Explore the landscapes of the spectacular South Island
Do not hesitate to give us a call. Our team are friendly and knowledgeable and are happy to answer your questions.
Explore the landscapes of the spectacular South Island
Embark on a 12-day Christmas adventure through New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island! Starting with a seamless transfer from Perth to Christchurch, your journey unfolds with unforgettable experiences—from riding the historic Christchurch Tram and enjoying one of the world’s most scenic train rides aboard the TranzAlpine, to cruising Lake Wakatipu on the vintage TSS Earnslaw on a festive Christmas Day. Discover the wonders of Franz Josef’s glaciers, the charm of Queenstown and Arrowtown, the majestic Milford Sound, and the historic elegance of Dunedin with its unique Larnach Castle. With luxurious 4‑star accommodations, expert guidance, and a curated itinerary of must-see attractions and gourmet meals, this tour promises a holiday filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and magical memories.
A non-refundable/non-transferable deposit of $1250 per person is due within 7 days of making your booking to secure your reservation on the tour. This deposit guarantees your reservation on the tour and acceptance of our terms and conditions. Final balance for this tour will be due on 4 October 2025. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.
A valid passport is required for this journey. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return to Australia.
Tours are based on reaching a minimum number. Home pick-up and return is included based on a set radius – surcharges will apply outside these areas. Other special conditions may apply to each individual tour, please contact the office for further details.
All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc.
Day 2 – arrival in Christchurch around midday. Check-in at the hotel is at approx. 2pm. To guarantee immediate check-in, an additional fee of $180pp twin share or $360 is applicable.
Your holiday begins when you are picked up from home and transferred to the airport in a private vehicle. Meet your fellow passengers and fly to Christchurch via Auckland. 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 for 2 nights
Today is a free day to explore Christchurch at leisure. Enjoy a journey on board the Christchurch Tram, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. The all-day ticket allows you to visit the central city sights onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram. This evening is also free to dine at an eatery of your choice.
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 Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier for 1 night
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty. Continue to picturesque Queenstown, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown for 2 nights
Merry Christmas! Today board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet Christmas lunch and the best of NZ’s high-country cuisine at the Colonel’s Homestead. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a sing along by the piano on your return cruise to Queenstown. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
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 Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau for 2 nights
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).
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, famous for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. Enjoy a city tour before travelling 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 for 1 night
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 for 1 night
Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water. You will also view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue, iconic landmarks of the Mackenzie region. Arrive in the elegant city of 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 for 1 night
Its time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home to Perth after a memorable New Zealand holiday. On arrival into Perth your driver will be waiting to take you home.
