14 Day Ultimate National Panorama

Grand Pacific Tours

14 Day National Panorama

Daily Itinerary

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner.

DAY 1: Arrive Christchurch (D)

On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions. 

Hotel The George or similar

DAY 2: Christchurch - Mt Cook (B,D) 

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.

Hotel The Hermitage Hotel (Aoraki Wing)

DAY 3: Mt Cook - Dunedin (B,D)

Depart Mt Cook, see Lake Benmore and follow the Waitaki River to Oamaru. Continue south to Dunedin, enjoy a city tour followed by free time. You might be interested in a tour to see local wildlife in their natural habitat (optional).

Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel

DAY 4: Dunedin - Te Anau (B,D) 

This morning travel out 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. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). 

Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

DAY 5: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown (B,L) 

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 travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. 

Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)

DAY 6: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD) 

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader are available to assist with the many optional activities available, including the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or to get up close to a Kiwi bird. 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. 

DAY 7: Queenstown - Arrowtown - Fox Glacier (B,D) 

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (weather permitting, optional) over the spectacular glaciers. 

Hotel Distinction Fox Glacier

DAY 8: Fox Glacier - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch (B,D) 

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. 

Hotel The George

DAY 9: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington (B,D) 

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikõura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you will board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. 

Hotel InterContinental Wellington (Premium Room. 2 nights)

DAY 10: Wellington (B) 

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 coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.

DAY 11: Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua (B,D) 

Depart Wellington and view the snow-capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Hotel Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)

DAY 12: Rotorua (B,SD) 

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment. Visit Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Mãori cultural performance followed by a delicious Hãngi meal.

DAY 13: Rotorua - Auckland (B,SD) 

This morning depart Rotorua and travel through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a guided tour of the Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will recount details of how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle Earth. Continue north to Auckland for an orientation tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

Hotel The Grand by SkyCity

DAY 14: Depart Auckland (B) 

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