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Price

From$8,250

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1145

12 Days

Availability: 20 to 31 December 2026

Perth

New Zealand

Moderate Pace

Explore the landscapes of the spectacular South Island

Tour Details

Celebrate a magical Christmas in New Zealand on this beautifully paced holiday featuring breathtaking landscapes, iconic experiences, and festive charm. Journey on the world-renowned TranzAlpine train, explore the glaciers of Franz Josef, and unwind in the alpine beauty of Queenstown. Enjoy a truly unforgettable Christmas Day aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, followed by a gourmet lunch at Walter Peak Station. Discover the serenity of Milford Sound, the heritage of Dunedin and Larnach Castle, and the sparkling lakes and mountain vistas of the Mackenzie region. With quality accommodation, thoughtful inclusions, and seamless touring throughout, this festive adventure is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Tour Highlights

Ride the historic Christchurch Tram
Experience the TranzAlpine Rail journey, one of the world’s most scenic train rides
Cruise on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu
Explore the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown
Cruise through the stunning Milford Sound
Take a guided tour of Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle
City sights tour of Dunedin and Christchurch

Tour Includes

Home pick-up and return by Private Car
Return Economy airfares including taxes flying Air New Zealand
Escorted from New Zealand by an experienced Grand Pacific Tour Director
32 Premium Economy Comfort Seats on a Full Size Coach
10 nights of 4-star accommodation with hotel porterage
3 two-night stays, 1 rail journey and 2 cruises
10 cooked breakfasts, 1 Devonshire tea, 2 lunches and 8 dinners
All sightseeing and prepaid attractions

Tour Conditions

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.

Itinerary

Day 1 & 2 PERTH TO CHRISTCHURCH (D)

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

Day 3 CHRISTCHURCH (B)

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. Afterward embark on a city tour of Christchurch discovering its rich history and culture. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Christchurch Tram. This evening is free to explore Christchurch’s culinary scene.

Day 4CHRISTCHURCH - ARTHUR’S PASS - FRANZ JOSEF (BD)

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

Day 5FRANZ JOSEF TO QUEENSTOWN (B)

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

Day 6QUEENSTOWN | CHRISTMAS DAY (BL)

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.

Day 7QUEENSTOWN TO TE ANAU (BD)

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

Day 8TE ANAU - MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU (BLD)

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).

Day 9TE ANAU TO DUNEDIN (BD)

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

Day 10DUNEDIN - MT COOK – TWIZEL (BD)

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

Day 11TWIZEL TO CHRISTCHURCH (BD)

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

Day 12CHRISTCHURCH TO PERTH (B)

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.

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NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND CHRISTMAS 2026

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