From the Ocean to the Sea

You don't follow the leader when you explore the alternative route to the West Coast via Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs and the Lewis Pass.
Oparara Limetone Arches. Photo: Fraser Clements

From the Ocean to the Sea.

Day 1 Collect your rental car on arrival Christchurch and make your way to the city. Time to explore the changes in the new Christchurch while at the same time find the places that are still familiar.
Overnight Christchurch ( Breakfact included )
Day 2 Depart Christchurch north to Kaikoura, the home of Whalewatch Kaikoura Take time to divert to the Waipara Valley vineyards before driving the Alpine Pacific Touring route to end the day at Kaikoura. Overnight Kaikoura
Day 3 Early this morning depart on an excursion with the award winning crew at Whalewatch Kaikoura.
Afternoon free to explore Kaikoura and discover its other inhabitants, the seals, which loll about on the seafront. Maybe drive a little north to view the colonies from specially built platforms along the coast. Alternatvely take a unique helicopter flight into the back country finishing with a spectacular flight along the coast. Kaikoura is famous for its seafood and especially their crayfish. Dinner could very well be another of those unique experiences. Overnight Kaikoura. Day 4 Leaving the coast, this morning after breakast follow the Alpine Pacific Highway into the mountains and on to Hanmer Springs. The is what you'd expect a real alpine village to look like: surrounded by forest and the crisp mountain air. A visit to Hanmer Springs is not compete without a visit to the thermal spa whose waters were famous amongst early Maori for their restorative powers. Apart from the spa there are some great walks around the town and through the forest, the mountain bike trails will keep the family entertained and there is a fabuous local golf course for those wanting to enjoy a round.
Overnight Hanmer Springs.
Day 5 This morning you leave Hanmer Springs and driving high above the Waiau River to the Lewis Pass and Maruia Springs before turning towards Reefton. This is a very scenic route so take the opportunity to stop and enjoy the scenery and take some short walks. Overnight Westport
Day 6 Today depart on a round trip from Westport to the northern end of SH67 at Karamea, the last stop before the Heaphy Track in the Kahurangi Natonal Park. There is a 2 hour return walk here which will give you a taste of this forested coastline. However one of New Zealand's most rewarding short walks is to the 3m high Oparara Limestone Arch (pictured). You will need a head torch if you're going to explore the other caves Other options here are The Fenian Caves, the Denniston Plateau walks and the town of Granity before returning to Westport. Overnight Westport. Day 7 This morning depart for Greymouth along the Great Coastal Road. There is plenty to see today so don't leave Greymouth too late. Heading south is one of the best coastal walks on the Coast to the Cape Foulwind fur seal colony. Ask us for our recommendation to get the best out of this walk. Continue south via the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and some superb walks but check the tides for the best times to do these. Carry on just beyond Greymouth to the heritage village of Shanty Town. Overnight Greymouth.

Day 8 Today you leave the coast and drive back to Christchurch along the Trans Alpine route over Arthur's Pass. The landscape changes dramatically along this route from dense forests on the western side to the high alpine terrain and beech forest round Arthur's Pass National Park before dropping down to the Canterbury Plains. Your Ocean to Sea journey returns you back to Christchurch Airport where you will return your vehicle prior to checking in for your flight home. If you prefer a more leisurely departure we would recomend you stay one more night in Christchurch before returning the car in the morning and choosing a morning departure home.
SUMMARY: Travel : to 31/3/21 Sales: to 30/11/20 Price: From $1255 pp share twin. Includes: 7 nights hotel B&B 8 days all inclusive rental car. Excursion with Whale Watch Kaikoura.
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