November
Friday 19 Blenheim – Awatere Valley D
Meet in Blenheim airport around 1 pm with a pick up at Seymour Square before travelling on to Ugbrooke Country Estate for an overnight stay with time to explore the garden, swim and enjoy the beautiful country setting. Complimentary glass of Awatere wine and dinner is included
Saturday 20 Awatere Valley – Hanmer B L D
We continue into the remote high country with morning tea at a historic station and on to the legendary Molesworth Station to soak up the atmosphere, hear tales of the past and breathe in the mountain air. Continue the impressive drive to Hanmer Springs in time to enjoy a soak in the pools before dinner
Sunday 21 Hanmer B L
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Waipara to sample some of the well-known Mud House wines followed by lunch. We then embark on the historic 12.8 km rural railway journey through the unique limestone countryside and vineyards, before returning to Hanmer
Monday 22 Hanmer – Nelson District B L D
Journey to the remote and beautiful Lake Tennyson region and through the beech forests of the Rainbow Valley. Enjoy a picnic lunch at New Zealand’s highest saddle before arriving for an overnight stay and dinner at Top House in the Nelson Lake District
Tuesday 23 Top House – Collingwood B D
We travel to the coastal town of Mapua for lunch at the Old Wharf (own expense) before continuing along the Abel Tasman National Park to Kaiteriteri. Depart by catamaran, cruising the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline to Totoranui to meet the vans and travel to Beachcomer Motel in Collingwood for a two night stay
Wednesday 24 Farewell Spit and Gannet Colony B L D
After lunch travel to Cape Farewell, the most northerly point of the South Island. See spectacular cliff top views, the historic old lighthouse, inter-tidal plains before the two km walk to the Gannet Colony.
Up to 20,000 Godwits, Knots, Boobies, northern migratory birds and NZ natives inhabit the colony. Cameras and binoculars are a must.
Return to Collingwood for a late dinner
Thursday 25 Collingwood – Nelson B
After breakfast return to Nelson, stopping at Takaka for morning tea and later at Pupu Springs – with the reputation of having the cleanest water in the world. Today also includes salmon fishing with the opportunity to eat the catch for lunch.
Arrive in time for departing flights, no earlier than 5pm – or extend your stay in Nelson and the South island