Tour title bar

Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island

11 days 10 nights
Christchurch to Christchurch
from NZD$5,950pp
was NZD$6,350pp
Breadcrumb
Tour summary and feature with map

This escorted coach tour is one of a kind.  Looping the South Island north of Christchurch you will travel along the beautiful coastline, through impressive gorges exploring by coach and on foot. Visit the famous wine-growing Marlborough region, experience the popular TranzAlpine Scenic Railway and cruise in the awe-inspiring Abel Tasman National Park.
Please be aware this tour includes a number of short walks of up to 1 hour that require a moderate level of fitness. The walks are scenic and not excessive but can include slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Please ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before making a booking.

Wildlife & nature

This Tour Also Features

  • Abel Tasman Guided Walk and BBQ Cruise
  • Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
  • Cloudy Bay Estate wine tasting
  • Monteith's Brewery Experience
  • Nelson Classic Car Museum
  • Punakaiki Rocks
  • Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Visit Kaikõura Museum
  • Complimentary pre-dinner welcome drink
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Meals included: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, 1 special dinner
Tour full itinerary
Itinerary
Christchurch Tramway

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.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)

  • Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey 4.5 star hotel offers refurbished Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

Grand Pacific 11 Day Top of the South Island Tour

Explore the top of the South Island on this unique 11-day tour. Enjoy short walks to really explore the areas of natural beauty.  Benefit from 3 two-night stays, 7 sumptuous dinners, daily breakfast and luxury transport included.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Grand Pacific Merchandise

Quality merchandise is great value for money and will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Tour jackets and tour caps are available for purchase. Merchandise items must be ordered at the time of booking and are not available for purchase in New Zealand

Return to Top

Akaroa Harbour Cruise

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.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

  • Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey 4.5 star hotel offers refurbished Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

Return to Top

TranzAlpine Train coming through Moana

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.

Staying in Hotel Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View Room)

  • This stunning Beachfront Hotel is uniquely located on the shores of the Tasman Sea and in the centre of Hokitika which puts beachcombing and shopping artisan galleries right off the doorstep.  You stay in the modern and luxurious Ocean view rooms which provide you with space, convenience and uninterrupted views of the beach.

Return to Top

Hokitika Gorge Swing Bridge

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.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (Superior Room)

  • Situated in Paparoa National Park just 300 meters from the magnificent Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki offers comfortable, environmentally friendly accommodation. Enjoy beach views, spacious & modern studio units with an ensuite. 

Return to Top

Punakaiki Rocks

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 a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars. This is followed by an orientation tour of the city.

Staying in Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room) (2 nights)

  • Rutherford Hotel Nelson is superbly located in central Nelson, with all of the amenities you would expect from a city only a short walk away.  You will be welcomed by a team dedicated to excellence in service and with the aim to exceed your expectations and create an atmosphere where you can be somewhere special.  The stylish and well-appointed Premium rooms come complete with the following features.

Return to Top

Wilsons Abel Tasman Dinner Cruise

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.

Staying in Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room)

  • Rutherford Hotel Nelson is superbly located in central Nelson, with all of the amenities you would expect from a city only a short walk away.  You will be welcomed by a team dedicated to excellence in service and with the aim to exceed your expectations and create an atmosphere where you can be somewhere special.  The stylish and well-appointed Premium rooms come complete with the following features.

Return to Top

Marlborough Winery

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. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough (2 nights)

  • Magnificently located in the heart of Marlborough Wine country, the place famous for its world class Sauvignon Blancs, the Scenic Hotel Marlborough is a property sparkling with style and comfort. This pristine hotel offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service all within a minutes’ walk from the centre of Blenheim.   

Return to Top

Queen Charlotte Sounds

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Cruise from Picton Marina to the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, while enjoying informative commentary on this remarkable region, enroute to Furneaux Lodge. 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.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough

  • Magnificently located in the heart of Marlborough Wine country, the place famous for its world class Sauvignon Blancs, the Scenic Hotel Marlborough is a property sparkling with style and comfort. This pristine hotel offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service all within a minutes’ walk from the centre of Blenheim.   

Return to Top

Aerial View of Kaikoura

Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikōura. Visit the Kaikōura 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.

Staying in Hotel Sudima Kaikōura

  • The Kaikōura District has some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country with a stunning coastline, a dramatic peninsula and some of the South Island’s highest mountains. With its superb location on the shoreline close to town, Sudima Kaikoura is blessed with stunning views of both the mountains and sea. This state-of-the-art new waterfront hotel has a 4.5 star rating with outstanding facilities. As always, you can expect that special Sudima service. They take care of the little things, so you’re all ready for a big day – of sightseeing.

