Grand Pacific 10 Day Signature South Island Tour 

Discover New Zealand’s South Island in Premium Economy comfort on this guided coach tour, from the iconic TranzAlpine and snow-capped Southern Alps to Queenstown, Milford Sound and historic Dunedin.
10 Days
Coach Tour
4 Star Accommodation

Operated by

This tour includes

Experiences

  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Experienced Tour Leader
  • 9 nights 4 star accommodation
  • 2 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 2 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Activities
  • Signature Documentation Pack

Meals

  • 9 cooked breakfasts
  • 8 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
  • 1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
  • 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

Attractions

  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Lakes District Museum
  • Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
  • Larnach Castle*
  • City sights tour of Dunedin and Christchurch

Overview & Itinerary

Explore the landscapes of the spectacular South Island of New Zealand in Premium Economy Comfort on a guided tour in a mid-size group. Starting in Christchurch, discover highlights such as the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey, view the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps along the rugged west coast, enjoy picturesque Queenstown, cruise on the majestic Milford Sound and visit historical Dunedin.

Check out why we love Grand Pacific here and read their booking terms and conditions here.

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 arrivals later than 8pm, dinner is not included.

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.

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to the Fox Glacier township. 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.

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your crew 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 enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

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).

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).

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 a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander around this Garden of International Significance.

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mount 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.

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 for a city tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

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

If departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening, breakfast is not included.

Why we think you’ll love this tour:

If you are landing and leaving from Christchurch and want to cram as much of the South Islands sights as possible then this great value escorted coach tour could be right up your alley!

Price Estimate

Enquire now for 2027/2028 dates

Start Date
End Date
Solo pricing (pp)
Twin pricing (pp)
2026
29 October 2026
8 December 2026
$8,719 NZD
$6,829 NZD
10 November 2026
19 November 2026
Sold Out
19 November 2026 Special
8 December 2026
Sold Out
29 November 2026
8 December 2026
$8,719 NZD
$6,829 NZD
11 December 2026
20 December 2026
Sold Out
2027
9 January 2027
18 January 2027
Sold Out
22 January 2027 Special
31 January 2027
Was   $8,719 NZD
Now   $8,219 NZD
Was   $6,829 NZD
Now   $6,329 NZD
2 February 2027
11 February 2027
$8,719 NZD
$6,829 NZD
12 February 2026
11 February 2026
$8,719 NZD
$6,829 NZD
4 March 2027
13 March 2027
Sold Out
21 March 2027
30 March 2027
$8,719 NZD
$6,829 NZD
20 April 2027 Special
29 April 2027
Was   $8,719 NZD
Now   $8,219 NZD
Was   $6,829 NZD
Now   $6,329 NZD
9 May 2027 Special
18 May 2027
Was   $8,719 NZD
Now   $8,469 NZD
Was   $6,829 NZD
Now   $6,579 NZD
18 May 2027 Special
27 May 2027
Was   $8,719 NZD
Now   $8,219 NZD
Was   $6,829 NZD
Now   $6,329 NZD

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Let us know a few details below and our New Zealand based team will be in touch.

Let us know a few details below and our New Zealand based team will be in touch.
Let us know a few details below and our New Zealand based team will be in touch.