Explore New Zealand's South Island: 10-Day Signature Trip

Tour Overview

Explore the landscapes of the spectacular South Island

Start Location Christchurch

End Location Christchurch

Top Highlights

TranzAlpine Rail Journey
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
Lakes District Museum
Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea
Dunedin City Sights Tour
Christchurch City Sights Tour

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An unforgettable journey awaits you

Embark on a travel experience that will stay with you forever. We offer a blend of culture, adventure, and tranquility, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder. Whether you’re seeking thrill or relaxation, we create journeys that are truly unforgettable.

The journey Begins

Signature Tour Style Coach

32 Premium Economy Comfort leather and cloth reclining seats. 2 + 1 armchair seating configuration for better panoramic viewing. Adjustable arm and headrests and seat belts. Individual seat back tray table, cup holder and USB charging port. Multi-media entertainment systems with three screens. 2 door access, restroom, air conditioning and electrical sockets. Cold water storage available. Complimentary daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance.
Day 1: Christchurch

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.

Overnight: Christchurch

Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef

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 located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Overnight: Franz Josef

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. 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 to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will assist with the many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoya short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Queenstown - Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Overnight: Te Anau

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. 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).

Overnight: Te Anau

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Te Anau - Dunedin

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea.

Overnight: Dunedin

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Twizel - Christchurch

Continue to Lake Tekapo, view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch for a city tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Overnight: Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Depart Christchurch

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Meals: Breakfast

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Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.

OUR KEY TO EARNING TRUST IS

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What’s Included

Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
Return airport transfers in New Zealand
Professional Coach Captain
Tour Leader
9 nights 4 star accommodation
2 two night stays
Hotel porterage
1 rail journey
2 cruises
All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
Extensive Optional Activities
Classic Documentation Pack
9 breakfast, 8 dinners, 1 picnic lunch

What’s Not Included

Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Driver
Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
Taxes as applicable
Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tour Questions

The tour officially starts in the vibrant city of Christchurch and also concludes back in Christchurch on the final day. Travelers will experience a complete round-trip journey exploring various scenic highlights of New Zealand's South Island.

This is a comprehensive 10-day vacation package designed to showcase the best of the region. The itinerary begins with an arrival meet-and-greet on Day 1 and wraps up after breakfast on Day 10.

Key highlights include boarding the world-renowned TranzAlpine rail journey and cruising across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw. Travelers also enjoy a Milford Sound cruise and lunch, a guided tour of Larnach Castle with Devonshire Tea, and dedicated city sightseeing tours in Christchurch and Dunedin.

The package includes 9 nights of 4-star accommodation along with 9 breakfasts, 8 dinners, and 1 picnic lunch. It also covers airport transfers, a professional Coach Captain and Tour Leader, hotel porterage, rail and cruise tickets, and all prepaid sightseeing attractions.

Exclusions from the package include airfares unless explicitly specified, applicable local taxes, and travel insurance or cancellation protection. Additionally, gratuities for local guides and bus drivers, as well as any meals or attractions not mentioned in the itinerary, are not covered.

While the tours are suitable for all age demographics, the average age of travelers is typically 45 and older. This ensures a comfortable, relaxed, and shared travel experience for mature explorers.

Solo travelers can choose to pay a single supplement for their own room throughout the tour. Alternatively, for those willing to share, a Twin Share option is available where you room with another same-gender traveler who also books this option, avoiding the single supplement charge.

This tour has a low level of physical demand, making it accessible to most guests. However, there may be occasional activities or sightseeing excursions that require walking short distances on foot.

Each passenger is allowed to bring one large suitcase weighing up to 32 kilograms (60 pounds) and one small soft-sided carry-on bag that fits in the coach overhead shelf. Baggage handling is conveniently provided at the hotels included in the package.

Yes, the tour operators gladly accommodate dietary restrictions such as food allergies, vegan, and vegetarian requirements. Travelers are simply requested to inform them of any special dietary needs at the time of booking so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Do you have more questions?

If you still have questions or need more information, feel free to ask! Simply fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you with the answers you need

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An unforgettable journey awaits you

The journey Begins

Signature Tour Style Coach

32 Premium Economy Comfort leather and cloth reclining seats. 2 + 1 armchair seating configuration for better panoramic viewing. Adjustable arm and headrests and seat belts. Individual seat back tray table, cup holder and USB charging port. Multi-media entertainment systems with three screens. 2 door access, restroom, air conditioning and electrical sockets. Cold water storage available. Complimentary daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance.
Day 1: Christchurch

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.

Overnight: Christchurch

Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef

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 located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Overnight: Franz Josef

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. 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 to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will assist with the many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoya short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Queenstown - Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Overnight: Te Anau

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. 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).

Overnight: Te Anau

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Te Anau - Dunedin

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea.

Overnight: Dunedin

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Twizel - Christchurch

Continue to Lake Tekapo, view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch for a city tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Overnight: Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Depart Christchurch

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Meals: Breakfast

Download Full Itinerary

Availability:

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Dec