Grand Pacific 10 Day Ultimate South Island

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 as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Staying in Hotel Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef

• 5 Star Accommodation

  Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef is truly luxurious and can be found in an area of native rainforest which has been carefully preserved. All the guest room balconies look out into the rainforest, which contains mature trees up to 20m high. Guests get a real sense of seclusion and privacy during their stay. Lavishly appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your own personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay and high-speed Internet access. 

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is at leisure, you may choose to to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)

• 4 Star Plus Accommodation

  Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.

  Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax. 

  Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed. 

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. 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 TSSEarnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown

• 4 Star Plus Accommodation

  Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.

  Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax. 

  Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed. 

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. This innovative museum is heavily involved in the protection of the historic buildings scattered around town. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Staying in Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights)

• 4 Star Accommodation

  Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and a short stroll to the spectacular Lake Te Anau, this elegant 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions. You will stay in a spacious and superbly appointed room.

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

Staying in Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

• 4 Star Accommodation

  Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and a short stroll to the spectacular Lake Te Anau, this elegant 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions. You will stay in a spacious and superbly appointed room.

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy a delicious Ultimate High Tea, along with time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. 

Staying in Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel

• 4.5 Star Accommodation

  2024 Travellers Choice Winner and ranked in the top 20 of all hotels in NZ on TripAdvisor. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel is elegant, luxurious and located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The ideal combination of style and functionality. These air-conditioned Dunedin Studios offer a cloud-like super king bed and modern ensuite bathroom with a luxurious dual fixture walk-in rain shower plus complimentary Distinction toiletries.

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.

Staying in Hotel The Hermitage Hotel

• 4 Star Accommodation

  Nestled in the stunning Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel is surrounded by awe-inspiring glaciers, sparkling terminal lakes, rushing rivers, and the towering Aoraki/Mt Cook, Australasia's tallest peak at 3,724 metres. This iconic hotel boasts a range of exceptional restaurants and bars, along with 164 well-appointed rooms. Whether you're here for adventure or relaxation, The Hermitage provides the ultimate gateway to explore one of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes. 

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 for an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City

• 5 Star Accommodation

  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.

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