High Country and Farewell Spit

Friday 15 November

Meet Molesworth Tours at Blenheim airport or Seymour Square in the town centre before 1pm. Our first stop will be a winery for lunch and tasting before a guided tour of the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre.
Arrive at your Blenheim accommodation with time to relax or explore the town before a Welcome Dinner.

Saturday 16 November

Travel through the remote high country, stopping at a historic station for morning tea. Continue on to the legendary Molesworth Station for lunch 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 17 November

After a leisurely start, drive to Hawarden in North Canterbury to Flaxmere Gardens, 300m above sea level on a terraced river bed close to the Southern Alps. Wander through the gardens and enjoy a special lunch at the house.

Return to Hanmer in time for another soak in the pools, shopping or just relax

Monday 18 November

After breakfast travel to Waipara for a steam train ride on the Weka Pass Railway.
Continue through Lewis Pass and Murchison before arriving in St Arnaud for an overnight stay and dinner.

Tuesday 19 November

Travel via the picturesque Motueka Valley to the Abel Tasman National Park and Kaiteriteri.
Depart by catamaran, cruising the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline to Totoranui to meet the coach and travel to Collingwood for a two night stay.

Wednesday 20 November

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a mid-morning tour in a specially-modified vehicle to Farewell Spit. See Cape Farewell, the most northerly point of the South Island, spectacular cliff top views, the historic old lighthouse, inter-tidal plains before the two km walk to the Gannet Colony. A lighthouse picnic lunch is included.
Return to Collingwood late afternoon.

Up to 20,000 Godwits, Knots, Boobies, northern migratory birds and NZ natives inhabit the colony. Cameras and binoculars are a must.

Thursday 21 November

After breakfast visit Pupu Springs, with the reputation of having the cleanest water in the world. Continue to Takaka for morning tea and enjoy optional salmon fishing at Anatoki, with the opportunity to eat the catch or have it vacuum packed to take home. Continue to Nelson in time for departing flights – or extend your stay in Nelson and the South Island.