Signature South Island
On specific dates. Please ask for details.
ESCORTED tour
- Breakfast. Lunch is also included on day 8. Dinner is also included on days 3 (unless arriving at the hotel after 8pm), 4 & 6-11.
- 4* hotels throughout.
- The price shown for this escorted tour includes international flights return airport transfers, accommodation, sightseeing as outlined, one rail journey, two cruises, signature documentation pack and services of a coach captain and tour leader. The itinerary is based on departures between Sep 25-May 26 and may vary for other dates.
- Grand Pacific Tours Signature Mid-Size Group Tours offer premium economy comfort on a 32 seat coach with: leather and cloth reclining seats with adjustable arm and headrest and seat belts • 2 + 1 armchair seating for panoramic viewing • Seat back tray table, cup holder and USB charge port • Onboard restroom, air-conditioning & electrical sockets • Multi-media entertainment systems with three screens • FREE daily onboard WiFi allowance.
- This holiday is 100% financially protected. ATOL protected 2713
Our suggested itinerary is a starting point
We're specialists in tailor-made holidays, where we can adapt each itinerary to suit your requirements
Days 1-2 Christchurch
Day 3 Christchurch
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, gather with fellow travellers for drinks and dinner.
Day 4 Franz Josef
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the world's great train journeys. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur's Pass 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 an optional scenic flight (weather permitting and at extra expense) over the spectacular glaciers.
Days 5-6 Queenstown
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the west coast to Fox Glacier. Continue via the stunning Haast Pass before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. At leisure to explore Queenstown. Optional activities are available (all at extra expense) and include a thrilling jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon.
Board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner. Later, enjoy a short farm tour before cruising back to Queenstown.
Days 7-8 Te Anau
After a leisurely start, travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. You may wish to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (at extra expense). After a fascinating drive to Milford Sound board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you feast on lunch.
Return to Te Anau and perhaps cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional and at extra expense).
Day 9 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 hear of its tragic and scandalous history during a guided tour. After time to stroll around this Garden of International Significance, tuck into a delicious Devonshire Tea.
Day 10 Twizel
Bid farewell to Dunedin and travel to Oamaru which is 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 take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting and at extra expense) over the Southern Alps. Travel on to Twizel.
Day 11 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 reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
Day 12 Christchurch
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Need to know
Departures
On specific dates. Please ask for details.
Meals
Breakfast. Lunch is also included on day 8. Dinner is also included on days 3 (unless arriving at the hotel after 8pm), 4 & 6-11.
Accommodation
4* hotels throughout.
Tour price
The price shown for this escorted tour includes international flights return airport transfers, accommodation, sightseeing as outlined, one rail journey, two cruises, signature documentation pack and services of a coach captain and tour leader. The itinerary is based on departures between Sep 25-May 26 and may vary for other dates.
Notes
Grand Pacific Tours Signature Mid-Size Group Tours offer premium economy comfort on a 32 seat coach with: leather and cloth reclining seats with adjustable arm and headrest and seat belts • 2 + 1 armchair seating for panoramic viewing • Seat back tray table, cup holder and USB charge port • Onboard restroom, air-conditioning & electrical sockets • Multi-media entertainment systems with three screens • FREE daily onboard WiFi allowance.
