New Zealand Accommodation
Inclusions
- 7 Day Economy car hire - pick up and drop off Christchurch Airport
- Kaikoura 1 night 4-star Sudima Hotel in a Superior Room
- Kaikoura Dolphin Encounter (watch as a spectator)
- Blenheim 1 night Bella Vista Motel in a Compact Standard Studio Room
- Blenheim Sip Marlborough Wine Tour
- Motueka 2 nights Abbey Court Motel in a Studio Room
- Abel Tasman Full Park Scenic Cruise
- Greymouth 1 night Copthorne Hotel Greymouth in a Superior Room
- Hanmer Springs 1 night Hanmer Springs Hotel in a Classic Room
- Hanmer Springs Single Entry to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Exclusions
Flights & taxes, any costs associated with PCR testing and quaratine, transfers not mentioned, optional extras/optional sightseeing excursions, admission fees into sights of interest, items of a personal nature, meals & drinks not specified, tips, porterage & gratuities, visas & travel insurance
More Information
Get ready for an awesome 7-day adventure kicking off from Christchurch Airport. You'll be cruising through different spots and trying out cool activities. Start in Kaikoura, where you'll chill in a fancy 4-star hotel and catch some dolphins in action. Then head to Blenheim for a night, where you'll sip on some tasty Marlborough wine during a tour. Next up, spend two nights in Motueka and explore Abel Tasman National Park on a scenic cruise. After that, it's off to Greymouth for a chill night before wrapping up the trip in Hanmer Springs. There, enjoy a night's stay and soak up the relaxation vibes with a visit to the thermal pools and spa. It's the perfect mix of fun and relaxation!
Day 1 Arrive Christchurch.Pick up your rental car, drive to Kaikoura 180km.
Head north out of the city on State Highway One, forty minutes later you'll find yourself in Amberley. Don't just drive through, this country town has a few boutiques you won't want to miss - including Ruby Six, Bax and Berg and Me, Now You Clothing (for those after new or near new designer garb).
Past Amberley, and it won't be long before grapevines are whipping past your windows - an obvious sign you've arrived in the North Canterbury Wine Region (aka the coolest little wine region in the country).
With limestone soils and a unique microclimate, the 90+ wineries in this area are famed for their award-winning Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. The menu at Cellar Door restaurant at the organic Greystone winery is sensational (you must try their Petillant Natural) with family-owned Pegasus Bay and Black Estate also great. You'll love the gardens at Pegasus Bay and, if you ask nicely, you may find the staff will show you where you can feed their friendly eels.
Spot the seals as drive north along the coastline and into Kaikoura - there are plenty there.
You'll arrive into the quaint seaside village later in the day but, if there's time, do stretch your legs along a section of the KaikOura Peninsula Walkway for some unforgettable views.
This may be a good night to sample many Kiwis' favourite takeaway - good ol' fish 'n chips served humbly in newsprint paper. You're certainly in the right place to do so.
Day 2 Drive to Blenheim 101km.Start the day by getting up close and personal with the sealife that's made KaikOura an eco-tourism hotspot. It's world-famous for whales & dolphins which you can see by boat.
Come lunchtime, there are plenty of eateries in the township - local favourites include the character-filled Beach House Cafe (the avo toast is 10/10) and The Slam Club.
Kaikoura literally means 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)' and those who are keen to do so should head to food caravans Nin's Bin and Cay's Crays.
As you head out of town towards Marlborough, you might like to stop at Ohau Point Lookout or grab a coffee at The Store in Kekerengu (the halfway point between KaikOura and Blenheim). Enjoy a dinner out in Blenheim - the much-awarded Arbour is great with Gramado's Brazillian fare also a winner.
Day 3 to 4 Drive to Motueka via Nelson 161km.Make the most of waking in the heart of New Zealand's largest wine region with a visit to a world-acclaimed Marlborough winery or two.
