Discover the Best of New Zealand's South Island!

New Zealand's South Island is enchanting. Famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes; journey through iconic mountains, stunning glaciers, majestic fiords, picturesque farmland and vibrant cities. The exquisite landscape and the beautiful nature of the locals will prove hard to forget.  

Experience it all on a new itinerary, the 14 Day Best of the South Island with Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Coach Holiday specialist.  

Begin your adventure in Christchurch, a revitalised and dynamic city with a lively arts scene and diverse outdoor activities. Enjoy attractions such the International Antarctic Centre and a journey onboard the charming Christchurch Tram, a unique experience combining history and the city’s key landmarks. 

Christchurch Tram.

Experience a change of scenery, as you travel on-board the TranzAlpine. Celebrated as one of the world's great train journeys, travel over massive viaducts, through river valleys, and past spectacular gorges before descending through the Otira Tunnel to Moana, situated on the picturesque Lake Brunner.  

Witness the spectacular wonder of the world famous Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes, before continuing South to Greymouth. Beer lovers rejoice with a stop at Monteith’s Brewing Co where you can enjoy craft beer samples before continuing to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone. Enjoy the township of Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight over the spectacular glaciers (optional activity). 

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.

Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you journey south through the breathtaking Haast Pass before arriving for a 3-night stay in picturesque Queenstown. Slow down the pace and take your time exploring this incredible natural playground. Visit New Zealand’s largest Wine Cave, Gibbston Valley Winery, and experience a wine tasting in New Zealand’s largest Wine Cave. Witness the charming old gold mining village of Arrowtown, enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station, plus enjoy a whole free day in Queenstown to explore. 

Gibbston Valley Winery.

Journey through to either Milford or Doubtful Sound for an unforgettable overnight cruise where you will enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef. Marvel at the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife, plus you’re bound to encounter seals and a lucky few may even see dolphins and penguins. 

After a hearty breakfast and morning voyage, return to the wharf before continuing your journey via Te Anau, the main visitor base of the Fiordland National Park, before travelling further south to Invercargill, a town of charm and character. While here, visit Bill Richardsons Transport World for a guided tour of this remarkable private collection featuring vintage trucks, cars and petrol pumps, housed in a purpose-built Art Deco building.  

Bill Richardsons Transport World.

Continue the theme of transport with a morning spent at Classic Motorcycle Mecca, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading motorcycle museum and home to over 300 classic bikes from around the globe. Journey on for a visit to Curioscape, located on picturesque Curio Bay. It’s a world-class interactive centre especially designed to share the unique stories of this amazing place on the edge of time, followed by a delicious lunch. A real treat awaits as you head to a South Island hidden treasure, the Catlins. This untouched vista is a truly remarkable region, where lush rainforest spills onto brilliant beaches. Picture a triple tiered cascading waterfall, an array of wildlife, stunning coastal views and wonderfully green wilderness.

Pūrākaunui Falls. Photo credit: Liz Carlson   

Labelled the wildlife capital, Dunedin boasts a vast array of rare fauna such as the endangered kea, albatross, seals and the smallest species of penguin in the world – Little Blue Penguins. Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula where colonies of these adorable penguins gather, before immersing yourself in Victorian architecture at Larnach Castle. Join a guided tour to learn of the tragic and scandalous tales that make up the castle’s history, before wandering around the Garden of International Significance. Top off your Dunedin visit with a city sights tour, built on the riches of the gold rush with one of the best collections of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Larnach Castle.

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone, before witnessing New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook, a view that will stay with you forever. A final full day of excitement is ahead, with a visit to the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue, before arriving back at Christchurch.  

TOUR IN STYLE: 

The 14 Day Best of the South Island itinerary is available to travel by either Ultimate Small Group Tour or Signature Mid-Size Group Tour. 

Ultimate Small Group Tour 

The itinerary is specifically tailored to provide the highest level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel "Business Class on Wheels" on a full-size, purpose built, state-of-the-art coach with a maximum of only 20 passengers. 

Signature Mid-Size Group Tour 

Travel in the Premium Economy comfort of a full-size coach, touring with a mid-size group of up to 32 travellers, fully escorted. The Signature coaches are beautifully crafted offering an array of onboard features. 

ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR PRICE: 

Tours include airfares and taxes, return airport transfers in New Zealand, stylish coach travel, 4 - 4.5 star accommodation, most meals, sightseeing and attractions. 

For more information call our Reservations Team on 1800 622 768 or visit www.gptnz.com 

*Airfares and taxes are only included on tours that depart from Australia.