11 Day Signature South Island Christmas
(10 night package from $7229)
Your Inclusions:
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 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.
Pre Paid Attractions:
- 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
- City sights tour of Christchurch and Dunedin
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 (FREE DAY) (B)
Today is a free day to explore Christchurch at leisure. Enjoy a journey on board the Christchurch Tram, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. The all-day ticket allows you to visit the central city sights onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram. This evening is also free to dine at an eatery of your choice.
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). Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
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 time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
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 for a city tour. 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.
Price:
Brisbane/Sydney/Melbourne from $7,229 per person, Twin Share
Travel: Set departure date 21 December 2025
This is our best value package deal subject to availability and travel on select dates. If you are traveling outside these dates or from another port, please contact our specialised team for a personalised quote.
Book by: Dec 21, 2025!!
Quote: 0002
For New Bookings Only
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 26 September 2024. 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 355Contact Form
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