Grand Pacific Tours - 11 Day Ultimate Christmas Itinerary

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by one of our representative who will transfer you to your hotel.

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. The city itself has bounced back after a series of major earthquakes, and has shown its resilience with a number of new and exciting developments popping up everywhere.

Meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre dinner drink. 

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

This morning visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. Feel the chill of the Antarctic storm room, take a ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguins and be astonished within the immersive 4D theatre. This is followed by a city tour of Christchurch. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore further.

Some suggested activities to help you fill your free time this afternoon:

Meals: Breakfast

Travel through the Southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. - This is a Fantasy Land of Ice and Rock. Mt Cook National Park, known for its exquisite alpine beauty is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, ‘Aoraki’ means ‘cloud piercer’ and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park. 

Enjoy a scenic flight (optional, time and weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 1 Night

Depart Mt Cook and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to visit Oamaru. While its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels and restaurants - the locals are bohemian artisans, creative’s and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops and venues – it has to be seen to be believed.

Continue south to Dunedin - Scottish City of Grace and Grandeur It is for good reason that New Zealand's oldest city is known as the 'Edinburgh of the South' - Dunedin comes from Dun Eideann the Scots-Gaelic name for Edinburgh, founded largely by Scottish immigrants, who raised the impressive buildings which now add much to the city's charm. Enjoy a city tour followed by some free time.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night 

It’s a morning tour and 'High Tea' at New Zealand’s Larnach Castle. Built in 1871 by a merchant baron, over 200 Workers spent more than three years building the Larnach Castle main shell, while master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior - Larnach spared no expense and the castle is built from the finest materials from around the world. This superbly crafted building with magnificent architecture, showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques, see spectacular tower views and beautiful gardens.

We say farewell to Dunedin and head inland, crossing rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden, before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park.

Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 night

A leisurely start today before travelling to Manapouri. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. After a short ride over the Wilmot Pass, join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Doubtful Sound - 1 Night

Merry Christmas! Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Queenstown, a year-round resort, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening dinner will be at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Explore Queenstown your way! Go wild with a jet boat ride or white water rafting. For those that want to take it easy there is a wine and garden tour, or play a round of golf. 

This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a delicious gourmet dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano on your return cruise.

Recommended Alternative Excursions are:

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

The adventure continues, and this morning Central Otago's rich pioneer gold rush history comes alive in the picturesque village of Arrowtown. Set beside a beautiful clear flowing river, this charming town has some great historical sites, boutique shops and delightful cafés - here we visit the Lakes District Museum. Following the road to Cromwell, the fabulous scenery keeps on coming and during the stone fruit season, you can pick up bags of delicious cherries, apricots and nectarines at any of the roadside stalls.

For a slice of paradise we drive past a trio of fantastic lakes including Lake Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka before traversing the Haast Pass where the Thunder Creek Falls make for some more great photos and on to Franz Josef Glacier - the world's most accessible glacier.

Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel for your overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier - 1 Night

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine Train, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch.

On arrival, your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new friends. 

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We know you will enjoy our 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:
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