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15 Day Ultimate South Island Acrossnz

15 Day Ultimate South Island – Superior Coach Tour

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$4,840*
PER PERSON
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Description

This popular 15 Day itinerary starts in Wellington and takes in the whole of the South Island visiting Nelson, the West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Dunedin including activities and locations not normally visited on a coach touring holiday.

For the more intrepid traveller we have included the Hollyford Track Guided Walk as an option in lieu of the 3 night stay in Queenstown. During the course of your tour you will have free time in Nelson, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown and Dunedin so that you can relax or choose one of the many diverse optional excursions available.

Inclusions

  • 14 nights accommodation in centrally located hotels 
  • Dining Inclusions- 14 Breakfasts, 12 dinners
  • Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch 
  • Auckland’s Skytower 
  • Interislander Ferry Crossing
  • World of Wearable Arts & Classic Cars Galleries
  • Cruise to Stevensons Island
  • Skyline Gondola & Dinner, Queenstown
  • Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise
  • Scottish Haggis Ceremony
  • Entry to Olveston House
  • Te Papa Museum
  • Explore Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
  • Visit to Greenstone (Jade) Gallery
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Explore Lake Wakatipu
  • Brief tour of Dunedin
  • Visit Moeraki Boulders
  • Church of the Good Shepherd

Other Information

Optional Extras

  •  Single Room Supplement
  • Abel Tasman Day Tour
  • Hollyford Track Walk
  • Hollyford Single Supplement 

Duration
15 Days / 14 Nights staring in Wellington & finishing in Christchurch

Departure
Please click on the Price & Date tab for departure dates.

  • All must see sightseeing activities
  • Personalised airport transfers
  • Hotel porterage
  • Dedicated Coach Captains sharing local knowledge and personal experiences
  • Travel in premium, well appointed and fully airconditioned 5 star coaches
  • Full buffet breakfast daily
  • Panoramic windows and dual entry
  • Restroom on board
  • Travel kit including bag, ticket wallet, umbrella, diary, local travel information & more
  • The finest centrally located hotels available in each destination


Seat rotation plan

When you travel on a Coach Tour your Coach Captain maintains a daily seat rotation plan to ensure you 
get to know all your travelling companions and enjoy the scenery from a different vantage point each day.

Smoking policy

All our coach tours are smoke free and are restricted to smoking during the frequent sightseeing, photographic 
and comfort stops. We request non-smoking hotel rooms for the comfort of our entire tour group. Travellers who
prefer accommodation without such limitations are asked to make their preference known when making reservations 
and again at the beginning of their tour.

Travelling Alone 
As a single traveller we give you the option of a guaranteed single room when you purchase the single supplement. 
Alternatively, as a single traveller not paying the single supplement, we will match you with another traveller on
a twin share basis of the same gender. There may be instances that there are no other single travellers on the tour 
and in these cases we will provide you with a single room at no extra cost.

Triple discount
When sharing a triple room a saving of 5% applies to your tour price. If you also require pre and post accommodation 
we have prices available on request. Please note most room configurations are double or twin in which case the third 
bed is likely to be a rollaway. We are unable to cater for 4 adults wishing to share one room. A triple discount does 
not apply to tours including the Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise.

Arrive Wellington - Wellington / Nelson - Nelson or Abel Tasman - Nelson / Hokitika - Hokitika / Franz Josef - Franz Josef / Wanaka - Wanaka / Queenstown - Queenstown - Queenstown - Queenstown / Milford Sound - Milford Sound / Dunedin - Dunedin - Dunedin / Mt Cook - Mt Cook / Christchurch - Farewell

DAY1

Arrive Wellington

Welcome to New Zealand. A Acrossnz Tours representative will greet you at the airport with transport to take you to your hotel.

Accommodation

Novotel, Wellington
DAY2

Wellington / Nelson

Enjoy a cruise on the Interislander Ferry this morning, leaving Wellington Harbour behind as you cross Cook Strait and venture into the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound, part of a collection of drowned river valleys that extend out from the tip of the South Island. This area is also home to some of the most picturesque coastal scenery in New Zealand. Arrive into Picton, a charming tiny village and a gateway to the south island before you journey onwards to reach Nelson. A town famed for its arts and crafts scene, Nelson is also the birthplace for one of New Zealand’s most popular festivals, WOW (World of Wearable Arts).
Upon arrival you will visit the fascinating and unique World of Wearable Arts and Classic Cars Museum, to find out for yourself what all the fuss is about! Witness the iconic and quirky clothing displays and marvel at the range of classic cars lovingly preserved and restored in the world class car exhibit. (B, D)

