Day 1 – Welcome to Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred…
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SAVE ON 2025 & 2026 TOURS
Ultimate South Island
10 day Small Group Tour – from £3555 £3455
With flights from £4600
10 day Small Group Tour – from £3769 £3649
With flights from £4794
Explore the incredible mountain and coastal landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island on this well planned small group tour, with a maximum of 20 passengers.
Highlights:
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Cross the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
- Enjoy a guided tour of Christchurch and Dunedin
- Cruise the mystically serene Milford Sound
- Visit Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before or after your Ultimate South Island escorted tour. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Select Version:
Sep 2024 – May 2025
Sep 2025 – May 2026
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 as you meet your travelling companions.
Sudima Christchurch City
Dinner
Day 2 – Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass – Franz Josef
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world….
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 the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Franz Josef to Queenstown
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast….
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is at leisure, you may choose to to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Breakfast
Day 4 – Queenstown
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You…
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSSEarnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Queenstown to Te Anau
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where…
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).
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for…
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature 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).
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Te Anau to Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy a…
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy a city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era.
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Dunedin to Mt Cook
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a…
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour. There is time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.
The Hermitage Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Mt Cook to Christchurch
This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy…
This morning 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. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.
Sudima Christchurch City
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after…
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Breakfast
Day 1 – Arrive Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred…
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 as you meet your travelling companions.
Sudima Christchurch City
Dinner
Day 2 – Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass – Franz Josef
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world….
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 the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Franz Josef to Queenstown
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast….
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is at leisure, you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Breakfast
Day 4 – Queenstown
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You…
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Queenstown to Te Anau
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where…
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).
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for…
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature 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).
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Te Anau to Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy…
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel 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 and a delicious Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom.
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Dunedin to Mt Cook
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see…
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
The Hermitage Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Mt Cook to Christchurch
This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy…
This morning 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. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.
Sudima Christchurch City
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after…
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Breakfast
Your Itinerary
You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before or after your Ultimate South Island escorted tour. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Select Version:
Sep 2024 – May 2025
Sep 2025 – May 2026
Day 1
| Welcome to Christchurch
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 as you meet your travelling companions.
Sudima Christchurch City
Dinner
Day 2
| Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass – Franz Josef
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 the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
| Franz Josef to Queenstown
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is at leisure, you may choose to to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Breakfast
Day 4
| Queenstown
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSSEarnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
| Queenstown to Te Anau
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).
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
| Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature 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).
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
| Te Anau to Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy a city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era.
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
| Dunedin to Mt Cook
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour. There is time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.
The Hermitage Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
| Mt Cook to Christchurch
This morning 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. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.
Sudima Christchurch City
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
| Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Breakfast
Day 1
| Arrive Christchurch
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 as you meet your travelling companions.
Sudima Christchurch City
Dinner
Day 2
| Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass – Franz Josef
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 the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
| Franz Josef to Queenstown
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is at leisure, you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Breakfast
Day 4
| Queenstown
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
| Queenstown to Te Anau
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).
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
| Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature 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).
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
| Te Anau to Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel 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 and a delicious Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom.
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
| Dunedin to Mt Cook
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
The Hermitage Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
| Mt Cook to Christchurch
This morning 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. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.
Sudima Christchurch City
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
| Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Breakfast
This Tour Includes
9 nights hotel accommodation
Breakfast daily and 8 dinners
Activities and experiences as detailed in the itinerary
Professional and experienced driver
Travel by luxury air conditioned coach
This Tour Includes
9 nights accommodation
2 cruises
1 rail journey
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 high tea and 10 dinners
Activities and experiences as detailed in the itinerary
Travel by luxury air conditioned coach
Professional and experienced driver
Departure Dates
Check for departure dates that suit you:
2024-11-13
2024-12-01
2024-12-10
2025-01-04
2025-01-05
2025-01-17
2025-01-31
2025-02-09
2025-02-17
2025-02-20
2025-03-01
2025-03-15
2025-03-23
2025-04-04
2025-04-17
2025-04-22
2025-05-05
2025-05-15
2025-09-01
2025-09-19
2025-10-01
2025-10-16
2025-11-08
2025-11-13
2025-12-09
2025-12-20
2026-01-02
2026-01-17
2026-01-31
2026-02-09
2026-02-17
2026-03-01
2026-03-15
2026-04-04
2026-04-17
2026-05-02
2026-05-10
To confirm availability call 0333 234 3209
Flights & More
With FREEDOM, you can book your Ultimate South Island small group tour and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.
You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:
- Extra nights in Christchurch before or after your tour
- A stopover in Singapore, Dubai or other destination
Next Step
Please get in touch with our New Zealand Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Ultimate South Island
10 day Small Group Tour – from £3555 £3455
With flights from £4600
10 day Small Group Tour – from £3769 £3649
With flights from £4794
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations for details.
Please note, no twin share option available at Mount Cook.
Tour operated by Grand Pacific Tours. No children under the age of 18 are permitted on this tour.
Map
Map
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