Christchurch to Picton

Around 8.30am your guide will collect you from your accommodation and following a briefing, we drive northward to the coastal township of Kaikoura, famous for its whale watching and prolific bird life. The coastal peninsula walk provides a spectacular viewing point, while some may wish to take the optional pelagic boat trip for a chance to view the birdlife that exists in the area. After this interlude we head north again, bound for Marlborough – famous for its Savignon Blanc wines. If time allows in the late afternoon we have an option to experience one of the regions premier winetastings before finishing into Picton with views of the beautiful Sounds for the night.

(L,D)

Motueka

In the morning we are whisked through to the edge of the park and the start of our hike through to Torrent Bay. The walk is an easy grade and there exists the chance to explore some of the beautiful bays along the way. The hike takes around 4 hours which allows us time to explore around the Anchorage / Torrent bay area. Then it’s onboard our boat for a sail out of the heads and then along the Mad Mile with the gentle winds in our sail. The yacht takes us back to Kaiteriteri and then onto Motueka.
 (B, L)

Westland National Park

After breakfast, we continue southwards, the road is bounded on one side by the rugged coast, where land meets, the often wild, Tasman Sea and on the other, by dense, temperate rainforest which covers the distant wall of mountains: the Southern Alps. The coast is steeped in history: from the indigenous Maori collecting pounamu or greenstone, to the wild gold rush days of the late 1800’s and the long years of coal mining and timber milling. We continue through extensive areas of luxuriant forest to Hokitika and then to glacier country. This afternoon we’ll explore some local hiking tracks or take an optional helicopter ride that lifts you out of the valley to a wondrous world of our highest, ice covered mountains. In the evening take a leisurely stroll around Lake Matheson, a photographer’s paradise.
 (B, L)

Queenstown

Wanaka is an undiscovered gem and nearby at Diamond Lake the beautiful walkway provides some spectacular views. The short drive takes us via Glendu Bay and then to the track. For those seeking a good hike, the full three hour round trip takes in a summit view up valley and over the lake. The shorter hike to the lake look out is a great viewpoint and a warm up for lunch as a picnic beside the lake. The next drive takes us down the side of Lake Dunstan, a hydro lake created in the 70’s. At the mouth of the we stop off at a local vineyard to learn about the wine making process and sample some of the delights. Then the last hour takes us through the rugged gorge and finally out to the mighty Lake Wakatipu and your accommodation for the night. Here we say our goodbyes for as each head in our own directions and the tour ends.(B)