You can self-drive or take a guided tour around the 30 cellar doors or, if biking's your jam, then ride the Golden Mile. Those short on time should simply head to The Wine Station where a high-tech system dispenses tastings of up to 80 premium wines (their gourmet platters complete the experience).
The road to Nelson will take you to the charming village of Havelock - the departure point for many boat tours into the Marlborough Sounds including the original Greenshell Mussel Cruise where you can indulge in freshly steamed mussels and the region's famous Sauvignon Blanc. There's plenty of options for dinner in Nelson but the five course tasting menu at Hopgoods would be a great way to round out the day and you can take a stroll up The Cawthron Steps afterwards and enjoy a view of the lights over this seaside city. Another great option is The Boatshed Cafe which straddles with sea with breath-taking views
Arrive in Motueka/Kaiteriteri - the gateway to Abel Tasman Park
Spend the next 2 days exploring Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coast track.
The Abel Tasman National Park is an easily-accessible coastal paradise. You can choose to explore the park from land, on the water, or in the air, with tour operators aplenty offering cruises, water taxi services, kayaking options, heli-tours and sailing catamarans.
Day 5 Drive to Greymouth 301km.Today is a long driving day - however there are plenty of places to stop along the way. The berries at Tapawera are worth loading up on and if you fancy a dip, Murchison's best kept secret is The Eel Hole - a majestic swimming spot. To get there, park at the Riverview Holiday Park. Further along in Reefton, don't miss a tour of the Reefton Distilling Company (there's a reason Little Biddy gin is so popular) and if you do decide to stay here, definitely look at Reef Cottage Bed and Breakfast. Arrive in Greymouth - Beer lovers will want to enjoy the 45-minute tour of the Monteiths Brewery Company
Day 6 Drive to Hanmer Springs 216km.Head to the tiny village of Blackball. Breathe deep when you get there, this is coal-mining country and you can smell it in the air. The Formerly the Blackball Hilton is an historic pub in near original condition - it serves lunches and is a great place to yarn with the locals.
Enjoy the rest of the drive to Hanmer Springs.
Unwind in Hanmer Springs' famous mineral-filled thermal waters - every drop naturally warmed by heat from the earth's core. Sit and soak in Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa 22 pools or burn off some energy on the waterslides. And if you really want to indulge, book into The Spa right beside the pools.
Day 7 Drive to Christchurch 133km.Breathe in the alpine air of Hanmer Springs as soon as you wake up. This is an alpine paradise and it feels good just being here.
After a couple of long days in the car, you might enjoy a walk - if so you can head up Conical Hill for 360-degree panoramic views of the village or head to Hanmer Heritage Forest for the Forest Amble Walk among sculptures - including a friendly giant. You can't go past The Powerhouse Cafe for breakfast or brunch and take some time to browse in the boutiques in the village's centre.
Christchurch is just a 90-minute drive away and if you do have any time to spare before you depart, a walk around the Botanic Gardens and Arts Centre is a fantastic way to end the holiday.
Terms and conditions
- Prices are per person sharing, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes.
- Single supplement may apply for travellers not sharing a room.
- Black dates may apply to travel dates.
- All Inclusive offers have selected drink options.
- Offers are a guide only and will vary depending on the departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at the time of loading.
- Visas may be necessary, and insurance is essential.
- Tour Operator terms and conditions apply and may be found on the tour operators website.
- Rates are based on availability and rate of exchange.
- Airfares are only guaranteed once air tickets are issued.
- The offer is not combinable with other offers.
- All prices are subject to rate of exchange fluctuation.
- Advance purchase, public holiday, peak season, weekend surcharges, block out periods and minimum stay conditions may apply.
- PLEASE NOTE: City tax, tourist tax, conservation levies and tourism levies are compulsory in some destinations and is payable by passengers directly.
- Full payment may be required at time of booking.
- Prices and availability are correct as at 21 July 2024 and are subject to change without notice.
- Prices quoted are on sale until 31 December 2024 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- All packages to be booked and paid for before 31 December 2024.
- All packages are quoted per person sharing.
- E&OE.
