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Top of the South
Top of the South
Where Scenic Wonders and Coastal Charm Meet
Prices From
$4,195NZD
per person twin share
Travel Dates
Depart: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Return: Tue 05 May 2026
Duration: 8 days
Enquire Now
Kiwis enjoy nothing more than sitting back in comfort and watching the world go by – in this case, the picturesque Top of the South Island in the Autumn.
Experience two memorable train journeys – The Tranz Alpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch and the Coastal Pacific from Christchurch to Blenheim on our private charter train.
Highlights include: • A tranquil Marlborough Sounds cruise • Picturesque Kaikoura Coast • Scenic Southern Alps • Wild West Coast • Buller Gorge Hinterland • Punakaiki Rocks • Marlborough Vineyard Lunch • the Abel Tasman Coast line
Train carriages are comfortably equipped with full on-board facilities and spectacular viewing through panoramic windows, offering uninterrupted views not seen when travelling by road. Travelling by rail, coach and launch allows you to become part of the fabulous scenery. Your tour escort will ensure your nine-day tour is relaxing, fun and memorable. Each night we stay in comfortable hotels where all guest rooms have their own private facilities.Daily breakfasts, most lunches and many dinners are included on tour.We look forward to welcoming you on our exclusive ‘Top of the South’ rail tour.
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Coastal Pacific -
Split Apple Rock
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Tranz Alpine
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Abel Tasman
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Coastal Pacific
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Pancake Rocks
Your travel itinerary
Monday 27 April
Auckland – Nelson
Dinner
Fly with Air New Zealand to Nelson for a two night stay. On arrival there is time to relax or explore the town before a Welcome Dinner tonight.
Tuesday 28 April
Sightseeing Day
Breakfast
Lunch
Our tour of the region includes travelling to Motueka and the seaside village of Kaiteriteri with its picturesque golden sands. Board the scenic cruise along the Abel Tasman National Park coastline to Totaranui, passing Split Apple Rock on the way and return to Kaiteriteri. Lunch is served on board. Return to Nelson by coach with scenic attractions along the way.
Wednesday 29 April
Nelson – Hokitika
Breakfast
Dinner
After breakfast depart by coach for Murchison and the Buller Gorge, continue on the scenic drive down the West Coast, stopping off at the nationally-acclaimed Punakaiki Rocks. If possible a brief visit to the former Brunner Mine site, scene of New Zealand’s worst mining disaster in 1896. Arriving at Hokitika for a one-night stay.
Punakaiki - This small West Coast community is a popular tourist attraction with its limestone Pancake shaped rocks and blowholes that produce spectacular water formations.
Buller Gorge - The scenic drive through gorges and dense forest follows the Buller River towards its source – Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes, passing through the iconic towns of Murchison and Inungahua on the way to Nelson.
Thursday 30 April
Hokitika – Christchurch
Breakfast
Dinner
After breakfast we have time to explore the town of Hokitika before continuing on to Greymouth. We will have some time before boarding the Tranz Alpine Express to traverse the spectacular Southern Alps. On arrival we transfer to an inner city hotel for a two night stay.
Friday 01 May
Christchurch
Breakfast
This morning we have a walking tour of Christchurch before the rest of the day is yours to explore the city.
Saturday 02 May
Christchurch – Blenheim
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
This morning board our private charter train on the Coastal Pacific route along the coastline through North Canterbury and Kaikoura to Blenheim. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for a two night stay. Enjoy free time this afternoon.
Sunday 03 May
Blenheim
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
After breakfast we depart for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre to explore this unique exhibition before enjoying a relaxing lunch at a prestigious local vineyard.
Monday 04 May
Blenheim - Picton
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Today starts with a drive to Picton, where we then take a commentated boat cruise in the Marlborough Sounds with lunch at Furneaux Lodge before returning to our Blenheim base. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Tuesday 05 May
Blenheim– Auckland
Breakfast
Transfer to Blenheim airport for your return flight to Auckland* (or other destinations please ask).
Inclusions
- Return Air New Zealand flights Auckland – Nelson // Blenheim - Auckland (other main centres please ask)
- Coastal Pacific Route by exclusive charter train
- Tranz Alpine Train
- Cruise the Abel Tasman coastline
- Eight nights’ hotel accommodation
- Marlborough Sounds Boat Cruise with lunch at Furneaux Lodge
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
- Lunch at a local vineyard in Blenheim
- Cooked breakfast daily
- Four lunches and six dinners
- All sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
- Commentaries provided by your drivers and local guides
- Comfortable air-conditioned coaches with panoramic windows
- All transfers
- Pukekohe Travel Escort subject to 15 passengers travelling
Cost
|
Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
|---|---|---|
|
$4,295 |
$5,195 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
Exclusions
- Cancellation insurance
- Items of a personal nature
Booking Conditions
- A non-refundable deposit of $400 per person will secure a place on the tour.
- FULL PAYMENT is due no later than 09 March 2026
- Bookings made after 09 March 2026 will require full payment.
Cancellations
- Deposit – non refundable
- After 09 March 2026– no refund
- All cancellation charges are on a per person basis.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend all clients purchase travel insurance to protect against cancellations, lost items, and delays that could lead to unexpected costs. Please ask us for a quote.
Coastal Pacific and Tranz Alpine train journeys
These two world-renowned train routes travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. Rocky coastlines, picturesque sea views, agricultural farmland, the rugged Southern Alps and historical towns all make the journey a wonderful experience.
Health and Mobility
- At times, entering and exiting the train can be very demanding for those with limited mobility.
- A good standard of health and fitness is required and clients should be independently mobile. Mobility frames or wheelchairs are not practical or permitted.
- We expect you will arrive on tour fit, healthy and ready to travel.
Terms and Conditions
For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change
Prices From
$4,195NZD
per person twin share
Travel Dates
- Depart: Mon 27 Apr 2026
- Return: Tue 05 May 2026
- Duration: 8 days
