The Grand Pacific 9 Day Taste of the South Island tour offers the perfect itinerary to see the best that the south has to offer. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, experience the stunning scenery of the Mackenzie country, visit Dunedin and take in the mountainous beauty of Te Anau and Milford Sound. Head to the adventure capital of Queenstown and the wild West Coast to see glacier country, before returning to Christchurch on board the TranzAlpine train.
The Grand Pacific 9 Day Affordable South Island tour offers the ideal itinerary to see the best that the south has to offer. Starting and finishing in Christchurch experience the scenery of the Mackenzie country, Dunedin, Te Anau and Milford Sound, the adventure capital of Queenstown and the West Coast Glaciers before returning to Christchurch on board the Tranz Alpine train. Great inclusions and great value.
Arrive into Christchurch where you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your tour leader and travelling companions for dinner.
Quality merchandise is great value for money and will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Tour jackets and tour caps are available for purchase. Merchandise items must be ordered at the time of booking and are not available for purchase in New Zealand
Your accommodation: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (or similar)
The Heartland Hotel Cotswold is just minutes walk to boutique shopping at Merivale and beautiful Hagley Park. The distinctive traditional Tudor-style architecture of the Heartland Hotel Cotswold reflects Christchurch's image as the most English of cities outside of England.Meals included: Dinner
After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama.
Your accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel (or similar)
Positioned at the crossroads linking north, south, east and west, the Heritage Gateway Hotel features a full restaurant and cocktail bar with views of the Southern Alps, and everything you need to rest and refresh.Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.
This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you 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. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
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. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
The Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is conveniently located within walking distance to the centre of Queenstown and just a few minutes stroll from the picturesque Lake Wakatipu.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
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, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon or to get up close to a Kiwi bird. 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 enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)
The Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is conveniently located within walking distance to the centre of Queenstown and just a few minutes stroll from the picturesque Lake Wakatipu.Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Your accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (or similar)
The Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier is nestled at the base of the majestic Southern Alps in the Westland World Heritage Park. Originally built in 1928 it has been refurbished to retain its charming atmosphere.Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, 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 coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
*Please be aware, there are some departure dates where the train may not be available due to covid-related schedule changes outside of Grand Pacific's control. If this occurs, your journey through the incredible Arthur's Pass will continue onboard your coach. Chat to a consultant to check the current schedule for your preferred departure.
Your accommodation: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (or similar)
The Heartland Hotel Cotswold is just minutes walk to boutique shopping at Merivale and beautiful Hagley Park. The distinctive traditional Tudor-style architecture of the Heartland Hotel Cotswold reflects Christchurch's image as the most English of cities outside of England.Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast (included) your tour concludes this morning. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.