Grand Pacific Tours – 11 Day Ultimate Top of the South Itinerary

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.

Some suggested activities if you have some free time after the sightseeing tour

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

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 your 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.

Meals: Breakfast

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 chance to pick up a gift or souvenir.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hokitika - 1 Night

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Special Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Punakaiki - 1 Night 

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. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Nelson - 2 Nights

Travel to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay, a picnic 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 many local restaurants in town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 an iconic Marlborough Winery where you will experience a personalised wine tasting. You will taste award-winning wines and enjoy exploring the beautiful Marlborough vineyards.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Blenheim - 2 Nights 

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch

Farewell, the Marlborough region, and journey to Kaikoura to visit the Kaikoura Museum, featuring a dedicated exhibition on 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.

Alternative Wildlife Encounters in Kaikoura
 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night  [from 1 Sept 2023 stay at the Sudima Kaikõura (Ocean View Room)]

Depart Kaikoura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new friends.

Meals: Breakfast, Special Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night 

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We are sure you will enjoy this tour and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Meals: Breakfast

24/25 Top of the South

PREPAID ATTRACTIONS

• Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
• TranzAlpine Rail Journey
• Wilderness Gallery Hokitika
• Monteith’s Brewing Co. Tasting
• Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Cruise*
• Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre*
• Nelson Classic Car Museum
• Marlborough Winery & Tasting
• Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
• Kaikōura Museum
• International Antarctic Centre
• City sights tour of Nelson and Christchurch

*Guided tour 

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS AND WALKS

• Historic French Village of Akaroa
• Lake Brunner
• Brunner Mine Site
• Hokitika Gorge
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
• Cape Foulwind walkway
• Buller Gorge
• Seaside town of Kaiteriteri
• Abel Tasman National Park
• Marlborough Wine Region
• Marlborough Sounds
• Coastal town of Kaikōura

EXPERIENCE

• Professional Coach Captain 
• Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
• Return airport transfers in New Zealand
• 10 nights 4.5 star accommodation
• 3 two night stays
• Hotel porterage
• 1 rail journey
• 3 cruises
• All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
• Ultimate Documentation Pack

MEALS

• 10 cooked breakfasts
• 7 sumptuous dinners including Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 1 specialty dinner: Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
• 5 specialty lunches: Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner; Monteith’s Brewing Co., Greymouth; Abel Tasman lunch, Abel Tasman National Park; Dodson Street Beer Garden; Blenheim; Furneaux Lodge, Queen Charlotte Sound
• Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED

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. Ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before booking.