Travel Updates

Kia ora,

On the 1st of September 2022, Grand Pacific Tours (GPT) resumed touring in New Zealand, our first tour since March 2020 when the borders were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travellers from all over the world are delighted to travel again and New Zealand has certainly been seen as a very popular destination. Our travellers are returning happy and our booking levels for the remainder of the season showcase that 2023 is going to be a busy year for touring.

Suspense Files

Over the last two years GPT have been holding suspense files in good faith.   

At this point we have extended the expiry date of the suspense file to 31 March 2023 for making a booking, based on travel through to 31 May 2024. Due to the popularity of the tours, we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Please be advised if you decide to not travel within the 2022/23 touring season (01 September 2022 – 31 May 2023) and choose to travel beyond this date, the same tour pricing cannot be held as all tour prices increased for the 2023/24 touring season (01 September 2023 – 31 May 2024).

Once a suspense file credit is used to create a ‘rebook’, full Booking Terms and Conditions will apply.

> Booking Terms and Conditions

It is very important for all travellers to note that Travel Insurance is not included but it is strongly recommended. It is equally important for the traveller to understand the coverage the policy includes if their travel arrangements are interrupted prior to travel or whilst on tour due to COVID-19. 

Tour Itinerary Choice

2022/23 Season (01 September 22 – 31 May 23)

Travellers can choose to book for the current 2022/23 touring season. Booking a tour of the same style of travel will be subject to date availability as seats are filling up fast.

2023/24 Season (01 September 23 – 31 May 24)

In tandem with the launch of the 2023/24 touring season, Grand Pacific Tours (GPT) have made the decision to fine tune our portfolio of touring product.  

Reacting to market demands and evident booking trends, GPT will transition to be recognised as a Specialist in Small and Mid-Size Group Touring. As a result, GPT will cease operating the Classic Touring & Classic Affordable Touring (48 seats) range of tours at the completion of the current 2022/23 season.

As a specialist in New Zealand coach touring, the future will be aimed at the growth of the following:

• Ultimate Small Group Touring (20 seats) designed for the ‘Business Class’ style of traveller
• Signature Mid-Size Group Touring (32 seats) offering a ‘Premium Economy’ touring experience.   

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the popularity of both styles of travel, each offering a selection of fully inclusive itineraries ranging from 9 to 19 days, with multiple guaranteed departures.  Additionally, GPT will consider new innovations for coach touring in New Zealand which has always been part of our market leading approach.

Tours to be discontinued for the 2023/24 Season (48 seat coach only)

CLASSIC TOURING: 

• 19 Day Classic Rail, Cruise and Coach (CGPR19)
• 19 Day Classic Showcase (CGPS19)
• 10 Day Classic South Island (CGPS10)
• 9 Day Classic North Island (CGPS9)

CLASSIC AFFORDABLE TOURING: 

• 16 Day Affordable Highlights (CGPN16)
• 14 Day Affordable Panorama (CGPN14)
• 9 Day Affordable South Island (CGPN9)
• 8 Day Affordable North Island (CGPN8)
• 16 Day Affordable SOLO Travellers (CGPNSO16)
• 17 Day Affordable Festive Season (CGPNX17)

Please note: **Classic 48 seats – this style of coach is only available in conjunction with the Classic Warbirds Over Wanaka Tours, operating every two years as part of Special Interest Group Touring.

If travellers had previously booked on one of the above tours, they could upgrade to a Signature or Ultimate tour using their suspense file credit and pay the differential. The original ‘special offer’ applied to the booking will be carried over but not combinable with any other offers.

All available tours and departure dates are listed on our website. 

New Zealand Entry Requirements

It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they understand and follow the airline and government regulations for travel to New Zealand. GPT take no responsibility if travel or entry into New Zealand is denied due to regulations not being met.

Travellers are no longer required to get a COVID-19 pre-departure test to enter New Zealand. All international travellers arriving into New Zealand will receive from Biosecurity at the airport complimentary Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to voluntarily self-test; travellers are encouraged to test on days 0/1 and 5/6 and report a positive test. At the time of distributing this communication, a COVID Positive traveller is required to isolate for 7 days.

Based on the removal of the New Zealand government mandates, travellers arriving into New Zealand, and travelling on a GPT tour, are no longer required to be fully vaccinated.  

Staying Healthy on Tour

All decisions to travel are the risk of the individual traveller and not the responsibility of GPT.

Our Touring with Confidence Guidebook is a valuable resource outlining our detailed approach to Health and Safety, so you can travel with us and be assured that your well-being is our number one priority.  

> Touring with Confidence Guidebook

Ngā mihi,
 
Peter Harding
Managing Director