Grand Pacific Tours - Ultimate South Island Christmas Itinerary

'Haere Mai’ - Welcome to New Zealand.

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.

Meals: Dinner (not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm)

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

This morning visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. Feel the chill of the Antarctic storm room, take a ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguins and be astonished within the immersive 4D theatre. Afterward embark on a city tour of Christchurch discovering its rich history and culture. This afternoon enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Christchurch Tram. This evening is free to explore Christchurch's culinary scene.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel through the Southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 1 Night

Depart Mt Cook and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to visit Oamaru. famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city tour followed by some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night 

This morning, travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Indulge in an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom followed by time to stroll through the Garden of International Significance, Farwell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional) or the Fiordland Cinema, specifically constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua - Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey (optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 night

A leisurely start today before travelling to Manapouri. Enjoy lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. After a short ride over the Wilmot Pass, join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Doubtful Sound - 1 Night

Merry Christmas! Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Queenstown, a year-round resort, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening dinner will be at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

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 eyeing 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 TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as your cruise back to Queenstown.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty, See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Next you visit Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at our hotel for your overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier - 1 Night

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory before arriving at Arthur's Pass where you board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great rain journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, uour Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. This evening reminisce on the memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner which includes selected beverages.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

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

Meals: Breakfast (if departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening, breakfast is not included)

Itinerary Variations:
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