Accommodation

Grand Mercure Monaco Resort, Nelson
DAY3

Nelson or Abel Tasman

Today is at your leisure, take the time to explore the shops and art galleries which make Nelson famous. If you would like to explore a little more, your Coach Captain will happily assist with arranging activities for you. You may like to take a day tour of the Abel Tasman National Park – surround yourself with native bush, golden sandy beaches and clear blue seas for a relaxing day out. (B, D)

Accommodation

Grand Mercure Monaco Resort, Nelson
DAY4

Nelson / Hokitika

Today travel south into an untouched heartland of pristine national parks, deep moody lakes and colossal mountain ranges that extend for miles. Enjoy the stunning scenery as you journey through Buller Gorge to visit tiny Westport and the wild windswept coast near Cape Foulwind. Next pause at the iconic Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, a truly stunning landscape of crashing waves and dramatic shores. View the famous Pancake rocks themselves (weather permitting) which are unusual rock formations formed 30 million years ago from limestone and fragments of marine life. Next continue further down the West Coast to reach Hokitika where you will spend the night. This small country town is hemmed in by both the looming Southern Alps and the Tasman sea and was the centre of the lucrative 1860’s West Coast Gold Rush. Today Hokitika has receded in size from its gold rush peak, becoming a quiet and tranquil country destination filled with rich history and drenched in the lasting legacy of its past boom. Here you can stroll past restored heritage buildings dating back to the town’s foundation and view stunning windswept beaches. (B, D)

Accommodation

Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika
DAY5

Hokitika / Franz Josef

This morning you will visit a local Greenstone (Jade) factory. Here witness expert craftsmen at work cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. This jade, or as the Maori people named it, Pounamu, can only be found on the South Island of New Zealand. It is culturally important and is considered to be a taonga (treasure) that greatly increases prestige, and thus were prized possessions to be handed down between generations. Greenstone can only be found on the South island of New Zealand and Maori would often travel on extraordinary pilgrimages across the Alps to find this precious stone. Later snow-capped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass glades of dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland, heading south along the coast to reach the Glacier Region. Upon arrival into Franz Josef Glacier, there is plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face this afternoon, take a scenic flight or alternatively, you may prefer to take a relaxing soak in the indulgent Glacier Hot Pools. (B, D)

Accommodation

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
DAY6

Franz Josef / Wanaka

Today enjoy the wild coastal scenery as you pass windswept isolated beaches and drive south along this spectacular stretch of coastline to reach the Mt Aspiring National Park. Enter the dense bush and winding mountain roads of the Haast Pass and Westland National Park before finally descending out of the mountain ranges to pass the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Tonight you will stay in the picture postcard resort, Wanaka, located on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. On arrival a launch cruise will take you across the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve where you will experience an informative bush walk with refreshments. Keep an eye out for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird with boundless curiosity! (B, D)

Accommodation

Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka
DAY7

Wanaka / Queenstown

This morning you will leave Wanaka behind, travelling through an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era. After this scenic drive you will arrive into Queenstown, a popular resort nestled in a magnificent location beside Lake Wakatipu, with mountain ranges rising on every side. Tonight enjoy spectacular views across this bustling town as you ride the scenic Skyline Gondola to the summit of Bob’s Peak for a delicious fresh New Zealand buffet dinner like no other. Take in the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views from the Skyline Restaurant and enjoy a unique night out. (B, D)

Accommodation

Rydges Queenstown
DAY8

Queenstown

The next two days are at your leisure whilst in the adventure capital. You can either sit back and relax or your Coach Captain is available to assist with any optional activities you would like to do. We highly recommend you experience the Central Otago wines, you can do this as a half or full day tour. 

Accommodation

Rydges Queenstown
DAY9

Queenstown

Another great way to see Queenstown is from Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw Steamship, otherwise known as the ‘Lady of the Lake’. (B, D -Dinner on Day 9 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.)

