• Limited Spaces Available
  • Escorted Tour

High Country & Farewell Spit

Explore some of New Zealand’s ‘off the beaten track’ gems. Experience authentic pioneer farming heritage, spend a night in the pristine Nelson Lakes region, and visit New Zealand’s largest high-country cattle station.

With our small group limited to 14 participants, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to Farewell Spit for an entire day of private exploration. Combined with a scenic catamaran voyage along the stunning Abel Tasman coast, these experiences create an unforgettable Golden Bay odyssey. Come discover this remarkable corner of New Zealand with us.

Your travel itinerary

Thursday 05 February

Auckland - Blenheim

Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

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 Welcome Dinner tonight.

Friday 06 February

Blenheim - Awatere – Hanmer

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After breakfast, we journey into the remote Marlborough High Country, with morning tea at an historic station along the way. We then travel on to the legendary Molesworth Station for lunch and 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. 

Saturday 07 February

Hanmer- Cold Steam Garden

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After breakfast we depart at 9.30 to travel to Hawarden in North Canterbury to visit ‘Cold Steam Gardens’, a garden of national significance. Wander through the gardens and enjoy lunch, we then return to Hanmer for free time. 

Sunday 08 February

Hanmer Springs free time - Nelson Lakes District

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Enjoy the morning to relax in Hanmer Springs - soak in the hot pools, explore the local shopping, or enjoy a walk. Meet up for lunch before departing to journey through the Lewis Pass to the alpine village of St Arnaud for our overnight stay and dinner. 

Monday 09 February

Nelson Lakes District - Collingwood

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We travel via the Motueka Valley and over the Takaka Hill, as we enter another world of Golden Bay, we have time to explore Takaka township and enjoy a nature walk at Pupu Springs – with the reputation of having the cleanest water in the world before arriving at Collingwood Park Motel in central Collingwood for a two-night stay.

Tuesday 10 February

Farewell Spit

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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 with spectacular cliff top views, the historic old lighthouse and the 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. (Tour times for the day may vary according to the tides) 

Wednesday 11 February

Collingwood – Nelson

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

After breakfast we drive to Totaranui Beach at the top of Abel Tasman National Park where you will board a catamaran to enjoy cruising the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline to Kaiteriteri Beach with its golden sand. The coach will meet you to travel on to Nelson with interesting stops along the way. Farewell Dinner this evening. 

Thursday 12 February

elson - Auckland

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After breakfast, you can have time to explore the Nelson CBD shops, museum, cafes, etc. Then meet your driver to go to the airport ready for your departing flight or extend your stay in Nelson and the South Island. 

Inclusions

  • Flights - seat and bag* Auckland – Blenheim / Nelson - Auckland
  • Sightseeing as outlined                                           
  • Meals as specified
  • Locally-based escort                                                             
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All transportation while on tour
  • Guide while on tour

Cost

Cost Per Person *
Auckland - Auckland
Twin ShareSingle 
   $4,873  $5,658

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Entrance fees to hot pools - Hamner Springs
  • Travel Insurance - please ask for a quote.

Booking Conditions

  • A non-refundable deposit of $400 per person will secure a place on this trip
  • Final payment to be made by 15 December 2025

Cancellations

  • From the date of booking to 15 December 2025 – loss of deposit
  • After 15 December 2025 – no refund

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend all clients purchase travel insurance to protect against cancellations, lost items, and delays that could lead to unexpected costs.  Please ask us for a quote.

 

General Information

Molesworth Station - Molesworth Station is a true icon of New Zealand agriculture. Spanning an incredible 180,787 hectares, it is New Zealand’s largest farm, combining a rich farming history with modern, sustainable practices. Today, Molesworth is home to approximately 6,000 Angus and Angus-Hereford cross cattle. Farming on Molesworth began in the 1850s with sheep, but overgrazing, rabbits, and soil erosion led to its abandonment by 1938. The Crown stepped in, taking ownership of Molesworth and adjoining runs like Tarndale, St Helens, and Dillon. Through careful management, including only stocking cattle, soils and vegetation have been gradually restored to good health. Discover the outstanding natural features, a rich history and stunning and dramatic landscape.

Farewell Spit  - At Farewell Spit Lighthouse, there is time to explore the buildings and enjoy refreshments in the century-old lighthouse keeper’s residence. From here enjoy stunning views of the Tasman coastline with the opportunity to climb the sand dune at Mullet Channel for panoramic views of the inter-tidal plain.

Pupu Springs - Are home to the clearest spring water in the world. Clarity tests have shown the water has underwater visibility of 63m. 

Health and Fitness

To ensure the tour is enjoyable for the whole group, a good standard of fitness is required and mobility frames are not practical or permitted. 

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.


Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change

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