11 Day Ultimate South Island Christmas

Destination:

New Zealand,

Duration:

11 days

Travel Period:

December 2026 - December 2026

Gallery

5+ Gallery Photos

Overview

Witness the South Island in ultimate festive style featuring a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise

*Note: All prices are based on Land-Only, upgrade to a flight inclusive package available upon request.

What's Included

International Antarctic Centre
Larnach Castle and Ultimate High Tea
HIGHLIGHT - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
Lakes District Museum
TranzAlpine Rail Journey
Christchurch City Sights Tour
Dunedin City Sights Tour

Start:Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish:Christchurch, New Zealand

Type:Group tour (max 20)

Tripcode:

UGPX11

Options and details

Select your preferred date or enquire

Number of Passengers:

Adults16 to 110 Years

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Dates

Select a departure date below

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Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch

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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

5 Star Accommodation

Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax.

Meals D

Day 2 - Christchurch

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This morning visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. Feel the chill of the Antarctic storm room, take a ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguins and be astonished within the immersive 4D theatre. This is followed by a city tour of Christchurch. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore further.

Hotel

5 Star Accommodation

Meals B

Day 3 - Christchurch - Mt Cook

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Travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.

Hotel

4 Star Accommodation

Nestled in the stunning Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel is surrounded by awe-inspiring glaciers, sparkling terminal lakes, rushing rivers, and the towering Aoraki/Mt Cook, Australasia's tallest peak at 3,724 metres. This iconic hotel boasts a range of exceptional restaurants and bars, along with 164 well-appointed rooms. Whether you're here for adventure or relaxation, The Hermitage provides the ultimate gateway to explore one of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes.

Meals B,D

Day 4 - Mt Cook - Dunedin

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Depart Mt Cook and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city tour followed by some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era.

Hotel

4.5 Star Accommodation

2024 Travellers Choice Winner and ranked in the top 20 of all hotels in NZ on TripAdvisor. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel is elegant, luxurious and located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The ideal combination of style and functionality. These air-conditioned Dunedin Studios offer a cloud-like super king bed and modern ensuite bathroom with a luxurious dual fixture walk-in rain shower plus complimentary Distinction toiletries.

Meals B,D

Day 5 - Dunedin - Te Anau

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This morning, 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 Ultimate High Tea, along with time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional) or the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua - Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey (optional).

Hotel

4 Star Accommodation

Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and a short stroll to the spectacular Lake Te Anau, this elegant 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions. You will stay in a spacious and superbly appointed room.

Meals B,D

Day 6 - Te Anau - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

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A leisurely start today before travelling to Manapouri. Enjoy lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. After a short ride over the Wilmot Pass, join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef.

Hotel

Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable. You will create some lifelong memories as the Fiordland Navigator takes you through the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience. As you cruise through some of NZ’s most stunning scenery, knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat – or to simply relax on board. As evening falls, you will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared by the onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines and if the skies are clear, enjoy some stargazing. The next day explore other parts of the fiord.

Meals B,L,D

Day 7 - Doubtful Sound - Queenstown - Christmas Day

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Merry Christmas! Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Queenstown, a year-round resort, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening dinner will be at your hotel.

Hotel

4 Star Plus Accommodation

Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.

Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax.

Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed.

Meals B,L,D

Day 8 - Queenstown (Free Day)

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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.

Hotel

4 Star Plus Accommodation

Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed.

Meals B,SD

Day 9 - Queenstown - Franz Josef

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Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Next you visit Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel for your overnight stay.

Hotel

5 Star Accommodation

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef is truly luxurious and can be found in an area of native rainforest which has been carefully preserved. All the guest room balconies look out into the rainforest, which contains mature trees up to 20m high. Guests get a real sense of seclusion and privacy during their stay. Lavishly appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your own personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay and high-speed Internet access.

Meals B,D

Day 10 - Franz Josef - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch

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Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory before arriving at Arthur’s Pass where you board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. This evening reminisce on the memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner which includes selected beverages.

Hotel

5 Star Accommodation

Meals B,SD

Day 11 - Depart Christchurch

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Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday

Meals B

Travel Partner

Grand Pacific Tours is a leading travel company specializing in coach tours across New Zealand. Catering primarily to mature travelers, they offer a range of meticulously planned itineraries that showcase the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture of New Zealand. With options ranging from affordable to luxury tours, Grand Pacific ensures a comfortable and enriching travel experience. Their professional tour guides and drivers provide insightful commentary and exceptional service, making each journey memorable. Whether you’re interested in exploring the North Island, the South Island, or both.

Price from

$8,499*

per person*

Options and details

Enquire now

Tripcode: UGPX11

Start:Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish:Christchurch, New Zealand

Type:Group tour (max 20)

Tripcode:

132451

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11 Day Ultimate South Island Christmas

Destination:

Duration:

Travel Period:

Overview

What's Included

Options and details

Number of Passengers:

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch

Day 2 - Christchurch

Day 3 - Christchurch - Mt Cook

Day 4 - Mt Cook - Dunedin

Day 5 - Dunedin - Te Anau

Day 6 - Te Anau - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Day 7 - Doubtful Sound - Queenstown - Christmas Day

Day 8 - Queenstown (Free Day)

Day 9 - Queenstown - Franz Josef

Day 10 - Franz Josef - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch

Day 11 - Depart Christchurch

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