14 day Signature Best of the South Island New Zealand
Description:
Itinerary:
Arrive Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and traveling companions for dinner.
Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals: Dinner*
*Please note, dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
Christchurch Sightseeing
This morning an introductory city tour of Christchurch will showcase its revitalized center buzzing with energy. Continue to the International Antarctic Center, where you will gain fascinating insights into 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. The evening is free for you to dine at leisure.
Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Christchurch – Moana – Punakaiki
This morning you will 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 traveling to the coastal town of Punakaiki.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Punakaiki – Franz Josef
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.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Franz Josef – Queenstown
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.
Overnight: Mercure Queenstown Resort
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Queenstown Sightseeing
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.
You will then 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 re-board the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Overnight: Mercure Queenstown Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Specialty Dinner
Queenstown – Free Day
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 it offers at your leisure. Your guide 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.
Overnight: Mercure Queenstown Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Queenstown – Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
This morning, journey through Te Anau to Milford Sound where you will board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Take your time to marvel at the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) – or to simply relax on board. As evening falls indulge in a delicious freshly prepared carvery buffet by the onboard chef.
Overnight: Milford Mariner Cruise Ship
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Milford Sound – Te Anau – Invercargill
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau for a short break. Continue your journey to Invercargill, where you visit Bill Richardson’s 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.
Overnight: Distinction Hotel Invercagill
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Invercargill – The Catlins – Dunedin
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. Your journey will then continue to Dunedin, your home for the next 2-nights.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Dunedin
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 Devonshire 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.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Meals: Breakfast
Dunedin – Mt Cook – Twizel
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River as you 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. Then travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Distinction Mackenzie Country
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Twizel – Christchurch
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 pre-dinner drink and reminisce on the memories created with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Specialty Dinner
Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after your memorable New Zealand adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions:
- Personalized meet and greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- All Premium Economy coach transportation (32 seat)
- Experienced tour guide
- 12 nights of 4 star accommodations, including hotel porterage
- Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- 2 two night stays
- 1 three night stay
- 1 rail journey
- 2 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Signature Documentation Pack
MEALS:
- 13 breakfasts
- 10 dinners, including two specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
- Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner
- 4 lunches: Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner; Monteith’s Brewing Co., Greymouth; Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown; The Catlins.
- 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle
- 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 Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- Bill Richardson Transport World
- Classic Motorcycle Mecca
- HIGHLIGHT Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
- Bill Richardson Transport World
- Classic Motorcycle Mecca
- Curioscape
- Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
- Dunedin City Sights Tour
- 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
- 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder
- Restroom
- Daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
THE MILFORD MARINER:
For a majestic experience, spend the night on board the Milford Mariner. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound with commentary by a specialist nature guide. View the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. You are bound to encounter seals, maybe dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) – or to simply relax on board. As evening falls, enjoy a delicious carvery buffet, prepared by an onboard chef. Relax in the company of your fellow travellers or take in some stargazing before retiring to your cabin. Next morning, indulge in a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the breathtaking fiord.
Exclusions:
- Return airfares from your home to New Zealand.
- Meals not defined in the inclusions.
- Any travel insurances.
- Tour guide gratuities.
- Items such as souvenirs, laundry and similar personal expenses.
Optional activities:
*Please note, whilst your tour package includes an extensive range of pre-paid attractions and sightseeing, the Optional Activities outlined are available to enjoy during your free time. They will provide the ‘icing on the cake’ experience that will hold memories for a lifetime. They will be booked with your Crew once on tour.
Christchurch:
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour
West Coast:
- Haast River Safari
- Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight
- Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight
- Mountain Scenic Spectacular Helicopter Flight
- West Coast Wildlife Center
Queenstown:
- KJet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu
- Time Tripper Underwater Cinematic Experience
- Unforgettable Skippers Canyon
- The Grand Circle Helicopter Flight
- Southern Glacier Experience Helicopter Flight
- Skyline Queenstown
- Shotover Jet
- Best of Queenstown Tour
Dunedin:
- Eco Wildlife Tour
- Speight’s Brewery
- Olveston Historic Home
Mt Cook:
- Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight
- Alpine Explorer Helicopter Flight
Lake Tekapo:
- The Grand Traverse Flight
