Top of the South

Day 1

Dinner

We make our way south by train on the Northern Explorer to Wellington where we pick up the coach and stay overnight.

Day 2

Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we take the Interislander over the Cook Strait to Picton in the beautiful South Island. Here, we have a free afternoon. We stay the night in Picton.

Day 3

Breakfast, Dinner

A nice relaxing morning as we take a cruise around Queen Charlotte Sound. Following a lunch break, we see the sights of Picton before taking the very scenic Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock for our overnight stop.

Day 4

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we take a drive along the unique French Pass Road. The drive is spectacular and has been rated by visitors as providing some of the most scenic views in the country. On arrival at French Pass, we meet our local guide who will take you on an amazing tour which includes a boat ride through the Pass and we also see fantastic views of the historic D’Urville Island. This is followed by a delicious lunch. We continue to Nelson where we spend the next two nights.

Day 5

Breakfast, Dinner

We start the day today with a guided tour of Nelson. Following lunch, we visit the famous World of Wearable Art Museum and then on to the Höglund Art Glass Studio. On our return to Nelson, you have some spare time to relax, take a walk or enjoy some retail therapy.

Day 6

Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we make our way through Motueka to the natural beauty of Kaiteriteri Beach where we join the boat for a splendid cruise along the stunning coastline of Abel Tasman National Park to Totaranui. Our day continues with an impressive drive and hopefully, some wonderful views over the Takaka Hill to Takaka in Golden Bay where we visit the Anatoki Salmon Farm for lunch. Afterwards, we drive to our accommodation in Takaka for the next 2 nights.

Day 7

Breakfast, Dinner

An early start today, we travel along the Golden Bay coast to Collingwood and join a local operator for an exciting 4WD trip to the northern most point of the South Island, Farewell Spit. With abundant wildlife and spectacular views this is a very special tour. After the tour, we have lunch in the famous Collingwood Tavern before making our way back to Takaka.

Day 8

Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we head off to visit Te Waikoropupū Springs which has the clearest water in the world. We will have lunch in Motueka and later visit the beautiful Nelson Lakes and St. Arnaud before completing our day in Blenheim where we stay for the next 2 nights.

Day 9

Breakfast, Dinner

An easy day enjoying the local sights around Blenheim including the fascinating, educational and inspiring museum at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, some wine tasting at Brancott Estate Wines and finishing off with a visit to Makana Chocolate Factory.

Day 10

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we set off on our guided tour through the Awatere Valley and iconic Molesworth Station, New Zealand’s largest farm park. This really is a special day with your guide providing a great insight into life in this remote area. We stay overnight in Hanmer Springs.

Day 11

Breakfast, Dinner

Our last leg today as we make our way to Christchurch for a look around including a bus tour through the Red Zone. We will stay in Christchurch tonight.

Day 12

Breakfast

We head to Christchurch Airport for our flight home to Auckland.