Auckland - Hokitika -
Punakaiki (D)
On
arrival at Auckland airport you will be met by our representative and assisted
in connecting with your domestic flight. Complimentary shuttles are provided
between the International and Domestic terminals.
On arrival at Hokitika you will be met by your driver. Journey the short distance to Greymouth through extensive farming and mining districts. Forty three kilometres north of Greymouth, you will find an outstanding natural attraction known as the Pancake Rocks, and your hotel at Punakaiki.
The rocks consist of eroded limestone rocks which have the appearance of a pile of pancakes. It is an easy walk from the road through attractive bush before reaching the rocks and the associated blowholes. There is a very good view of the coast from the rocks, and with a westerly gale blowing, the sight is spectacular.
Stay:
Punakaiki Rocks Hotel
Punakaiki
- Wesport - Punakaiki (BD)
Journey northwards to Wesport. Near where the mighty Buller River meets the sea is the relaxed lifestyle port town of Westport, the largest centre of the Northern West Coast with a population of about 6,000. The town has a friendly atmosphere and you’re assured of a warm welcome. Westport Harbour, adjacent to the town, offers a sheltered haven to fishing vessels and provides handling facilities for cargo vessels, bulk carriers and barges.
Afterwards
wend your way back to Punakaiki. Nature abounds at the Cape Foulwind seal
breeding colony. The coastal walkway offers views of the magnificent West Coast
sunsets.
Stay:
Punakaiki Rocks Hotel
Punakai - Wesport - Hanmer Springs (BD)
OPTION Feb: Buller Marathon and Half Marathon
Depart early and return to Wesport. Report to Victoria Square, check-in and board the Buller Marathon bus that will take you to race start - Good luck!
New Zealand's most scenic marathon course commences at Hawkes Crag and heads up the gorge to a turning point near Berlins Hotel. Then back down the scenic, undulating Buller Gorge Highway to a finish at Victoria Square, Westport.
The half marathon is a one-way run starting near the Ohika-iti River Bridge and also finishing at Victoria Square.
The after race function will be held in a large marquee erected on Victoria Square. A continuous smorgasbord luncheon is available at the Square from 11am until approximately 4pm.
Afterwards reboard your coach and journey through many small settlements to Springs Junction. Traverse the Lewis Pass to the thermal resort of Hanmer Springs.
The South Island's principal thermal resort, Hanmer Springs, is a must-see nestled in the outlying spurs of the Southern Alps. It is surrounded by vast indigenous and exotic forests covering 17,000 hectares and the township is a fine base for walks of varying degrees of difficulty.
A therapeutic sports massage and entrance is included at the Hanmer Thermal Pool complex. Enjoy natural relaxation in the many thermal mineral pools whilst surrounded by native landscaping. The variety of thermal pools includes sulphur and rock pools and range in temperature from approximately 36 - 42 degrees Celsius.
This evening enjoy a light BBQ meal at the Garden House Café - located within the Hanmer Pool complex.
Stay:
Heritage Hanmer Springs
At
Hanmer Springs (B)
Today
is at leisure and Hanmer offers a rich variety of adventure experiences and
relaxation. Your choices include mountain biking, horse trekking, golf, an
exciting jetboat ride, a river rafting adventure (grade 2-3 depending on
seasonal flow) or you might like to try bungy-jumping from the Waiau Gorge. At the end of the day you can soak in the outdoor
thermal pools - perhaps choose a small rockery pool fringed with plantings and
at a water temperature that suits you! (entrance included).
Tonight dinner is on your own arrangements - you may like to dine at your hotel or peruse the many trendy café’s and restaurants located nearby
Stay:
Heritage Hanmer Springs
Hanmer
Springs - Kaikoura - Blenheim (BLD)
From
Hanmer Springs it’s a short trek to the seaside settlement of Kaikoura.
Kaikoura received it’s name from an early Maori explorer and translates as kai
(to eat) and koura (crayfish). Today Kaikoura maintains its fishing heritage.
The ocean’s continental shelf is very close to shore with an abundance of over
two hundred species of marine life. The sights are truly unique - hundreds of
fur seals sunbathing on the rocky shore, spectacular leaping dolphins and the
most awesome of mammals, the sperm whale.
Meet these giant sperm whales off the coast of Kaikoura on your Whalewatch cruise. Wonder at the strength and beauty of these gentle mammals. You may also have the chance to see Dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins, albatross and New Zealand seals.
After your cruise stop at the Mussel Boy's Café for lunch - a must for any seafood fan. Their menu is always fresh and features a variety of specialty mussel dishes and other delicious seafood choices plus vegetarian meal options. Enjoy a pot of their famous "Steamers" or grilled "Flats", with the freshest seasonal ingredients available, mopped up with freshly baked bread.
Depart Kaikoura and journey north along the Kaikoura Coast. Enjoy the panoramic sea views before turning inland to the hilly sheep country around the provincial capital of the Marlborough region - Blenheim.
Blenheim is Marlborough's largest town situated on the historic Wairau Plain, which in 1843 was the scene of bloody warfare between the Maori leader, Te Rauparaha and early settlers over the purchase of land. By 1858, settlers named the region, Marlborough and the settlement, Blenheim, in honour of the first Duke of Marlborough and his most famous victory at Blenheim in 1704. Riverland’s Cob Cottage, a few kilometres south of Blenheim, is a restored pioneer cottage typical of the colonial era with mud-walls and shingle roof.
