Classic NZ - The South

Day 1 Christchurch

On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions.

Stay Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Dinner

Day 2 Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass and Franz Josef Glacier

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.

Stay Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)

Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. 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 to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Stay Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lakeview Room) (2 nights)

Breakfast

Day 4 Queenstown

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will assist with the many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon or to 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 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.

Breakfast, special dinner

Day 5 Queenstown to Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Stay Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Room) (2 nights)

Breakfast, dinner

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 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 might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Te Anau to Dunedin

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Tonight, a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.

Stay Hotel Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Breakfast, special dinner

Day 8 Dunedin to Mt Cook and Twizel

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Stay Hotel MacKenzie Country Hotel or similar

Breakfast, dinner

Day 9 Twizel to Christchurch

Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch for a city tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends.

Stay Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Breakfast, special dinner

Day 10 Christchurch

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

Breakfast