14 Day Signature Best of the South Island

Starting From NZD $8,462
Map
We Tour NZ > Tours > 14 Day Signature Best of the South Island

Discover the Best of New Zealand’s South Island in Premium Economy Comfort in a mid-size group. Experience the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey, enjoy a 3-night stay in magical Queenstown, visit unique regions such as Punakaiki, Invercargill and The Catlins, marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and relax on an unforgettable overnight cruise on the fiord of Milford Sound..

Tour Highlights

  • International Antarctic Centre
  • Christchurch Tram
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Monteith’s Brewing Co. Tasting
  • Lakes District Museum
  • Gibbston Valley Winery*
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • HIGHLIGHT Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
  • Bill Richardson Transport World*
  • Classic Motorcycle Mecca
  • Curioscape
  • Larnach Castle*
  • City sights tour of Christchurch and Dunedin
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch

Tour Itinerary

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

1
Arrive Christchurch (D)
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 when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Situated right in the centre of Christchurch overlooking Cathedral Square.
Read more
2
Christchurch Sightseeing (B)
Day 2
Christchurch Sightseeing (B)
This morning an introductory city tour of Christchurch will showcase its revitalised centre buzzing with energy. Continue to the International Antarctic Centre, where you will gain fascinating insights of life in Antarctica. Return to the city and enjoy a leisurely journey aboard the charming Christchurch Tram, a unique experience combining history and the city’s key landmarks. This evening is free for you to dine at leisure.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Situated right in the centre of Christchurch overlooking Cathedral Square.
Read more
3
Christchurch - Moana - Punakaiki (B, L, D)
Day 3
Christchurch - Moana - Punakaiki (B, L, 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 coastal town of Punakaiki.
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Perfectly positioned for you to enjoy everything this region is famous for, close to the famous Pancake Rocks and overlooking the Tasman Sea.
Read more
4
Punakaiki - Franz Josef (B, L, D)
Day 4
Punakaiki - Franz Josef (B, L, D)
This morning explore the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Continue south to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will sample craft beers over lunch. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Located in the heart of Franz Josef village and close to Franz Josef Glacier.
Read more
5
Franz Josef - Queenstown (B, D)
Day 5
Franz Josef - Queenstown (B, D)
Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you journey south through the breathtaking Haast Pass. Arrive in picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort nestled on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. A leisurely 3-night stay allows you to slow the pace and take time to explore this incredible natural playground.
Mercure Queenstown Resort
Located on an elevated site overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Read more
6
Queenstown Sightseeing (B, L, SD)
Day 6
Queenstown Sightseeing (B, L, SD)
Today, immerse yourself in the spectacular sights of Queenstown. Begin with a visit to Arrowtown, a charming old gold mining village, where you will explore the Lakes District Museum. Next head to Gibbston Valley Winery and experience a wine tasting in New Zealand’s largest Wine Cave, followed by lunch in the restaurant. 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.
Mercure Queenstown Resort
Located on an elevated site overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Read more
7
Queenstown Free Day (B)
Day 7
Queenstown Free Day (B)
Queenstown is celebrated around the world for its amazing activities, great food, award winning wine and its vibrant nightlife scene. Today, enjoy the freedom to explore Queenstown and all on offer at your leisure. Your crew are available to help you choose from the many optional activities available. This evening is also free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Mercure Queenstown Resort
Located on an elevated site overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Read more
8
Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B, D)
Day 8
Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B, D)
This morning, journey through Te Anau to Milford Sound where you will board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Take your time to marvel at the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife - you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) - or to simply relax on board. As evening falls indulge in a delicious freshly prepared carvery buffet by the onboard chef.
Milford Mariner - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
A purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.
Read more
9
Milford Sound - Te Anau - Invercargill (B, D)
Day 9
Milford Sound - Te Anau - Invercargill (B, D)
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau for a short break. Continue your journey to Invercargill, where you visit Bill Richardsons Transport World for a guided tour of this remarkable private collection, housed in a purpose-built Art Deco building. The displays feature vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps and an ever-growing showcase of Wearable Arts.
Distinction Hotel Invercargill
This Invercargill hotel presents a variety of premier accommodation to suit everyone.
Read more
10
Invercargill - The Catlins - Dunedin (B, L, D)
Day 10
Invercargill - The Catlins - Dunedin (B, L, D)
Your day begins with a visit to Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to an impressive collection of over 300 classic bikes from around the globe. From there, journey through the stunning Catlins region, where lush rainforest meets dazzling beaches. A visit to Curioscape located on picturesque Curio Bay will provide an interactive experience on the region followed by lunch. Next enjoy a visit to Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent triple-tiered waterfall, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. Along the way, take in the dramatic coastal scenery with plenty of opportunities to admire the views. Our journey continues to Dunedin, your home for the next 2-nights.
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
In the centre of the city, a 1937 building transformed into an elegant hotel.
Read more
11
Dunedin Sightseeing (B)
Day 11
Dunedin Sightseeing (B)
Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Dunedin was built on the riches of the gold rush with one of the best collections of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere on display. Enjoy an orientation tour taking in the city’s key sights. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era.
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
In the centre of the city, a 1937 building transformed into an elegant hotel.
Read more
12
Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel (B, D)
Day 12
Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel (B, D)
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River as you 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.
Distinction Mackenzie Country
Located in a beautiful garden setting in Twizel, the heart of the Mackenzie region.
Read more
13
Twizel - Christchurch (B, SD)
Day 13
Twizel - Christchurch (B, SD)
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. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on the memories created with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Situated right in the centre of Christchurch overlooking Cathedral Square.
Read more
14
Depart Christchurch (B)
Day 14
Depart Christchurch (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Inclusions

