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Signature Top of the South Island

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New Release Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
Our Price From 5,939 Per Person
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 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Christchurch
 Trip Finishes
Christchurch
11 Day Signature Top of the South Island Itinerary (Grand Pacific)
Countries Explored: New Zealand
Trip Style
Signature
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
32
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
SGPTOS11

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Grand Pacific's 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island. This tour offers unbeatable value and provides an excellent coverage of the spectacular South Island. Unveiling a picturesque landscape of wilderness, wildlife and unique attractions. It provides an excellent range of superior hotel accommodation, luxury coach travel with professional Coach Captain, cooked breakfasts and dinners plus a comprehensive range of prepaid activities including a number of specialty evening meals.

Itinerary

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (D)

After an introductory city sights tour, enjoy a scenic drive to the historic French Village of Akaroa, with time to wander through the charming galleries and craft stores.

This afternoon set off on your Nature Cruise in the hope of spotting the rare Hector's Dolphin and keep an eye out for penguins and other sea birds.

Following your cruise, return to Christchurch where the evening is free to dine at one of the city's many restaurants. (B)

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 before descending through the Otira Tunnel to Moana, on the banks of picturesque Lake Brunner. Enjoy lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant, before travelling to the Brunner Mine Site, the location of the 1896 mine explosion.

This afternoon in the coastal town of Hokitika, you will visit a local gallery, the perfect chance to pick up a gift or souvenir. Stay: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View) (B/L/D)

Today, take in the natural beauty of the Hokitika Gorge on a short walk descending through the hardwood forest that will lead you to a swing bridge which crosses the Hokitika River. Continue north to Greymouth, home of Monteith's Brewing Co. where you will sample locally brewed beers over lunch.

This afternoon travel along the Great Coast Road to the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Stay: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (Beach View Room) (B/L/D)

Journey north along the coast to Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he encountered nasty weather. A short walk along the rocky headland will showcase the rugged coastline and sea life often on show amongst the rocks. Travel inland via the Buller Gorge and Murchison to Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the city followed by a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars. Stay Two Nights: Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room) (B/D)

Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay, a picnic lunch will be provided. Re-join your coach and depart for Nelson via the vineyards. This evening is free for you to dine at one of the local restaurants in town. (B/SL)

Today travel via Havelock and the winegrowing region of Marlborough. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 Aircraft, brought to life in sets created by the internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Head back into town where you will enjoy lunch at a local Blenheim beer garden before a short drive to an iconic Marlborough Winery where you will experience a personalised wine tasting. You will taste award-winning wines and enjoy exploring the beautiful Marlborough vineyards. Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Marlborough (B/L/D)

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Cruise from Picton Marina to the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, while enjoying informative commentary on this remarkable region, enroute to Furneaux Lodge. At Furneaux Lodge a delicious lunch will be served followed by time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There is access to kayaks and short walks around the property.

On the return cruise to Picton a cheese platter featuring local produce is served accompanied by a glass of Marlborough wine, the perfect end to your Marlborough Sounds adventure. Board the coach for the short journey back to Blenheim where the evening is free to dine at one of the local restaurants. (B/SL)

Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikoura to visit the Kaikoura Museum, featuring a dedicated exhibition on the impact of the 2016 earthquake. This afternoon you may like to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the coastline to see the many species of whales that migrate through this area. Stay: Sudima Kaikoura (B/D)

Depart Kaikōura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (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

  • Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Wilderness Gallery Hokitika
  • Monteith's Brewing Co. Tasting
  • Nelson Classic Car Museum
  • Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Barbecue Cruise
  • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
  • Marlborough Winery and Tasting
  • Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise & Furneaux Lodge Lunch
  • Kaikoura Museum
  • International Antarctic Centre
  • City sights tour of Christchurch and Nelson

  • Premium Economy Comfort on a full-size coach with 2 door access, seat back tray table, cup holder, restroom and daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
  • Professional Coach Captain and Tour Leader
  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • 10 nights 4 star accommodation
  • 3 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 3 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Signature Documentation Pack

  • 10 cooked breakfasts
  • 7 sumptuous dinners including Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 1 specialty dinner: Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
  • 5 specialty lunches: Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner; Monteith’s Brewing Co, Greymouth; Abel Tasman lunch, Abel Tasman National Park; Dodson Street Beer Garden, Blenheim; Furneaux Lodge, Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

  • Please Note: Tour includes a number of short walks of up to 1 hour that require a moderate level of fitness. The walks are scenic and not excessive but can include slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before booking.
  • 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
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Brochure

New Zealand

Grand Pacific New Zealand (2024-25)

Since 1996, Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Coach Holiday Specialist has been indulging travellers from all over the world with the holiday of a lifetime. Tour in style, choose between an Ultimate Small Group Tour, boasting a Business Class level of comfort with only 20 luxury leather seats, or a Signature Mid-Size Group Tour, enjoying Premium...more Economy comfort onboard a coach with 32 seats.

Availability

Hot Deal
Saturday 19 Oct 2024
Tuesday 29 Oct 2024
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From: $6,299 $5,939
Save $360 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 02 Feb 2025
Wednesday 12 Feb 2025
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Hot Deal
Saturday 19 Oct 2024
Tuesday 29 Oct 2024
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Exclusive Deal
Sunday 02 Feb 2025
Wednesday 12 Feb 2025
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From: $7,949 $7,696
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Note
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. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. 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.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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 Grand Pacific. These 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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