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14 Day Signature Best of the South Island



Map Image for 14 Day Signature Best of the South Island

A handpicked selection of the best experiences in New Zealand’s South Island

TOUR CODE: SGPBOS14

DURATION: 14 days

STARTS: Christchurch

FINISHES: Christchurch

STYLE: Best of the South Island

COACH: 32 seat Premium Economy

ACCOMMODATION: 4 Star

 

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Prepaid Attractions

  • International Antarctic Centre i
  • Christchurch Tram i
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey i
  • Monteith's Brewing Co. Tasting i
  • Lakes District Museum i
  • Gibbston Valley Winery i
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw i
  • HIGHLIGHT Milford Sound Overnight Cruise i
  • Bill Richardson Transport World i
  • Classic Motorcycle Mecca i
  • Curioscape i
  • Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea i
  • Christchurch City Sights Tour i
  • Dunedin City Sights Tour i

Coach Features

  • 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach 
  • 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder 
  • Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance 

Experience

  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival 
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand  
  • Professional Coach Captain  
  • Experienced Tour Leader  
  • 12 nights 4 star accommodation 
  • Milford Sound Overnight Cruise  
  • 2 two night stays  
  • 1 three night stay  
  • Hotel porterage  
  • 1 rail journey  
  • 2 cruises  
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions  
  • Extensive Optional Activities 
  • Signature Documentation Pack  

Meals

  • 13 cooked breakfasts  
  • 10 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch  
  • 4 lunches: Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner; Monteith’s Brewing Co., Greymouth; Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown; lunch, The Catlins.  
  • 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle 
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)  
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm. 

Tour Highlight: Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

THE MILFORD MARINER
For a majestic experience, spend the night on board the Milford Mariner. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound with commentary by a specialist nature guide. View the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. You are bound to encounter seals, 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, enjoy a delicious carvery buffet, prepared by an onboard chef. Relax in the company of your fellow travellers or take in some stargazing before retiring to your cabin. Next morning, indulge in a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the breathtaking fiord.

Day-by-day Itinerary

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (SL) Specialty Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner

1

Arrive Christchurch (D)

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 when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights) i

2

Christchurch Sightseeing (B)

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.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel i

3

Christchurch - Moana - Punakaiki (B,L,D)

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.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Punakaiki i

4

Punakaiki – Franz Josef (B,L,D)

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.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier i

5

Franz Josef - Queenstown (B,D)

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 slow the pace and take time to explore this incredible natural playground.

Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort (3 nights) i

6

Queenstown Sightseeing (B,L,SD)

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.

Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort i

7

Queenstown (Free Day) (B)

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.

Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort i

8

Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B,D)

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.

Overnight Milford Mariner i

9

Milford Sound – Te Anau - Invercargill (B,D)

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. Continue your journey to Invercargill, where you visit Bill Richardsons Transport World for a guided tour of this remarkable private collection, housed in a purpose-built Art Deco building. The displays feature vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps and an ever-growing showcase of Wearable Arts.

Hotel Distinction Invercargill i

10

Invercargill – The Catlins - Dunedin (B,L,D)

Your day begins with a visit to Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to an impressive collection of over 300 classic bikes from around the globe. From there, journey through the stunning Catlins region, where lush rainforest meets dazzling beaches. A visit to Curioscape located on picturesque Curio Bay will provide an interactive experience on the region followed by lunch. Next enjoy a visit to Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent triple-tiered waterfall, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. Along the way, take in the dramatic coastal scenery with plenty of opportunities to admire the views. Our journey continues to Dunedin, your home for the next 2-nights.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (2 nights) i

11

Dunedin (B)

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 time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. 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.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Dunedin City i

12

Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel (B,D)

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.

Hotel Distinction Mackenzie Country i

13

Twizel - Christchurch (B,SD)

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.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel i

14

Depart Christchurch (B)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Pricing and Departure Dates

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Wednesday
01-Oct-25
$9349
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Tuesday
03-Mar-26
$9349
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Wednesday
29-Apr-26
$9349
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Pre & Post Stays


Christchurch$195 pp, twin share$390 single

Optional Activities


Whilst your tour package includes an extensive range of pre-paid attractions and sightseeing, the Optional Activities outlined are available to enjoy during your free time. They will provide the ‘icing on the cake’ experience that will hold memories for a lifetime. Optional Activities will be booked with your Crew once on tour.


> VIEW ALL   Optional Activities for this tour.


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Port of Departure


To enable us to present you with the best Tour Pricing and Bonus Offers please select your intended Port of Departure and Accommodation Room Type. If you do not require an air inclusive package, please select LAND ONLY.

All prices are in Australian Dollars. For air inclusive package pricing, airline taxes are subject to change. Exact amounts will be confirmed by your Travel Agent at the time of booking.