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10 Day Ultimate South Island

Land Tour

Enjoy an ultimate escape to New Zealand’s dramatic South Island
*Note: All prices are based on Land-Only, upgrade to a flight inclusive package available upon request.

From price

$7,249
$6,949
From price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Grand Pacific Tours
Number Of Days
10
Start Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
End Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
Age Range
Avg. 50+
Group Size
10 to 20
Tour Style
Luxury
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
10 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 On request $7,249
$6,949
08 Nov 2026 17 Nov 2026 On request $7,249
09 Dec 2026 18 Dec 2026 On request $7,249
$6,949
02 Jan 2027 11 Jan 2027 Available $7,249
17 Jan 2027 26 Jan 2027 Last seats $7,249
26 Jan 2027 04 Feb 2027 Available $7,249
$6,949
31 Jan 2027 09 Feb 2027 On request $7,249
09 Feb 2027 18 Feb 2027 On request $7,249
22 Mar 2027 31 Mar 2027 Available $7,249
$6,949
30 Mar 2027 08 Apr 2027 Available $7,249
04 Apr 2027 13 Apr 2027 Available $7,249
17 Apr 2027 26 Apr 2027 Available $7,249
02 May 2027 11 May 2027 Available $7,249
$6,999
05 May 2027 14 May 2027 Last seats $7,249
$6,999

Inclusions

  • 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

    • Itinerary details

    Day 1 - Arrive 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 as you meet your travelling companions.

    Hotel

    5 Star Accommodation

    Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax.

    Meals D
    Day 2 - Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef

    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

    5 Star Accommodation

    Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef is truly luxurious and can be found in an area of native rainforest which has been carefully preserved. All the guest room balconies look out into the rainforest, which contains mature trees up to 20m high. Guests get a real sense of seclusion and privacy during their stay. Lavishly appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your own personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay and high-speed Internet access. 

    Meals B,D
    Day 3 - 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. This evening is at leisure, you may choose to to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

    Hotel

    4 Star Plus Accommodation

    Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.

    Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax. 

    Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed. 

    Meals B
    Day 4 - Queenstown (Free Day)

    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 TSSEarnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

    Hotel

    4 Star Plus Accommodation

    Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.

    Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax. 

    Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed. 

    Meals B,SD
    Day 5 - Queenstown - Te Anau

    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

    4 Star Accommodation

    Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and a short stroll to the spectacular Lake Te Anau, this elegant 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions. You will stay in a spacious and superbly appointed room.

    Meals B,D
    Day 6 - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau

    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

    4 Star Accommodation

    Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and a short stroll to the spectacular Lake Te Anau, this elegant 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions. You will stay in a spacious and superbly appointed room.

    Meals B,L,D
    Day 7 - Te Anau - Dunedin

    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

    4.5 Star Accommodation

    2024 Travellers Choice Winner and ranked in the top 20 of all hotels in NZ on TripAdvisor. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel is elegant, luxurious and located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The ideal combination of style and functionality. These air-conditioned Dunedin Studios offer a cloud-like super king bed and modern ensuite bathroom with a luxurious dual fixture walk-in rain shower plus complimentary Distinction toiletries.

    Meals B,D
    Day 8 - Dunedin - Mt Cook

    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

    4 Star Accommodation

    Nestled in the stunning Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel is surrounded by awe-inspiring glaciers, sparkling terminal lakes, rushing rivers, and the towering Aoraki/Mt Cook, Australasia's tallest peak at 3,724 metres. This iconic hotel boasts a range of exceptional restaurants and bars, along with 164 well-appointed rooms. Whether you're here for adventure or relaxation, The Hermitage provides the ultimate gateway to explore one of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes. 

    Meals B,D
    Day 9 - Mt Cook - Christchurch

    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

    5 Star Accommodation

    Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax.

    Meals B,SD
    Day 10 - Depart Christchurch

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

    Meals B

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You should choose this tour for a luxury experience where everything is taken care of, featuring high-end 4 and 5-star accommodations and a choice of business-class comfort in small groups of just 20 people. With expert crew providing informative commentary and a seamless itinerary including the world-renowned TranzAlpine train journey, it offers a sophisticated way to see the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand's South Island.
    This tour is designed for luxury-seeking travellers who appreciate high-end comfort, curated experiences, and a stress-free holiday. It is ideal for those who enjoy scenic beauty, rich heritage, and a touch of indulgence, such as gourmet barbecue dinners and high tea, while exploring the natural wonders of the South Island.
    The pros include luxury 4 and 5-star hotel stays, small group sizes for a more intimate experience, and a comprehensive itinerary covering major highlights like Milford Sound and Mt Cook. A potential con is that some of the most thrilling activities, such as scenic flights over glaciers or the Glowworm Caves, are optional and come at an additional cost.
    This tour is a wonderful option for couples and solo travellers looking for a luxury escape with built-in social opportunities, such as pre-dinner drinks and farewell dinners. While not specifically mentioned as a family package, the high level of comfort and organized nature of the trip would likely appeal to any traveller seeking a premium experience.
    This tour is excellent for first-time visitors to New Zealand as it covers the most iconic landmarks of the South Island and provides expert commentary on the country's heritage and culture. However, experienced travellers will also appreciate the luxury pace and the high standard of the curated accommodations.
    The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality, suggesting it is accessible for many. While the coach travel and hotel stays are designed for comfort, we recommend contacting us for specific details regarding mobility requirements at certain landmarks or activities.
    This tour provides a balanced blend of sightseeing and culture, with a touch of adventure. You will see breathtaking natural landscapes like the Southern Alps and Milford Sound, explore cultural sites like the Lakes District Museum and Larnach Castle, and have the option to add adventurous activities like jet boating.
    The pace of the tour is generally relaxed and indulgent, featuring 'leisurely starts' and dedicated free days in places like Queenstown. It is designed to let you soak in the scenery through panoramic coach windows without feeling rushed.
    The itinerary feels relaxed, offering a mix of guided excursions and free time. With a full free day in Queenstown and a focus on luxury comfort, the schedule allows you to enjoy the destinations at a comfortable pace.
    Yes, the tour includes many of the South Island's most famous highlights, including the TranzAlpine train journey, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin's Larnach Castle, Lake Tekapo, and Mt Cook.
    While the text does not explicitly mention language translation services, the tour is led by an expert crew that provides informative commentary on New Zealand's heritage and culture, ensuring a smooth and educational experience for English-speaking guests.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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