Return to Top

GP Client enjoying a wine

Depart Kaikōura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

  • Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey 4.5 star hotel offers refurbished Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

Return to Top

Grand Pacific Signature Clients outside Coach

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

Return to Top

Tour quick quote rework

Get an Instant Quote or Book this Tour

Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island

Step 1:
Step 2: Select number of passengers and room configuration
Step 3: Add these options

Enter phone number to get a call from a travel planning expert within 24 hours

Enter email address to receive your instant quote

Tick this box if you do not wish to receive emails about special offers
No pricing loaded - please choose another date or contact us

Your quote for this tour:

Start date:
End date:
Guests:
Rooms:

Total cost for ALL guests on this tour package is:

NZD$0

or
This quote is based on vehicles to accommodate your party in the vehicle type. We suggest changing the car type or contacting us for the best options.
The package cost above excludes rental vehicle hire as you are requesting a price for a vehicle outside of our designated season. Please reach out direct for rental vehicle rates.

NOTE: Quotes are subject to the availability of specific accommodations and other inclusions. Our touring experts will be in touch with you regarding this. Costs quoted in currencies other than Australian dollars (AUD$) are based on today's exchange rate and are subject to change. Terms and Conditions apply

Remember - we can create this itinerary with any style of accommodation or customise it to suit your interests and timeframe. Just contact us below!

Tour departure list
Departure dates and prices
This tour has 2 departure dates.
All prices are in
Starts Status Twin/Double Single occupancy You save  
Oct 19, 2024
(Saturday)
Hot deal
Guaranteed
departure date
was NZD$6,899
now NZD$6,499
was NZD$8,689
now NZD$8,289
save
NZD$400
Enquire
Feb 2, 2025
(Sunday)
Hot deal
Guaranteed
departure date
was NZD$6,899
now NZD$6,499
was NZD$8,689
now NZD$8,289
save
NZD$400
Enquire
All prices are in
Contact form
Enquire about this tour
Subscribe to our Regular Newsletter for Inspiring Holiday Ideas

Privacy Policy

Static content

Pure Journeys - Privacy Policy

Last review: 28 March 2024

1. About this Privacy Policy

1.1 This is the Privacy Policy for Inside Australia Travel Pty Ltd ABN 34 661 344 690 (IAT Inside Australia Travel, us, we, our). This Privacy Policy sets out Inside Australia Travel’s obligations in line with the Australian

Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR - Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council) - as it applies to persons in the

European Union who interact with us. A reference to ‘Personal Information’ in this policy is a reference to both ‘Personal Information’ as defined in the Privacy Act and to ‘Personal Data’ for the purposes of the GDPR (if it applies to you).

1.2 This Privacy Policy does not deal with IAT’s obligations under the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand), which are dealt with by New Zealand Fine Touring Ltd https://nzft.co.nz

1.3 This Privacy Policy sets out the different types of Personal Information we collect, why we collect it and what you can do if you would like to remove yourself from our mailing list, correct any details we may hold about you, or exercise other rights you have.

1.4 We will update this Privacy Policy from time to time at our discretion, and we will notify you of updates. You can visit our website to see the latest copy of the Privacy Policy.

1.5 By using our site or acquiring goods or services from us, you consent to us applying this Privacy Policy and to our website Terms of Use, if any.

2. What Personal Information Do We Collect?

2.1 We collect the following Personal Information: 

(a) personal identification information including: name, email, address, telephone numbers, dates of birth, itineraries; and

(b) information you supply in emails, requests for services, information we must pass on to third party suppliers.

3. How Do We Collect and Store Your Personal Information?

3.1 We collect Personal Information in a number of ways, including:

(a) information submitted through our website;

(b) in some cases, through web analytics;

(c) being provided it by third parties who you deal with; and

(d) through communications with you, including emails, and voice calls.

3.2 We hold Personal Information:

(a) in systems that we use in connection with our business, some of which may be owned and operated by our suppliers; and

(b) in our hard copy files; and

(c) in the databases associated with our website.

3.3 Provided that it is lawful and practical, we will give you the option of not identifying yourself, using a pseudonym, or not providing Personal Information when you enter into a transaction or deal with us. However, if you elect not to provide us with Personal Information then it is unlikely we are able to provide you with the information, products, services or support that you may want.

3.4 We may receive other unsolicited Personal Information in the course of our business.  We will deal with this unsolicited Personal Information in accordance with this policy.

3.5 We will retain your Personal Information for as long as needed or permitted in light of the purpose(s) for which it was obtained.  The criteria used to determine our retention periods include:

(a) the length of time we have an ongoing relationship with you and provide services to you;

(b) legal obligations we may have to keep (or destroy) your data; or

(c) legal advice we receive (such as in regard to litigation, regulatory investigations or applicable statutes of limitation).

4. What Do We Use Your Personal Information For?

4.1 We collect, hold, use and disclose Personal Information for the following purposes:

(a) supplying you with goods and services;

(b) arranging for third parties to provide you with goods and services;

(c) improving the website experience of our visitors; and

(d) analysing goods and services that our customers purchase so that we can better understand what future customers want in the future.

