Great Journeys New Zealand’s first fully escorted, multi-day tour from the new range has returned to the station after its inaugural customer outing with plenty of positive reviews from happy travellers on board.
The 15-day Great Journeys NZ escorted tour from Auckland to Queenstown departed on 13 January and included three scenic rail journeys and the Interislander ferry as well as six itinerary options.
Guests could select either the six-day ‘Northern Highlights’ tour from Auckland to Wellington or ‘Coastal Highlights’ trip from Wellington to Christchurch up to the full 15-day ‘New Zealand Highlights’ journey.
The 12 new guided small-group tours include Classic tours, from six to 15 days and designed with more free time plus optional extras, and six- to 17-day Signature tours for those after a complete experience.
On the recently concluded tour, two Canadian travellers were particularly excited by the spectacular photo locations, well-chosen hotels and fun dinners shared with the group. While an Australian on board said they felt like they were travelling with friends rather than a tour group.
Great Journeys NZ General Manager Tracey Goodall said: “We are so happy with the outcomes from this first tour. It was exactly what we imagined and hoped to achieve by bringing our three incredible scenic trains together as an escorted tour experience for travellers from all over the world.”
Across 2023, Great Journeys NZ will run 70 departures and with its new Christchurch Travel now open, the tour company will continue to grow sales for Aussie travel advisors.
Tour dates until 2024 are now available along with a range of commissionable short-break packages for advisors to book or customise for clients.
Working with Evolution Travel Collective (ETC), Great Journeys NZ is committed to supporting the Australian travel trade and will continue to expand its touring program offering.
For travel advisor training and support, contact info@evolutiontc.com.au
For more info, head to greatjourneysnz.com
