The tour is part of Grand Pacific Tours' Ultimate Small Group collection, with a maximum of 20 travellers and a 20-seat Business Class coach. The full-size coach is designed for comfort, with dedicated seat-side storage, tray tables, cup holders, two-door access, a restroom and a daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance. Having a smaller group also allows the journey to feel more personal while travelling through some of the South Island's most scenic regions. A professional Coach Captain accompanies the group, providing commentary and assistance throughout the tour, while hotel porterage helps make moving between destinations easier.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Although the itinerary includes a comprehensive range of sightseeing and organised experiences, it also allows time to explore independently. Queenstown is the main opportunity for personal exploration, with a dedicated free day on Day 7. Travellers can use this time to discover more of Queenstown at their own pace, enjoy local restaurants or choose from optional activities, with the Coach Captain available to provide suggestions. The itinerary also includes multi-night stays in Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin, helping create a more relaxed pace rather than changing hotels every night. This combination of guided touring and free time allows travellers to enjoy the South Island without having every moment scheduled.
Beyond the major landscapes, the itinerary includes a variety of experiences that showcase different sides of New Zealand's South Island. Travellers can ride the historic Christchurch Tram, explore the International Antarctic Centre and journey through the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine. In Queenstown, the tour combines Arrowtown and the Lakes District Museum with wine tasting at Gibbston Valley Winery, followed by a cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak. Further south, guests visit Bill Richardson Transport World, Classic Motorcycle Mecca and the Catlins before continuing to Dunedin and Larnach Castle. This mix of scenic, cultural, historical and food-focused experiences creates variety throughout the 14-day itinerary.
Yes, meals are an important part of the Ultimate touring experience, with 13 cooked breakfasts, 10 dinners and five lunches included, along with an Ultimate High Tea at Larnach Castle. Dining experiences are spread throughout the itinerary and include lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant at Lake Brunner, Monteith’s Brewing Co. in Greymouth and Gibbston Valley Winery in Queenstown. Guests also enjoy dinner at Walter Peak Homestead after travelling across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, while the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise includes meals on board. A farewell dinner with selected beverages is also included in Christchurch.
The 14 Day Ultimate Best of the South Island includes 12 nights of 4–5 star accommodation, selected to provide a comfortable base in each destination. Hotels featured on the itinerary include Hotel Montreal in Christchurch, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, Legacy Te Waonui Hotel in Franz Josef, Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown and Distinction Dunedin Hotel. The itinerary also includes a stay at The Hermitage Hotel in Mt Cook, while the Doubtful Sound section is spent aboard the Fiordland Navigator. Hotel porterage is included, helping make the transition between destinations easier, particularly during a multi-stop journey around the South Island.
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