14 Day Signature Best of the South Island

Experience the South Island on this perfectly paced 14-day Signature journey, travelling by premium coach with expert guidance. From Christchurch and the West Coast to Queenstown, Milford Sound and The Catlins, enjoy the TranzAlpine rail journey, an overnight Milford cruise, local tastings, heritage sights and 4-star accommodation.

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for Over 10 Years

Duration

14 Day / 13 Night Tour

Price

$9,559

PEOPLE GOING

86+ Booked

PACKAGE

Itinerary

Itinerary Details
  1. Day 1
    Arrive in Christchurch

    Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to your hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Leader and fellow travellers as your South Island journey begins. Overnight in Christchurch.

  2. Day 2
    Christchurch Sightseeing

    Discover Christchurch on a city tour showcasing heritage precincts and the modern rebuild. Visit the International Antarctic Centre for interactive exhibits, then enjoy a scenic ride aboard the historic Christchurch Tram. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Christchurch.

  3. Day 3
    Christchurch → TranzAlpine → Punakaiki

    Board the TranzAlpine and travel across plains, river gorges, and alpine scenery to Moana. Enjoy lunch by Lake Brunner before continuing to Punakaiki on the wild West Coast. Overnight in Punakaiki.

  4. Day 4
    Punakaiki → Franz Josef

    Visit the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, then travel south to Greymouth for a Monteith’s Brewery tasting and lunch. Continue via Hokitika to Franz Josef, with optional scenic flights available. Overnight in Franz Josef.

  5. Day 5
    Franz Josef → Queenstown

    Travel through the rainforest-lined Haast Pass, where waterfalls and alpine landscapes unfold. Arrive in Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu and enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner included. Overnight in Queenstown.

  6. Day 6
    Queenstown, Winery & Walter Peak

    Explore Arrowtown and the Lakes District Museum, then enjoy wine tasting and lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery. This evening cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm experience. Overnight in Queenstown.

  7. Day 7
    Queenstown Free Day

    A full free day to explore Queenstown. Optional activities include gondola rides, jet boating, wine tours, scenic walks, or lakeside relaxation. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Queenstown.

  8. Day 8
    Queenstown → Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

    Travel via Te Anau along the scenic Milford Road. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise, exploring waterfalls, rainforest cliffs, and wildlife, with opportunities for kayaking or tender excursions. Dinner onboard. Overnight on Milford Sound.

  9. Day 9
    Milford Sound → Invercargill

    Continue cruising Milford Sound toward the Tasman Sea before returning to shore. Travel south to Invercargill and visit Bill Richardson Transport World, home to an extraordinary collection of vehicles and memorabilia. Overnight in Invercargill.

  10. Day 10
    Invercargill → The Catlins → Dunedin

    Visit Classic Motorcycle Mecca before exploring the rugged Catlins coastline. Stop at Curio Bay, enjoy lunch, and visit Purakaunui Falls before continuing to Dunedin for a two-night stay. Overnight in Dunedin.

  11. 11
    Dunedin & Larnach Castle

    Tour Larnach Castle with Devonshire Tea and time to explore its renowned gardens. Return to Dunedin for a city orientation tour, with optional wildlife or heritage experiences available. Overnight in Dunedin.

  12. 12
    Dunedin → Mount Cook → Twizel

    Travel north via Oamaru and the Waitaki River into the Mackenzie Basin. Enjoy views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, with optional scenic flights available, before continuing to Twizel. Overnight in Twizel.

  13. 13
    Twizel → Lake Tekapo → Christchurch

    Visit Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Sheepdog Statue before returning across the Canterbury Plains. Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner in Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch.

  14. 14
    Depart Christchurch

    After breakfast, transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight, concluding your Signature Best of the South Island experience.

Tour Highlights
    • Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to your centrally located hotel.
    • Settle into the South Island’s Garden City.
    • Meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers.
    • Enjoy a welcome dinner following a pre-dinner drink.
Accommodations
  • 2 nights in Christchurch 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Punakaiki 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Franz Josef 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 3 nights in Queenstown 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night onboard Milford Sound Overnight Cruise.
  • 1 night in Invercargill 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Dunedin 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Twizel 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Christchurch 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
Package Includes

Coach & Transfers:

  • Premium Economy mid-size coach with 32 comfort seats, tray tables, cup holders, onboard restroom and daily Wi-Fi allowance.
  • Personalised meet and greet on arrival.
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand.
  • Professional Coach Captain and experienced Tour Leader.
  • Hotel porterage and luggage handling.
  • Signature Documentation Pack.

 

Exclusive Experiences:

  • International Antarctic Centre
  • Christchurch Tram ride
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
  • Monteith’s Brewing Co. tasting
  • Lakes District Museum (Arrowtown)
  • Gibbston Valley Winery tasting
  • TSS Earnslaw Cruise + Walter Peak gourmet dinner
  • Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (Milford Mariner)
  • Bill Richardson Transport World
  • Classic Motorcycle Mecca
    Curioscape (Curio Bay)
    Larnach Castle guided tour + Devonshire Tea
    Christchurch City Sights Tour
    Dunedin City Sights Tour
    Accommodation in a 4 Star Hotel for 13 nights with Breakfast.

 

Meals:

  • 13 cooked breakfasts
  • 10 dinners including Welcome Dinner with pre-dinner drink, Walter Peak specialty dinner, and Farewell Dinner with pre-dinner drink in Christchurch
  • 4 lunches:
    – Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner
    – Monteith’s Brewing Co., Greymouth
    – Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown
    – Lunch in The Catlins
    1 Devonshire Tea at Larnach Castle

 

Additional:

  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
  • Extensive optional activities available throughout the tour

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