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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Tour summary and feature
Quick Itinerary Details

Escorted Coach Touring

This suggested tour costs from NZD$5,275 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 27 times in the last 7 days

Tour Inclusions

Complimentary pre-dinner welcome drink
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
TranzAlpine Train from Arthur's Pass to Lake Brunner (Moana)
Monteiths Brewing Co. Tasting
Punakaiki Rocks
Nelson Classic Car Museum
Abel Tasman Guided Walk and BBQ Cruise
Cloudy Bay Estate wine tasting
Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
Visit Kaikõura Museum
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, 1 special dinner
Tour at a glance

Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch
Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Day 2: Take a day trip to the historic French Village of Akaroa
Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Day 3: Christchurch to Moana to Hokitika
Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (or similar)

Day 4: Check out the Pancake Rocks
Accommodation: The Ocean View Retreat (or similar)

Day 5: The most northern point of your tour, Nelson. Home to beautiful clothes and vintage cars
Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel Nelson (or similar)

Day 6: Barbeque lunch in Anchorage Bay
Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel Nelson (or similar)

Day 7: Soak up the spectacular Marlborough region
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Marlborough (or similar)

Day 8: Explore Blenheim before a luxury lunch cruise in the Queen Charlotte Sound
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Marlborough (or similar)

Day 9: Perhaps you'll spot a whale today in Kaikoura
Accommodation: Sudima Kaikoura (or similar)

Day 10: Kaikoura to Christchurch
Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (or similar)

Day 11: Time to say goodbye

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary: 11 day tour starting in Christchurch

Day 1 - Arrive into Christchurch
Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Day 1
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.

Arrive into Christchurch

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 Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

Your accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

This 4.5 star hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square and ideally positioned only a few minutes' walk from the brand new Christchurch Convention Centre.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 - Take a day trip to the historic French Village of Akaroa
Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Day 2
Christchurch to Akaroa

After an introductory city sights tour, enjoy a scenic drive to the historic French Village of Akaroa, nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. There will be time to wander through Akaroa’s 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.

Your accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

This 4.5 star hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square and ideally positioned only a few minutes' walk from the brand new Christchurch Convention Centre.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Christchurch to Moana to Hokitika
Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Day 3
Christchurch to Hokitika via Moana and the TranzAlpine Train

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, you will visit a local gallery, the perfect opportunity to pick up a gift or souvenir.
*Please be aware, there are some departure dates where the train may not be available due schedule changes outside of Grand Pacific's control. If this occurs, your journey through the incredible Arthur's Pass will continue onboard your coach. Chat to a consultant to check the current schedule for your preferred departure.

Your accommodation: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (or similar)

The unique location of the Beachfront Hotel Hokitika on the shores of the Tasman Sea and in the heart of Hokitika allows you to beachcomb and shop local artisans' galleries right from your doorstep.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Check out the Pancake Rocks
Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Day 4
Hokitika to Punakaiki

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.

Your accommodation: The Ocean View Retreat (or similar)

The The Ocean View Retreat is a modern, award-winning hotel complex, architecturally designed to harmonise with the local environment. Nestled in the foothills of Papaproa National Park the resort has spectacular views of the Wild West Coast beaches while all rooms have rainforest and/or ocean views.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - The most northern point of your tour, Nelson. Home to beautiful clothes and vintage cars
Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Day 5
Punakaiki to Nelson

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.

Your accommodation: Rutherford Hotel Nelson (or similar)

The Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers luxurious accommodation situated at the doorstep of three national parks and an unmatched range of sandy beaches, blue seas and mountain wilderness.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Barbeque lunch in Anchorage Bay
Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Day 6
Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park

Travel along the scenic Coastal Highway to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks' picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay a barbeque 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.

Your accommodation: Rutherford Hotel Nelson (or similar)

The Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers luxurious accommodation situated at the doorstep of three national parks and an unmatched range of sandy beaches, blue seas and mountain wilderness.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Soak up the spectacular Marlborough region
Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Day 7
Nelson to Blenheim

Today travel via Havelock and the wine-growing 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 of your day. 

Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Marlborough (or similar)

Scenic Hotel Marlborough is centrally located in Blenheim, in the heart of Marlborough's wine growing region. Just minutes walk from the city centre.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Explore Blenheim before a luxury lunch cruise in the Queen Charlotte Sound
Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Day 8
Blenheim Sightseeing

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, which is 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.

Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Marlborough (or similar)

Scenic Hotel Marlborough is centrally located in Blenheim, in the heart of Marlborough's wine growing region. Just minutes walk from the city centre.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 - Perhaps you'll spot a whale today in Kaikoura
Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Day 9
Blenheim to Kaikõura

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.

Your accommodation: Sudima Kaikoura (or similar)

Located within easy reach of Kaikoura's restaurants, bars, shops and activities this newly built accommodation will give you walking distance access to everything that's happening in Kaikoura. Every room has fabulous views of either the mountain or sea.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Kaikoura to Christchurch
Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Day 10
Kaikoura to Christchurch

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.

Your accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (or similar)

This 4 star hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square. Ideally positioned, only a few minutes walk from the brand new Christchurch Convention Centre.
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Day 11 - Time to say goodbye
Depart Christchurch

Time to say goodbye.  After breakfast (included) you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

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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
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Nov 10, 2023
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Feb 2, 2024
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Mar 21, 2024
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