10 Days Ultimate South Island 2026/2027
Escorted Group tour of South Island of New Zealand (including flights from Australia)
Enjoy an ultimate escape to New Zealand’s dramatic South Island.
from $7509pp
itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH (D)
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 Sudima Christchurch City or similar
DAY 2: CHRISTCHURCH – ARTHUR’S PASS – FRANZ JOSEF (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 coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Hotel Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef
DAY 3: FRANZ JOSEF – 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 at leisure, you may choose to to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)
DAY 4: QUEENSTOWN (FREE DAY) (B,SD)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. 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 Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
DAY 5: 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. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm 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 nature cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. 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). Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
DAY 7: TE ANAU – DUNEDIN (B,D)
Journey via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales on a guided tour. Indulge in an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom, followed by time to stroll through this Garden of International Significance. Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel
DAY 8: DUNEDIN – MT COOK (B,D)
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 Hermitage Hotel
DAY 9: MT COOK – CHRISTCHURCH (B,SD)
This morning there is the opportunity 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 for an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends. Hotel Sudima Christchurch City or similar
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.
Itinerary valid from Sep 2026.
(B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner. (SD) Specialty Dinner.
dates & pricing
| Departs 2026 |
|---|
| Apr 22 |
| May 2*, 10* |
| From | Twinshare | Airline Taxes | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $7249 | $260 | $7509 |
| Melbourne | $7249 | $260 | $7509 |
| Brisbane | $7249 | $260 | $7509 |
| Gold Coast | $7249 | $290 | $7539 |
| Canberra | $7479 | $350 | $7829 |
| Cairns | $7529 | $310 | $7839 |
| Adelaide | $7549 | $290 | $7839 |
| Hobart | $7549 | $290 | $7839 |
| Launceston | $7549 | $290 | $7839 |
| Perth | $7799 | $280 | $8079 |
| Departs 2026 | Departs 2027 |
|---|---|
| Sep 1*, 10*, 19* | Jan 2, 17, 31 |
| Oct 1, 16 | Feb 9, 17 |
| Nov 8, 13 | Mar 1, 16, 30 |
| Dec 9, 20** | Apr 4, 17 |
| May 2*, 5* |
| From | Sep 2026-May 2027Twinshare | Airline Taxes | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $7549 | $280 | $7829 |
| Melbourne | $7549 | $280 | $7829 |
| Brisbane | $7549 | $280 | $7829 |
| Gold Coast | $7549 | $320 | $7869 |
| Canberra | $7779 | $380 | $8159 |
| Cairns | $7829 | $330 | $8159 |
| Adelaide | $7849 | $300 | $8149 |
| Hobart | $7849 | $320 | $8169 |
| Launceston | $7849 | $320 | $8169 |
| Perth | $8099 | $280 | $8379 |
- REEF N OUTBACK SPECIAL – SAVE $100 PER PERSON OFF ADVERTISED TOUR PRICE. *Does not apply to seasonal discount offer dates
- SEASONAL OFFER Save $250 per person on dates marked with *
- Dec 20 departure $150 pp surcharge applies.
- Prices per person twinshare
- All dates guaranteed departures
- Sole Use $2150 (Sep 2025 – May 2026)
- Land only $6949 per person twin share / $9099 sole use (Sep 2025 – May 2026)
- Sole Use $2270 (Sep 2026 – May 2027)
- Land only $7249 per person twin share / $9519 sole use (Sep 2026 – May 2027)
- Escort provided on arrival into New Zealand
Highlights & inclusions
PREPAID ATTRACTIONS
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
- Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
- Dunedin City Sights Tour
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
COACH FEATURES
- 20 Business Class seats on a full-size coach
- 2 door access; dedicated seat side storage with tray table; cup holder
- Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
EXPERIENCE
- Return airfares from your homeport
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Professional Coach Captain
- 9 nights 4 – 5 star accommodation
- 2 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 2 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Ultimate Documentation Pack
MEALS
- 9 cooked breakfasts
- 8 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch
- 1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
- 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
- Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
- Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm
- Day 10: Breakfast is not included for any traveller departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening for service.
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