Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island
Christchurch to Christchurch
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New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Grand Pacific Tours

Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island

This escorted coach tour is one of a kind.  Looping the South Island north of Christchurch you will travel along the beautiful coastline, through impressive gorges exploring by coach and on foot. Visit the famous wine-growing Marlborough region, experience the popular TranzAlpine Scenic Railway and cruise in the awe-inspiring Abel Tasman National Park.
Please be aware this tour includes a number of short walks of up to 1 hour that require a moderate level of fitness. The walks are scenic and not excessive but can include slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Please ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before making a booking.

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Quick Itinerary Details

Escorted Coach Touring

This suggested tour costs from NZD$5,650 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch

11 days/10 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Pre and post tour options? YES

 Viewed 44 times in the last 7 days

Tour Inclusions

Abel Tasman Guided Walk and BBQ Cruise
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Cloudy Bay Estate wine tasting
Monteith's Brewery Experience
Nelson Classic Car Museum
Punakaiki Rocks
Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
TranzAlpine Rail Journey
Visit Kaikõura Museum
Complimentary pre-dinner welcome drink
Professional Coach Captain
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, 1 special dinner
Tour at a glance

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch

Day 3: Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika

Day 4: Hokitika - Punakaiki

Day 5: Punakaiki - Nelson

Day 6: Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson

Day 7: Nelson - Blenheim

Day 8: Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim

Day 9: Blenheim - Kaikōura

Day 10: Kaikōura - Christchurch

Day 11: Depart Christchurch

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary: 11 day tour starting in Christchurch

Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch
Christchurch Tramway

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.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)

  • Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey 4.5 star hotel offers refurbished Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

Grand Pacific 11 Day Top of the South Island Tour

Explore the top of the South Island on this unique 11-day tour. Enjoy short walks to really explore the areas of natural beauty.  Benefit from 3 two-night stays, 7 sumptuous dinners, daily breakfast and luxury transport included.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Grand Pacific Merchandise

Quality merchandise is great value for money and will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Tour jackets and tour caps are avai...

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Quality merchandise is great value for money and will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Tour jackets and tour caps are available for purchase. Merchandise items must be ordered at the time of booking and are not available for purchase in New Zealand

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Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 - Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch
Akaroa Harbour Cruise

After an introductory city sights tour, enjoy a scenic drive to the historic French village of Akaroa, with time to wander through the charming galleries and craft stores. This afternoon set off on a Nature Cruise in the hope of spotting the rare Hector’s Dolphin and keep an eye out for penguins and other sea birds. Following your cruise, return to Christchurch where the evening is free to dine at one of the city’s many restaurants.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

  • Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey 4.5 star hotel offers refurbished Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika
TranzAlpine Train coming through Moana

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 Brunner Mine Site, the location of the 1896 mine explosion. This afternoon in the coastal town of Hokitika, visit a local gallery, for the opportunity to pick up a gift or souvenir.

Staying in Hotel Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View Room)

  • This stunning Beachfront Hotel is uniquely located on the shores of the Tasman Sea and in the centre of Hokitika which puts beachcombing and shopping artisan galleries right off the doorstep.  You stay in the modern and luxurious Ocean view rooms which provide you with space, convenience and uninterrupted views of the beach.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Hokitika - Punakaiki
Hokitika Gorge Swing Bridge

Today, take in the natural beauty of the Hokitika Gorge on a short walk descending through the hardwood forest that will lead you to a swing bridge which crosses the Hokitika River. Continue north to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will sample locally brewed beers over lunch. This afternoon travel along the Great Coast Road to the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (Beach View Room)

  • Situated in Paparoa National Park just 300 meters from the magnificent Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki offers comfortable, environmentally friendly accommodation. Enjoy beach views, spacious & modern studio units with an ensuite. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Punakaiki - Nelson
Punakaiki Rocks

Journey north along the coast to Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he encountered nasty weather. A short walk along the rocky headland will showcase the rugged coastline and sea life often on show amongst the rocks. Travel inland via the Buller Gorge and Murchison to Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the city followed by a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars.

Staying in Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room) (2 nights)

  • Rutherford Hotel Nelson is superbly located in central Nelson, with all of the amenities you would expect from a city only a short walk away.  You will be welcomed by a team dedicated to excellence in service and with the aim to exceed your expectations and create an atmosphere where you can be somewhere special.  The stylish and well-appointed Premium rooms come complete with the following features.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson
Wilsons Abel Tasman Dinner Cruise

Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay, lunch will be served. Re-join your coach and depart for Nelson via the vineyards. This evening is free for you to dine at one of the local restaurants in town.

Staying in Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room)

  • Rutherford Hotel Nelson is superbly located in central Nelson, with all of the amenities you would expect from a city only a short walk away.  You will be welcomed by a team dedicated to excellence in service and with the aim to exceed your expectations and create an atmosphere where you can be somewhere special.  The stylish and well-appointed Premium rooms come complete with the following features.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Nelson - Blenheim
Marlborough Winery

Today travel via Havelock and the winegrowing region of Marlborough. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 Aircraft, brought to life in sets created by the internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Head back into town where you will enjoy lunch at a local Blenheim beer garden before a short drive to Cloudy Bay Estate. Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the original wineries in the region. Enjoy a personalised tasting experience followed by time to wander through the superb, manicured grounds and towering gum trees, which will surely be a highlight.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough (2 nights)

  • Magnificently located in the heart of Marlborough Wine country, the place famous for its world class Sauvignon Blancs, the Scenic Hotel Marlborough is a property sparkling with style and comfort. This pristine hotel offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service all within a minutes’ walk from the centre of Blenheim.   

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim
Queen Charlotte Sounds

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Board a luxury vessel at Picton Marina and cruise the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge whilst enjoying the informative commentary on this stunning region. At Furneaux Lodge a delicious lunch will be served followed by time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There is access to kayaks and short walks around the property. On the return cruise to Picton a cheese platter featuring local produce is served accompanied by a glass of Marlborough wine, the perfect end to your Marlborough Sounds adventure. Board the coach for the short journey back to Blenheim where the evening is free to dine at one of the local restaurants.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough

  • Magnificently located in the heart of Marlborough Wine country, the place famous for its world class Sauvignon Blancs, the Scenic Hotel Marlborough is a property sparkling with style and comfort. This pristine hotel offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service all within a minutes’ walk from the centre of Blenheim.   

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 - Blenheim - Kaikōura
Aerial View of Kaikoura

Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikōura. Visit the Kaikōura Museum, which features an exhibition depicting the impact of the 2016 earthquake. This afternoon you may like to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the coastline to see the many species of whales that migrate through this area.

Staying in Hotel Sudima Kaikōura

  • The Kaikōura District has some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country with a stunning coastline, a dramatic peninsula and some of the South Island’s highest mountains. With its superb location on the shoreline close to town, Sudima Kaikoura is blessed with stunning views of both the mountains and sea. This state-of-the-art new waterfront hotel has a 4.5 star rating with outstanding facilities. As always, you can expect that special Sudima service. They take care of the little things, so you’re all ready for a big day – of sightseeing.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Kaikōura - Christchurch
GP Client enjoying a wine

Depart Kaikōura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

  • Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey 4.5 star hotel offers refurbished Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner, Speciality Dinner
Day 11 - Depart Christchurch
Grand Pacific Signature Clients outside Coach

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

Meals included: Breakfast
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Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island

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Remember - we can create this itinerary with any style of accommodation or customise to suit your interests and timeframe. Just contact us here.

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Oct 25, 2023
(Wednesday)
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