The Nelson region, which shares its name with the city, is an undiscovered gem. It is blessed with one of the country’s sunniest climates, arguably its finest golden beaches, and boasts not one, but three national parks on its doorstep. On top of that, it’s a hub for independent artisans, a centre of craft beer culture, and boasts a burgeoning wine producing region.
Take time to explore the delights of New Zealand’s South Island, sampling local produce, taking yacht excursions on the spectacular Marlborough Sound, seeing local and endemic wildlife, and soaring above the stunning coastline and mountain ranges.
Highlights
- Visit local vineyards & sample wines and farm-to-table delights
- Learn about ingredients on a fun cooking day
- Take a light aircraft flight to view whales & the dramatic landscapes below
- Wander lake & ocean shorelines
- Take to the water for a sight-seeing lunch tour
- Hire your own vehicle for regional explorations
- Enjoy relaxed walks & glacier excursions by boat
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival – Aukland
On arrival at Auckland International Airport you will be met by a representative who will transfer you by private vehicle to the domestic airport for the short flight to Nelson.
On arrival at Nelson Airport you will be met by your private driver and vehicle and transferred to your accommodation for your first three days, Pihopa Retreat.
DAY 2
Kaiterteri Cruise
After a scenic drive, you will be transferred to Kaiteriteri to meet your guide who will take you into the heart of the acclaimed Abel Tasman National Park.
Board a catamaran for a sailing tour alongthe spectacular coastline, passing by the iconic Split Apple Rock. Take in the golden beaches and bays, islands and birdsong before arriving at Anchorage.
Here you will disembark and commence a stunning nature walk, making your way to Marahau. Stroll Along through native bush and spectacular coastal scenery, before enjoying picnic lunch.
DAYS 3
Kahurangi Cycle Tour
Enjoy a leisurely full-day cycling excursion around the Nelson region.
Explore the Great Taste Trail and experience the tranquility of the countryside, hop gardens, vineyards, orchards, and majestic rivers under the stunning backdrop of Kahurangi National Park. You will have the opportunity to stop and visit some of the areas wineries, artisan studios, and galleries, and relnish with a picnic or café lunch.
DAY 4
Transfer to Waiharakeke
Depart the sunny shores of Nelson and climb over the pine-covered northern vestiges of the Southern Alps. Descending the other side, you have the option to take the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive for spectacular views of the many coves and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds, or take the more direct route south. Both routes converge in the world-renowned Marlborough wine region, with its dozens of vineyards and cellar doors to tempt you.
DAY 5
Marlborough Winery Tour & Sailing Picnic
This morning you will be met at your accommodation for a small group tour of the region. You will experience both Marlborough’s acclaimed wineries and the scenic Marlborough Sounds today.
Your tour will begin in the heart of the Marlborough wine region where you will visit two wineries. Your guide has strong relationships with a number of boutique and iconic wineries so you can hear about their history, taste a stunning range of wines and meet the people who know wine best and love sharing their passion with you.
Enjoy a barbecue lunch as you board a catamaran for your relaxing afternoon cruise on the calm waters of the stunning Marlborough Sounds, the breathtaking views accompanied by fresh local seafood and Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
DAY 6
Transfer to Kaikoura
Today make the short trip from Blenheim to Kaikoura.
Travel over the vineyard-clad hills of Marlborough before reaching the east coast and winding your way around the rocky shoreline to arrive in Kaikoura.
DAY 7
Whale Watching by Air
Take to the skies a scenic flight to view the whales of Kaikoura. Kaikoura is home to incredible wildlife including a year-round population of sperm whales and dusky dolphins, as well as migratory species such as blue and humpback whales, and orca.
Whale watching by aeroplane offers a unique perspective and the opportunity to view whales and dolphins in their natural environment. From the air, passengers can experience the true magnitude of the world’s largest mammal. Your flight takes you over the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges, towering over 8,200 feet (2,500m) straight out of the Pacific Ocean.