Attractions Included

  • International Antarctic Centre
  • Christchurch Tram
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Monteith’s Brewing Co. Tasting
  • Lakes District Museum
  • Gibbston Valley Winery*
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • HIGHLIGHT Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
  • Bill Richardson Transport World*
  • Classic Motorcycle Mecca
  • Curioscape
  • Larnach Castle*
  • City sights tour of Christchurch and Dunedin

Coach Features

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

Experiences Included

  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Experienced Tour Leader
  • 12 nights 4 star accommodation
  • Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
  • 2 two night stays
  • 1 three night stay
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 2 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Tours Programme
  • Signature Documentation Pack

Meals Included

  • 13 cooked breakfasts
  • 10 sumptuous dinners including Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner, including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
  • 4 Lunches: Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner; Monteith’s Brewing Co., Greymouth; Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown, lunch, The Catlins
  • 1 delicious devonshire tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Wine Time (discounted drinks)
    Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.

Visited Locations

  • Christchurch
    Christchurch is an fascinating city to explore. It was once a historic garden city. Since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes it has turned into a fascinating city of regeneration and growth.
    Read more
  • Aoraki Mount Cook
    Aoraki / Mount Cook, standing at 3,724 metres, is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is  located within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
    Read more
  • Dunedin
    Known as the 'Edinburgh of the South', Dunedin is a city that wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The small city boasts some eye-catching architecture and is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
    Read more
  • Te Anau
    A two hour drive from Queenstown, Te Anau is a Southland town. A pretty lakeside town, it’s known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park.
    Read more
  • Queenstown
    Queenstown is a stunning resort town, renowned for its beauty and wealth of adventure activities, it sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps mountains, Queenstown is also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns.
    Read more
  • Arthur’s Pass
    A small alpine village of Arthur's Pass is located between Canterbury and the West Coast of the South Island. Climbing to more than 900 metres through Arthur's Pass National Park, it is the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps.
    Read more
  • Franz Josef
    Franz Josef is the name of both the glacier and the nearby village. The small but lively Franz Josef Waiau village is surrounded by lush rainforest with the high snow-capped Alps rising above it.
    Read more
  • Invercargill
    Invercargill is a city near the southern tip of Aotearoa’s South Island. The Southland Region's "Capital", it is New Zealand’s southernmost city and was founded in the 1850s.
    Read more
  • The Catlins
    The Catlins is a wild and largely untouched area in the southeastern corner of New Zealand's South Island. Mother Nature still rules supreme here.
    Read more
  • Arrowtown
    Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, a short 15min drive from Queenstown. One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River.
    Read more
  • Milford Sound
    Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the "eighth wonder of the world", Milford Sound is a stunning fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island.
    Read more

Attractions

  • City sights tour of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland
  • Larnach Castle
    Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, a short distance from Dunedin, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell. Then master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior.
    Read more
  • Lakes District Museum
    Arrowtown's Lakes District Museum was established in 1948 as a Centennial of Otago project. Appropriately set in the former gold mining town, the museum started life in the billiard rooms of the Ballarat Hotel. It then shifted to the current home, the former Bank of New Zealand building, in 1955.
    Read more
  • Tranzalpine Rail Journey
    Enjoy a very special view of the South Island’s striking natural landscape. Take the Tranz Alpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth. See epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
    Read more
  • Christchurch Tram
    The Christchurch Tram is a unique experience combining history and sightseeing. The beautifully restored heritage trams are one of the city’s best loved attractions.
    Read more
  • Monteiths Brewing Company Tour
    Read more
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
    The TSS Earnslaw offers one of the best ways to see Queenstown’s surrounding landscape. Cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship taking in the views at a leisurely pace.
    Read more
  • Bill Richardson Transport World
    Bill Richardson's Transport World is the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world! More than 300 vintage vehicles. Plenty of family fun. And Invercargill café The Grille onsite. This is a great experience for all.
    Read more
  • Classic Motorcycle Mecca
    Discover the best of the most iconic classic motorbikes from around the world, in Invercargill's classic motorcycle museum. Featuring motorbikes from names like Indian, Harley-Davidson, Vincent, John Britten, Brough Superior, BMW and more, this world-class motorcycle collection is guaranteed to wow.
    Read more
  • Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
    This Milford Sound overnight cruise provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound adventure. You’ll depart from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon and cruise Milford Sound accompanied by our specialist nature guide.
    Read more
  • Curioscape
    This Catlins Gateway Experience is a world-class interactive centre especially designed to share the unique stories of this amazing place on the edge of time.
    Read more

Available Dates

Dates Price per person
Available
01 Oct 2025 - 14 Oct 2025
$ 9349.00 - $ 12099.00
$ 8694.00 - $ 11252.00
Available
03 Mar 2026 - 16 Mar 2026
$ 9349.00 - $ 12099.00
$ 8694.00 - $ 11252.00
Available
29 Apr 2026 - 12 May 2026
$ 9099.00 - $ 11849.00
$ 8462.00 - $ 11019.00
14 Day Signature Best of the South Island
Days
14
Price from
NZD $8,462 per person share twin