Grand Pacific Tours - 10 Day Ultimate South Island 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 excursions around Christchurch if you have time.

Meals: Dinner (not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm)

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

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 as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass National Park located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your ultimate coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its greenstone before continuing to Franz Josef Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 Night

See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Today relax and enjoy the stunning lakes & rivers - there is a bounty of vineyards, cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the wider district of Queenstown, Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley. You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Queenstown and part of its charm is the array of less hectic quality activities on offer – but if interested Queenstown is home to the ultimate adventure bucket list – Just ask. 

This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you 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.

Recommended activities in and around Queenstown:

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner 

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to picturesque Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to the lakeside town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park . Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). The caves have only been recently rediscovered, because someone had known they were there as Te Anau is a shortened form of “Te Ana-au” which means “the cave of the swirling water current”. Getting to the caves involves a scenic cruise to the western shores.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights 

The Road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. We show you the 'Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain' and the 'Mirror Lakes'. The rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord.

A cruise on Milford Sound is an essential component of your time in Fiordland and is an amazing 22 km (14 mile) long fiord dominated by the towering Mitre Peak and spectacular Bowen Falls. As you enjoy a picnic lunch onboard, tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces and seals are some of the things you’ll remember - all carved by glaciers during the last ice age. 

This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional). 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Options available include a tour of the Speight’s Brewery, which produces New Zealand’s most popular beer, see Albatross in their natural habitat or take a tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing many treasures of a bygone era. 

Some activity options available in and around Dunedin:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour with time to wander around this garden of international significance followed by an ultimate high tea served in the grand ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 1 Night

This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a Scenic Flight and Glacier Landing (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We are sure you will enjoy the 'Ultimate South Island of New Zealand Luxury Coach 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 a memory card full of photos, and 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.