Grand Pacific Tours - 14 Day Ultimate Best of the South Island

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
1

Welcome to Christchurch

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 when you meet your travelling companions and tour leader for dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

Avon River

One of the most recent luxury boutique hotels in Christchurch, Hotel Montreal is situated overlooking Cramner Square, right on the doorstep of Hagley Park, Christchurch's largest park. Experience absolute comfort and luxury in their beautifully finished rooms.

Hotel Montreal - Christchurch

2

Sightseeing & International Antarctic Centre

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Christchurch City Tram

3

Tranzalpine Rail - Moana - Punakaiki

This morning we board the TranzAlpine, renowned for being one of the top rail journeys in the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur's Pass and 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. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Punakaiki - 1 Night

TranzAlpine Train
Surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and with stunning views of the Tasman Sea, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki is in a great location. The resort is situated only 300m from the famous Punakaiki Blowholes and has been designed in harmony with the local environment.  Evenings are spent relaxing in a standard resort room with views of the sea or an Eco Suite with rainforest and distant seaviews.

 
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

4

Punakaiki - Franz Josef

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. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 Night

Hokitika

Te Waonui is the only luxury property of its kind in the area. The retreat is nestled in the lush bush with views of the natural environment at almost every turn. Located in Franz Josef, the retreat offers easy access to the many natural wonders of the South West World Heritage Area. Mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, coastline, and native flora and fauna all lie in wait at the doorstep for visitors to admire and explore.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Franz Josef

5

Franz Josef - Queenstown

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. A leisurely 3-night stay allows you to slow the pace and take time to explore this incredible natural playground.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Crowne Range
Crafted from centuries-old-schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel enjoys stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and is the perfect place to mix business and pleasure. Guests can enjoy all the hotel has to offer, with extensive leisure facilities, including heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, spa pool, sauna, gym, restaurant and bar. The modern, alpine-style accommodation sit in peaceful, scenic surroundings.
Heritage Hotel Queenstown

6

Sightseeing & Lake Wakitipu Cruise

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 and relax, as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano on your return cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Specialty Dinner

Steamer to Walter Peak

7

Queenstown Free Day

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. 

Meals: Breakfast

Gibbston valley Wine

8

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Today travel via Te Anau to Manapouri. Enjoy a picnic 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. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Doubtful Sound - 1 Night

Cruising in Doubtful Sounds

The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose built vessel designed and perfectly suited to cruising and staying overnight in the remote Doubtful Sound. The Navigator has spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge and also carries kayaks and a tender craft onboard - at your disposal. As well as having comfortable accommodation.

Fiordland Overnight Experience

9

Doubtful Sound - Invercargill

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 where 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Invercargill - 1 Night 

Invercargill

All 150 guestrooms and suites in this 4.5 star hotel feature enhanced soundproofing and luxury cloud-like beds. These features along with warm ambient lighting and blackout curtains ensure a restful night’s sleep. Sleek en suite bathrooms are outfitted with spacious walk-in showers. The hotel also has a stylish onsite restaurant and bar. Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout the hotel.

Distinction Invercargill

10

Invercargill - Catlins - Dunedin

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Dunedin Railway Station
The former Dunedin Chief Post Office (1937), transformed the 1937 former Chief Post Office in Dunedin into an elegant 4.5 star luxury hotel. It occupies an entire city block in The Exchange, the historic business centre of Dunedin. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel offers a variety of brand new accommodation to suit everyone from the businesses traveller requiring spacious and modern facilities to those wanting a relaxing weekend away.
The Distinction Dunedin Hotel

11

Dunedin Sightseeing & Larnach Castle

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. 

Meals: Breakfast

Dunedin's Castle- Lanarch

12

Dunedin - Mount Cook

This morning travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. 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. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 1 Night

Mount Cook National Park

A stunning destination surrounded by the silent splendor of the Southern Alps and with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding National Park World Heritage area. There is a selection of properties within the Terrace Road campus from Hotel to Chalet and Mountainview Motels - all budgets and standards can be catered for.

Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook

13

Mount Cook - Lake Tekapo - Christchurch

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. 

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Friday sheep dog at Lake Tekapo

One of the most recent luxury boutique hotels in Christchurch, Hotel Montreal is situated overlooking Cramner Square, right on the doorstep of Hagley Park, Christchurch's largest park. Experience absolute comfort and luxury in their beautifully finished rooms.

Hotel Montreal - Christchurch

19

Farewell from Christchurch

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

There maybe time for some last minute excursions or shopping before making your way for your outbound flight. Our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with plenty of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Meals: Breakfast

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The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions. 

Christchurch

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What Elizabeth says about this tour: Wow! The 14 Day Ultimate Best of the South Island tour is an absolute dream come true! From the breathtaking TranzAlpine Rail Journey to the stunning 3-night stay in Queenstown, every moment is pure magic. The overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound is an unforgettable highlight, and exploring unique spots like Invercargill and The Catlins adds an extra touch of adventure. With luxurious 4.5-star accommodations, a small group experience, and no hidden extras, this tour promises the ultimate New Zealand experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking adventure and luxury!
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