Your browser is no longer supported. Some functionality is not available.
1/4
Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand

11 Day Signature South Island Christmas

A fully escorted festive season getaway to New Zealand’s South Island

View package details below
Coach Tour
10 nights from
$7,569PP
Inc. taxes & fees
Twin Share
Sale ends
22 Dec
2026!
Valid for travel dates
21 Dec 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Chat to a Spacifica Travel expert anytime, 7 days a week or make an online enquiry.

Package code: STFT259171

Inclusions:

  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Experienced Tour Leader
  • 10 nights 4 star accommodation
  • 3 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey
  • 2 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Activities
  • Signature Documentation Pack

Meals:

  • 10 cooked breakfasts
  • 8 sumptuous dinners including a complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and speciality dinner: Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
  • Christmas Day Lunch: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown
  • 1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
  • 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
  • Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm

Tour Information: This tour has set departure dates as follows:

  • 22 December 2026

Coach Features:

  • 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
  • 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder
  • Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance

Pre Paid Attractions:

  • International Antarctic Centre
  • Christchurch Tram
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Lakes District Museum
  • Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
  • Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea
  • Dunedin City Sights Tour
  • Christchurch City Sights Tour

Tour Itinerary: (B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner. (SD) Specialty Dinner.

DAY 1: Arrive Christchurch (D)

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. Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)

DAY 2: Christchurch (B)

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. Afterward embark on a city tour of Christchurch discovering its rich history and culture. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Christchurch Tram. This evening is free to explore Christchurch’s culinary scene.

DAY 3: Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass – Franz Josef (B,D)

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 as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

DAY 4: Franz Josef – Queenstown (B, D)

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty. Continue to picturesque Queenstown, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort. Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)

DAY 5: Queenstown – Christmas Day (B,L)

Merry Christmas! Today board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet Christmas lunch and the best of NZ’s high-country cuisine at the Colonel’s Homestead. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a sing along by the piano on your return cruise to Queenstown. This evening is free to dine at leisure.

DAY 6: Queenstown - Te Anau (B,D)

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. This innovative museum is heavily involved in the protection of the historic buildings scattered around town. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (2 nights)

DAY 7: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau (B,L,D)

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

DAY 8: Te Anau – Dunedin (B,D)

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. Enjoy a city tour before travelling along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

DAY 9: Dunedin – Mt Cook – Twizel (B,D)

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay. Hotel: Distinction Mackenzie Country

DAY 10: Twizel - Christchurch (B,SD)

Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water. You will also view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue, iconic landmarks of the Mackenzie region. Arrive in the elegant city of Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner. Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

DAY 11: Depart Christchurch (B)

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

Description:

Grand Pacific Tours is recognised as the market leader for providing a comprehensive range of all inclusive, value for money New Zealand coach tours. Family owned and operated, we pride ourselves on the highly professional and personalised service we offer to thousands of travellers every year.

Taking a coach holiday is the best way to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. From the time you arrive in New Zealand, a friendly smile awaits. Our professional crew will provide a high standard of service and have been specially trained to perform Grand Pacific Tour’s itineraries, meaning you can relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

Key Selling Points:

● Ultimate Small Group Touring (20 seats), designed for the ‘Business Class’style of traveller 

● Signature Mid-Size Group Touring (32 seats) offering a ‘Premium Economy’experience

● A range of itineraries to suit all durations, budgets and interests and 180+ GUARANTEED departure dates to choose from

● NO HIDDEN EXTRAS - Pay one price inclusive of airfares and taxes, a personalised Meet and Greet on arrival in New Zealand with return airport transfers, hotel porterage, coach travel, accommodation, most meals including specialty dining, all sightseeing and prepaid attractions!

● RESERVED DINING - Most meals are included, and all of our groups are provided with priority reserved dining at breakfast and dinner

Child Policy:

● Children under 18 years are not permitted on all tours.

