10 Day Ultimate South Island Escape

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 Ultimate 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.

Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (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: Heritage Hotel Queenstown (2 nights) (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, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon or get up close to a Kiwi bird. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you 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. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. This evening you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights) (B, D)

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 a picnic 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”. Enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. The sweet tooth might like to tour Cadbury World (optional) whilst others might be interested in a tour of the Speight’s Brewery, which produces New Zealand’s most popular beer (optional). Also available is a tour to the Royal Albatross Centre to see Albatross in their natural habitat or a tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing many treasures of a bygone era (optional).

Stay: Distinction Dunedin (B, D)

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.

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, visit 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 (B, SD)

Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)