14 Day Ultimate Best of the South Island Small Group

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 and settle into the beginning of your South Island journey.

This morning an introductory Christchurch City Sights Tour will showcase the revitalised city centre and some of its key landmarks. Continue to the International Antarctic Centre, where you will gain fascinating insights into life in Antarctica, before returning to the city for a leisurely journey aboard the charming Christchurch Tram, combining local history with views of the city.

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, through 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 continuing to the coastal town of Punakaiki.

This morning explore the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, where layers of limestone have been sculpted by the powerful forces of the Tasman Sea. Continue south to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co., where you will sample locally produced craft beers over lunch. Travel onwards through Hokitika, famous for its greenstone, before arriving in Franz Josef, with time available to experience an optional scenic flight over the spectacular glaciers, weather permitting.

Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you journey south through the breathtaking Haast Pass. The route takes you through lush native forest and dramatic alpine scenery before arriving in picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. A leisurely three-night stay allows you to slow the pace and enjoy this spectacular natural playground.

Today immerse yourself in the spectacular sights of the Queenstown region. Begin with a visit to Arrowtown, a charming former gold-mining village, where you will explore the Lakes District Museum before continuing to Gibbston Valley Winery for a wine tasting in New Zealand’s largest wine cave and lunch in the restaurant. This evening board the vintage TSS Earnslaw for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station, where you will enjoy a gourmet barbeque dinner followed by a short farm tour and a piano singalong on the return cruise.

Queenstown is celebrated for its spectacular scenery, excellent food and wine, and wide range of activities. Today enjoy the freedom to explore the town and its surroundings at your leisure, with your coach captain available to help you choose from the many optional activities available. This evening is also free to dine at one of Queenstown’s many restaurants.

Today travel to Manapouri and enjoy lunch as you cruise across the glacial waters of Lake Manapouri. A short journey over Wilmot Pass brings you to Deep Cove, where you will board the Fiordland Navigator for an unforgettable overnight experience in Doubtful Sound. As you cruise through the pristine fiord, knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife, with opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak, or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Start the day with breakfast aboard the Fiordland Navigator before returning to Deep Cove and travelling back across Lake Manapouri. Continue by coach to Te Anau for a short break before travelling onwards to Invercargill, where you will visit Bill Richardson Transport World. Enjoy a guided tour of this remarkable private collection housed in a purpose-built Art Deco building, featuring vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps and an ever-growing showcase of Wearable Arts.

Your day begins with a visit to Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to an impressive collection of more than 300 classic motorcycles from around the world. Continue through the stunning Catlins region, where lush rainforest meets rugged coastline and beautiful beaches, before enjoying lunch at Curio Bay, renowned for its 180-million-year-old Jurassic petrified forest. Next visit Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent three-tiered waterfall surrounded by native forest, before continuing to Dunedin for a two-night stay.

Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where a guided tour reveals the fascinating and sometimes dramatic history of New Zealand’s only castle. Indulge in an Ultimate High Tea before taking time to explore the castle’s internationally recognised gardens. Continue with a Dunedin City Sights Tour, taking in the city’s distinctive Victorian and Edwardian architecture and its rich gold-rush heritage, with optional wildlife excursions and a guided visit to Olveston Historic Home also available.

Farewell Dunedin and travel north to Oamaru, famous for its distinctive white limestone buildings and Victorian character. Continue along the Waitaki River and past Lake Benmore as the landscape gradually changes to the spectacular alpine scenery of the Mackenzie region. Arrive at Mt Cook, home to Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, where you will spend the night surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery.

This morning there is an opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps, weather permitting. Continue to Lake Tekapo and admire its brilliant turquoise waters, the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch. This evening celebrate the end of your South Island journey with a farewell dinner and selected beverages.

Time to say goodbye following an unforgettable journey through the South Island. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight, taking with you memories of dramatic alpine scenery, spectacular fiords, scenic rail travel and the many experiences enjoyed along the way.