Today orchards, vineyards and horticultural products benefit from the sunny climate. The country's most extensive area of grapes is planted in the Wairau Valley and has earned international acclaim. Marlborough is definitely a wine and gourmet paradise.
Tonight
Montana’s Brancott Winery team have designed a unique wine and food experience
that combines fun-filled wine education with fine dining. Chef Julie’s
“Moveable Feast” is a highly entertaining evening with a guided journey through
the winery - including the cellar door, barrel hall, the cosy Brancott Lounge
and the famous Tower Room amongst many. With each course and stop enjoy a glass
of New Zealand wine specifically chosen to compliment the excellent cuisine.
Stay:
Hotel D’Urville
At
Blenheim (BLD)
Today
explore the Wairau Valley and some of the many wine and gourmet delights that
this area has to offer. Your tour starts with a visit to the Prenzel Mudhouse
tasting room. The Prenzel Distilling Company
Ltd is a fruit distillery based in Marlborough producing a wide range of
dry fruit brandies, liquers, flavoured olive oils as well as some brandied
fruits and alcoholic concentrates. Right next door is the Quilter’s Barn with a
wide range of crafts and products for sale.
Next visit two very different wineries - one a popular, large commercial producer, the other a smaller more boutique operation with an organic vineyard and olive grove. A picnic lunch is included amongst the vines before continuing your journey along the valley to a lavendar and craft cottage. Enjoy a soothing therapeutic footbath, a stroll through the lavendar garden and view some superb local crafts.
At Ormond Aquaculture see organic freshwater salmon and koura (freshwater crayfish) being raised and view sheep milking at River Terrace Farm Dairy - including a taste of their handmade sheep’s cheese.
Tonight
there is a cooking demonstration using some of the local fresh produce you’ve
seen today. “Cook's Discovery” is a new concept in cooking schools and is
located at your hotel - its very “hand’s on” and all over a glass or two of
Marlborough’s famous wines. Afterwards you’re seated in Hotel d'Urville’s
restaurant for an evening meal of degustation delight.
Stay: Hotel D’Urville
Blenheim
- Nelson - Motueka - Torrent Bay (BLD)
Depart
Blenheim and cross the Wairau River to Pelorus Bridge, surrounded by beautiful
bush. From here the road is hilly and sweeps up and over the Rai Saddle and
Whangamoa Hill before running down to Tasman Bay. As you follow the coast to the city, the boulder bank,
Nelson's natural breakwater, may be seen at a distance off-shore. Continue
through Nelson to Motueka.
After checking in at the Motueka office and re-organising your luggage journey to Kaiteriteri. Your guide will settle you into your kayaks for a full training session. You do not leave the beach until your guide is satisfied you can safely negotiate the coast in your kayak.
Paddling along the coast, discover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Du'mont Durville in 1827. Stop for lunch at any one of the bays, then continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge.
Torrent Bay - Awaroa (BLD)
Leave Torrent Bay for a morning of beach hopping up the coast, taking in points of interest: Falls River and Frenchman’s Bay. Midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay and take time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand. If conditions allow, visit the seal colony at Tonga Island and other sites of historical and scenic interest. Leave Sea Kayaks at Onetahuti and walk over the Tonga Saddle to Homestead Lodge - Awaroa.
Awaroa - Totaranui -
Motueka - Nelson (BLD)
Cross the Awaroa estuary, and be introduced to its fascinating history. Walk through the northern forests of the park with magnificent specimens of Nikau Palm and Rata. At Totaranui, join our comfortable launch to cruise the coastline, you have just explored by kayak. Hot drinks, covered or open decks and bathroom facilities are available on board. A coach meets you to return to Motueka.
Note: the direction of the 3 Day Guided Kayak Trekking Trip will be reversed on some departures.
On arrival back at Motueka retrace your steps to Nelson.
Dinner is included at the Smokehouse Restaurant in Mapua enroute. The Smokehouse is a unique cafe and smokehouse utilising the freshest and best local seafood and produce. The menu is based on fish, mussels and vegetables delicately hot smoked onsite using a traditional brick kiln and natural manuka shavings
Stay:
Cathedral Inn
At Nelson (BD)
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nelson City. Visit the World or Wearable Art and Collectable Cars. The World of Wearable Art gallery showcases the historic Wearable Art Garment collection - where art is taken off the wall to adorn the body in wild and wonderful ways. Previously, these Wearable Art garments were only showcased on stage in Nelson during the Annual Awards Show or on temporary display at museums and art galleries around New Zealand. The Collectable Car gallery presents an enviable range of collectable cars - but this is no ordinary car gallery. It has elements of surprise, engaging visitors through sight sound and humour.
Next visit Hoglund Art Glass. Hoglund Art Glass is more than just glass blowing. Firstly it is a mesmerising experience watching the blowers create beautiful pieces some of which take forty hours to create. As well as watching glass blowing you can browse in the shop that sells the glassware and other local arts and crafts, have a coffee and cake in the café or sitting outside whilst listening to classical music and enjoying the garden where peacocks roam freely.
Return to Cathedral Inn where the rest of your afternoon is at leisure.
This
evening transfer to a popular local restaurant for a farewell dinner - a chance
to reminisce about your New Zealand experience and farewell new found friends.
Stay:
Cathedral Inn
Depart Nelson (B)
Time is at leisure until you are transferred to Nelson airport in time to connect with your departure flight.
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