Terms and conditions

Prices are per person, twin share, inclusive of pre-payable taxes and subject to availability at time of booking for new bookings only. Price correct as at 03 October 2025. GPT has compiled the content of all tour itineraries based on the knowledge that all accommodation and attraction suppliers will be fully operational for the touring season. If for any reason the component of a tour is not available at the time of touring, a replacement or refund will be provided. Any refund amount is based on GPT’s negotiated pricing and not retail prices. ^Guaranteed Departures – GPT promote guaranteed departures with full expectation of delivering this. Prior to the season commencing, GPT will reconfirm the selection of guaranteed departure dates that will travel and reserve the right to remove selected dates based on sell time. If any travellers are affected the GPT team will be in contact at this time to make alternative arrangements for travel on a near or future date. Conditions relating to Travel in New Zealand will be provided prior to your tour commencing. Price does not include the fee for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority for any Australian Residents not holding an Australian passport. International flights are on select days of the week. Valid for sales and travel as specified. Blackout dates & seasonal surcharges do apply during peak periods as availability becomes limited. All prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Conditions, amendment and cancellation fees apply. Free nights & discounts are already included in costs. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. ABN 61 087 521 355

Cancellation Policy for Grand Pacific Tours

November 12, 2025 - November 12, 2035

Cancellation Policy:

● 60 days or more prior to departure Loss of deposit plus the cost of the airline ticket if issued

● 15 and 59 days prior to departure  50% of the tour package price

● 8-14 days prior to departure  75% of the tour package price

● 7 days or less prior to departure  100% of the tour package price

● If a traveller wishes to cancel their existing booking and transfer to a new departure date, the above cancellation fees still apply

Deposit Requirements:

● A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is required for all Signature Group Touring and is due within 7 days of booking.

● A further deposit to cover the airfare and taxes is required at time of booking.

Refund Policy:

● Refunds are not available for any unused portion of any itinerary

● Grand Pacific Tours require all guests complete a "Good To Go" Form detailing dietary requests and more

Similar Package Deals

Coach Tours Package
Book by 31 Mar 2026
South Island, New Zealand

8 Day Classic Warbirds South Island

Coach Tour
7 nights from
$5,209PP
Inc. taxes & fees
Coach Tours Package
Book by 5 May 2027
North Island, New Zealand

19 Day Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach

Coach Tour + Flights
18 nights from
$13,379PP
Inc. taxes & fees
Coach Tours Package
Book by 7 May 2027
South Island, New Zealand

16 Day Signature Highlights

Coach Tour + Flights
15 nights from
$9,009PP
Inc. taxes & fees
Coach Tours Package
Book by 12 May 2027
North Island, New Zealand

9 Day Ultimate North Island

Coach Tour + Flights
8 nights from
$6,679PP
Inc. taxes & fees
Coach Tours Package
Book by 27 May 2027
North Island, New Zealand

19 Day Signature Rail, Cruise & Coach

Coach Tour + Flights
18 nights from
$10,809PP
Inc. taxes & fees
Coach Tours Package
Book by 22 Dec 2026
South Island, New Zealand

17 Day Ultimate Festive Season

Coach Tour + Flights
16 nights from
$12,029PP
Inc. taxes & fees
Coach Tours Package
Book by 10 May 2027
North Island, New Zealand

9 Day Signature North Island

Coach Tour + Flights
8 nights from
$5,589PP
Inc. taxes & fees
Coach Tours Package
Book by 19 May 2027
South Island, New Zealand

10 Day Signature South Island

Coach Tour + Flights
9 nights from
$6,179PP
Inc. taxes & fees
Coach Tours Package
Book by 20 Feb 2027
South Island, New Zealand

11 Day Signature South Island SOLO Travellers

Coach Tour
10 nights from
$6,729PP
Inc. taxes & fees
Coach Tours Package
Book by 5 May 2027
South Island, New Zealand

10 Day Ultimate South Island

Coach Tour + Flights
18 nights from
$7,259PP
Inc. taxes & fees

Enquire

‘11 Day Signature South Island Christmas, New Zealand’

Package code: 2282

Preferred method of contact
Do you require flights?
Would you like an insurance quote?