Experience New Zealand by Rail, Cruise and Coach

New Zealand is ‘a world in miniature’, packed full of unique experiences. From the moment you arrive you will be embraced as Whānau (family) as you discover the must-do attractions and experience the history and Maori culture of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. 

Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Coach Holiday Specialist, provides a comprehensive range of value for money holidays offering a highly professional and personalised service to thousands of travellers every year. 

Experience the best of New Zealand on the 19 Day Rail, Cruise and Coach tour. Discover the romance of rail, the majesty of cruising and the luxury of coach travel. 

This popular itinerary includes 3 breathtaking rail journeys. Travelling by rail allows you to witness beautiful scenery and striking natural landscapes not accessible by road. 

Rail Journeys

Enjoy the world-renowned TranzAlpine rail journey from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass. Travel through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, view alpine scenery, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. 

World-renowned TranzAlpine

On the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, south of Auckland, enjoy the thrill of travelling by steam train as you meander through beautiful rural countryside on a vintage train hauled by one of the lovingly restored steam locomotives. 

Glenbrook Vintage Railway

On the Coastal Pacific, your journey begins at the coastal port of Picton. Travel through the picturesque Marlborough Wine Region and the East Coast providing vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains. You may see amazing wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins.

Coastal Pacific 

On the Ultimate itinerary only, you will also enjoy the Pleasant Point Museum and Railway. Nestled in the small town of Pleasant Point is a museum and railway housing two steam engines, one of the world’s only Model T Ford rail cars and a 137-year-old station. A small army of volunteers work hard to preserve New Zealand’s railway history. 

Cruises

Experience 4 scenic cruises on your tour including an overnight cruise on either Milford Sound (on the Signature itinerary), or Doubtful Sound (on the Ultimate itinerary) where you will view spectacular fiords, mountains and wildlife. 

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

Witness the stunning Bay of Islands with a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock, the Interislander Ferry through Cook Strait and the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. 

Other highlights of your tour include thermal mud pools and geysers, Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride, Te Puia traditional Mãori Hãngi and Concert and so much more!

Grand Pacific Tours offer 2 ways to travel this itinerary, utilising full size coaches with capacities of 20 and 32 seats. So sit back and relax, knowing the hassle of overlooking hidden locations or taking a wrong turn is removed.

Travel in Style

If you enjoy small group travel, then Ultimate Small Group Touring is for you. Travel “Business Class on Wheels” on a purpose built, full-size, state-of-the-art coach with a maximum of only 20 travellers and enjoy extensive onboard features and VIP extras.

On our Signature Mid-Size Group Tour, experience the beauty of New Zealand in the Premium Economy Comfort of a full-size coach, touring with a mid-size group of up to 32 travellers, fully escorted. The Signature coaches are beautifully crafted, designed for New Zealand touring with delivering excellence in mind.

“I would definitely recommend this trip to all my family & friends. The scenery, experiences and overall inclusions of the tour were great. Accommodation was also excellent. Could not have seen all that if we had done a self-drive holiday.” J.B. (NSW)

All tours include airfares and taxes*, personalised Meet and Greet on arrival in New Zealand, return airport transfers in New Zealand, porterage, coach travel, hotel accommodation, most meals including breakfast daily, plus sightseeing and prepaid attractions.

19 Day Rail, Cruise and Coach Tours

*Airfares and taxes are only included on tours that depart from Australia.