northern Explorer for one 
of the world’s greatest rail journeys. 
This stunning route takes us into ‘King 
Country’, passing Te Kuiti and the 
volcanic peaks of Tongariro National 
Park before arriving in Wellington. We 
get to know New Zealand’s capital on 
a guided sightseeing tour on Day 10. 
Days 11 & 12. The Coastal Pacific
After a ferry journey across Cook 
Strait, we join the Coastal Pacific train 
for another memorable rail journey, 
travelling to Christchurch. A free day to 
explore this cultural city awaits on Day 
12, and you might choose to explore 
the city’s street art, explore the many 
parks or ride on the Christchurch 
Gondola for views across the city. 
Days 13-15. Into the Fiordland
Leaving Christchurch, we enjoy a 
scenic journey into the vast Mount 
Cook National Park. Our journey 
continues alongside Lake Pukaki, 
a stunning alpine lake with icy blue 
waters in Mount Cook National Park. 
On Day 14, we drive to Te Anau, the 
gateway to New Zealand’s Fiordland. 
On Day 15, we enter the acclaimed 
Fiordland National Park and sail 
through ancient glacier-carved fjords 
on a cruise across Milford Sound.
 
Days 16 & 17. Exploring Queenstown
A guided tour reveals the sights of this 
historic city, before we enjoy a tour 
and tasting at a local winery and cruise 
across Lake Wakatipu on TSS Earnslaw. 
Day 17 is yours to spend at leisure.
Days 18 & 19. Southern Alps
Today’s scenic excursion takes us to 
the Franz Josef Glacier, passing ski 
resorts and glacial lakes enroute. 
On Day 19, we travel by coach to 
Arthur’s Pass, where we board the 
stunning TranzAlpine railway for an 
unforgettable journey to Christchurch. 
Days 20 & 21. Homeward bound
Your holiday concludes as we transfer 
to the airport for our flight, landing 
back at London Heathrow on Day 21. 
GRAND TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand
AUCKLAND
WELLINGTON
CHRISTCHURCH
ROTORUA
Picton
TWIZEL
QUEENSTOWN
TE ANAU
Milford Sound
Arthur's Pass
FRANZ JOSEF
Hamilton
PAIHIA
1
1
1
2
2
2
+1
2
1
3
+1
by Rail
Nights in Hotel
by Coach
1
by Ship
Classic
Exploring the magical 
Kawiti Glowworm Caves
Experiencing some of the 
world’s greatest rail journeys
Embracing indigenous culture at 
the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute

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