14 Day Ultimate Best of the South Island

Overview

Discover the Best of New Zealand’s South Island in a small group on the Ultimate Coach. 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 Doubtful Sound.

Tour Highlight: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable. You will create some lifelong memories as the Fiordland Navigator takes you through the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience. As you cruise through some of NZ’s most stunning scenery, knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat (swimwear required) - or to simply relax on board. As evening falls, you will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared by the onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines and if the skies are clear, enjoy some stargazing. The next day explore other parts of the fiord.

Highlights & Inclusions

Experience

• Return airfares from Adelaide*
• Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
• Return airport transfers in New Zealand
• Professional Coach Captain
• 12 nights 4.5 star accommodation
• Doubtful 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 Activities
• Ultimate Documentation Pack

Meals

• 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, selected beverages, Christchurch
• 5 lunches: Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner; Monteith’s Brewing Co., Greymouth; Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown; Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise; lunch, The Catlins.
• 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

• 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 - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
• Bill Richardson Transport World
• Classic Motorcycle Mecca
• Curioscape
• Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
• Christchurch City Sights Tour
• Dunedin 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
• Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance

Itinerary

Day-by-day Itinerary

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

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 as you meet your travelling companions.

Hotel: Hotel Montreal (2 nights) 

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.

Hotel: Hotel Montreal 

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.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki 

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.

Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat 

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.

Hotel: Heritage Queenstown (3 nights) 

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.

Hotel: Heritage Queenstown 

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 Coach Captain is 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.

Hotel: Heritage Queenstown 

Day 8 - Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (B,L,D)

Today travel via Te Anau to Manapouri. Enjoy lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. A short ride over the Wilmot Pass brings you to the boarding point to join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) - or to simply relax on board. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef.

Overnight: Fiordland Navigator 

Day 9 - Doubtful Sound – Te Anau - Invercargill (B,D)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Te Anau for a short break. Continue your journey to Invercargill, where you will 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.

Hotel: Distinction Invercargill 

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.

Hotel: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (2 nights) 

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 Ultimate High 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.

Hotel: Distinction Dunedin Hotel 

Day 12 - 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 13 - 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. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

Hotel: Hotel Montreal 

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.

Dates/Prices

*Advertised prices are based on per person, twin share ex Adelaide on 8 May 2026 departure. Prices correct as of 18 September 2024.