| DAY 1
Wellington - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim Catch
one of the ferries across Cook Strait then down the long, narrow and
beautiful Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island. A short
coach trip takes you to Blenheim where in the afternoon you enjoy a
tour of local vineyards. Overnight Blenheim.
DAY 2
Blenheim - Nelson
A short coach trip to
Nelson takes in the lovely Marlborough district and the forested Rai
and Whangamoa Saddles. Nelson is a lovely town renowned for its craft
industry and relaxed holiday atmosphere. Stay 2 nights at Nelson.
DAY
3 At Nelson - Abel Tasman National
Park Tour
Your full day tour of this beautiful park includes pick up and drop
off at your hotel. After a short coach journey, travel by launch
(boat) from the golden sands of Kaiteriteri beach into the park.
Cruise through the blue waters, next to lush native forests, marine
life, and idyllic coves and inlets. There are many opportunities to
walk in the park before returning to Nelson about 5 pm.
|
DAY 4
Nelson - Greymouth
Travel south to Inangahua Junction
where you turn west. A thrilling drive down the rocky chasm and green
waters of the Buller Gorge brings you to the West Coast. Your tour
visits the Punakaiki 'pancake' rocks, an unusual layer formation of
sandstone pillars jutting out into the sea. From there you are taken
on a guided tour of the Paparoa National Park, featuring weird
limestone formations among spectacular scenery. You also hear about
local Maori myths and legends. Continue south to Greymouth for an
overnight stay.
DAY 5 Greymouth
- Christchurch The morning
is free. In the afternoon, transfer to the famous TranzAlpine Express
for a scenic train ride over Arthurs Pass with its giant snow capped
mountains and thick forests. The Otita tunnel brings you to the steep
and exhilarating Waimakariri River Gorge and down to the Canterbury
plains. Arrive in Christchurch on the East Coast at 6.35 pm.
|
INCLUSIONS:
All accommodation and travel - Wellingon, Cook Strait ferry, Blenheim
wine tour, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park tour, West Coast, Paparoa
national park tour, Greymouth, TranzAlpine train, Christchurch.
Departs from Wellington
|
Costs are shown in
Australian Dollars, with accommodation in standard hotels. Accommodation
upgrades are available. Because these tours are scheduled services, extra
days can usually be added should you wish to extend at some point.
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