Grand Pacific Tours 10 Day Classic South Island

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. Merchandise items must be ordered at the time of booking and are not available for purchase in New Zealand.

TOUR JACKET
Unisex black waterproof shell jacket with embroidered logos, silver reflective piping, fleece-lined collar, hood, inside mesh lining, adjustable Velcro cuff, front pockets, and inside mobile phone pocket. Compact, lightweight, ideal for touring.

Available in sizes XS to XXXL

TOUR CAP
Black wool blend cap with a pre-curved suede peak, six-panel structure with a fabric Velcro strap, and embroidered logo. One size.

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 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 to 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 before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu.

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. 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.

This morning travel to Arrowtown, best known for its spectacular autumn colours. Visit the Lakes District Museum a treasure trove of stories and exhibits about the exciting mining era of the late 1800s. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. 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 return to Te Anau where some free time is available. This evening you may like to visit the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua - Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey. (optional).

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 Larnarch Castle where you will 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 to Oamaru 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 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 enjoy a pre-dinner drink and 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.