Ultimate Top Of The South Island
- New Zealand
- Christchurch Return • Oct & Dec 23 - Jan & Mar 24
- 11 Day Itinerary
- From $6,909 (AUD)
- 20 Max
- Operated by one of our trusted partners
Christchurch Return • Oct & Dec 23 - Jan & Mar 24
Regarded as one of the most spectacular places on earth, New Zealand’s Top of the South Island offers a myriad of amazing activities and breath taking scenery. This tour has been designed for travellers who enjoy the outdoors, love food and wine and are keen to get off the main roads and experience some of New Zealand’s native wildlife and natural beauty.
Experience a Business Class level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel in style on a full-size, state-of-the-art coach with a maximum of only 20 travellers and enjoy extensive onboard features and VIP extras. Stay in luxurious 4.5 star accommodation, enjoy fabulous cuisine and impeccable service on this small group tour to remember.
This tour received one of the highest ratings from past passengers ever for Overall Tour Experience of 9.85 out of 10 and the Tour Leader scored a perfect 10 out of 10!
Tour Highlights
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Historic French Village of Akaroa
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Lake Brunner
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Brunner Mine Site
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Hokitika Gorge
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Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
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Cape Foulwind walkway
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Buller Gorge
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Seaside town of Kaiteriteri
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Abel Tasman National Park
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Marlborough Wine Region
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Marlborough Sounds
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Coastal town of Kaikōura
Gallery
11 Day Itinerary
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by your tour representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.
Meals Included: Dinner*
Stay: Sudima Christchurch City – 2 nights
*Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View Room) – 1 night
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner
Stay: The Ocean View Retreat (Beach View Room) – 1 night
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 an orientation tour of the city followed by a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room) – 2 nights
Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay a barbecue 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch
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 before a short drive to Cloudy Bay Estate. Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the original wineries in the region. Enjoy a personalised tasting experience followed by time to wander through the superb, manicured grounds and towering gum trees, which will surely be a highlight.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Chateaux Marlborough – 2 nights
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Board a luxury vessel at Picton Marina and cruise the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge whilst enjoying the informative commentary on this stunning region. 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Sudima Kaikõura– 1 night
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
Stay: Sudima Christchurch – 1 night
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Tour Inclusions
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Return airfares from your homeport in Australia
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Return airport transfers in New Zealand
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Professional Coach Captain
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10 nights 4.5 star accommodation and hotel porterage
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10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
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All activities and sightseeing as per itinerary
Tour Dates & Prices
Departure Date | Return Date | Price Per Person From | |
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02/10/2023 | 12/10/2023 | $6,909 per person twin share* / $8,859 per person single* | |
08/12/2023 | 18/12/2023 | $6,909 per person twin share* / $8,859 per person single* | |
28/01/2024 | 07/02/2024 | $6,909 per person twin share* / $8,859 per person single* | |
19/03/2024 | 29/03/2024 | $6,909 per person twin share* / $8,859 per person single* |
*Price is based on flights departing from Brisbane and Sydney. Please contact us for your homeport departure pricing.
FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED
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. Ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before booking.
Terms and Conditions
All pricing is on a per person twin share basis, unless otherwise noted ie: stated as a single. All prices based on cash payment – credit & debit card fees may apply. Deposits, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Full Terms & Conditions of tour/cruise operators will be supplied on booking, or ask us for full Terms & Conditions at the time of enquiry.
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Book Your Own Group
Do you have a club or group interested in travelling as a group on this tour? Call us to discuss how we can tailor this package for your group.
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