Experience the beauty of the top of New Zealand’s South Island in the Premium Economy Comfort of a full-size coach, touring with a mid-size group of up to 32 travellers, fully escorted. The Signature coaches are beautifully crafted, designed for New Zealand touring with delivering excellence in mind.
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
The renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel combines sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. Ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes’ walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, Cashel Mall and future Christchurch Convention Centre. The hotel offers air-conditioned hotel rooms out-fitted with the latest technology including large, flat screen Smart TVs. The stylish Gumption Restaurant & Bar is the perfect place to enjoy drinks and delicious cuisine with friends or colleagues. There is complimentary high speed WiFi and complimentary access to a new air-conditioned gym on level 3 of the hotel is also available to hotel guests.
Located right on the beach, the stunning Beachfront Hotel is located in central Hokitika. With its unique location on the shores of the Tasman Sea and in the centre of Hokitika, beachcombing, shopping, artisan shops, and galleries are right on the hotel’s doorstep.
Located right on the shores of the spectacular Tasman Ocean, bordered by greenery and only a few minutes walk from the famous Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes walk. Relax by the fire in the warm and friendly executive lounge, dine at the hotel restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner or relax in the bar with stunning views over the ocean.
The hotel boasts a prime spot only minutes walk from Nelson’s landmark cathedral and main shopping district (including just a block away from Jens Hansen Goldsmiths, creators of the ring in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy), and an equally good base from which to explore the great outdoors – with three national parks, sandy beaches, blue seas and mountain wilderness at your doorstep. The hotel offers a full complement of dining options – two restaurants and a bar, along with 24-hour room service. You can enjoy a leisurely lap in the pool, relax in the steamy sauna, or workout in the gymnasium.
The Scenic Hotel Marlborough brings a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to Blenheim – the heart of Marlborough Wine Country and its world-famous Sauvignon Blancs. Located in the heart of sunny Marlborough, this hotel is just minutes walk from the centre of Blenheim with some of New Zealand’s finest food and wine virtually on your doorstep. Each well-appointed guest room features individually controlled air-conditioning, 42-inch LCD television, desk area with fully integrated media hub, subtle mood lighting and kiwi-made wool and down bedding. Hotel facilities include a hot tub and sauna complex, outdoor solar heated swimming pool (Oct – May).
With its superb location on the shoreline close to town, Sudima Kaikōura is blessed with stunning views of both the mountains and sea. It also puts the hotel within easy walking distance of Kaikōura activities, shops, restaurants, and bars. This state-of-the-art waterfront hotel has a 4.5 star rating with an outstanding in-house restaurant, a bar and conference facilities.
Tour includes a number of short walks of up to 1 hour that require a moderate level of fitness. The walks are scenic and not excessive but can include slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before booking.
Christchurch is an fascinating city to explore. It was once a historic garden city. Since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes it has turned into a fascinating city of regeneration and growth.
The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. But Christchurch is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces.
The Avon River runs through the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment. Cruise along the picturesque river on a flat bottomed punt. Take a ride on a historic tram through the city. With wonderful parks and botanic gardens to explore Christchurch is a great place to visit.
The ‘most French town in New Zealand’, Akaroa is a quaint seaside village. It boasts beautiful historic buildings, a magnificent harbour, and a passion for fine food, reflecting its French flavour.
The charming township, gracing the southeast side of the deep Akaroa Harbour, was the only French settlement in New Zealand. It still retains much of this influence. It is a popular destination for foodies and nature lovers who come to swim with local sea life, including the rare Hector’s dolphin.
An easy drive from Christchurch, Akaroa is located on Banks Peninsula, which is the South Island’s most interesting volcanic feature. Originally an island formed by two volcanic cones, the peninsula has two dominant craters, which form Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. It was named for botanist Joseph Banks, who sailed with Captain James Cook on the Endeavour.
Hokitika is a historic town in the West Coast region of NZ’s South Island. Close to the mouth of the Hokitika River, this character-filled town is 40 kilometres south of Greymouth.
Historic Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the West Coast. It is a place to appreciate the fascinating history of the West Coast. Visit to hear about the ship wrecks, gold miners and pounamu hunters.
The town was an important river port. And many ships came to grief on the notorious ‘Hokitika Bar’ – a sandbar that shifts with every tide.
Nowadays Hokitika is known as a Cool Little Town. There are some lovely old buildings on the town’s historic walk. You’ll also notice galleries specialising in pounamu jewellery and art works. And Hokitika’s iconic event is the Wildfoods Festival, held at the end of summer each year.
The Arahura River, entering the sea just north of Hokitika, is a traditional source of pounamu (greenstone). Gold jewellers, wood turners and potters provide other souvenir opportunities.
Punakaiki is a small community on the West Coast of the South Island, between Westport and Greymouth. The community lies on the edge of the Paparoa National Park.
The Pancake Rocks are a very popular tourist destination. At Dolomite Point south of the main village you can explore a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools on a short, paved walk.
