10 Great Days Ultimate New Zealand – South Island Tour

Premium New Zealand Small Group Tour 2025/2026

Enjoy the ultimate escape to New Zealand’s spectacular 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.

Start your tour 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. There comes a time in our lives when we begin to prefer quality over quantity and crave more comfort and style on our holidays. Enjoy premium accommodation, fabulous cuisine and impeccable service on a small group tour to remember.

  • 5-Star Nature and 5-Star Treatment plus VIP Extras: Ultimate Small Group Touring itineraries are specifically tailored to provide a Business Class level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel in style and enjoy several unique extras.
  • 4.5 – 5-Star Hotel Accommodation: You will stay at a selection of premium hotels in unique locations, or large hotels with a spirited ambience that suits the location. Enjoy a premium level of comfort, extensive guest facilities and thoughtful touches that create a long-lasting experience.
  • Business Class on Wheels: Be dazzled by the state-of-the-art design, purpose-built Ultimate Coach featuring 20 Business Class leather seats, panoramic viewing, extensive onboard features and a level of comfort unparalleled by any other vehicle.
  • Professional Coach Captain: The Ultimate Coach Captains are the best in the business. They are carefully selected for their professionalism and attention to detail. They are there from start to finish and will attend to your needs and ensure a personal touring experience. Enjoy their professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and laughs as you journey through New Zealand.

This is one of the most exciting New Zealand Small 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.

new zealand tours milford sound self drive tour new zealand holiday honeymoon
new zealand self drive tours mt cook lake tekapo tour operator dmc new zealand holiday
Tranz Alpine Scenic Train new zealand raillway tours self drive experience tour operator rental car tours roundtrips new zealand holiday journey
New Zealand Tours Sepcialist Tour Operator DMC
New Zealand Tourism Board certified specialist

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an ultimate escape to New Zealand’s dramatic South Island including picturesque Milford Sound. Experience luxury small group travel onboard the Ultimate Coach, VIP treatment and a number of exclusive extras.

p.P. in Double/Twin Share:

NZD 9,150.00

 
  • Single Room NZD 12.100.00
  • 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: Ultimate Small Group Tours
  • Coach: 20 Seats Business Class Premium
  • Accommodation: 4.5 Star

Pre & Post Stays

  • Christchurch – $265 pp, twin share, $520 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
  • 9 nights 4.5 star accommodation
  • 2 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey TranzAlpine Scenic Train
  • 2 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Activities
  • Ultimate Documentation Pack
  • No hidden extras

INCLUSIONS

Attractions & Highlights:
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Lakes District Museum
  • Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
  • Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
  • Dunedin City Sights Tour
  • Christchurch City Sights Tour
Experience
  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Business Class seats on a full-size coach
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • 9 nights 4.5 star accommodation
  • 2 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 rail journey TranzAlpine Scenic Train
  • 2 cruises
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Activities
  • Ultimate Documentation Pack
  • No hidden extras
Accommodation & Meals:
 
  • 4.5 – 5 star Hotel Accommodation: You will stay at a selection of premium hotels in unique locations, or large hotels with a spirited ambience that suits the location. Enjoy a premium level of comfort, extensive guest facilities and thoughtful touches that create a long-lasting experience. 

  • 9 cooked breakfasts
  • 8 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Intimate Farewell Dinner, selected beverages, Christchurch
  • 1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
  • 1 Ultimate High Tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm. 

5 Star Treatment and VIP Extras

Ultimate Small Group Touring itineraries are specifically tailored to provide a Business Class level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel in style and enjoy several unique extras.

  • Ultimate documentation pack including travel bag and ticket wallet  
  • Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner
  • Boxed mints and souvenir water bottle
  • Intimate Farewell Dinner including selected beverages
Coach & Guide Features:
 
  • Professional Coach Captain: The Ultimate Coach Captains are the best in the business. They are carefully selected for their professionalism and attention to detail. They are there from start to finish and will attend to your needs and ensure a personal touring experience.  
  • Enjoy their professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and laughs as you journey through New Zealand.
Not included in the price:
 

