8 Days: Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim, Nelson, Punakaiki, Tranz Alpine Train

Tour Overview:
Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island with this carefully designed itinerary. After arriving in Christchurch, travel towards the coast for Kaikoura, a town steeped in Maori history, where you also get the opportunity to see the magnificent Sperm Whale as well as Fur Seals and Royal Albatross. Depart for Blemheim, NZ’s most famous Marlborough wine region. Once you satiated your palette after wine tastings in Marlborough and Nelson, the TranzAlpine train ride awaits you, regarded as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.

Day 1 – ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH

On arrival in Christchurch, ‘The Garden City’, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 – CHRISTCHURCH / KAIKOURA – WHALE WATCHING

Travel through North Canterbury before turning towards the coast and arriving in Kaikoura, a town steeped in Maori history and legend. Enjoy a Whale Watch experience by boat (weather permitting). You will have the opportunity to view the magnificent Sperm Whale as well as New Zealand’s own tiny Hectors Dolphin, Fur Seals and Royal Albatross. (B)

Day 3 – KAIKOURA / BLENHEIM

A leisurely start this morning before you continue north to Blenheim, the centre of the Marlborough region and New Zealand’s most famous wine growing area. This afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 4 – BLENHEIM – WINE TASTING / NELSON

Explore the Marlborough Wine Region this morning including a winery visit with tasting before heading through to Havelock Marina. Join the Greenshell Mussell Cruise this afternoon on the Marlborough Sounds before continuing by road through to Nelson. (B)

Day 5 – NELSON

At leisure to enjoy Nelson. Optional activities include a day excursion to Abel Tasman National Park or enjoy a visit to one of the many wineries in the region. (B)

Day 6 – NELSON / PUNAKAIKI

Travel across hill country today through the Buller Gorge to Westport and down the coast to the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. (B)

Day 7 – PUNAKAIKI / GREYMOUTH / TRANZ ALPINE TRAIN / CHRISTCHURCH

A short journey today to reach the town of Greymouth. Board the TranzAlpine train and travel through the rainforest of the West Coast to reach Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Southern Alps, before descending through the rugged gorges of the Waimakariri and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B)

Day 8 – DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

Transfer to the airport for your departing flight. (B)

* This tour is also available on self-drive basis

Print

Send This Tour To A Friend