10 Days | New Zealand Signature South Island Tour
Christchurch - Franz Josef - Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel - Lake Tekapo
Fully escorted tour with flights from Australia
Enjoy 9 nights in 4-Star accommodation with breakfast daily
32 seater premium coach with expert driver & guide
A range of fantastic included meals, activities & much more
From
$6,479
pp twin share
Book
Now
Check Departure Dates
Description
For a LIMITED TIME ONLY receive the extremely popular GPT JACKET for FREE
New Zealand’s South Island is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, offering a diverse range of natural wonders that make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The island is dominated by the Southern Alps, a majestic mountain range that runs along its spine, creating dramatic vistas of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand, towers over the landscape, drawing climbers and sightseers eager to experience its grandeur. The island’s varied topography also includes golden beaches, deep fjords, and lush rainforests, providing a wide array of outdoor experiences for travellers.
Fiordland National Park, located in the southwestern part of the South Island, is one of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations in the country. It is home to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, two of the most famous fjords in the world, carved by glaciers over millennia. Milford Sound, often referred to as the "eighth wonder of the world," is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene, reflective waters. Visitors can explore the area by boat, kayak, or even on foot, taking in views of dolphins, seals, and rare bird species that inhabit the region. The tranquillity and untouched beauty of Fiordland make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone visiting the South Island.
Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is known as the adventure capital of the world and is a hub for adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether it’s bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, or skiing, Queenstown offers a thrill for every type of adventurer. During the winter months, the nearby Remarkables and Coronet Peak provide some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Hemisphere. In contrast, the summer brings opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic wine tours in the nearby Central Otago region, famous for its world-class Pinot Noir.
The South Island also boasts vibrant cities like Christchurch and Dunedin, each offering its unique cultural experiences. Christchurch, often referred to as the “Garden City,” has undergone significant transformation since the 2011 earthquake, emerging as a city of innovation and resilience. It features a mix of contemporary art, historical landmarks, and beautifully restored parks like the Botanic Gardens. Dunedin, with its rich Scottish heritage, offers a blend of historic architecture and wildlife experiences. The Otago Peninsula, just outside Dunedin, is known for its rare wildlife, including albatross colonies and yellow-eyed penguins, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the city’s cultural attractions.
In 2025, explore the best of the South Island with us and travel in premium comfort on a custom-designed coach. With an expert driver and guide, fantastic accommodation, plus a range of meals, included activities and more, this is your chance to explore the best of New Zealand in style.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10
Australia 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 Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.
Hotel: Distinction Hotel Christchurch
Meals included: Dinner
*Flights included ex Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane only.
Christchurch Arthurs 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: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Franz Josef 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.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
Meals included: Breakfast
Queenstown (at leisure)
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 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 enjoya short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).
Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau (2 nights)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 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 Luxmore Hotel Te Anau
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Te Anau Dunedin
Travel 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 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.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Dunedin Mt Cook 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.
Hotel: Mackenzie Country Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Twizel Christchurch
Continue to Lake Tekapo, view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch for a city tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Want to stay longer? Ask us how today!
Meals included: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Fully escorted tour includes transfers in New Zealand, 32 -seat premium coach travel, 4-Star accommodation, most meals, sightseeing, and attractions
- Professional Coach Captain & Experienced Tour Leader
- Flights from either Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane with Air New Zealand (please contact us for a quote from regional Australia)
- 9 nights in premium 4-Star accommodation
- Personalised ''meet and greet" on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive optional activities
- Signature documentation pack
Meals:
- 9 cooked breakfasts, 1 lunch, 8 dinners and a delicious Devonshire Tea experience at Larnach Castle
Pre-Paid Included Tours:
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
- Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea
- Dunedin City Sights Tour
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
Pre & Post Accommodation:
- Christchurch: from $200 pp twin share / $400 Single Room per night
Exclusions
- Meals not mentioned
- Any additional requests
- Travel Insurance
- Laundry
- Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs
Important Information: All departure dates are guaranteed*
Room Types: Twin or double, maximum occupancy of 2
Child Policy: Children under 16 years are not permitted
Passport & Visa Requirements: All visitors require a passport to enter New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date that you intend to leave New Zealand. For Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand. Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to travelling to New Zealand. For visitors from non-visa waiver countries, it is recommended you contact your Travel Agent or NZ Immigration for full entry requirements. If you are not an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, you may also have to pay for an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Please check with your Travel Agent for up to date immigration requirements
*unless government-mandated border restrictions are in effect
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE
Departure Dates
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