Overview
10 Days
Christchurch
Christchurch
Ultimate
4 - 4.5 Star
Premium
18-99 Years
20
Fully Guided
Itinerary
On arrival in Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Your afternoon is free to explore this wonderful city. Meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre-dinner drink. Stay: Sudima Christchurch City (D)
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur's Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Stay: Te Weheka Retreat or Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (B/D)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu.
This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay Two Nights: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown or similar (B)
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Grand Pacific Tours Local Host is available to assist. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon.
This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. (B/SD)
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you'll visit the Lakes District Museum. This innovative museum is heavily involved in the protection of the historic buildings scattered around town. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland.
This evening you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay Two Nights: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (B/D)
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard.
This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You may like to visit the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to show the locally filmed movie 'Ata Whenua - Shadowland' which will take you on an unforgettable journey (optional). (B/L/D)
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance and a delicious Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom.Stay: Distinction Dunedin (B/D)
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Stay: The Hermitage Hotel (B/D)
This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends. Stay: Sudima Christchurch City (B/SD)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
- Guided tour of Larnach Castle
- City sights tour of Christchurch & Dunedin
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Ultimate Small Group Tour Coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats on a full-size vehicle, 2 door access and panoramic windows
- Professional Coach Captain
- 9 nights 4.5 star accommodation
- 2 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 2 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Ultimate Documentation Pack
- 9 cooked breakfasts
- 8 sumptuous dinners including 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner with selected beverages, Christchurch
- 1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
- 1 Ultimate High Tea at Larnach Castle
- Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm
Operator
As the market leader for New Zealand Coach Holidays, we have something for everyone! Travel in style on our Ultimate Small Group Touring series (maximum of 20 travellers) or our Signature Touring series (premium economy comfort on a full size coach with smaller group size of 32.) with itineraries to suit all budgets and interests. Choose from Signature; Cruise & Coach and Special Interest Tours, with over 200 guaranteed departures per year. We take care of it all leaving you to get on with creating incredible holiday memories!
Trip Reviews (13)
The tour Ultimate South Island of NZ was brilliant. We saw key highlights in all the areas, and had time to explore as well as plenty of optional tours available if we chose. We booked the helicopter flight over the glaciers and had the opportunity to land in and spend time in fresh snow. We also were lucky enough to see Mt Cook, the weather was favourable. The glow worm caves were another highlight, as was the jet boat experience. Our tour guide Dave was knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. He grew up in Dunedin so was well versed in everything the South Island had to offer. The coach was incredibly comfortable and , and the hotels on point, everything was organised and effortless for us. Highly recommend Global Journeys and Grand Pacific, cannot wait to book our next trip!
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Grand Pacific New Zealand (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Flights Included:
All departures can be booked with return flights from Australia to New Zealand included. Please select the flight option when you enquire with us.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Grand Pacific. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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