Christchurch, Marlborough, Nelson and the West Coast

Driving North from Christchurch takes you to the wilds of Kaikoura, the vineyards of Marlborough and the solitude of the Abel Tasman National Park before discovering the wonders of the West Coast.

Whales, seals and Savs with a twist.

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch and collect your rental car.
Overnight Christchurch

Day 2 Depart Christchurch north to Kaikoura, the home of Whalewatch Kaikoura. There is time in the day to visit Waipara and then to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs for a soak in the thermal pools which were famous amongst early Maori for their restorative powers. Finally ending the day in Kaikoura. Overnight Kaikoura

Day 3 Early this morning depart on an excursion with the award winning crew at Whalewatch Kaikoura. The afternoon is free to explore Kaikoura and discover its other inhabitants, the seals which loll about on the seafront and in their colony.
Kaikoura is famous for its seafood and especially their crayfish. Dinner could very well be another of those unique experiences.
Overnight Kaikoura.
Day 4 Depart Kaikoura along the rugged east coast to Blenheim and the Marlborough Region, world famous for its Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Enroute to Blenheim make a detour to Picton to view the Edwin Fox, with its history as a Crimea War troop carrier but more famously as the last surviving ship that transported convicts from Britain to Australia.
Overnight Blenheim.
Day 5 Depart to Omaka for your tour of the Aviation Heritage Centre with its fleet of WW1 and WW2 fighter planes and see the actual Iron Cross painted on canvas and retrieved from the Red Baron's downed tri-plane. Afternoon free to enjoy a vineyard lunch (own cost) and visit a vineyard or two.
Overnight Blenheim
Day 6 Departure to Nelson via the impossibly beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive. This winds its way around the shore of the Sound where there are opportunities for a cruise on the Sound to enjoy some fresh mussels or visit one of the many artisan jewellery and craft makers.
The drive takes you past some film locations of the Lord of the Rings.
Overnight Nelson
Day 7 Departure by water taxi into one of NZ's picturesque marine parks, the Abel Tasman National Park. Options in the park include either a leisurely Beach and Seals walk or get out onto the water to do some easy kayak paddling and possibly be greeted by some seal pups in the season. Late afternoon return to Nelson.
Evening free.
Overnight Nelson
Day 8 Depart Nelson for a day of discovery as you enter the world of the West Coast. We will suggest some interesting diversions and walks to make this drive to Punakaiki memorable.
Overnight Punakaiki.
Day 9 Depart Punakaiki to Greymouth, the greenstone capital of the West Coast. The Booker prize winning novel and BBC TV series The Luminaries was set on the Coast. If you enjoyed the book let us know as we have options to offer which will create your own Luminaries detour.
Overnight Greymouth.

Day 10 Depart the rugged West Coast and traverse the Tranz Alpine Highway to Christchurch. Options to stop along this famous route will be offered. Overnight Christchurch

Day 11 After breakfast depart to drive across Banks Peninsula to the charming French influenced village of Akaroa. The town is known for its rare Hectors Dolphins which can usually be seen on a cruise of the harbour (not included).
Return to overnight in Christchurch.
Day 12 Your circumnavigation of the north of the South Island is now complete. After breakfast take the time to enjoy the city prior to your departure for the airport where you will return your car prior to check in for your return flight home.