Itinerary
This is a 11 day small group tour that travels the South Island of New Zealand, starting and finishing in 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.
This morning visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. Feel the chill of the Antarctic storm room, take a ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguins and be astonished within the immersive 4D theatre. This is followed by a city tour of Christchurch. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore further.
Travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.
Depart Mt Cook and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city tour followed by some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era.
This morning, 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 followed by an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional) or the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua – Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey (optional).
A leisurely start today before travelling to Manapouri. Enjoy lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. After a short ride over the Wilmot Pass, join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef.
Merry Christmas! Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Queenstown, a year-round resort, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening dinner will be at your hotel.
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 TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Next you visit Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel for your overnight stay.
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory before arriving at Arthur’s Pass where you board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. This evening reminisce on the memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner which includes selected beverages.
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
