11 Day Ultimate Top of South Island

Tour Overview

Experience wilderness, wildlife and unique attractions in ultimate style

Start Location Christchurch

End Location Christchurch

Top Highlights

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
TranzAlpine Rail Journey
Wilderness Gallery Hokitika
Monteith's Brewing Co. Tasting
Nelson Classic Car Museum
Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Cruise
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Cloudy Bay Estate Wine Tasting
Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
Kaikōura Museum
International Antarctic Centre
Christchurch City Sights Tour
Nelson 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

Ultimate Tour Style Coach

20 Business Class reclining leather seats with adjustable headrests and calf support. Panoramic viewing, air conditioning, seat belts and onboard restroom. Wood grain timber tray table with built-in cup holder. Seat-side personal storage providing easy access to your travel bag. Personal audio control unit with multiple music channels and a complimentary set of headphones. Stylish centre galley area equipped with refrigerated drinking fountain and fridge units. Complimentary daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance and USB charging port. Access to daily newspapers and range of glossy magazines.
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 as you meet your travelling companions.

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.

Overnight: Hokitika

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, 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 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 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, Dinner
Day 9: Blenheim - Kaikōura

Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikōura. Visit the Kaikōura 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: Kaikōura - Christchurch

Depart Kaikōura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening reminisce on the memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner which includes selected beverages.

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.

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.

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What’s Included

Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
Return airport transfers in New Zealand
Professional Coach Captain
10 nights 4.5 star accommodation
3 two night stays
Hotel porterage
1 rail journey
3 cruises
All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
Optional Activities
Ultimate Documentation Pack

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 and concludes in Christchurch, New Zealand. Travelers embark on a comprehensive round-trip exploration of the top of the South Island, returning to Christchurch on Day 11.

This is an 11-day ultimate vacation package designed to showcase the finest wilderness, wildlife, and cultural attractions of New Zealand. The itinerary begins with a welcome dinner upon arrival in Christchurch on Day 1 and concludes after breakfast on Day 11.

Key highlights include an Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise, the world-famous TranzAlpine rail journey, a Monteith's Brewing Co. tasting, and a Nelson Classic Car Museum visit. Additional experiences feature an Abel Tasman guided walk and cruise, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a Cloudy Bay wine tasting, a Queen Charlotte Sound cruise to Furneaux Lodge, and the International Antarctic Centre.

The package includes 10 nights of 4.5-star accommodation alongside 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 7 dinners. It also covers a personalized meet and greet, return airport transfers, a professional Coach Captain, hotel porterage, a scenic rail journey, multiple cruises, and all prepaid sightseeing attractions.

Exclusions from the package include international airfares unless specified, applicable local taxes, and travel insurance or cancellation protection (which is strongly recommended). Additionally, gratuities for local guides, tour managers, and bus drivers, as well as unmentioned meals and optional excursions, 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, well-paced, and relaxing group environment for mature travelers.

Solo travelers can choose to pay a Single Supplement to secure their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, a Twin Share option is offered where you room with another single, same-gender traveler to avoid the single supplement charge.

This tour features a mix of luxury coach travel, scenic boat cruises, a train journey, and optional short walks or guided strolls, resulting in a low to moderate level of physical demand. However, guests should discuss any specific mobility restrictions with their booking agent before finalizing reservations.

Each passenger is allowed to bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag, with a weight limit of 20 kilograms (about 40 pounds) for the main suitcase. Hotel baggage handling is provided, and each person remains responsible for carrying their own hand luggage onboard the coach.

Yes, the tour operators gladly accommodate reasonable dietary restrictions such as food allergies, vegan, and vegetarian requirements. Guests are requested to inform staff of any specific dietary needs at the time of booking so alternative meal choices can be properly arranged.

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An unforgettable journey awaits you