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Grand Pacific Ultimate

Grand Pacific Tours 11 Day Ultimate Top of the South

In ultimate style, experience wilderness, wildlife and unique attractions. 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

Small Group Tour Guided

This suggested tour costs from NZD$7,389 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 39 times in the last 7 days

Tour Inclusions

Abel Tasman Guided Walk and BBQ Cruise
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Cloudy Bay Estate wine tasting
Entry to the Omaka Aviation Centre, Blenheim
Monteiths Brewing Co. Tasting
Nelson Classic Car Museum
Punakaiki Rocks
Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
Visit Kaikõura Museum
Complimentary pre-dinner welcome drink
Professional Coach Captain
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, 1 special dinner
price pp from
Was NZD$7,889
Now NZD$7,389
twin share/double
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
Punting on the River Avon

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.

Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City (2 nights)

  • Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax.

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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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 Sudima Christchurch City

  • Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax.

Swing Bridge over the Hokitika Gorge

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.

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

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 (Superior 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. 

Nelson Bell Tower

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 a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars. This is followed by an orientation tour of the city.

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.

Wilsons dinner cruise through the Abel Tasman National Park

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.

Cloudy Bay Vineyard

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. Re-board the coach for a relaxing drive through the diverse landscapes of this iconic region, before arriving at the hotel for a restful two-night stay. 

Staying in Hotel Chateau Marlborough (2 nights)

  • The Chateau Marlborough Hotel has been 100% locally owned and operated since the 1980's, with an amazing team here to welcome you to the only 5 star hotel at the top of the South Island. Chateau Marlborough is the perfect base for exploring this amazing region.

Catamaran for sailing the Queen Charlotte Sounds

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Cruise from Picton Marina to the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, while enjoying informative commentary on this remarkable region, enroute to Furneaux Lodge. 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 Chateau Marlborough

  • The Chateau Marlborough Hotel has been 100% locally owned and operated since the 1980's, with an amazing team here to welcome you to the only 5 star hotel at the top of the South Island. Chateau Marlborough is the perfect base for exploring this amazing region.

Kaikoura coastline

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 Kaikōura 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.

Christchurch tramway

Depart Kaikōura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening reminisce on the memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner which includes selected beverages.

Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City

  • Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax.

Client enjoying a farewell wine

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

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Jan 28, 2025
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Mar 19, 2025
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Grand Pacific Tours 11 Day Ultimate Top of the South

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