10 DAY ULTIMATE SOUTH ISLAND
10 DAY ULTIMATE SOUTH ISLAND
Enjoy an ultimate escape to New Zealand’s dramatic South Island.
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Start Location: Christchurch
End Location: Christchurch
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
- Larnach Castle
- City sights tour of Dunedin and Christchurch
ITINERARY
Ultimate Tour Style Coach
20 Business Class reclining leather seats with adjustable headrests 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. Access to daily newspapers and range of glossy magazines.
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
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.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown
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.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Queenstown (Free Day)
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.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Queenstown - Te Anau
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).
Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
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).
Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Te Anau - Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy a city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Optional activities include a tour of the Speight’s Brewery, which produces New Zealand’s most popular beer, see wildlife in their natural habitat or take a tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing many treasures of a bygone era.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Dunedin - Mt Cook
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour. There is time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Mt Cook - Christchurch
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.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept 
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
BOOK
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Small Group Tours
Travel with a limited number of participants for a personalized journey with a tour leader.Experienced Tour Leaders
Who have gone through intensive vetting and training.(But most contract their tour leaders from Anderson Vacations.)
Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Travel to unique places, visit more attractions each day.
Without the distractions of tipping.Activities and excursions included as part of the tour.
(Not as add-ons.)Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Professional Coach Captain
- 9 nights 4.5 star accommodation
- 2 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 2 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Deluxe Documentation Pack
EXCLUSIONS
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Driver
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Tour Questions
What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?
Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.
What are Guaranteed Departures?
After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.
What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?
We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.
I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
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Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
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Tour Code
10USI
10 Day Ultimate South Island
10 days
Created On: 21 Dec 2024
Highlights
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
- Larnach Castle
- City sights tour of Dunedin and Christchurch
Inclusions
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Professional Coach Captain
- 9 nights 4.5 star accommodation
- 2 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 2 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Deluxe Documentation Pack
Exclusions
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Driver
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
Dates & Prices
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
AVAILABLE
Sat, 04 Jan 2025
Mon, 13 Jan 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Fri, 17 Jan 2025
Sun, 26 Jan 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Fri, 31 Jan 2025
Sun, 09 Feb 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Sun, 09 Feb 2025
Tue, 18 Feb 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Mon, 17 Feb 2025
Wed, 26 Feb 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Sat, 01 Mar 2025
Mon, 10 Mar 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Sat, 15 Mar 2025
Mon, 24 Mar 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Sun, 23 Mar 2025
Tue, 01 Apr 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Fri, 04 Apr 2025
Sun, 13 Apr 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Thu, 17 Apr 2025
Sat, 26 Apr 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Mon, 05 May 2025
Wed, 14 May 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
AVAILABLE
Thu, 15 May 2025
Sat, 24 May 2025
$4,750 USD
$1,530 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
Itinerary
Ultimate Tour Style Coach
20 Business Class reclining leather seats with adjustable headrests 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. Access to daily newspapers and range of glossy magazines.
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
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.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown
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.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Queenstown (Free Day)
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.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Queenstown - Te Anau
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).
Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
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).
Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Te Anau - Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy a city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Optional activities include a tour of the Speight’s Brewery, which produces New Zealand’s most popular beer, see wildlife in their natural habitat or take a tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing many treasures of a bygone era.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Dunedin - Mt Cook
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour. There is time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Mt Cook - Christchurch
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.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
