Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch to Picton

We leave Christchurch this morning for a scenic drive to the port town of Picton with a stop to view a seal colony on the way. In the afternoon you have time to do the stunning Queen Charlotte Sounds Walk at the top of the South Island (No meals).

Day 2: Picton to Abel Tasman

You have the morning at leisure to just relax or explore Picton further on foot or mountain bike before we head through to Marahau. We stop for a wine tour of New Zealand’s premier wine region world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. After tantalising our tastebuds we head across to Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand, then out to the Tasman region for the picturesque beaches and bays of the Abel Tasman National Park. We stay in our exclusive campsite, with cabins located adjacent to the national park. Dinner tonight includes a taste of the local seafood (B,D).

Day 3: Full day in Abel Tasman

An entire day to explore the Abel Tasman National Park. We have included a boat transfer out of the park so you can walk this famous coastal track, incorporating some of the world’s best beaches. Your guide will take you on a walk varying in length from 2 to 3.5 hours. You can upgrade to one of the other great options available to explore this fabulous area including sea kayaking or sailing. Any way that you explore it you will be amazed by this stunning region. We self-cater tonight with BBQ facilities available and stay again at our exclusive campsite right beside the National Park (B).

Day 4: Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs

Today we set off early and head deep into the interior of the upper South Island passing through two more national parks enroute to the tranquillity of Hanmer Springs. The Kahurangi and Nelson national parks boast fabulous scenery and some great small hikes with craggy mountain ranges draped with beech forest to the lake’s edge. We then head for our first alpine pass to cross the main divide through the steep mountains, gorges, waterfalls, and trees, stopping in a number of places along the way to take it all in. We arrive in the afternoon to give you time to soak in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs. We go for a group meal tonight (D).

Day 5: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch via Kaikoura

The day begins with a small drive to the coast to head north for Kaikoura, a stop that offers a sanctuary of marine life in a concentration unmatched anywhere in New Zealand. Regardless of what you elect to do you will encounter marine life in many forms. Seals, dolphins, whales or the king of the skies, the Royal Albatross are all available to see. After a five hour stop to give you time to do even the longest of options we express south to Christchurch, the largest South Island city (B).