Grand Pacific Tours 11 Day Signature South Island Christmas

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

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 for dinner.

Today is a free day to explore Christchurch. Enjoy a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at leisure, one of Christchurch's leading attractions.

This morning board the TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at Franz Josef where time is  available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
*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.

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty. Continue to picturesque Queenstown, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions.

Merry Christmas! Today board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet Christmas lunch and the best of NZ's high-country cuisine in the Colonel's Homestead. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a sing-along by the piano on your return cruise to Queenstown. This evening is free to dine at leisure.

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before traveling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. This innovative museum is heavily involved in the protection of the historic buildings scattered around town. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm 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 on board. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin for a city tour then travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour followed by Devonshire Tea.

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone, then 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 enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

This morning continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and see the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch for a city tour. This evening, reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

After breakfast (included) your tour concludes this morning. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.