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DISCOVER THE TREASURES: 11-DAY TOP OF THE SOUTH ISLAND SIGNATURE TOUR
11 DAY SIGNATURE TOP OF THE SOUTH ISLAND
Experience the breathtaking beauty and cultural richness of New Zealand's South Island on our exclusive 11-Day Signature Top of the South Island Tour. Journey through stunning landscapes, from the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps to the serene waters of Milford Sound. Explore charming towns, immerse yourself in Maori culture, and indulge in gourmet cuisine. With expert guides leading the way, you'll discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks, creating memories to last a lifetime. Join us for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the South Island.
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Start Location: Christchurch
End Location: Christchurch
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Wilderness Gallery Hokitika
- Monteith's Brewing Co. Tasting
- Nelson Classic Car Museum
- Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Barbecue Cruise
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
- Cloudy Bay Estate Wine Tasting
- Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
- Kaikõura Museum
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
- Nelson City Sights Tour
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ITINERARY
Signature Tour Style Coach
32 Premium Economy Comfort leather and cloth reclining seats. 2 + 1 armchair seating configuration for better panoramic viewing. Adjustable arm and headrests and seat belts. Individual seat back tray table, cup holder and USB charging port. Multi-media entertainment systems with three screens. 2 door access, restroom, air conditioning and electrical sockets. Cold water storage available. Complimentary daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance.
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 when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch
After an introductory city sights tour, enjoy a scenic drive to the historic French village of Akaroa, with time to wander through the charming galleries and craft stores. This afternoon set off on a Nature Cruise in the hope of spotting the rare Hector’s Dolphin and keep an eye out for penguins and other sea birds. Following your cruise, return to Christchurch where the evening is free to dine at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika
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 before descending through the Otira Tunnel to Moana, on the banks of picturesque Lake Brunner. Enjoy lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant, before travelling to the Brunner Mine Site, the location of the 1896 mine explosion. This afternoon in the coastal town of Hokitika, visit a local gallery, for the opportunity to pick up a gift or souvenir.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Hokitika - Punakaiki
Today, take in the natural beauty of the Hokitika Gorge on a short walk descending through the hardwood forest that will lead you to a swing bridge which crosses the Hokitika River. Continue north to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will sample locally brewed beers over lunch. This afternoon travel along the Great Coast Road to the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Overnight: Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Punakaiki - Nelson
Journey north along the coast to Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he encountered nasty weather. A short walk along the rocky headland will showcase the rugged coastline and sea life often on show amongst the rocks. Travel inland via the Buller Gorge and Murchison to Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the city followed by a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars.
Overnight: Nelson
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson
Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay a barbecue lunch will be served. Re-join your coach and depart for Nelson via the vineyards. This evening is free for you to dine at one of the local restaurants in town.
Overnight: Nelson
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Nelson - Blenheim
Today travel via Havelock and the winegrowing region of Marlborough. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 Aircraft, brought to life in sets created by the internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Head back into town where you will enjoy lunch at a local Blenheim beer garden before a short drive to Cloudy Bay Estate. Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the original wineries in the region. Enjoy a personalised tasting experience followed by time to wander through the superb, manicured grounds and towering gum trees, which will surely be a highlight.
Overnight: Blenheim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Board a luxury vessel at Picton Marina and cruise the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge whilst enjoying the informative commentary on this stunning region. At Furneaux Lodge a delicious lunch will be served followed by time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There is access to kayaks and short walks around the property. On the return cruise to Picton a cheese platter featuring local produce is served accompanied by a glass of Marlborough wine, the perfect end to your Marlborough Sounds adventure. Board the coach for the short journey back to Blenheim where the evening is free to dine at one of the local restaurants.
Overnight: Blenheim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Blenheim - Kaikõura
Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikõura. Visit the Kaikõura Museum, which features an exhibition depicting the impact of the 2016 earthquake. This afternoon you may like to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the coastline to see the many species of whales that migrate through this area.
