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    Top of the South Island tour
    11 days | 10 nights
    from $5,394* per person twin share
    Exclusive $600 discount per couple + GPT tour jacket + 400-page New Zealand Eyewitness Travel Guide
    Experience a new tour with Grand Pacific Tours. The south island of New Zealand is a region that offers so much for those who enjoy the outdoors, their food and wine and are keen to get off the main roads and experience some of New Zealand’s native wildlife and natural beauty. Take in the natural beauty of the Hokitika Gorge on a short walk that leads to a swing bridge which crosses the Hokitika River, set off on a nature cruise from the historic French Village Akaroa for the chance to see the rare Hector’s dolphins and other marine life and sample some of Marlborough’s finest wine amongst the barrels at the picturesque Cloudy Bay Estate.
    Your package inclusions: Your package highlights:

    Your package inclusions:

    Your package highlights:

    Your package inclusions:

    Your package inclusions:

    • Return economy class airfares and taxes
    • 10 nights in 4-star accommodation
    • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
    • Fully escorted modern coach travel
    • Professional coach captain and tour leader
    • 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 8 dinners
    • Sightseeing and attractions
    Your package highlights:

    Your package highlights:

    • 4 scenic walks including Hokitika Gorge and Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
    • Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
    • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
    • Cloudy Bay Estate Wine Tasting
    • Marlborough Wine Region
    • Queen Charlotte Sound Dinner Cruise

    Package price:

    • From $5,394* per person from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Gold Coast
    • From $5,694* per person from Adelaide
    • From $5,919* per person from Perth
    Valid for travel
    24 Feb, 6 Mar, 8 Apr, 11 Oct and 10 Nov 2021. 18 Jan, 24 Feb. 6 Mar and 4 Apr 2022. Please ask your personal travel manager for other departure dates.
    Offer expires
    31 May 2020 unless sold prior

    Itinerary

    Collapse all Expand all

    Day 1

    Christchurch

    On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.

    Day 2

    Christchurch - Akaroa - 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 your Nature Cruise in the hope of spotting the rare Hector’s Dolphin native to New Zealand and keep an eye out for penguins and other sea birds and hear about the history of Akaroa. Following your cruise, return to Christchurch for an evening at leisure. We recommend dining at one of the city’s many restaurants.

    Day 3

    Christchurch - Moana - 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 sampling some local Kiwi dishes, 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.

    Day 4

    Hokitika - 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 - 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 will showcase the rugged coastline and sea life often on show. Travel inland via the Buller Gorge and Murchison to Nelson, to visit the World of WearableArt Museum. A guided tour will showcase more than 60 award-winning garments from designers located all over the world. Attached is the Classic Cars Museum where you can view the prized collection of over 140 veteran and vintage cars.

    Day 6

    Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson

    Travel to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay, a barbeque lunch will be served. Re-join your coach and depart for Nelson via the vineyards. Free time this evening allows you to dine at one of the many local restaurants in town.

    Day 7

    Nelson - Blenheim

    Today travel via Havelock and the wine-growing region of Marlborough to the spectacular Yealands Estate. The ‘White Road Tour’, will take you on a journey through this remarkable vineyard offering breathtaking views. Enjoy lunch at a local Blenheim Beer Garden before visiting the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 aircraft.

    Day 8

    Blenheim

    Enjoy a leisurely start this morning with free time. This afternoon you will be treated to a unique wine and cheese tasting experience at Cloudy Bay Estate. Later travel to Picton to board a luxury launch for a scenic dinner cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound. Take in the sights and wildlife while enjoying a sumptuous meal of local salmon, Greenshell Mussels and Cloudy Bay Clams, matched with a glass of Marlborough wine.

    Day 9

    Blenheim - Kaikoura

    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.

    Day 10

    Kaikoura - 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 enjoy a farewell dinner with your new friends.

    Day 11

    Christchurch

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

    Share with a friend.

    * Conditions

    Advertised prices are per person twin share departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth in economy class. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability and change at any time without notification due to fluctuations in charges, taxes and currency. Savings are included in the advertised prices. Bonus offer: receive a GPT Tour Jacket per person and a 400-page New Zealand Eyewitness Travel Guide per booking. Some activities require a moderate level of fitness. Offer is valid on new bookings only until 31 May 2020. Other conditions apply. Please contact your personal travel manager for full terms and conditions.

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