A new 13-day North Island itinerary will headline a New Zealand touring program featuring more than 250 guaranteed departures between September 2027 and May 2028.
Grand Pacific Tours has released its 2027/28 season, with itineraries ranging from nine to 19 days across the North and South Islands and two touring styles: Ultimate Small Group Tours for up to 20 travellers and Signature Mid-Size Group Tours aboard 32-seat coaches.
New for the season is the 13-day ‘Best of the North Island’ tour, combining Auckland, Waiheke Island, the Bay of Islands, Waipoua Forest, Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupō and Hawke’s Bay.
Experiences include a full day on Waiheke Island with winery and olive oil tastings, the Footprints Waipoua experience with local Māori guides and three nights in the Bay of Islands.
The itinerary also includes Hamilton Gardens, the Redwoods Forest near Rotorua, a traditional welcome and cultural experience at Te Pā Tū, a Lake Taupō cruise to the Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings and a Gannets Overland Safari at Cape Kidnappers.
Cesar Pitto, Journey Beyond Executive General Manager Touring, said the new itinerary had been designed to allow travellers to experience the North Island at a relaxed pace.
“This tour offers genuine, meaningful encounters with Māori culture and storytelling, from the ancient kauri forests of Waipoua to the warmth of a traditional welcome at Te Pā Tū,” Mr Pitto said.
The ‘Best of the North Island’ tour is priced from $9,560 per person for the Signature Mid-Size Group option and from $10,510 per person for the Ultimate Small Group Tour.
Also returning for the 2027/28 season is the 19-day ‘Rail, Cruise and Coach’ itinerary, combining coach touring with scenic rail journeys and an overnight cruise on either Milford or Doubtful Sound.
The itinerary is priced from $12,010 per person for Signature Mid-Size Group touring and from $14,510 per person for the Ultimate Small Group option.
All departures in the 2027/28 program are guaranteed and include coach travel, four- and five-star accommodation, most meals, sightseeing and attractions.