Accommodation

Rydges Queenstown
DAY10

Queenstown / Milford Sound

Travel via the winding shores of Lake Wakatipu today as you head towards the isolated Fiordland National Park region and the shores of Lake Te Anau, a moody lake which marks the entry to the untouched forests and mountains beyond. Venture deep into the vast wilderness of Fiordland, discovering its dense forest, deep lakes and ocean flooded valleys. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach right to the roads edge and mighty snow capped peaks tower above. Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound dominated by Mitre Peak, a fjord once described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘Eighth wonder of the world’. Here you will board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise which will astound you, showcasing the awe-inspiring Sound and highlighting the colossal walls which rise in sheer cliffs to dwarf your tiny vessel – an extraordinary highlight of any New Zealand journey! (B, D)

Accommodation

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise Milford Mariner
DAY11

Milford Sound / Dunedin

Wake to absolute silence in a pristine world this morning, surrounded by isolated wilderness and spectacular vistas of extraordinary Milford Sound. If you’re lucky you may even glimpse a seal or penguin as you cruise back to shore, ready to reboard your coach and travel back along the winding Milford Road to Te Anau. Next watch as the rugged and remote mountains slowly make way to rolling lush green hills and idyllic countryside scenery as you approach the east coast of New Zealand and the “Edinburgh of the South”, Dunedin. This historic city is known for its vibrant university community as well as being home to the world’s steepest street! This evening prior to dinner, you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift! (B, D)

Accommodation

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
DAY12

Dunedin

Today is at your leisure, choose to explore the Scottish Capital of Dunedin by leisurely strolling the streets, or on one of the many optional activities available to you, such as the highly recommended journey down the beautiful Otago Peninsula for spectacular views of the coastline. Alternatively, just sit back and relax. If you decide to explore this quaint little city in your own time, make sure you check out the Chinese Gardens. Your Coach Captain is available to assist with any activities you might like to do. (B, D)

Accommodation

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
DAY13

Dunedin / Mt Cook

This morning enjoy a visit to the fascinating Olveston Historic Home for a tour of discovery, the interior being very little changed since the early 1900s. Within the house and grounds is a wealth of rare and extraordinary collections and paintings, which provides a rare insight into the life of a rich Dunedin merchant and his family during the early part of the 20th century. Next you will travel north along the coast, pausing at the unusual Moeraki Boulders and historic Oamaru with its collection of limestone heritage buildings and beautifully preserved Victorian Precinct. Head inland as you follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes and small villages before you enter the Mt Cook National Park, a region of alpine lakes and majestic soaring peaks. Travel deep into the heart of the Southern Alps to visit Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain which towers above the Mt Cook Village where you will be staying the night. (B, D)

Accommodation

Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook
DAY14

Mt Cook / Christchurch

This morning visit the Tasman Glacier where you will have an amazing up-close encounter with New Zealand’s largest glacier, taking a cruise across the milky terminal lake and enjoying an awe-inspiring backdrop of alpine scenery. The lake is dotted with icebergs of every size and the boat passes by so close you can almost touch them! Continue on your journey and arrive into stunning Tekapo to view the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, and the Collie Dog statue that both overlook the powder blue waters of Lake Tekapo itself, allowing for some spectacular photo opportunities. Travel through the MacKenzie Country, before descending onto the vast patchwork of Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch. Upon arrival enjoy a brief city and surrounds tour, allowing a deeper insight into the hardships this city has faced in recent times, but also showcasing the vibrant new sense of community spirit and hope that has emerged as Christchurch is rebuilt anew. (B, D)

Accommodation

Quest, Christchurch
DAY15

Farewell

Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to join your flight home. (B)

Tour Starts Tour Ends Tour Status Normal Rate Acrossnz Discount Rate
Thu 07 Mar 2019 Thu 21 Mar 2019 FULLY BOOKEDNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 04 Apr 2019 Thu 18 Apr 2019 GUARANTEEDNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 24 Oct 2019 Thu 07 Nov 2019 OPENNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 21 Nov 2019 Thu 05 Dec 2019 GUARANTEEDNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 19 Dec 2019 Thu 02 Jan 2020 GUARANTEEDNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 02 Jan 2020 Thu 16 Jan 2020 GUARANTEEDNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 16 Jan 2020 Thu 30 Jan 2020 GUARANTEEDNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 23 Jan 2020 Thu 06 Feb 2020 OPENNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 06 Feb 2020 Thu 20 Feb 2020 GUARANTEEDNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 20 Feb 2020 Thu 05 Mar 2020 GUARANTEEDNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 05 Mar 2020 Thu 19 Mar 2020 GUARANTEEDNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00
Thu 02 Apr 2020 Thu 16 Apr 2020 GUARANTEEDNZ $5,095.00NZ $4,840.00

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