11 Day Ultimate Top of the South Island
Snapshot
- 11 days
- Fly & Tour Package
- Christchurch return
- Multiple departures
From
$7,809*
per person twin share
Overview
This Top of the South Island tour offers a diverse range of New Zealand attractions and experiences, combining natural scenic beauty, outdoor activities, delicious food & wine and wildlife encounters. There is no better way to experience these unique regions than on a coach holiday with Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Coach Holiday specialist.
Ultimate Small Group Touring: Be dazzled by the purpose-built Ultimate Coach featuring 20 luxury leather seats, panoramic viewing, and a level of comfort unparalleled by any other vehicle. The design is state of the art and complete with extensive on-board features including the latest finishes and technology.
Inclusions
Highlights and Inclusions:
- Return airfares from your homeport
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 20 Business Class seats on a full-size coach
- Professional Coach Captain
- 10 nights 4.5 star accommodation
- 3 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 3 cruises
- 22 meals including breakfast daily
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Optional Activities
- Ultimate Documentation Pack
Attractions:
- Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Wilderness Gallery Hokitika
- Monteith's Brewing Co. Tasting
- Nelson Classic Car Museum
- Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Cruise
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
- Marlborough Winery and Tasting
- Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
- Kaikōura Museum
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
- Nelson City Sights Tour
Itinerary
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.
Stay: Sudima Christchurch City (2 nights)
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch
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.
Stay: Sudima Christchurch City
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika
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.
Stay: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Hokitika - Punakaiki
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.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (Superior Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Punakaiki - Nelson
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.
Stay: Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room) (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson
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.
Stay: Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch
Day 7 - Nelson - Blenheim
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 before a short drive to an iconic Marlborough Winery where you will experience a personalised wine tasting. You will taste award-winning wines and enjoy exploring the beautiful Marlborough vineyards.
Stay: Chateau Marlborough (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim
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.
Stay: Chateau Marlborough
Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch
Day 9 - Blenheim - Kaikōura
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.
Stay: Sudima Kaikōura
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Kaikōura - Christchurch
Depart Kaikōura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening reminisce on the memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner which includes selected beverages.
Stay: Sudima Christchurch City
Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
Day 11 - Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates/Prices
Depart | Return | From Price | Save! |
---|---|---|---|
2 November 2024 | 12 November 2024 | $7,805pp | $300*pp |
28 January 2025 | 7 February 2025 | $7,905pp | $200*pp |
19 March 2025 | 29 March 2025 | $7,905pp | $200*pp |
*Conditions Apply. Prices valid ex ADL (economy class) and include pre paid taxes (subject to change). **Save $300 per person on 2 Nov 2024 departure. All other departures save $200 per person off the brochure price. Maximum savings are included in the advertised prices. Special Offer: not valid on group departures, no further discounts apply, not to be used in conjunction with any other special offer, for new bookings only for travel Nov 2024 – Mar 2025 unless sold out prior and can be withdrawn at any time without notice.
* Conditions Apply. Prices valid ex ADL (economy class) and include pre paid taxes (subject to change). **Save $300 per person on 2 Nov 2024 departure. All other departures save $200 per person off the brochure price. Maximum savings are included in the advertised prices. Special Offer: not valid on group departures, no further discounts apply, not to be used in conjunction with any other special offer, for new bookings only for travel Nov 2024 – Mar 2025 unless sold out prior and can be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Term and conditions apply:
All pricing subject to change and availability.
Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies.
Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.