Enjoy a half-day small-group cooking experience. At its heart, Hapuku Kitchen focuses on reconnecting the kitchen to the land and sea, celebrating the abundant larder nature has to offer, taking inspiration from the wild Kaikōura landscape. The Hapuku Kitchen team will invite you into their stunning home, located between the soaring peaks of the Kaikōura mountains and the wild Pacific coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, for a culinary adventure that celebrates the season. After the tour, relax and enjoy a seasonal long lunch featuring the very best ingredients caught and foraged from the region.
DAY 8
A Scenic Transfer
Today you will continue your journey south from Kaikoura to the city of Christchurch.
Start your journey by tracing the rugged shoreline around Kaikoura with its many rocky beaches and rough surf. Travel over the Hunderlee Ranges and descend down onto the vast Canterbury Plains, with the opportunity to visit the small wine region of Waipara before entering Christchurch.
DAY 9
Canterbury Plains & MacKenzie COuntry
Take the Inland Scenic Route as you head towards the mountains across the vast Canterbury Plains, New Zealand’s largest farming region. Pass through many small farming communities as you climb the foothills towards the Mackenzie Country. As you arrive in the high country, huge barren landscapes bordered by the soaring Southern Alps and dotted with aqua-blue lakes await you.
DAY 10
The Dark Skies of Aoraki
Today drive to a (approximately a 45 minute drive).
Join a shared shuttle to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for an excursion to the Tasman Glacier. Take the short walk to the shores of Lake Tasman, where you will board a water craft for an hour-long adventure exploring the lake, glacier and icebergs. Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer are readily accessible to travelers. By boat, you will explore the huge dripping ice face of New Zealand’s largest glacier. Watch and listen to the ice cracking and melting before your eyes in this tranquil glacial lake nestled in the Southern Alps. Guides provide a comprehensive commentary on the mechanics of the Tasman Glacier, disclosing facets of glaciation, terminal lake formation, plate tectonics, local and climbing history.
Following your excursion, take time to explore the rest of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park or return to your accommodation.
This evening, enjoy a stargazing experience at your lodge’s very own Night Sky Arena. Snuggle up under warm woolen blankets on a reclining chair and enjoy complimentary hot mulled wine, chocolate, tea, or coffee as you embark on a guided tour of one of the world’s best Dark Sky Reserves. Your guide will point out all the highlights of the southern sky with a special high-powered laser pointer, teaching you how to navigate using the stars and sharing interesting cultural stories and facts.
DAY 11
Adventure Awaits
Continue your journey south today from the Mackenzie Country to the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, Queenstown.
Start the day early and have the opportunity to take the detour to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Continue on over the dramatic Lindis Pass into Central Otago. Another detour opportunity awaits, this time the small resort town of Wanaka, often compared to Queenstown ‘before the tourists’. Drive up over the Crown Range Road, New Zealand’s highest road, and take in the spectacular views as you descend the other side into Queenstown.
DAY 12
Milford Sound Flight
Enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound viewing hanging valleys, alpine lakes, and cloud-piercing summits.
After landing you will join a guided nature cruise on which you will view plant and wildlife. You may have the opportunity to see seals, birds, rare dolphins, and penguins. Be amazed by the size and grandeur of the fiord’s cliff faces rising hundreds of metres out of the water.
Enjoy morning tea on board the cruise before taking the scenic flight back to Queenstown.
DAY 13
Jet Boating Through Mt Aspiring National Park
Experience the exhilarating thrill of a wilderness jet boat excursion.
Board your jetboat for a journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mount Aspiring National Park, where myth, heritage and fantasy come to life. You’ll experience a unique combination of breath-taking scenery and an exhilarating jet boat ride as you travel up the weaving, glacier-fed rivers. Your guides give you an authentic touch, sharing the rich history of the Greenstone Trail and countless Maori legends. Time and conditions permitting, the guide will stop the boat so that you may enjoy a brief walk ashore.
DAY 14
Departure
Waving goodbye to the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown, you will be transported by private vehicle to Aukland International Airport for your return home.