This all-weather walk takes you through curious limestone formations of ‘Pancake Rocks’ and blowholes.
The blowholes form from a mixture of compressed water and air from caverns below being forced upwards. They create a huge wall of spray and are at their best around high tide when there is a south-westerly swell.
Spectacular views, geological oddities, coastal forest, rich birdlife and marine mammals are highlights along this walk.
Nelson is the main centre of the Tasman region. This is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape.
It is renowned for its sunny climate, produce and stunning natural landscapes. Indeed, its diverse geography captures everything from long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains.
Nelson Tasman has one of the largest concentrations of working artists and galleries in the country. You’ll find an array of traditional, contemporary and Māori, craftspeople living in the region.
And you’ll also find many ways to find something extraordinary to take home with you. Visit artist’s studios. Explore the weekend craft markets. Taste the delicious locally made artisan products.
Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park. But it’s one of the most easily accessible and is unmatched for beautiful coastal settings and beaches.
The park is at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island near Motueka and Nelson. It’s known for the Abel Tasman Coast Track. This long trail, a 3-5 day walk, winds over beaches and across ridges between Marahau in the south and Wainui in the north.
This beautiful coastal area abounds with NZ wildlife. The headland at Separation Point is home to New Zealand fur seal colonies. Little blue penguins, bottlenose dolphins and seals inhabit the Tonga Island Marine Reserve.
Explore the park from land, on the water, or in the air, with cruises, water taxi services, kayaking options, heli-tours and sailing catamarans through its beautiful coastal waters.
Blenheim sits in the heart of the wine-growing Marlborough region. It is known as one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Mountains frame the area and trap the summer heat (temperatures over 30°C are quite normal in February and March).
Rows of vines thrive in this environment and produce the majority of New Zealand’s famous Sauvignon Blanc.
In and around Blenheim you’ll find an array of cafes, restaurants, wineries, bars, shops, artisan food outlets and golf courses along with popular walkways along the Taylor River Reserve.
Aircraft enthusiast are in for a treat. A 10 minute drive from the railway station and you will be outside enormous airport hangers, about to enter a world of flight and excitement. Omaka Aviation Heritage is home to Peter Jackson’s personal collection of WW1 planes and memorabilia.
With 1500km of coastline, the Marlborough Sounds is a collection of ancient sunken river valleys now filled by Pacific Ocean waters right at the top of the South Island. Access them from the seaside townships of Picton and Havelock.
Forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays. The area has three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds.
‘The Sounds’ can be explored in many ways. Take a guided tour aboard a cruise, charter boat or kayak. Or drive the picturesque Queen Charlotte Drive and experience panoramic views of the vast, sea-drowned valleys.
Travel further out into the Sounds by boat and visit d’Urville Island. Spot dive-bombing gannets. Go dolphin watching or swimming. See sunbathing seals and even cruising orca. And keep an ear out for native birdsong from the bush-clad hills surrounding beautiful bays.
Seventy percent of NZ’s greenshell mussels and 75% of our farmed salmon comes from Marlborough. There are some fantastic seafood cruises — sample local seafood delicacies matched with a glass of award-winning Marlborough wine.
On land, the iconic Queen Charlotte Track can be explored by foot, mountain bike or sea kayak over one or several days. The 72km track passes through stunning landscapes, with accommodation and restaurants along the way.
There are few places on earth like Kaikōura. A small coastal village, with a relaxed beachside vibe, it has some stunning views of both mountains and sea. And it offers to enjoy the bounty of the sea whether eating local kai moana or encountering local sale sea life off the coast.
The nearby Seaward Kaikōura Mountains, a towering snow-clad mountain range, provide a stunning backdrop over the town centre. Meanwhile, the town extends out to the Kaikōura Peninsula, where the waves of the Pacific Ocean roll in.
These mountains rise to heights of 2600m. And the undersea canyon that comes to meet them, plunges to depths of over 1200m very close to shore. These two factors alone make Kaikōura unique.
Stand on top of a snow-capped mountain in the morning. Whale watch or dolphin / seal swim in the afternoon. Then take in a gorgeous sunset while feasting upon fresh seafood beside the sea.
The award winning Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise has many highlights. The harbour, an hour and 20 mins from Christchurch, is home to a rich variety of wildlife. And you’ll also see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa’s fascinating past.
There are many different bird species in the harbour, including five different cormorant (shag) species and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. You will catch glimpses of the Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. You’ll also see New Zealand Fur Seals sunning themselves on the rocks near Seal Bay. And the rare native Hector’s Dolphin can be seen.
During this two-hour cruise you will see the wildlife plus the many sea caves and volcanic cliffs. The modern catamaran is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. There’s lots of room on the two decks for unimpeded viewing and plenty of covered seating, for shade and shelter. And your cruise includes commentary by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.
