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Departures September 2024 - May 2025

11 Day Signature Top of the South Island



Map Image for 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island

Unveiling a picturesque landscape of wilderness, wildlife and unique attractions

TOUR CODE: SGPTOS11

DURATION: 11 days

STARTS: Christchurch

FINISHES: Christchurch

STYLE: Signature Mid-Size Group Tours

COACH: 32 seat Premium Economy

ACCOMMODATION: 4 Star

 

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Prepaid Attractions

  • Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise i
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey i
  • Wilderness Gallery Hokitika i
  • Monteith's Brewing Co. Tasting i
  • Nelson Classic Car Museum i
  • Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Cruise i
  • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre i
  • Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge i
  • Kaikōura Museum i
  • International Antarctic Centre i
  • Christchurch City Sights Tour i
  • Nelson City Sights Tour i

Coach Features

  • 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
  • 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder
  • Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance

Experience

  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Tour Leader
  • 10 nights 4 star accommodation
  • 3 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 3 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Optional Activities
  • Signature Documentation Pack

Meals

  • 10 cooked breakfasts
  • 7 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 1 specialty dinner: Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
  • 5 specialty lunches: Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner; Monteith’s Brewing Co., Greymouth; Abel Tasman lunch, Abel Tasman National Park; Dodson Street Beer Garden; Blenheim; Furneaux Lodge, Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.

Scenic Highlights and Walks

  • Historic French Village of Akaroa
  • Lake Brunner
  • Brunner Mine Site
  • Hokitika Gorge 
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks  
  • Cape Foulwind walkway 
  • Buller Gorge
  • Seaside town of Kaiteriteri
  • Abel Tasman National Park 
  • Marlborough Wine Region
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Coastal town of Kaikōura

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED
Tour includes a number of short walks of up to 1 hour that require a moderate level of fitness. The walks are scenic and not excessive but can include slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before booking.

LEARN MORE
Visit our NewzRoom to read more about this extensive itinerary:
> Wine, wildlife and wilderness article
 

Day-by-day Itinerary

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (SL) Specialty Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner

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 when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights) i

2

Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch (B)

After an introductory city sights tour, enjoy a scenic drive to the historic French village of Akaroa, with time to wander through the charming galleries and craft stores. This afternoon set off on a Nature Cruise in the hope of spotting the rare Hector’s Dolphin and keep an eye out for penguins and other sea birds. Following your cruise, return to Christchurch where the evening is free to dine at one of the city’s many restaurants.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel i

3

Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika (B,SL,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 before descending through the Otira Tunnel to Moana, on the banks of picturesque Lake Brunner. Enjoy lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant, before travelling to the Brunner Mine Site, the location of the 1896 mine explosion. This afternoon in the coastal town of Hokitika, visit a local gallery, for the opportunity to pick up a gift or souvenir.

Hotel Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View Room) i

4

Hokitika - Punakaiki (B,SL,D)

Today, take in the natural beauty of the Hokitika Gorge on a short walk descending through the hardwood forest that will lead you to a swing bridge which crosses the Hokitika River. Continue north to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will sample locally brewed beers over lunch. This afternoon travel along the Great Coast Road to the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (Superior Room) i

5

Punakaiki - Nelson (B,D)

Journey north along the coast to Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he encountered nasty weather. A short walk along the rocky headland will showcase the rugged coastline and sea life often on show amongst the rocks. Travel inland via the Buller Gorge and Murchison to Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand. This afternoon enjoy a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars. This is followed by an orientation tour of the city.

Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room) (2 nights) i

6

Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson (B,SL)

Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay lunch will be served. Re-join your coach and depart for Nelson via the vineyards. This evening is free for you to dine at one of the local restaurants in town.

Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room) i

7

Nelson - Blenheim (B,SL,D)

Today travel via Havelock and the wine-growing region of Marlborough. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 Aircraft, brought to life in sets created by the internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Head back into town where you will enjoy lunch at a local Blenheim beer garden. Re-board the coach for a relaxing drive through the diverse landscapes of this iconic region, before arriving at the hotel for a restful two-night stay.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough (2 nights) i

8

Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim (B,SL)

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Cruise from Picton Marina to the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, while enjoying informative commentary on this remarkable region, enroute to Furneaux Lodge. At Furneaux Lodge a delicious lunch will be served followed by time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There is access to kayaks and short walks around the property. On the return cruise to Picton a cheese platter featuring local produce is served accompanied by a glass of Marlborough wine, the perfect end to your Marlborough Sounds adventure. Board the coach for the short journey back to Blenheim where the evening is free to dine at one of the local restaurants.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough i

9

Blenheim - Kaikōura (B,D)

Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikōura. Visit the Kaikōura Museum, which features an exhibition depicting the impact of the 2016 earthquake. This afternoon you may like to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the coastline to see the many species of whales that migrate through this area.

10

Kaikōura - Christchurch (B,SD)

Depart Kaikōura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel i

11

Depart Christchurch (B)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Pricing and Departure Dates

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$6899
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Christchurch$170 pp, twin share$340 single

Optional Activities


Whilst your tour package includes an extensive range of pre-paid attractions and sightseeing, the Optional Activities outlined are available to enjoy during your free time. They will provide the ‘icing on the cake’ experience that will hold memories for a lifetime. Optional Activities will be booked with your Crew once on tour.


> VIEW ALL   Optional Activities for this tour.


Traveller Reviews > VIEW ALL


9
October 2024

This tour exceeded my expectations. The scenery, activities, provided meals and service we received at all hotels and activities was wonderful. However, it was enhanced by the Tour Leader and Coach Captain sharing their knowledge of New Zealand and its people and establishing a genuine rapport with all travellers. 

M.M. Australia


10
October 2024

Overall a fantastic experience. Really appreciated the later starts in the mornings and the slower pace. I liked the mix of nature and other activities - was a really good mix and completed at good intervals. Would be happy to do this tour all over again. 

C.H. Australia


9
October 2024

I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was what I expected and more. Meals were excellent and good to have a choice. The Coach Captain was very knowledgeable and accommodating and the Tour Leader was professional and personable. The coach was comfortable and spotless each day. Loved the single seats on one side. The idea of seat rotating is great and fair, so everyone gets a chance to sit in the front of the coach. 

H.B. Australia


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Port of Departure


To enable us to present you with the best Tour Pricing and Bonus Offers please select your intended Port of Departure and Accommodation Room Type. If you do not require an air inclusive package, please select LAND ONLY.

All prices are in Australian Dollars. For air inclusive package pricing, airline taxes are subject to change. Exact amounts will be confirmed by your Travel Agent at the time of booking.