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Ultimate Top of the South

11 days/10 nights

Guided Small Group Journey
Guide Price €4,899 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)

Experience wilderness, wildlife and unique attractions on this ultimate small group journey. Travel through the spectacular scenery of Arthur’s Pass, sip delicious local wine in the Marlborough region and discover incredible wildlife that calls the north of the South Island home.  

Highlights:
  • Keep an eye out for rare wildlife on a nature cruise in Akaroa
  • Travel through valleys and mountains onboard the TranzAlpine train
  • Cruise on the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Enjoy a personalised wine tasting experience at Cloudy Bay
  • Discover the stunning Abel Tasman National Park
  • Marvel at world-famous blowholes at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
  • Visit one of the largest private collections of WW1 Aircraft
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Itinerary

Day 1  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 travelling companions.  

Day 2  Christchurch  
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.  

Day 3  Christchurch to Hokitika    
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.  

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.  

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.  

Day 6  Nelson    
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.  

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.  

Day 8  Blenheim    
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, 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.  

Day 9  Blenheim to Kaikoura  
Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikoura. Visit the Kaikoura 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.  

Day 10  Kaikoura to Christchurch  
Depart Kaikoura 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.  

Day 11  Christchurch  
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Departs: Selected departures, Oct - Jan  

Price & Inclusions

Guide Price €4,899 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)

Inclusions
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • 10 nights 4star accommodation
  • Journey by coach and rail
  • 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 7 dinners
Not Included
  • International flights
New offers every day!

We negotiate new offers daily from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions. Please call for our latest offers.

The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 01/10/2023 to 31/12/2025. Guide prices are based on twn/dbl share, are subject to availability and may vary by departure date. For travel outside of these dates, the itinerary and inclusions may vary to that shown above - please ask for details.
Offers are subject to availability and restrictions may apply.

Flights

As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.

Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour. Contact us for our latest flight offers or take a look at our flights pages for a general idea of prices.

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