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Ultimate South Island Christmas

5.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 7,986 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 163 Per Person
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Christchurch
 Trip Finishes
Christchurch
11 Day Ultimate South Island Christmas Itinerary (Grand Pacific)
Countries Explored: New Zealand
Trip Style
Ultimate
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
20
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
UGPX11

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Grand Pacific's 11 Day Ultimate South Island Christmas. Tour New Zealand's majestic South Island over 11 days with a deluxe small group holiday. Begin in Christchurch (Garden City), marvel at Mount Cook, enjoy the Scottish heritage of Dunedin, cruise the magnificent Milford Sound, and stay in resort town Queenstown before being witness to the rugged West Coast. Either your first time or a repeat visit to the south island will always display a changing landscape.

Itinerary

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative who will transfer you to your hotel.

This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions. Stay Two Nights: Sudima Christchurch City (D)

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. This is followed by a city tour of Christchurch. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to explore further. (B)

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 . Stay: The Hermitage Hotel (B/D)

Depart Mt Cook and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Optional activities you might be interested in include a tour of the Speight’s Brewery or the chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat. Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (B/D)

Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell 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, specially constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua - Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey (optional). Stay Two Nights: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (B/D)

Enjoy 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 the 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. Stay: Fiordland Navigator (B/L/D)

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. Stay Two Nights: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (B/L/D)

Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. 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. (B/SD)

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass and see the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps enroute to the township of Fox Glacier. Continue to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers. Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B/D)

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur's Pass and board The TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

This evening you will be treated to a special farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends. Stay: Sudima Christchurch City (B/SD)

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

Trip Inclusions

  • International Antarctic Centre
  • Guided tour of Larnach Castle
  • Highlight Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Lakes District Museum
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • City Sights tour of Christchurch & Dunedin

  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Ultimate Small Group Tour Coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats on a full-size vehicle, 2 door access and panoramic windows
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • 9 nights 4.5 star accommodation
  • Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
  • 2 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 1 cruise
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Ultimate Documentation Pack

  • 10 cooked breakfasts
  • 8 sumptuous dinners including 2 specialty dinners: Christmas Dinner Walter Peak, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner with selected beverages, Christchurch
  • 2 lunches: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
  • 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
  • Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm

Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Ultimate South Island Christmas' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
NZ Festive Tour 1 , QLD, Australia, Dec 2019
Travelled on a 10 day tour with Grand Pacific Tour over Xmas and could not recommend the tour company enough. Driver and Guide were excellent.
Festive NZ South Island   2 , QLD, Australia, Dec 2018
Great holiday with coach, boat and rail travel. Highlights included overnight stay on Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, Skippers Canyon tour, Haast River Jet Boat and Glow Worms Cave. Optional tours were good value. All accommodation was of a very high standard as were the breakfasts and dinners they supplied. Lunches were at own expense but the guide ...read more was always knowledgeable about the choices/venues available.

The small group was convivial and there were great guides on all excursions. Wildflowers, snow capped mountains, pristine lakes and rivers made every turn spectacular. From initial booking enquiry to final transfer we experienced exceptional service and highly recommend these operators.
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Brochure

New Zealand Festive Season

Grand Pacific New Zealand Festive Season (2025)

Experience the festive season on a coach holiday with Grand Pacific, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes and distinctive attractions of New Zealand. On Christmas Day, indulge in a gourmet feast complete with all the trimmings. Savor delectable dishes, bond with new friends, and create unforgettable memories.

Availability

Exclusive Savings
Friday 19 Dec 2025
Monday 29 Dec 2025
Status
From: $8,149 $7,986
Save $163 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 19 Dec 2025
Monday 29 Dec 2025
Status
From: $10,849 $10,632
Save $217 Enquire
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Flights Included:
All departures can be booked with return flights from Australia to New Zealand included. Please select the flight option when you enquire with us.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Grand Pacific. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Grand Pacific. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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