Akaroa Harbour was a live volcano millions of years ago. So many spectacular ancient lava flows can be seen. One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face and a fascinating history, while Nikau Palm Gully is the southernmost limit for these tropical palm trees. There is also the incredible Scenery Nook, an amazing pink, purple and red volcanic amphitheatre that will take your breath away.
Enjoy a very special view of the South Island’s striking natural landscape. Take the Tranz Alpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth. See epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
You’ll cross the remarkabley flat Canterbury Plains overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps before eventually crossing the aqua-blue Waimakariri River. Tunnels, viaducts and feats of railway engineering take you across alpine passes where you’ll then travel through lush lake valleys towards the West Coast of the South Island. This iconic train trip is the journey of a lifetime.
The TranzAlpine is acknowledged as one of the world’s great train journeys. The 223 kilometre (139 mile) one-way trip takes just under 5 hours and connects Christchurch and Greymouth on the West Coast via Arthurs Pass through the Southern Alps.
Hokitika’s Wilderness Gallery is a Travellers Choice and award-winning Art Gallery situated on the West Coast of New Zealand. All the goods you’ll see are made right here.
The Wilderness Gallery has been a passion project for photographer Juergen Schacke and his family for many years. It has grown to include creations from other NZ artists and artisans that they think best capture the wild nature of the New Zealand they love.
Juergen’s passion for landscape and wildlife photography brought him to the West Coast of the South Island nearly two decades ago. He lives in Hokitika with his wife Monika and daughter Anna. The gallery created the perfect environment to profile Juergens’ fresh and inspiring imagery. It also showcases the beauty of “the Coast”.
The love for the West Coast has become a major source of inspiration in the Jurgens’ lives. And the gallery is a great opportunity to gain an insight into this beautiful part of the country through the art on display.
Located in Greymouth on the West Coast, Monteith’s Brewery is the original home of craft brewing in New Zealand. And this tour is a recognised Qualmark Gold visitor experience with beer!
Take a guided brewery experience tour to learn about all the wonders of craft beer and the brewing process in the state of the art, modern facility. Pour your own beer from the tap. Get some great discounts on great West Coast activities. Take home a 6 pack of your favourites. It’s all included in the tour price.
Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park. But it is one of the most easily accessible and beautiful coastal paradise settings. And you’ll see all the highlights along the coast on board this cruise.
See granite outcrops, golden sands and lush forest. Take in Split Apple Rock, Tonga Island Marine Reserve and Adele Island Wildlife Reserve. View sea birds and seals, with a chance to spot little blue penguins. Then relax with a comfortable Vista Cruise back to Kaiteriteri.
Near Blenheim Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre offers a fascinating insight into the history of war in the air. It features one of the world’s largest private collections of Great War aircraft and artifacts in dramatic displays created by Sir Peter Jackson’s Wingnut Films, with mannequins by Weta Workshop. A second exhibition opened in 2016 and features stories and aircraft from World War II.
The original “Knights of the Sky” exhibition, features Sir Peter’s own collection of WW1 aircraft and artifacts. It tells the story of aviation in the Great War. A story brought to life in sensational sets created by the internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.
The second exhibition, “Dangerous Skies”, features stories from World War II. These are tales of daring, valour and tragedy from the British Isles, the forests of Germany, an embattled Russia and the Pacific Islands. Historic scenes and amazing vintage aircraft combine to create an outstanding display that tells a powerful and moving story.
Cruise from Picton, up through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to historical Ship Cove. Along the way your skipper will provide a commentary on the Marlborough Sound’s history and the wildlife, be it bird, fish or mammal.
Named by Captain James Cook in 1770 when his ship The Endeavour anchored here to replenish supplies of food, water and wood. It became a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook and he returned here a further four times between 1770 and 1777.
Take the opportunity to dabble in the creek where Captain Cook made home brew for his crew and share the beach with the resident wildlife. Have your photo taken beside the Captain Cook Monument commemorating his visits to this area or just relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Kaikoura museum is located in the landmark “craypot” building, in Kaikoura’s West End. The museum provides a modern and relaxed environment. It offers a contemporary and fun approach to telling the stories of Kaikoura’s natural, social and cultural journey.
The museum brings to life the richness of Kaikoura’s unique heritage through its collections, exhibitions, events and programmes. It inspires visitors to explore and enjoy Kaikoura’s diverse and colourful history. And the long term display, an awarding winning exhibition area, highlights the district’s fascinating connection with the sea.
Modern day Kaikoura was shaped and influenced by the abundant marine life and spectacular ocean on its doorstep. It started with the dramatic geological features of our coastline. It continued through early Maori settlement and subsequent European development. And it continued with surfing and tourism more recently.
The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch. A range of immersive experiences allow everyday visitors to see, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica.
You get the chance to journey through modern day Antarctica and experience a taste of this unique and breathtaking continent. Learn about the human impact on the continent, the wildlife and ecosystems and Antarctica’s effect on the globe. Brave an Antarctic storm, go off-road in a Hägglund, befriend a husky, mingle with the penguins, experience Antarctica from all four dimensions.
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