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Explore the dramatic landscapes of the spectacular South Island while travelling Business Class on Wheels on the Ultimate coach, with a maximum of 20 travellers.
Start your tour 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.
Inclusions
Experience
Return airfares from Adelaide*
Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
Return airport transfers in New Zealand
Professional Coach Captain
9 nights 4.5 star accommodation
2 two night stays
Hotel porterage
1 rail journey
2 cruises
All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
Extensive Optional Activities
Ultimate 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; Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch
1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
*Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
Prepaid Attractions
TranzAlpine Rail Journey
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
Lakes District Museum
Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
Dunedin City Sights Tour
Christchurch City Sights Tour
Coach Features
20 Business Class seats on a full-size coach
2 door access; dedicated seat side storage with tray table; cup holder
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.
Hotel: Sudima Christchurch City
Day 2 - Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef (B,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 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: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Day 3 - Franz Josef - Queenstown (B)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. 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 at leisure, you may choose to to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel: Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 4 - Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with 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 TSSEarnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Hotel: Heritage Queenstown
Day 5 - Queenstown - Te Anau (B,D)
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. This innovative museum is heavily involved in the protection of the historic buildings scattered around town. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).
Hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights)
Day 6 - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau (B,L,D)
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature 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 Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Day 7 - Te Anau - Dunedin (B,D)
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 and a delicious Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom.
Hotel: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Day 8 - Dunedin - Mt Cook (B,D)
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel
Day 9 - Mt Cook - Christchurch (B,SD)
This morning 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. 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 an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.
Hotel: Sudima Christchurch City
Day 10 - Depart Christchurch (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
*Advertised prices are based on per person, twin share ex Adelaide on September 2025 & May 2026 departures. ^$100 Festive Season Surcharge applies to 20 December 2025 departure. Prices correct as of 11 December 2024.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
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.
