Day 1: Christchurch to Blenheim via Lochmara

Haere Mai and Welcome! Prepare for an early start this morning, as you make your way to the Christchurch Train station for 6.30am. Here you’ll jump on board the magnificent Coastal Pacific and journey up to the top of the South Island in luxury, soaking up the gorgeous scenery en-route. Arriving in the picturesque seaside town of Picton, you’ll take a water taxi to Lochmara Lodge. The lodge is nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, which make up 25% of New Zealand’s coastline. Enjoy a walk around the beautiful surrounding area and a fully guided tour around the Underwater Observatory where you can feed stingrays and get up close to our NZ marine life in the seaside touch tank. We’ll then head to our accommodation for the evening, Chateau Marlborough, where you can enjoy a delicious group dinner.

Inclusions:

Visit: Picton, Lochmara Lodge, Marlborough Sounds
Stay: Chateau Marlborough
Activity: Coastal Pacific Train
Meals: Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Day 2:Blenheim to Nelson

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a guided tour around the Omaka Museum and relive the magical early days of aviation. The museum has had influence and support from Peter Jacskon and is an absolute must-see! Arriving at our destination mid-afternoon, the coach will take you on a scenic drive along the seaside. This evening there’s plenty of time to relax, explore the area and the option to taste some of Nelson’s fine local beverages.

Inclusions:

Visit: Picton, Nelson
Stay: Hotel Nelson
Activity: Omaka Museum
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park

Travel to the seaside resort town of Kaiteriteri and spend the morning cruising the stunning Abel Tasman National Park - a coastal paradise known for its golden sand beaches. See the iconic Split Apple Rock and call in to the most popular beaches along the coastline as you sail up to Totaranui and back. This afternoon we’ll take the scenic route back to Nelson before arriving back in Nelson mid afternoon.

Inclusions:

Visit: Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman National Park, Totaranui Beach
Stay: Hotel Nelson
Activity: Abel Tasman National Park Vista Cruise
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Nelson to Karamea

This morning we’ll travel through the Buller Gorge, home of New Zealand’s longest swing bridge. We’ll stop off at Westport, where we’ll have lunch before heading to Karamea, right at the northern end of the west coast of the South Island. You won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the views of the Tasman coast, river valleys, lush rainforest and untouched mountain ranges. Tonight we’ll stay at the Last Resort, a locally-owned, secluded eco lodge right on the coast and completely off the beaten track.

Inclusions:

Visit: Murchison, Buller Gorge, Westport, Karamea
Stay: Last Resort Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Karamea to Christchurch via Greymouth

Gaze at untamed beaches and spectacular rainforest as we drive down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast. We’ll stop at Cape Foulwind to visit the fur seal breeding colony before stopping shortly after at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes to take a walk around these fascinating geological formations. We’ll then drive through to Greymouth, a historic town known for jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. Here you’ll catch the TranzAlpine train. Considered to be one of the world’s greatest train journeys, prepare to be blown away by these epic vistas of forests, plains and mountains as you travel through to Christchurch, the last stop of your tour. We hope you leave with many happy memories of your trip with us.

Inclusions:

Visit: Cape Foulwind, Punakaiki, Greymouth
Activity: TranzAlpine train
Meals: Breakfast

Package Inclusions:

Tour Guide
Small Group Tour
4 nights accommodation
4 Breakfasts, 1 Afternoon Tea, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
Coastal Pacific Train Ticket
TranzAlpine Train Ticket
Omaka Museum Guided Tour
Abel Tasman National Park Vista Cruise
Visit the Cape Foulwind seal colony
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes walk

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