- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Premium Economy Class seats on a full-size Signature coach
- Professional Coach Captain
- Experienced Tour Leader
- 9 nights 4 star accommodation
- 2 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey on the TranzAlpine
- 2 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Ultimate Documentation Pack
- No hidden Extras
New Zealand Group Tour Fully Guided
10 Day Signature - South Island New Zealand
Explore the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on a fully escorted 10-day Premium Economy Group Tour featuring Milford Sound, Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin, Mount Cook, and the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train.
Designed for travellers seeking iconic scenery, authentic local experiences, and stress-free travel, this premium guided tour showcases the very best of New Zealand’s alpine landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and natural wonders of the South Island.
Discover the Highlights of New Zealand’s South Island
Experience the Region Famous for Its Stunning Scenery
From the majestic Southern Alps and turquoise glacial lakes to rugged coastlines and world-renowned fiords, this itinerary brings together the South Island’s most celebrated destinations. Guests experience the natural beauty that has made New Zealand one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. Create Lifelong Memories Across the South Island.
Explore Milford Sound, Mount Cook, and Queenstown
Iconic Destinations in One Seamless Journey
Visit Milford Sound, often described as the eighth wonder of the world, experience the alpine splendour of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, and enjoy time in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Each destination offers a unique perspective on the extraordinary landscapes of the South Island.
Enjoy New Zealand’s Most Scenic Rail and Cruise Experiences
Unforgettable Journeys Through Remarkable Landscapes
Travel aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, widely regarded as one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. A scenic cruise through Milford Sound provides an unforgettable opportunity to experience towering waterfalls, rainforest-covered cliffs, and abundant wildlife from the water.
Premium Inclusions That Deliver Exceptional Value
The tour includes quality accommodation, guided sightseeing, scenic rail travel, a Milford Sound cruise, airport transfers, many meals, and the services of experienced local travel professionals. These inclusions create outstanding value while ensuring guests experience the very best of the South Island.
This is one of the best New Zealand guided Group Tours available! To guarantee your preferred dates, we highly recommend planning your journey 8 to 15 months in advance.
OVERVIEW & PRICES
Experience the majestic South Island, a spectacular rail journey on the world-renowned TranzAlpine and the Milford Sound cruise. Travel in a small group on the Signature Coach, providing a Premium level of comfort, service and quality without compromise.
p.P. in Double/Twin Share:
NZD 6,829
(was NZD 7.150)
- Single Room NZD 8.719
(was NZD 8,950) - All prices in NZD (New Zealand Dollar)
- incl. 15% GST (New Zealand Goods & Services Tax)
- Currency converter
- Duration: 10 Days
- Starts: Christchurch
- Finishes: Christchurch
- Style: Signature Mid-Size Group Tours
- Coach: 32 Premium Economy Comfort
- Accommodation: 4 Star
Pre & Post Stays
- Christchurch – $230 pp, twin share, $440 single
- Rates are : Room Only. No Meals
Experience
INCLUSIONS
Highlights & Experiences
Highlights:
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Experienced Tour Leader
- Professional Coach Captain
- 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
- 9 nights 4 star accommodation
- 2 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey on the TranzAlpine
- 2 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Documentation pack
- No hidden Extras
Activities & Experiences:
- HIGHLIGHT – TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- HIGHLIGHT – Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
- Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea
- Dunedin City Sights Tour
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
Accommodation & Meals
- 4-Star Hotel Accommodation: The hotels used are stylish, centrally located and offer deluxe service. These hotels have a large range of facilities available and many offer swimming pools, gyms and a choice of dining options. All the service standards are aimed towards looking after your every need.
- 9 cooked breakfasts
- 8 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
- 1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
- 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle
- Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
Coach & Guide Features (Premium Economy on wheels)
Premium Economy on Wheels: This tour is designed for travelers who want to experience New Zealand in depth without the challenges of self-driving or organizing a complex itinerary. Guests travel aboard a Premium Economy coach featuring spacious seating, panoramic viewing, onboard Wi-Fi, and a maximum group size of just 32 travelers.
- Fully Escorted Touring: An experienced Grand Pacific Tour Leader will accompany you throughout the tour. Not only will they make you feel welcome and relaxed, but they will also ensure you enjoy a memorable Kiwi experience.
Professional Coach Captain: Handpicked for their expert knowledge and extensive driving experience, the Coach Captain will be on hand to assist you with every aspect of the tour. Enjoy the professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and many laughs along the way.
- 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
Signature Benefits
Signature Benefits
Signature Group Touring itineraries are specifically tailored to provide a premium level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel in style and enjoy several unique extras.
- Signature documentation pack including a travel bag and ticket wallet
- Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Farewell Dinner
Additional Info
Not included in the price::
- Flights (International flights to New Zealand can be booked here)
- Entry and visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions, meals, and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
TOUR DEPARTURE DATES
Red – sold out, Yellow – usually 1-5 places left, Green – available
2026
- 06-Sep-26 – 15-Sep-26 – Sold out
- 28-Sep-26 – 07-Oct-26 – Sold out
- 19-Oct-26 – 28-Oct-26 – On Request
- 10-Nov-26 – 19-Nov-26 – Sold out
- 19-Nov-26 – 28-Nov – On Request
- 11-Dec-26 – 20-Dec-26 – On Request
2027
- 09-Jan-27 – 18-Jan-27
- 02-Feb-27 – 11-Feb-27 – On Request
- 12-Feb-27 – 21-Feb-27
- 04-Mar-27 – 13-Mar-27 – On Request
- 21-Mar-27 – 30-Mar-27
- 20-Apr-27 – 29-Apr-27
- 09-May-27 – 18-May-27 – On Request
ITINERARY
Your daily New Zealand tour details:
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (SL) Specialty 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
Day 2: 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 the township of 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 3: Franz Josef – Queenstown (B)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to the Fox Glacier township. 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 free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 4: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your crew will assist with the 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.
Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 5: 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. 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 6: 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 7: Te Anau – Dunedin (B,D)
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 a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander around this Garden of International Significance.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Day 8: 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 9: Twizel – Christchurch (B,SD)
Continue to Lake Tekapo, view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in 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 10: Depart Christchurch (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
COACH FEATURES
Premium Economy Comfort on Wheels
Maximum 32 Travellers
- 32 Premium Economy Comfort leather and cloth reclining seats
- 2 + 1 armchair seating configuration for better panoramic viewing
- Adjustable arm and headrests and seat belts
- Individual seat back tray table, cup holder and USB charging port
- Multi-media entertainment systems with three screens
- 2 door access, restroom, air conditioning and electrical sockets
- Cold water storage available
- Complimentary daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
32 Seat Coach 2+1 Seating
- Travel in style on a full-size, premium coach with a maximum of 32 travellers and enjoy onboard features.
- Seat Rotation Policy: The configuration of the coach seating is two seats on the left side of the aisle and an individual seat on the right side, all with panoramic viewing. All travellers will rotate and enjoy the variety of armchair comfort in the dual seats but also will experience the same Premium Economy Comfort on other days in a spacious individual window seat. For two people travelling together, the individual seats will flow in front and behind each other.
- Coach Luggage Limit: 1 suitcase + Travel Bag per person
Professional Coach Captain
- Handpicked for their expert knowledge and extensive driving experience, the Coach Captain will be on hand to assist you with every aspect of the tour. Enjoy the professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and many laughs along the way.
Fully Escorted Touring
- An experienced Grand Pacific Tour Leader will accompany you throughout the tour. Not only will they make you feel welcome and relaxed, but they will also ensure you enjoy a memorable Kiwi experience.
ENQUIRE HERE
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