Discover the Beauty of New Zealand: 11-Day South Island Exploration Tour

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: Arrive 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 - Akaroa - Christchurch

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.

Overnight: Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Hokitika - Punakaiki

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.

Overnight: Punakaiki

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Punakaiki - Nelson

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 an orientation tour of the city followed by a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars.

Overnight: Nelson

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson

Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay a barbecue 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.

Overnight: Nelson

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Nelson - Blenheim

Today travel via Havelock and the winegrowing 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 before a short drive to Cloudy Bay Estate. Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the original wineries in the region. Enjoy a personalised tasting experience followed by time to wander through the superb, manicured grounds and towering gum trees, which will surely be a highlight.

Overnight: Blenheim

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim

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, 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.

Overnight: Blenheim

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Blenheim - Kaikõura

Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikõura. Visit the Kaikõura 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.

Overnight: Kaikoura

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Kaikõura - Christchurch

Depart Kaikõura 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.

Overnight: Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Depart Christchurch

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

Overnight: Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast

Download Full Itinerary

Availability:

Feb

Mar

Oct

Nov

Trip start	Trip End	Accommodation	Price	Inquire
Christchurch	Christchurch	Based on double occupancy (Airfare from Vancouver included)	$4,940 USD

We accept:

All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.

Valid for sale from now until 26 Sep 2023

Travel between 04 October and 30 June 2024

Pricing is based from Vancouver and add on from different Canadian Cities are available

**Pricing is starting from and based on availability. Certain high demand dates will result in higher pricing **

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

Transparency

What’s Included

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
Round-trip Airfare from Vancouver, British Colombia

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)

Booking & Flight Questions

Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.

Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Tour Questions

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.

This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.

The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).

Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.

For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your

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