Ultimate South Island

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)