Overnight: Kaikoura
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Kaikõura - Christchurch
Depart Kaikõura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: 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 
Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2026 dates and prices
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
- Tour Leader
- 10 nights 4 star accommodation
- 3 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 3 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Optional Activities
- Signature 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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Tour Code
11STS
Discover the Treasures: 11-Day Top of the South Island Signature Tour
11 days
Created On: 20 Jan 2025
Highlights
- Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Wilderness Gallery Hokitika
- Monteith's Brewing Co. Tasting
- Nelson Classic Car Museum
- Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Barbecue Cruise
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
- Cloudy Bay Estate Wine Tasting
- Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise to Furneaux Lodge
- Kaikõura Museum
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch City Sights Tour
- Nelson City Sights Tour
Inclusions
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Professional Coach Captain
- Tour Leader
- 10 nights 4 star accommodation
- 3 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 3 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Optional Activities
- Signature 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
Itinerary
Signature Tour Style Coach
32 Premium Economy Comfort leather and cloth reclining seats. 2 + 1 armchair seating configuration for better panoramic viewing. Adjustable arm and headrests and seat belts. Individual seat back tray table, cup holder and USB charging port. Multi-media entertainment systems with three screens. 2 door access, restroom, air conditioning and electrical sockets. Cold water storage available. Complimentary daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance.
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 when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch
After an introductory city sights tour, enjoy a scenic drive to the historic French village of Akaroa, with time to wander through the charming galleries and craft stores. This afternoon set off on a Nature Cruise in the hope of spotting the rare Hector’s Dolphin and keep an eye out for penguins and other sea birds. Following your cruise, return to Christchurch where the evening is free to dine at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika
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 before descending through the Otira Tunnel to Moana, on the banks of picturesque Lake Brunner. Enjoy lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant, before travelling to the Brunner Mine Site, the location of the 1896 mine explosion. This afternoon in the coastal town of Hokitika, visit a local gallery, for the opportunity to pick up a gift or souvenir.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Hokitika - Punakaiki
Today, take in the natural beauty of the Hokitika Gorge on a short walk descending through the hardwood forest that will lead you to a swing bridge which crosses the Hokitika River. Continue north to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will sample locally brewed beers over lunch. This afternoon travel along the Great Coast Road to the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Overnight: Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Punakaiki - Nelson
Journey north along the coast to Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he encountered nasty weather. A short walk along the rocky headland will showcase the rugged coastline and sea life often on show amongst the rocks. Travel inland via the Buller Gorge and Murchison to Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the city followed by a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars.
Overnight: Nelson
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson
Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay a barbecue lunch will be served. Re-join your coach and depart for Nelson via the vineyards. This evening is free for you to dine at one of the local restaurants in town.
Overnight: Nelson
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Nelson - Blenheim
Today travel via Havelock and the winegrowing region of Marlborough. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 Aircraft, brought to life in sets created by the internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Head back into town where you will enjoy lunch at a local Blenheim beer garden before a short drive to Cloudy Bay Estate. Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the original wineries in the region. Enjoy a personalised tasting experience followed by time to wander through the superb, manicured grounds and towering gum trees, which will surely be a highlight.
Overnight: Blenheim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Board a luxury vessel at Picton Marina and cruise the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge whilst enjoying the informative commentary on this stunning region. At Furneaux Lodge a delicious lunch will be served followed by time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There is access to kayaks and short walks around the property. On the return cruise to Picton a cheese platter featuring local produce is served accompanied by a glass of Marlborough wine, the perfect end to your Marlborough Sounds adventure. Board the coach for the short journey back to Blenheim where the evening is free to dine at one of the local restaurants.
Overnight: Blenheim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Blenheim - Kaikõura
Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikõura. Visit the Kaikõura Museum, which features an exhibition depicting the impact of the 2016 earthquake. This afternoon you may like to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the coastline to see the many species of whales that migrate through this area.
Overnight: Kaikoura
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Kaikõura - Christchurch
Depart Kaikõura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: 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
