“It’s Coach, Darling, But Not As We Know It”

Luxury New Zealand Coach Specialist, Grand Pacific Tours has launchesd an exciting innovation in New Zealand coach travel, with coach travellers soon be able to tour New Zealand in surroundings akin to the pointy end of a plane when Grand Pacific Tours launches Ultimate New Zealand.

The specially commissioned Ultimate Coach is a full size luxury touring vehicle fitted with just 20 reclining leather seats (instead of the usual 49) with The various elements on board have been sourced both locally and internationally to exacting standards.

The coach will be unveiled by September 2008 for the first of seven scheduled Ultimate New Zealand departures – a leisurely 15 day circuit of the South Island, staying in the finest accommodation and including the most spectacular activities and dining experiences.

Bookings are open now and the Ultimate New Zealand brochure has just been released. Beautifully designed in a distinctive square format, it sells the New Zealand experience first and foremost with striking photographic spreads on each of the 10 destinations. Details on the itinerary, accommodation and tour inclusions are discreetly confined inside foldout pages, enhancing the 28-page brochure’s ‘coffee table’ style.

“We’re aiming the Ultimate New Zealand product at the discerning traveller who would normally not consider a traditional coach holiday,” says Grand Pacific Tours Managing Director Peter Harding.

“People who don’t want to travel with large numbers, who enjoy a relaxed pace and later starts to the day, yet people who love the idea of someone else doing all the driving and all the organising so they can unwind and enjoy a first class New Zealand holiday.

“Our regular coach tours have been attracting an average age group in the 60s and we see the Ultimate New Zealand tour getting this down into the 40s and 50s.”

The Ultimate New Zealand itinerary takes in the best attractions of each centre, among them indulgences like a helicopter ride to the top of The Remarkables mountains in Queenstown for a glass of champagne as you take in the spectacular views, a five course degustation dinner with a well known Marlborough winemaker and a massage or facial at the newly developed Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa.

Accommodation includes leading hotels, villa suites at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, one bedroom cottages at the Monaco Hotel & Resort in Nelson, suite accommodation at The Millennium Christchurch and an overnight cruise on majestic Doubtful Sound. The itinerary has been designed to allow travellers to explore each region at a more leisurely pace with three nights allocated in Christchurch and Queenstown.

Onboard the coach, the business class treatment extends to entertainment facilities including radio, DVD and CD, seat-side timber storage units and power outlets to charge laptops, iPods or mobile phones. The luxury leather seats will have calf and foot rests and a foldaway timber tray table with cup holder. Magazines and fruit will be available from a central galley, complete with a fridge for passengers’ drink storage. A coach captain and dedicated tour escort will provide full commentary and a concierge service.

The tour is priced at $8599 per person, twin share land only including 14 nights luxury accommodation, private airport transfers in New Zealand, daily breakfasts, 5 lunches and 11 dinners, comprehensive sightseeing and admissions, a deluxe documentation set plus a touring jacket (or from $8999 with return airfare; business class airfare upgrades are available on request).

Trade Reservations toll free 1800 622 768 or email [email protected]

Report by The Mole