View Gallery Home Coach Tours 11 Day Ultimate Top of the South Island In ultimate style experience wilderness, wildlife and unique attractions Operated by Grand Pacific Tours Ultimate Small Group Tours Overview price from 6,999 AUD per person (twin share) duration 11 days and 10 nights you will visit Christchurch, Akaroa, Moana, Hokitika, Punakaiki, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Blenheim, Marlborough Sounds, Kaikōura South Island Saved to favourites View tour dates Enquire about this tour Itinerary This is a 11 Day Ultimate Small Group Tour that travels the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch Coach Tour Itinerary - 11 Day Ultimate Top of the South Island On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions. Stay at Sudima Christchurch City Dinner* Day 2 - Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch Akaroa Harbour Nature 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. Stay at Sudima Christchurch City Breakfast Day 3 - Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika 1 of 4Waimakariri Bridge, TranzAlpine Train Journey 2 of 4Crossing Cass River, TranzAlpine Train Journey 3 of 4Lake Brunner, West Coast 4 of 4Greenstone Carving, Hokitika - Photo: Miles Holden 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. Stay at Beachfront Hotel Hokitika - Ocean View Room Breakfast, Special Lunch, Dinner Day 4 - Hokitika - Punakaiki 1 of 3Hokitika Gorge, West Coast - Photo: Fraser Clements 2 of 3Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, West Coast - Photo: Fraser Clements 3 of 3Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, West Coast - Photo: Fraser Clements 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. Stay at The Ocean View Retreat / Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (from SEP 2024) Breakfast, Special Lunch, Dinner Day 5 - Punakaiki - Nelson 1 of 2Cape Foulwind, West Coast - Photo: Miles Holden 2 of 2Looking out over Nelson City - Photo: Tamzin Henderson 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. Stay at Rutherford Hotel - Premium Room Breakfast & Dinner Day 6 - Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson 1 of 2Abel Tasman Scenic Cruise - Photo: Wilsons Abel Tasman 2 of 2Nelson City - Photo: Phillip Rollo Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay, a picnic lunch will be provided. 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. Stay at Rutherford Hotel - Premium Room Breakfast, Special Lunch Day 7 - Nelson - Blenheim Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - Photo: MarlboroughNZ 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. This afternoon enjoy time at leisure. Stay at Chateau Marlborough Breakfast, Special Lunch, Dinner Day 8 - Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim 1 of 3Furneaux Lodge, Marlborough Sounds 2 of 3Furneaux Lodge, Marlborough Sounds 3 of 3Furneaux Lodge, Marlborough 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. Stay at Chateau Marlborough Breakfast, Special Lunch Day 9 - Blenheim - Kaikõura 1 of 2Kaikōura Museum 2 of 2Kaikoura peninsula - Photo: Destination Kaikoura Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikõura. Visit the Kaikõura 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. Stay at Sudima Kaikõura Breakfast & Dinner Day 10 - Kaikõura - Christchurch 1 of 2International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch 2 of 2International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch Depart Kaikõura 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. Stay at Sudima Christchurch City Breakfast, Special Dinner Day 11 - Depart Christchurch Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. Breakfast View More Expand All | Collapse All Inclusions Return airport transfers in New Zealand 10 nights 4.5 star accommodation 10 cooked breakfasts 7 sumptuous dinners* including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 1 specialty dinner: Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch 5 specialty lunches: Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner; Monteith’s Brewing Co., Greymouth; Abel Tasman lunch, Abel Tasman National Park; Dodson Street Beer Garden; Blenheim; Furneaux Lodge, Queen Charlotte Sound Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise TranzAlpine Rail Journey Wilderness Gallery Hokitika Monteith's Brewing Co. Tasting Nelson Classic Car Museum Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Cruise Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge Kaikõura Museum International Antarctic Centre City Sights Tour of Nelson and Christchurch View More * Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8 pm. Operated by Tour Style Ultimate Small Group Tours Dates & Pricing Fare type: Twin Share Single 2025 Guaranteed departure Pending confirmation Jan 28 Mar 19 Start Date End Date RRP Twin ShareSingle Our Price Twin ShareSingle You Save Check Availability 28 Jan 2025 07 Feb 2025 7,609 AUD9,369 AUD 7,249 AUD8,759 AUD 360 AUD610 AUD Enquire 19 Mar 2025 29 Mar 2025 7,509 AUD9,369 AUD Hot Offer6,949 AUD8,759 AUD 560 AUD610 AUD Enquire Prices are per person, land only, and quoted in Australian Dollars. Enquire about 11 Day Ultimate Top of the South Island Select your preferred dates, request an availability check and receive a personalised quote. 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