Explore the Best of New Zealand's South Island

Your fare excludes:

Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.

Day 2: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef

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. Board your coach and 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.

Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown

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 at leisure, you may choose to to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Day 4: Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. 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 TSSEarnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Day 5: Queenstown - Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you 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. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Day 6: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature 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 might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

Day 7: Te Anau - Dunedin

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy a city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era.

Day 8: Dunedin - Mt Cook

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour. There is time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.

Day 9: Mt Cook - Christchurch

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 in Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

Day 10: Depart Christchurch

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

M​ultiple travel dates are available between December 2024 to May 2025, below pricing based on 5 May 2025

• I​ncluding flights from Melbourne
• f​rom $6,859 pp twin share / $8,839 pp sole use*

• I​ncluding flights from Sydney & Brisbane
• f​rom $6,879 pp twin share / $8,859 pp sole use*

• L​and only (no flights included)
• f​rom $6,319 pp twin share / $8,299 pp sole use*

Call our friendly Aussie travel team on 1300 414 198 to get up to date pricing for flights from alternative capital cities or travel dates. Want to be away over Christmas, ask about pricing for the SpecialChristmas Departure on 19 December 2024.

*Air Taxes are subject to change. Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

• Sudima Christchurch City
• Te Waonui Forest Retreat
• Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)
• Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights) 
• Distinction Dunedin Hotel 
• The Hermitage Hotel (Aoraki Wing)

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
All 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.

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.