High Country and Farewell Spit

Tuesday 23 March

Morning flight to Blenheim where you will meet  South Island Tours NZ. The first stop will be a Marlborough winery for lunch and wine tasting before a guided tour of the world class Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre. Arriving at your central Blenheim accommodation you will have time to relax or explore the town before a Weclome Dinner tonight. 

Wednesday 24 March

After breakfast, we journey into the remote Marlborough high country, with morning tea at an historic station and travel 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.

Thursday 25 March

After a leisurely start, we travel to the riverside town of Kaiapoi in North Canterbury to enjoy a river cruise and lunch onboard the Kaiapoi River Queen before returning to Hanmer with free time for another soak in the pools, shop_ping or just relax.

Friday 26 March

After breakfast we depart at 9.00 to travel to Hawarden in North Canterbury to visit ‘Flaxmere Gardens’, 300m above sea level on a terraced riverbed close to the Southern Alps. Wander through the gardens and enjoy lunch. We then journey through the Lewis Pass to the alpine village of At Arnaud for our overnight stay and dinner.

Saturday 27 March

We travel via the Motueka Valley to the Abel Tasman National Park and Kaiteriteri where you will board a catamaran to enjoy cruising the 

beautiful Abel Tasman coastline to Totoranui (a packed lunch will be supplied to eat onboard) the coach will meet you to travel on to the Collingwood Park Motel in Collingwood for a two-night stay.

Sunday 28 March

After breakfast, we will be joining the Farewell Spit tour to travel in their specially modified vehicle. See Cape Farewell, the most northerly point of the South Island, spectacular cliff top views, the historic old lighthouse, inter-tidal plains. Enjoy seeing the migratory birds and NZ natives that inhabit the spit. Cameras and binoculars are a must. Returning to Collingwood for lunch.

Monday 29 March

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 optional salmon fishing with the opportunity to eat the catch for lunch or have them vacuum packed to take with you. Arrive in Nelson and enjoy your Farewell Dinner tonight. 

Tuesday 30 March

Free time to explore Nelson, enjoy the shops and cafés before transferring to the airport for your mid-afternoon flight home – or extend your stay in Nelson and the South Island.