- Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Wilderness Gallery Hokitika
- Monteith's Brewing Co. Tasting
- Nelson Classic Car Museum
- Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Cruise
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
- Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
- Kaikōura Museum
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
- Nelson City Sights Tour
11 Day Signature Top of the South Island
Unveiling a picturesque landscape of wilderness, wildlife and unique attractions
TOUR CODE: SGPTOS11
DURATION: 11 days
STARTS: Christchurch
FINISHES: Christchurch
STYLE: Signature Mid-Size Group Tours
COACH: 32 seat Premium Economy
ACCOMMODATION: 4 Star
No hidden extras
Prepaid Attractions
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
- Tour Leader
- 10 nights 4 star accommodation
- 3 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 3 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Optional Activities
- Signature Documentation Pack
Meals
- 10 cooked breakfasts
- 7 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 1 specialty dinner: Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
- 5 specialty lunches: Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner; Monteith’s Brewing Co., Greymouth; Abel Tasman lunch, Abel Tasman National Park; Dodson Street Beer Garden; Blenheim; Furneaux Lodge, Queen Charlotte Sound
- Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
Scenic Highlights and Walks
- Historic French Village of Akaroa
- Lake Brunner
- Brunner Mine Site
- Hokitika Gorge
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- Cape Foulwind walkway
- Buller Gorge
- Seaside town of Kaiteriteri
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Marlborough Wine Region
- Marlborough Sounds
- Coastal town of Kaikōura
FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED
Tour includes a number of short walks of up to 1 hour that require a moderate level of fitness. The walks are scenic and not excessive but can include slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before booking.
LEARN MORE
Visit our NewzRoom to read more about this extensive itinerary:
> Wine, wildlife and wilderness article
Day-by-day Itinerary
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (SL) Specialty Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
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)
Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch (B)
After an introductory city sights tour, enjoy a scenic drive to the historic French village of Akaroa, with time to wander through the charming galleries and craft stores. This afternoon set off on a Nature Cruise in the hope of spotting the rare Hector’s Dolphin and keep an eye out for penguins and other sea birds. Following your cruise, return to Christchurch where the evening is free to dine at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika (B,SL,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 Brunner Mine Site, the location of the 1896 mine explosion. This afternoon in the coastal town of Hokitika, visit a local gallery, for the opportunity to pick up a gift or souvenir.
Hotel Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View Room)
Hokitika - Punakaiki (B,SL,D)
Today, take in the natural beauty of the Hokitika Gorge on a short walk descending through the hardwood forest that will lead you to a swing bridge which crosses the Hokitika River. Continue north to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will sample locally brewed beers over lunch. This afternoon travel along the Great Coast Road to the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (Superior Room)
Punakaiki - Nelson (B,D)
Journey north along the coast to Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he encountered nasty weather. A short walk along the rocky headland will showcase the rugged coastline and sea life often on show amongst the rocks. Travel inland via the Buller Gorge and Murchison to Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand. This afternoon enjoy a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars. This is followed by an orientation tour of the city.
Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room) (2 nights)
Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson (B,SL)
Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay lunch will be served. Re-join your coach and depart for Nelson via the vineyards. This evening is free for you to dine at one of the local restaurants in town.
Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room)
Nelson - Blenheim (B,SL,D)
Today travel via Havelock and the wine-growing region of Marlborough. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 Aircraft, brought to life in sets created by the internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Head back into town where you will enjoy lunch at a local Blenheim beer garden. Re-board the coach for a relaxing drive through the diverse landscapes of this iconic region, before arriving at the hotel for a restful two-night stay.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough (2 nights)
Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim (B,SL)
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Cruise from Picton Marina to the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, while enjoying informative commentary on this remarkable region, enroute to Furneaux Lodge. At Furneaux Lodge a delicious lunch will be served followed by time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There is access to kayaks and short walks around the property. On the return cruise to Picton a cheese platter featuring local produce is served accompanied by a glass of Marlborough wine, the perfect end to your Marlborough Sounds adventure. Board the coach for the short journey back to Blenheim where the evening is free to dine at one of the local restaurants.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough
Blenheim - Kaikōura (B,D)
Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikōura. Visit the Kaikōura Museum, which features an exhibition depicting the impact of the 2016 earthquake. This afternoon you may like to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the coastline to see the many species of whales that migrate through this area.
Kaikōura - Christchurch (B,SD)
Depart Kaikōura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Depart Christchurch (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Tour Starts |
Tour Ends | Guaranteed Departure |
Brochure Price | Bonus Offer |
Your Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunday 02-Feb-25 |
Wednesday 12-Feb-25 | $6899 pp, twin share |
HOT DEAL Save $300 ppi |
$6599 pp, twin share |
Pre & Post Stays
Christchurch | $170 pp, twin share | $340 single |