Grand Tour of New Zealand

Captain Cook set sail for the Southern Hemisphere in August 1768. Travelling on the ‘Endeavour’ his priority was to be in position to observe the transit of Venus across the sun in order to assist astronomers to calculate the dimensions of the universe and the distance from the earth to the sun. The official discovery of New Zealand, ‘the land of the long white cloud’, was of secondary importance. Travelling through these mild green and golden surroundings the scenery is ever changing from snowy mountain peaks to a winding coastline peppered with islands and harbours and beautiful, untouched countryside. This small group arrangement utilises New Zealand’s excellent network of regular coach services between towns and includes three spectacular rail journeys - the Tranz Coastal, the Tranz Alpine and Taieri Gorge Railway. Private transfers are arranged between the hotels and coach or rail stations. Private tours are included in the main towns whilst three optional scenic excursions are offered on local tours.