TOUR DEPARTURE DATES

2025
  • 01-Sep-25 – 10-Sep-25
  • 19-Sep-25 – 28-Sep-25
  • 01-Oct-25 – 10-Oct-25
  • 16-Oct-25 – 25-Oct-25
  • 08-Nov-25 – 17-Nov-25
  • 13-Nov-25 – 22-Nov-25
  • 09-Dec-25 – 18-Dec-25
  • 20-Dec-25 – 29-Dec-25
2026
  • 02-Jan-26 – 11-Jan-26
  • 17-Jan-26 – 26-Jan-26
  • 31-Jan-26 – 09-Feb-26
  • 09-Feb-26 – 18-Feb-26
  • 17-Feb-26 – 26-Feb-26
  • 01-Mar-26 – 10-Mar-26
  • 15-Mar-26 – 24-Mar-26
  • 04-Apr-26 – 24-Mar-26
  • 17-Apr-26 – 26-Apr-26
  • 02-May-26 – 11-May-26
  • 10-May-26 – 19-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 as you meet your travelling companions.

Hotel Sudima Christchurch City

new zealand tour christchurch self drive holiday gardens south island new zealand tour honeymoon new zealand
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 Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Tranz Alpine Scenic Train new zealand raillway tours self drive experience tour operator rental car tours roundtrips new zealand holiday journey
Day 3: Franz Josef – Queenstown (B)
 

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.

Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)

new zealand self drive tours franz josef glacier nature hikes new zealand travel package holiday booking
Day 4: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)
 

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.

Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown

new zealand tours Queenstown Earnslaw experience sheep farm tour operator self drive tours
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. 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 Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights)

new zealand tours milford sound self drive tour new zealand holiday honeymoon luxury travel
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 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).

Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

new zealand tours milford sound self drive tour new zealand holiday honeymoon
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 and a delicious Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom.

Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel

new zealand self drive tours Dunedin Larnach Castle roadtrip private tours small group holidays
Day 8: Dunedin – Mt Cook (B,D)
 

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.

Hotel The Hermitage Hotel

new zealand tours Mt Cook luxury holiday new zealand self drive tour guide honeymoon travel small groups
Day 9: Mt Cook – Christchurch (B,SD)
 

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.

Hotel Sudima Christchurch City

new zealand self drive tours mt cook lake tekapo tour operator dmc new zealand holiday
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.

new zealand tour christchurch self drive holiday gardens south island new zealand tour operator specialist honeymoon new zealand
  • 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

Business Class on Wheels

There comes a time in our lives when we begin to prefer quality over quantity and crave more comfort and style on our holidays. Enjoy premium accommodation, fabulous cuisine and impeccable service on a small group tour to remember. Be dazzled by the state-of-the-art design, purpose-built Ultimate Coach featuring 20 Business Class leather seats, panoramic viewing, extensive onboard features and a level of comfort unparalleled by any other vehicle.

Maximum 20 Travellers
  • 20 Business Class reclining leather seats with adjustable headrest and calf support
  • Panoramic viewing, air conditioning, seat belts and onboard restroom
  • Wood grain timber tray table with built-in cup holder
  • Seat side personal storage providing easy access to your travel bag
  • Personal audio control unit with multiple music channels and a complimentary set of headphones
  • Stylish centre galley area equipped with refrigerated drinking fountain and fridge units
  • Complimentary daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance and USB charging port
  • A range of glossy magazines
20 Seat Coach. 1+1 Seating 
  • Travel in style on a full-size, state-of-the-art coach with a maximum of only 20 travellers and enjoy extensive onboard features. Seat layout may vary between Ultimate coaches. 
  • Coach Luggage Limit: Up to 2 suitcases + Travel Bag per person

Professional Coach Captain 
  • The Ultimate Coach Captains are the best in the business. They are carefully selected for their professionalism and attention to detail. They are there from start to finish and will attend to your needs and ensure a personal touring experience.  
  • Enjoy their professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and laughs as you journey through New Zealand.

ENQUIRE HERE

"What I loved about this tour was that the guide was not afraid to get off the beaten track and show us the real country. This was an experience I would definitely want to come back to."
Alene Elvine
HR Manager
“Our tour was everything I hoped for, and more. Great Days really makes a difference, I would have never discovered the beautiful places we stopped at."
Jona Gerber
Designer

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