Grand Pacific Tours Travel Brochure Grand Pacific Tours 2018-2019 | Page 21

DAY 7: Rotorua - Wellington (B,D) Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park and then continue south to the capital city of Wellington. Hotel James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (2 nights) DAY 8: Wellington (B) A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon and this evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene. DAY 9: Wellington - Kaikoura - Christchurch (B,D) This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged scenic coastline on the other. Travel through numerous tunnels and across several bridges before departing the train in Kaikoura. Travel south by coach through some of the finest farmland area’s to the garden city of Christchurch. Hotel Distinction Christchurch (2 nights) DAY 10: Christchurch (B) 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, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine. DAY 11: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef (B,D) This morning board the TranzAlpine, 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 coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing) DAY 12: Franz Josef - Queenstown (B) See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Hotel Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront (2 nights) DAY 13: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD) Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown. Your Tour Guide and Coach Captain are available to assist with the many options available. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano on your return cruise. DAY 14: Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B,D) This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for your amazing overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife - you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef. Overnight Milford Mariner DAY 15: Milford Sound - Te Anau (B,D) Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return back to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau. This afternoon enjoy a cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Glow Worm Caves where you will admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto. Hotel Distinction Luxmore (Deluxe Room) >> TOUR HIGH LIGHT Milford Sound Overnight Cruise For the ultimate Milford Sound experience, spend the night on board the Milford Mariner. Your overnight cruise includes: • Cruise on a traditionally designed vessel • Cabins with private ensuite • Superb evening carvery buffet prepared freshly by an onboard chef • Cooked breakfast • Tender craft and kayaking activities • Specialist onboard nature guide • Relaxation time allowing you to view the fiords spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife DAY 16: Te Anau - Dunedin (B,SD) Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin. After time for lunch board the Silver Fern railcar for a journey along spectacular clifftops overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Blueskin Bay. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station, board the coach for an informative city tour. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift. Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (2 nights) DAY 17: Dunedin (B,D) This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to the city for some free time. You might choose to board The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail (optional). DAY 18: Dunedin - Christchurch (B,SD) This morning visit Olveston Historic Home, containing treasures from a bygone era before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends. Hotel Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport DAY 19: Depart Christchurch (B) Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. TOP TO BOTTOM: You may see amazing wildlife on the Coast Pacific; the TranzAlpine rated one of the great train journeys of the world; explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. gptnz.com 21