10 Great Days Signature New Zealand – South Island New Zealand Tour

Guided Group Tour New Zealand South Island 2025/2026

Uncover the iconic attractions and spectacular landscapes of the South Island

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the spectacular South Island while travelling Business Class on Wheels on the Ultimate coach, with a maximum of 20 travellers.

Explore the landscapes of the spectacular South Island in Premium Economy Comfort in a mid-size group. Starting in Christchurch, discover highlights such as the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey, view the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps along the rugged west coast, enjoy picturesque Queenstown, cruise on the majestic Milford Sound and visit historical Dunedin.

New Zealand is more than just a travel destination; it’s an explosion of experiences that will awaken every sense and evoke a sense of wonder you’ve never felt before. Embrace the highlights of the South Island of New Zealand in Premium Economy Comfort in a mid-size group. Enjoy this guided group tour to remember.

  • 5-Star Nature and Signature Extras: 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 extras.
  • 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.
  • Premium Economy on Wheels
  • 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.

This is one of the most exciting New Zealand South Island Group tours available!
We invite you to come and make unforgettable memories on this 10-day grand adventure. Let’s create your extraordinary story in New Zealand together! Find here the itinerary of your New Zealand holiday.

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New Zealand Tours Sepcialist Tour Operator DMC
New Zealand Tourism Board certified specialist

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 7,700.00

 
  • Single Room NZD 9.300.00
  • 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 – $215 pp, twin share, $405 single
Experience
  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Business Class seats on a full-size 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

INCLUSIONS

Attractions & Highlights:
  • TranzAlpine Scenic 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
Experience
  • 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
  • Ultimate Documentation Pack
  • No hidden Extras
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. 

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
Coach & Guide 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
  • 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.

Not included in the price:

TOUR DEPARTURE DATES

2025
  • 06-Sep-25 – 15-Sep-25
  • 29-Sep-25 – 08-Oct-25
  • 19-Oct-25 – 28-Oct-25
  • 10-Nov-25 – 19-Nov-25
  • 19-Nov-25 – 28-Nov-25
  • 11-Dec-25 – 20-Dec-25
2026
  • 09-Jan-26 – 18-Jan-26
  • 02-Feb-26 – 11-Feb-26
  • 04-Mar-26 – 13-Mar-26
  • 21-Mar-26 – 30-Mar-26
  • 01-Apr-26 – 10-Apr-26
  • 09-May-26 – 18-May-26

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

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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

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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)

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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

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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)

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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

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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 time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

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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

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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

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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.

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  • Stunning and proven New Zealand itineraries

    Passionate and knowledgeable local Kiwi guide | Accommodations and meals | Activities package: All admissions, tours and activities marked as included in the tour itinerary

  • Premium New Zealand Coach Tour

    Comfortable and air-conditioned bus transport.

  • Enhance your trip with numerous Add-on Activities and Upgrades

    Whilst your tour package includes an extensive range of pre-paid attractions and sightseeing, the Optional Activities are available to enjoy during your free time. They will provide the ‘icing on the cake’ experience that will hold memories for a lifetime. Optional Activities will be booked with your Crew once on tour.

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

Get in touch for your unforgettable New Zealand holiday. That’s what we are here for. Behind this website are real people who are at your disposal with expertise and passion for this extraordinary place in the world. We know where to go as we live here – and we are looking forward to sharing our hidden gems with you.

Enjoy the Holiday of a lifetime