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Rail journey · Grand Pacific Tours · 10 nights

Discover the top of New Zealand's South Island

From
$4,899 pp twin share
10 nights
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Duration10 nights
OperatorGrand Pacific Tours
StyleRail journey
HighlightExclusive $300 pp discount
Immerse yourself in the wilderness, wildlife and wonders of the top of New Zealand's South Island. This unique tour is a wonderful alternative to a "complete" itinerary, instead taking a ten-day deep…

Scenic Highlights and Walks:

  • Historic French Village of Akaroa
  • Lake Brunner
  • Brunner Mine Site
  • Hokitika Gorge
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
  • Cape Foulwind walkway
  • Buller Gorge
  • Seaside town of Kaiteriteri
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Marlborough Wine Region
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Coastal town of Kaikõura
Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrive Christchurch

    On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

    Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similar (2 nights) Included Meals: Dinner
  2. 2

    Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch

    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 a 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.

    Included Meals: Breakfast
  3. 3

    Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika

    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, visit a local gallery, for the opportunity to pick up a gift or souvenir.

    Hotel Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View) Included Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch & Dinner
  4. 4

    Hokitika - Punakaiki

    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.

    Hotel Punakaiki Resort (Sea View) Included Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch & Dinner
  5. 5

    Punakaiki - Nelson

    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.

    Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room. 2 nights) Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  6. 6

    Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson

    Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay a barbeque lunch will be served. 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.

    Included Meals: Breakfast & Speciality Lunch
  7. 7

    Nelson - Blenheim

    Today travel via Havelock and the wine-growing 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 Cloudy Bay Estate. Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the original wineries in the region. Enjoy a personalised tasting experience in the Barrell Room followed by time to wander through the superb, manicured grounds and towering gum trees, which will surely be a highlight.

    Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough (2 nights)Included Meals: Breakfast, Speciality Lunch & Dinner
  8. 8

    Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim

    Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Board a luxury vessel at Picton Marina and cruise the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge whilst enjoying the informative commentary on this stunning region. 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.

    Included Meals: Breakfast & Speciality Lunch
  9. 9

    Blenheim - Kaikõura

    Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikõura. Visit the Kaikõura Museum, which features an exhibition depicting 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.

    Hotel Sudima Hotel KaikõuraIncluded Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

    DAY: 10 Kaikõura - Christchurch

    Depart Kaikõura 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.

    Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similarIncluded Meals: Breakfast & Speciality Dinner
  10. 11

    Depart Christchurch

    Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Your holiday includes:

PREPAID ATTRACTIONS

  • 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* Guided tour
  • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre* Guided tour
  • Cloudy Bay Estate Wine Tasting
  • Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
  • Kaikõura Museum
  • International Antarctic Centre
  • City sights tour of Nelson and Christchurch

COACH FEATURES

  • 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
  • 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder
  • Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance

EXPERIENCE

  • Professional Coach Captain
  • 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
  • Extensive Optional Tours Programme
  • Classic Documentation Pack

MEALS

  • 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 BBQ lunch, Abel Tasman National Park; Dodson Street Beer Garden; Blenheim; Furneaux Lodge, Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

During your tour, you'll stay at the following properties:

  • Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)
  • Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View)
  • Punakaiki Resort (Sea View)
  • Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room. 2 nights)
  • Scenic Hotel Marlborough (2 nights)
  • Sudima Hotel Kaikõura
  • Distinction Christchurch Hotel
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED:
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.
PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTSAll visitors require a passport to enter New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months past the date that you intend to leave New Zealand. For Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand. Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to travelling to New Zealand. For visitors from non-visa waiver countries, it is recommended you visit customs.govt.nz for full entry requirements. CLOTHING
Whilst on tour, dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants. The seasons are more pronounced and the weather is more changeable. In summer, a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting during the months ofMay and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.You may have the option to relax and unwind in thermal hot pools so don’t forget to pack your swimwear.
MONEY MATTERS
New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). All major international credit cards are accepted and provided they are encoded with a PIN, may be used to obtain cash from Automatic Teller Machines throughout New Zealand. Check with your bank whether this facility is available to you. It is highly recommended you obtain a small amount ofNew Zealand currency prior to your arrival in New Zealand.Cash Passports or Travel Money Cards are popular and are a safe and convenient way to allow you to access cash at Automatic Teller Machines throughout New Zealand.
WEATHER
These are average minimum/maximum temperatures in Celsius only during Spring (Sep to Nov). They could vary by up to 4-6 degrees.
TIPPING
New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income, however tipping in appreciation for extra-special service is at the discretion of the individual traveller.Some tours may organise an envelope to be circulated for a group presentation to the Coach Captain and/or Tour Guide but any contribution is based on individual appreciation and is not mandatory.
INCIDENTALS
We suggest you allow a minimum of NZ $40 - $50 per day per person for incidental cash expenses such as lunch, morning and afternoon tea.
LUGGAGE LIMITS
Each traveller is entitled to travel with ONE suitcase on tour measuring (length + width + depth) no more than 150cm (59”). The maximum suitcase weight allowed is 23kg (50lbs).
ROLE OF YOUR COACH CAPTAIN
Your Coach Captain is responsible for driving and maintaining the coach and for providing commentary throughout the tour. They are responsible for your wellbeing and for co-ordinating all the accommodation and activities. It is important whilst travelling on tour that you follow all Crew instructions.
COACH SEAT ROTATION
For the enjoyment of all travellers a daily seat rotation operates which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking. The coach seat plan is displayed on the coach for your reference.
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The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.

  • Non refundable deposit of $300 required within 7 days of booking to secure you spot.
  • Final payment due no later than Friday 02 December 2022.
  • Properties used in the tour is subject to change without notice.

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER*GPT has compiled the content of all tour itineraries based on the knowledge that all accommodation and attraction suppliers will be fully operational by September 2022. If for any reason the component of a tour is not available at the time of touring, a replacement or refund will be provided. Any refund amount is based on GPT’s negotiated pricing and not retail prices. GUARANTEED DEPARTURES: GPT has been highly regarded for the promotion of ‘guaranteed departure dates’ for 25 years. In the current COVID-19 travel climate, circumstances beyond our control could still affect the running of individual tours, including border closures and their impact on required minimum numbers to operate. Tour information is subject to change at any time.

Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $4,899 pp
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