Grand Pacific Tours - 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island Tour Itinerary

On arrival into Christchurch we’ll take care of the transfer from the airport to your hotel where you can settle in before exploring New Zealand’s 'Garden City'. Take a punt on the Avon River, stroll the Botanic Gardens or visit the Riverside Market, a 7-day-trading indoor market. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.

Some suggested activities if you have some free time after the sightseeing tour

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

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 your 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.

Meals: Breakfast 

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, you will visit a local gallery, the perfect chance to pick up a gift or souvenir.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hokitika - 1 Night

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hokitika - 1 Night

Journey north along the coast to Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he encountered nasty weather. A short walkalong 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 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Nelson - 2 Nights

Travel to Kaiteriteri, the 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 many local restaurants in town.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch

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. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. 

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Blenheim - 2 Nights 

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Board a luxury vessel at Picton Marina and cruise the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge whilst enjoying the informative commentary on this stunning region.

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, which is 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch

Farewell, the Marlborough region, and journey to Kaikoura to visit the Kaikoura Museum, featuring a dedicated exhibition on 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.

Alternative Wildlife Encounters in Kaikoura

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night 

Depart Kaikoura 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night 

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We are sure you will enjoy this tour and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.