Discover the top of New Zealand's South Island

Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

DAY 1: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

• Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similar (2 nights)
• Included Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch

After an introductory city sights tour, enjoy a scenic drive to the historic French village of Akaroa, with time to wander through the charming galleries and craft stores. This afternoon set off on a Nature Cruise in the hope of spotting the rare Hector’s Dolphin and keep an eye out for penguins and other sea birds. Following your cruise, return to Christchurch where the evening is free to dine at one of the city’s many restaurants.

• Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3: Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges before descending through the Otira Tunnel to Moana, on the banks of picturesque Lake Brunner. Enjoy lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant, before travelling to the Brunner Mine Site, the location of the 1896 mine explosion. This afternoon in the coastal town of Hokitika, visit a local gallery, for the opportunity to pick up a gift or souvenir.

• Hotel Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View)
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4: Hokitika - Punakaiki

Today, take in the natural beauty of the Hokitika Gorge on a short walk descending through the hardwood forest that will lead you to a swing bridge which crosses the Hokitika River. Continue north to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will sample locally brewed beers over lunch. This afternoon travel along the Great Coast Road to the world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

• Hotel Punakaiki Resort (Sea View)
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Lunch & Dinner

DAY 5: Punakaiki - Nelson

Journey north along the coast to Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he encountered nasty weather. A short walk along the rocky headland will showcase the rugged coastline and sea life often on show amongst the rocks. Travel inland via the Buller Gorge and Murchison to Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the city followed by a visit to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where you will marvel at an incredible collection of iconic cars.

• Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room. 2 nights)
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 6: Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson

Travel to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and join a cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline. At Anchorage Bay a barbeque lunch will be served. Re-join your coach and depart for Nelson via the vineyards. This evening is free for you to dine at one of the local restaurants in town.

• Included Meals: Breakfast & Speciality Lunch

DAY 7: Nelson - Blenheim

Today travel via Havelock and the wine-growing region of Marlborough. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 Aircraft, brought to life in sets created by the internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Head back into town where you will enjoy lunch at a local Blenheim beer garden before a short drive to Cloudy Bay Estate. Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the original wineries in the region. Enjoy a personalised tasting experience in the Barrell Room followed by time to wander through the superb, manicured grounds and towering gum trees, which will surely be a highlight.

• Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough (2 nights)
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Speciality Lunch & Dinner

DAY 8: Blenheim - Marlborough Sounds - Blenheim

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Picton where time is available to explore this picturesque port. Board a luxury vessel at Picton Marina and cruise the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge whilst enjoying the informative commentary on this stunning region. At Furneaux Lodge a delicious lunch will be served followed by time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There is access to kayaks and short walks around the property. On the return cruise to Picton a cheese platter featuring local produce is served accompanied by a glass of Marlborough wine, the perfect end to your Marlborough Sounds adventure. Board the coach for the short journey back to Blenheim where the evening is free to dine at one of the local restaurants.

• Included Meals: Breakfast & Speciality Lunch

DAY 9: Blenheim - Kaikõura

Farewell the Marlborough region and journey to Kaikõura. Visit the Kaikõura Museum, which features an exhibition depicting the impact of the 2016 earthquake. This afternoon you may like to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the coastline to see the many species of whales that migrate through this area.

• Hotel Sudima Hotel Kaikõura
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY: 10 Kaikõura - Christchurch

Depart Kaikõura and head to Christchurch to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

• Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similar
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Speciality Dinner

DAY 11: Depart Christchurch

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Included Meals: Breakfast

One Departure Only -02 February 2023

Land only prices from:

• Normally $5, 199 pp EXCLUSIVE to Travel at 60 NOW $4899pp twin share
• Normally $6, 649 pp EXCLUSIVE to Travel at 60 NOW $6349pp Single Traveller

Call our Australian based travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your seat today and we can assist with flights!

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

During your tour, you'll stay at the following properties:

• Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)
• Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View)
• Punakaiki Resort (Sea View)
• Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room. 2 nights)
• Scenic Hotel Marlborough (2 nights)
• Sudima Hotel Kaikõura
• Distinction Christchurch Hotel

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED:

Tour includes a number of short walks of up to 1 hour that require a moderate level of fitness. The walks are scenic and not excessive but can include slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before booking.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
All visitors require a passport to enter New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months past the date that you intend to leave New Zealand. For Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand. Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to travelling to New Zealand. For visitors from non-visa waiver countries, it is recommended you visit customs.govt.nz for full entry requirements.

CLOTHING

Whilst on tour, dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants. The seasons are more pronounced and the weather is more changeable. In summer, a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting during the months ofMay and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.You may have the option to relax and unwind in thermal hot pools so don’t forget to pack your swimwear.

MONEY MATTERS

New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). All major international credit cards are accepted and provided they are encoded with a PIN, may be used to obtain cash from Automatic Teller Machines throughout New Zealand. Check with your bank whether this facility is available to you. It is highly recommended you obtain a small amount ofNew Zealand currency prior to your arrival in New Zealand.Cash Passports or Travel Money Cards are popular and are a safe and convenient way to allow you to access cash at Automatic Teller Machines throughout New Zealand.

WEATHER

These are average minimum/maximum temperatures in Celsius only during Spring (Sep to Nov). They could vary by up to 4-6 degrees.

• