Signature South Island
with Grand Pacific Tours
- Enjoy two-night stays in Queenstown and Te Anau
- Experience the world-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise on the stunning Milford Sound
- Flights included and RAC members save up to $250pp^
Enjoy the beauty of New Zealand in the premium economy comfort of a full-size coach, touring with a mid-size group of up to 32 travellers, fully escorted. Explore the stunning South Island including the TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Milford Sound Cruise, Lake Wakatipu Cruise in Queenstown on the historic TSS Earnslaw and a visit to Larnach Castle in Dunedin + More!
Pre-paid Attractions
- 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
Coach Features
- 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
- 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder
- Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
Experience
- Return airfares from Perth
- Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- Professional Coach Captain
- Experienced Tour Leader
- 9 nights 4 star accommodation
- 2 two night stays
- Hotel porterage
- 1 rail journey
- 2 cruises
- All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
- Extensive Optional Activities
- Signature Documentation Pack
Meals
- 9 cooked breakfasts
- 8 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
- 1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
- 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle
- Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)
Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.
2025 | 2026 |
06^ & 29^ September |
09 January |
19 October |
02 February |
10 & 19 November |
04 & 21 March |
11 December | 01 April |
09 May^ |
^Save up to $250pp on September 2025 and May 2026 departures. All other departures save $150pp off the brochure price.
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.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
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.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
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 to the Fox Glacier township. 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 free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Queenstown (Free Day)
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your crew will assist with the 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.
Meals: Breakfast & specialty 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. 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 (Deluxe Room. 2 nights)
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 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).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7: Te Anau - Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel 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
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 8: Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel
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
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 9: Twizel - Christchurch
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 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
Meals: Breakfast & specialty 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.
Meals: Breakfast
- Price valid ex PER (economy class) and includes prepaid taxes (subject to change).
- Valid for new bookings only for travel September 2025 – May 2026.
- ^Save $250 per person on Sep 2025 and May 2026 departures. All other departures save $150 per person off the brochure price.
- Maximum savings are reflected in the advertised price.
- Not to be used in conjunction with any other special offer; not applicable on group departures; can be withdrawn at any time without notice.
General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.