14 Day Signature Best of the South Island Mid-Size Tour

Arrive in Christchurch, where a Grand Pacific Tours representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers over a complimentary pre-dinner drink before enjoying dinner together and getting to know the group.

This morning, enjoy an introductory Christchurch city tour showcasing the city’s revitalised centre and its blend of heritage and modern architecture. Continue to the International Antarctic Centre for fascinating insights into life in Antarctica, with interactive exhibits and experiences bringing the frozen continent to life. Return to the city and enjoy a leisurely journey aboard the Christchurch Tram, a charming way to see some of the city’s key landmarks while learning about its history. The evening is free to dine at leisure.

This morning, board the famous TranzAlpine, one of New Zealand’s great rail journeys. Travel through the Southern Alps, crossing impressive viaducts and passing dramatic river valleys, gorges and mountain scenery before arriving at Moana on the shores of picturesque Lake Brunner. Enjoy lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant before continuing through the spectacular West Coast landscape to the coastal settlement of Punakaiki.

Explore the rugged West Coast with a visit to the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. These unusual limestone formations have been shaped by the sea over thousands of years, with powerful waves forcing seawater through natural blowholes. Continue to Greymouth and visit Monteith’s Brewing Co., where you can sample local craft beers over lunch. Travel onwards through Hokitika, renowned for its greenstone, before arriving in Franz Josef, with time available for an optional scenic flight over the glaciers, weather permitting.

Journey south through some of the South Island’s most spectacular scenery, with snow-capped peaks, native forests and rugged landscapes surrounding the route. Travel through the Haast Pass before arriving in Queenstown, a beautiful resort town nestled beside Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps. With three nights here, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery, atmosphere and attractions of this popular alpine destination.

Today, discover some of the highlights surrounding Queenstown. Travel to Arrowtown, a charming former gold-mining settlement, and explore the Lakes District Museum, where exhibits reveal the fascinating history of the region and its early gold-mining communities. Continue to Gibbston Valley Winery for a wine tasting inside New Zealand’s largest wine cave, followed by lunch at the winery.

This evening, board the historic TSS Earnslaw for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet barbeque dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead featuring fresh, seasonal local produce, followed by a short farm tour before reboarding the vintage steamship for a relaxing cruise back to Queenstown accompanied by piano entertainment.

Today is yours to experience Queenstown at your own pace. Known for its spectacular mountain setting, excellent food and wine, and wide choice of activities, Queenstown offers something for every style of traveller. Spend the day exploring the town, relaxing beside Lake Wakatipu or choosing from the range of optional activities available.

Travel through Te Anau and into the breathtaking landscapes of Fiordland National Park before arriving at Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable overnight cruise along the full length of the fiord, surrounded by towering mountains, lush rainforest and spectacular waterfalls. Keep watch for the local wildlife, including fur seals, dolphins and penguins, while opportunities may be available to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak, weather permitting.

As evening falls, enjoy a freshly prepared carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef before relaxing on deck, taking in the scenery or enjoying some stargazing. Settle into your cabin for the night surrounded by the peaceful wilderness of Milford Sound.

Wake up to the dramatic scenery of Milford Sound and enjoy breakfast on board before heading back out towards the Tasman Sea, weather permitting, for another opportunity to appreciate the fiord. Return to the wharf and meet your coach before travelling to Te Anau for a short break.

Continue south to Invercargill and visit Bill Richardson Transport World, home to an impressive private collection housed in a purpose-built Art Deco building. Discover vintage trucks, rare classic cars, historic petrol pumps and an eclectic collection of Wearable Arts as you explore one of the region’s most distinctive attractions.

Begin the day at Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to more than 300 classic motorcycles from around the world. Continue through the beautiful Catlins, where native forest, dramatic coastline and secluded beaches create a spectacular backdrop for the journey.

Enjoy lunch at Curio Bay, an area famous for its 180-million-year-old Jurassic petrified forest. Continue to Purakaunui Falls, a beautiful three-tiered waterfall surrounded by native forest, before travelling onwards to Dunedin for a two-night stay.

Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Take a guided tour and hear fascinating stories of the castle’s colourful and sometimes dramatic history before enjoying a delicious Devonshire Tea. There is also time to explore the beautifully maintained gardens, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.

Return to Dunedin and discover the city’s distinctive heritage architecture and Scottish influence on an orientation tour. Built on the wealth of the Otago gold rush, Dunedin is home to an impressive collection of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, giving the city a character unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. Optional activities are also available, including wildlife experiences and a guided tour of historic Olveston.

Farewell Dunedin and travel north towards Oamaru, famous for its distinctive white limestone buildings and Victorian architecture. Follow the Waitaki River through the Mackenzie region, with spectacular views towards Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and one of the country’s most iconic alpine landmarks.

Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps for a spectacular aerial perspective of the mountains and glaciers. Continue to Twizel for your overnight stay, surrounded by the wide-open landscapes of the Mackenzie Country.

Continue through the Mackenzie Country to Lake Tekapo, renowned for its brilliant turquoise waters and spectacular mountain setting. Stop to admire the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd and the nearby Sheep Dog Statue, two of the region’s most recognisable landmarks.

Continue to Christchurch and enjoy some time to reflect on the highlights of your South Island journey. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a pre-dinner drink and farewell dinner, sharing memories of the landscapes, attractions and experiences from the past two weeks.

Your South Island adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight, taking with you wonderful memories of the South Island’s mountains, fiords, coastlines, heritage towns and spectacular natural scenery.