Small Group Tour - Ultimate South Island Escape (10 days)
Christchurch - - Fox Glacier - Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Dunedin - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Tour Dates: 2019 01st Sep / 10th Sep / 2nd Oct / 16th Oct / 01st Nov / 09th Dec
Tour Dates: 2020 17th Jan / 01st Mar / 19th Mar / 06th May
Maximum Guests: 20
Tour Costs:
Cost @ NZD $5,599 / twin
Cost @ NZD $7,429 / single
DAY 1: Arrive Christchurch (D)
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours
representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre dinner drink.
Hotel The George
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours
representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre dinner drink.
Hotel The George
DAY 2: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Fox Glacier (B,D)
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 Ultimate coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Hotel Distinction Fox Glacier or similar
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 Ultimate coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Hotel Distinction Fox Glacier or similar
DAY 3: Fox Glacier - Queenstown (B)
See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue 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. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue 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. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
DAY 4: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Grand Pacific Tours Local Host is available to assist. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon or 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 gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you 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.
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Grand Pacific Tours Local Host is available to assist. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon or 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 gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you 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.
DAY 5: Queenstown - Te Anau (B)
Queenstown - Te Anau (B,D)Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling 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. Tonight after dinner you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights)
Queenstown - Te Anau (B,D)Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling 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. Tonight after dinner you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights)
DAY 6: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau (B,L,D)
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 onboard.
This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You may like to visit the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to show the locally filmed movie ‘Ata Whenua - Shadowland’ which will take you on an unforgettable journey.
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 onboard.
This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You may like to visit the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to show the locally filmed movie ‘Ata Whenua - Shadowland’ which will take you on an unforgettable journey.
DAY 7: Te Anau - Dunedin (B,D)
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the “Edinburgh of the South”. Enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Options available include a tour of Cadbury World, a chocolate lover’s dream, whilst others might be interested in a tour of the Speight’s Brewery, which produces New Zealand’s most popular beer. Also available is a tour to the Royal Albatross Centre to see Albatross in their natural habitat or a tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing many treasures of a bygone era.
Hotel Distinction Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the “Edinburgh of the South”. Enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Options available include a tour of Cadbury World, a chocolate lover’s dream, whilst others might be interested in a tour of the Speight’s Brewery, which produces New Zealand’s most popular beer. Also available is a tour to the Royal Albatross Centre to see Albatross in their natural habitat or a tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing many treasures of a bygone era.
Hotel Distinction Dunedin
DAY 8: Dunedin - Mt Cook (B,D)
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour. There is time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom.
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.
Hotel The Hermitage Hotel
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour. There is time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom.
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.
Hotel The Hermitage Hotel
DAY 9: Mt Cook - Christchurch (B,SD)
This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and see the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.
Hotel The George
This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and see the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends.
Hotel The George
DAY 10: Depart Christchurch (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable
New Zealand Holiday.
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable
New Zealand Holiday.
Included Attractions
• TranzAlpine Rail Journey
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
• Lakes District Museum
• Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
• Larnach Castle*
• City sights tour of Christchurch & Dunedin
*Guided tour.
Inclusions
• Ultimate Small Group Tour Coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats on a full size vehicle, 2 door access and panoramic windows
• Professional Coach Captain
• Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
• Return airport transfers in New Zealand
• 9 nights premium hotel accommodation
• 2 two night stays
• Hotel porterage
• 2 cruises
• All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
• GST (New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
• Comprehensive documentation pack
• BONUS Group photo
Meals
• 9 cooked breakfasts
• 8 sumptuous dinners including 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch
• 1 picnic lunch
• 1 Ultimate High Tea, Larnach Castle
• TranzAlpine Rail Journey
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
• Lakes District Museum
• Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
• Larnach Castle*
• City sights tour of Christchurch & Dunedin
*Guided tour.
Inclusions
• Ultimate Small Group Tour Coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats on a full size vehicle, 2 door access and panoramic windows
• Professional Coach Captain
• Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
• Return airport transfers in New Zealand
• 9 nights premium hotel accommodation
• 2 two night stays
• Hotel porterage
• 2 cruises
• All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
• GST (New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
• Comprehensive documentation pack
• BONUS Group photo
Meals
• 9 cooked breakfasts
• 8 sumptuous dinners including 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch
• 1 picnic lunch
• 1 Ultimate High Tea, Larnach Castle