Save up to $600 per couple**

14 Day Ultimate Best of the South Island

   
Destination:
, New Zealand
Duration:
13 Nights
Offer ends:
19 December 2024
Valid for travel:
8 May 2026, Enquire for other departure dates Oct 2025 – Apr 2026.

Details

Discover the Best of New Zealand’s South Island on this new 14 day tour. Experience the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey, enjoy a 3-night stay in magical Queenstown, visit unique regions such as Punakaiki, Invercargill and The Catlins, marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and relax on an unforgettable overnight cruise on the fiord of Doubtful Sound. Travel in a small group on the Ultimate Coach, providing a Business Class level of comfort, service and quality without compromise.

Included Attractions:

  • International Antarctic Centre 
  • Christchurch Tram 
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey 
  • Monteith's Brewing Co. Tasting 
  • Lakes District Museum 
  • Gibbston Valley Winery 
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw 
  • HIGHLIGHT - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise 
  • Bill Richardson Transport World 
  • Classic Motorcycle Mecca 
  • Curioscape 
  • Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea 
  • Christchurch City Sights Tour 
  • Dunedin City Sights Tour 

In partnership with:

Inclusions

  • Return airfares from your homeport
  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • 20 Business Class seats on a full-size coach
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • 12 nights ★★★★✩ accommodation, including 2 two-night stays, PLUS Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey and 2 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • 29 meals, including breakfast daily
  • Extensive Optional Activities
  • Ultimate Documentation Pack

Itinerary

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.

Hotel: Hotel Montreal (2 nights)

This morning an introductory city tour of Christchurch will showcase its revitalised centre buzzing with energy. Continue to the International Antarctic Centre, where you will gain fascinating insights of life in Antarctica. Return to the city and enjoy a leisurely journey aboard the charming Christchurch Tram, a unique experience combining history and the city’s key landmarks. This evening is free for you to dine at leisure.

Hotel: Hotel Montreal

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 coastal town of Punakaiki.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

This morning explore the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Continue south to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will sample craft beers over lunch. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you journey south through the breathtaking Haast Pass. Arrive in picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort nestled on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. A leisurely 3-night stay allows you to slow the pace and take time to explore this incredible natural playground.

Hotel: Heritage Queenstown (3 nights)

Today, immerse yourself in the spectacular sights of Queenstown. Begin with a visit to Arrowtown, a charming old gold mining village, where you will explore the Lakes District Museum. Next head to Gibbston Valley Winery and experience a wine tasting in New Zealand’s largest Wine Cave, followed by lunch in the restaurant. 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.

Hotel: Heritage Queenstown

Queenstown is celebrated around the world for its amazing activities, great food, award winning wine and its vibrant nightlife scene. Today, enjoy the freedom to explore Queenstown and all on offer at your leisure. Your Coach Captain is available to help you choose from the many optional activities available. This evening is also free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Hotel: Heritage Queenstown

Today travel via Te Anau to Manapouri. Enjoy lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. A short ride over the Wilmot Pass brings you to the boarding point to join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) - or to simply relax on board. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef.

Hotel: Fiordland Navigator

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Te Anau for a short break. Continue your journey to Invercargill, where you will visit Bill Richardsons Transport World for a guided tour of this remarkable private collection, housed in a purpose-built Art Deco building. The displays feature vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps and an ever-growing showcase of Wearable Arts.

Hotel: Distinction Invercargill

Your day begins with a visit to Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to an impressive collection of over 300 classic bikes from around the globe. From there, journey through the stunning Catlins region, where lush rainforest meets dazzling beaches. A visit to Curioscape located on picturesque Curio Bay will provide an interactive experience on the region followed by lunch. Next enjoy a visit to Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent triple-tiered waterfall, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. Along the way, take in the dramatic coastal scenery with plenty of opportunities to admire the views. Our journey continues to Dunedin, your home for the next 2-nights.

Hotel: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (2 nights)

Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Ultimate High Tea. Dunedin was built on the riches of the gold rush with one of the best collections of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere on display. Enjoy an orientation tour taking in the city’s key sights. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era.

Hotel: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

Hotel: The Heritage Hotel

This morning 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. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

Hotel: Hotel Montreal

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

Terms & Conditions

*Conditions apply. Prices correct as at 11 Oct 2024 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability. Agents may charge service fees, rates vary. Payments by credit card will incur a surcharge.  All savings are included in the advertised price. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. Please check all prices, availability and other information before booking. Grand Pacific Tours and Helloworld Travel booking terms and conditions apply, see in store for details.

*Conditions apply. Prices valid ex BNE, SYD & MEL (economy class) and include prepaid taxes (subject to change). Enquire for prices from other ports. **Travel on May 2026 seasonal departure and save $600 per couple ($300 per person). All other departures will save $200 per person off the brochure price. Maximum savings are reflected in the advertised prices. Special Offer is valid on new bookings only until 19 December 2024, for travel Oct 2025 – May 2026. Not to be used in conjunction with any other special offer; not applicable on group departures; can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Must quote “Helloworld Travel Campaign” at time of booking.

From

$9,959* | per person twin share
Save up to $600 per couple**
Destination:
, New Zealand
Duration:
13 Nights
Offer ends:
19 December 2024
Valid for travel:
8 May 2026
Enquire for other departure dates Oct 2025 – Apr 2026.

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