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    New Zealand Signature Best of the South Island Tour
    13 nights
    from $8,849* per person twin share
    Exclusive: save up to $250*pp. Plus return flights^, breakfast daily, TranzAlpine rail journey, 2 cruises including an overnight cruise on Milford Sound, exclusive touring jacket, and more
    Discover the Best of New Zealand’s South Island in Premium Economy Comfort in a mid-size group. Experience the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey, enjoy a three-night stay in magical Queenstown, visit unique regions such as Punakaiki, Invercargill and The Catlins, marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and relax on an unforgettable overnight cruise on the fiord of Milford Sound.
    Your package includes: Package highlights:

    Your package includes:

    Package highlights:

    Your package includes:

    Your package includes:

    • Return economy airfares from Australia^
    • 13 nights accommodation, including:
      • 12 nights at 4-star hotels
      • 1 night on a Milford Sound overnight cruise
    • Branded GPT touring jacket exclusive to TravelManagers
    • Breakfast daily
    • 10 x dinners including 2 specialty dinners
    • Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner
    • 4 x lunches
    • Devonshire tea at Larnach Castle
    • GPT hotel wine time (discounted drinks)
    • TranzAlpine rail journey
    • 2 x cruises
    • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
    • Personalised meet and greet on arrival
    • Professional Coach Captain
    • Experienced Tour Leader
    • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
    • Hotel porterage
    • Signature Documentation Pack

    Prices per person twin share departing Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Ask your personal travel manager for a quote departing other cities.

    Package highlights:

    Package highlights:

    Your 13-night tour includes these iconic attractions/experiences:

    • International Antarctic Centre 
    • Christchurch tram 
    • TranzAlpine rail journey 
    • Monteith’s Brewing Co. tasting 
    • Lakes District Museum 
    • Gibbston Valley Winery 
    • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw 
    • Milford Sound overnight cruise 
    • Bill Richardson transport world 
    • Classic motorcycle mecca 
    • Curioscape 
    • Larnach Castle visit with Devonshire tea 
    • City sights tours of Christchurch and Dunedin
    Valid for travel
    Advertised price and savings amount valid for 29 April 2027. Other departure available with $150pp discount on 25 Feb 2027. Subject to availability. Ask your personal travel manager for a quote for your preferred departure.
    Offer expires
    2 Jun 2026 unless sold prior

    Itinerary

    Collapse all Expand all

    Day 1

    Christchurch, New Zealand

    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 when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

    Day 2

    Christchurch, New Zealand

    This morning an introductory city tour of Christchurch will showcase its revitalised centre buzzing with energy. Continue to the International Antarctic Centre, where you will gain fascinating insights of life in Antarctica. Return to the city and enjoy a leisurely journey aboard the charming Christchurch Tram, a unique experience combining history and the city’s key landmarks. This evening is free for you to dine at leisure.

    Day 3

    Christchurch - Moana - Punakaiki, New Zealand

    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 coastal town of Punakaiki.

    Day 4

    Punakaiki – Franz Josef, New Zealand

    This morning explore the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Continue south to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will sample craft beers over lunch. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

    Day 5

    Franz Josef - Queenstown, New Zealand

    Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you journey south through the breathtaking Haast Pass. Arrive in picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort nestled on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. A leisurely 3-night stay allows you to slow the pace and take time to explore this incredible natural playground.

    Day 6

    Queenstown, New Zealand

    Today, immerse yourself in the spectacular sights of Queenstown. Begin with a visit to Arrowtown, a charming old gold mining village, where you will explore the Lakes District Museum. Next head to Gibbston Valley Winery and experience a wine tasting in New Zealand’s largest Wine Cave, followed by lunch in the restaurant. 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 TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

    Day 7

    Queenstown, New Zealand

    Queenstown is celebrated around the world for its amazing activities, great food, award winning wine and its vibrant nightlife scene. Today, enjoy the freedom to explore Queenstown and all on offer at your leisure. Your crew are available to help you choose from the many optional activities available. This evening is also free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

    Day 8

    Queenstown - Milford Sound overnight cruise, New Zealand

    This morning, journey through Te Anau to Milford Sound where you will board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Take your time to marvel at the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by tender boat or kayak (swimwear required) – or to simply relax on board. As evening falls indulge in a delicious freshly prepared carvery buffet by the onboard chef.

    Day 9

    Milford Sound – Te Anau - Invercargill, New Zealand

    Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau for a short break. Continue your journey to Invercargill, where you visit Bill Richardsons Transport World for a guided tour of this remarkable private collection, housed in a purpose-built Art Deco building. The displays feature vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps and an ever-growing showcase of Wearable Arts.

    Day 10

    Invercargill – The Catlins - Dunedin, New Zealand

    Your day begins with a visit to Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to an impressive collection of over 300 classic bikes from around the globe. From there, journey through the stunning Catlins region, where lush rainforest meets dazzling beaches. A visit to Curioscape located on picturesque Curio Bay will provide an interactive experience on the region followed by lunch. Next enjoy a visit to Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent triple-tiered waterfall, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. Along the way, take in the dramatic coastal scenery with plenty of opportunities to admire the views. Our journey continues to Dunedin, your home for the next two nights.

    Day 11

    Dunedin, New Zealand

    Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. Dunedin was built on the riches of the gold rush with one of the best collections of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere on display. Enjoy an orientation tour taking in the city’s key sights. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era.

    Day 12

    Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel, New Zealand

    Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River as you 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. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

    Day 13

    Twizel - Christchurch, New Zealand

    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. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on the memories created with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

    Day 14

    Christchurch, New Zealand

    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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    * Conditions

    Advertised prices are per person twin share, correct at time of publication and are subject to availability and change and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notification due to fluctuations in charges, taxes and currency. Offer is not combinable with any other offer. ^Prices valid exiting Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne (economy class) and include pre paid taxes (subject to change). Travel on selected seasonal departure 29 April 2027 and save $250 pp. All other departures save $150 pp off the brochure price. Maximum savings are reflected in the advertised prices. Jacket is one per person. Special offer: Valid on new bookings only made by 2 June 2026 for travel Sep 2026 – April 2027. Not to be used in conjunction with any other special offer; not applicable on group departures; can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Itineraries subject to change. Change and cancellation fees may apply. Your personal travel manager may charge additional service fees. Other conditions apply. Please view the TravelManagers general terms and conditions here and contact your personal travel manager for more details.

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