Itinerary
This is a 14 Day Signature Mid-Size Group Tour that travels the South Island, starting and ending in Christchurch.
On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening you will enjoy a pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.
This morning an introductory city tour of Christchurch will showcase its revitalised centre buzzing with energy. Continue to the International Antarctic Centre, where you will gain fascinating insights of life in Antarctica. Return to the city and enjoy a leisurely journey aboard the charming Christchurch Tram, a unique experience combining history and the city’s key landmarks. This evening is free for you to dine at leisure.
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 coastal town of Punakaiki.
This morning explore the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Continue south to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will sample craft beers over lunch. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you journey south through the breathtaking Haast Pass. Arrive in picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort nestled on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. A leisurely 3-night stay allows you to take the time to explore this incredible natural playground.
Today, immerse yourself in the spectacular sights of Queenstown. Begin with a visit to Arrowtown, a charming old gold mining village, where you will explore the Lakes District Museum. Next head to Gibbston Valley Winery and experience a wine tasting in New Zealand’s largest Wine Cave, followed by lunch in the restaurant. 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.
Queenstown is celebrated around the world for its amazing activities, great food, award winning wine and its vibrant nightlife scene. Today, enjoy the freedom to explore Queenstown and all on offer at your leisure. Your crew are available to help you choose from the many optional activities available. This evening is also free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
This morning, journey through Te Anau to Milford Sound where you will board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Take your time to marvel at the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) – or to simply relax on board. As evening falls indulge in a delicious freshly prepared carvery buffet by the onboard chef.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau for a short break. The journey continues to Invercargill, one of the southernmost cities in the world, where you will have time to explore at leisure.
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Bill Richardson Transport World, a remarkable private collection housed in a striking, purpose-built Art Deco building. Discover impressive displays of vintage trucks, rare classic cars, historic petrol pumps and an ever-expanding exhibition of wearable art. From here, travel through the breathtaking Catlins region, where lush rainforest gives way to spectacular coastal scenery. Stop at Curio Bay, famous for its 180-million-year-old Jurassic petrified forest, before enjoying lunch. Continue to Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent triple-tiered waterfall and a favourite spot for photography. As the journey unfolds, take in dramatic coastal views and scenic lookouts before arriving in Dunedin, your home for the next two nights.
Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. Dunedin was built on the riches of the gold rush with one of the best collections of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere on display. Enjoy an orientation tour taking in the city’s key sights. 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.
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River as you 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. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.
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. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on the memories created with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
Kia ora. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
If departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening, breakfast is not included.