4.2 We also use Personal Information for our own internal business purposes including:

(a) data analysis to improve our products and services;

(b) auditing our internal processes to ensure they function as intended and that we comply with regulatory requirements;

(c) fraud and security monitoring;

(d) developing new products and services;

(e) identifying usage trends so we can understand which of our services are of most interest to our customers;

(f) determining the effectiveness of marketing campaigns so that we can adapt to the needs and interests of our customers; and

(g) operating and expanding our business activities such as understanding which of our services are of most interest to our customers, so we can focus on our customers’ needs.

5. Do we share your information?

5.1 We may send Personal Information outside Australia in the following circumstances:

(a) where our website, or any hosting service we use to support our managed services, software or software as a service, is hosted by us or a third party, and the hosting facilities and/or the back-up/disaster recovery sites are located overseas. We have no control over where these third party providers host the website and it is impractical for us to be able to advise you of the countries where the Personal Information may be held or processed;

(b) where a third party application is being used in connection with our interactions with you, e.g. when we use email, help desk or VoIP providers, the third party providers of the relevant application may have their applications hosted overseas. We have no control over where these third party providers host their applications and it is impractical for us to be able to advise you of the countries where the Personal Information may be held or processed; or

(c) where we must do so to give you the benefits of what you have paid for.
When we send Personal Information outside Australia for processing we will enter into formal contracts with those processors, which will contain privacy terms and conditions that allow us to meet our privacy obligations to you.

6. Use of Social Media

Our website includes links to social media, including blogs, Twitter feeds, Facebook, Instagram, and similar services.  The nature of social media is that these applications actively enable exchange and disclosure of any information, whether personal or otherwise, that is included within those applications. All information, including Personal Information that you enter in those applications may be used, stored, handled and disclosed in any way that is consistent with the privacy policies of the relevant applications, if any. We have no control over those interactions.

7. Cookies

7.1 Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard internet log information and visitor behaviour information. When you visit our website, we may collect information from you automatically through cookies or similar technology.

7.2 We use cookies to operate and improve your experience on our site, including:

(a) allowing you to sign in faster, and keeping you signed in; and

(b) to track how the site is used.

7.3 If you do not allow cookies to be used some or all of the website or other applications or tools on it might not be accessible to you and you may not be able to purchase goods from us. 

8. Your Rights Regarding Your Personal Information

8.1 You have the right to access your Personal Information that we hold, and request that it be rectified or erased. If you want to access your Personal Information we hold or you believe any of your Personal. Information that is held by us is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading or it is not necessary for us to continue to hold it, you can contact us, and we will either provide you with access to the Personal Information (in so far as we are required to do so by law,) or we will correct it, as applicable, within a reasonable period. We may make a reasonable charge for giving you access to your Personal Information, but we will not charge for you making the request, correcting Personal Information or making a statement as to why we are not correcting your Personal Information.

8.2 In certain circumstances if you raise a complaint on how we have handled your Personal Information, you may also request that we ‘restrict processing’ meaning that the data will be preserved from further processing ‘as evidence’ either while we investigate your complaint or to support your complaint to the Australian Information Commissioner.

8.3 Where you have provided your personal data directly to us that is processed by automated means and is done so solely on the basis of your consent, then you will have the right to obtain your personal data in an electronic format for your own purposes across different services.

8.4 You have the right to object any aspect of our processing of your personal data under certain circumstances under the GDPR. ‘Processing’ is the term under that law that describes all uses of your personal data. This will include the collection, sharing, storage, retention and destruction of your data.

8.5 You may unsubscribe from our direct marketing at any time. We will not send you direct marketing without your consent and you can withdraw your consent at any time by selecting the ‘unsubscribe’ link within each email.

9. Complaints

9.1 If you wish to complain about a breach of any Australian Privacy Principle that binds us, a registered privacy code that binds us, the GDPR or this Privacy Policy, then you should contact us using the information in the Contact Us section of this Privacy Policy.

9.2 We will use our best efforts to respond to any complaint within 5 business days of the date of receipt.  We will attempt to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with how we deal with your complaint you may contact the Australian Information Commissioner, whose contact details can be found at http://www.oaic.gov.au/. 

10. Mobile APP location permissions

If you use our APP please be aware of the following. The APP collects location data to display real-time risk alerts and personalised assistance notification features, even when the APP is closed and not in use. This option can be changed in the settings on your own device.

11. Contacting Us

11.1 If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy or your information, we invite you to contact the privacy officer by :

(a) email at the following email address privacy@nzft.co.nz

(b) writing to: Privacy officer, 73 Brownston Street, Wanaka, Otago 9305, NEW ZEALAND.

Tour recommendation
Other tours you might like
11 days Map
11 Day AAT Kings Wonders of the Kimberley 2024
View Tour
 
11 days Map
AAT Kings Tastes of Southern Australia 24/25
View Tour
 
11 days Map
AAT Kings South Western Escape 2024
View Tour
 
Can we help?
Call us on +64 3 443 0812

Our friendly support team is just a phone call away.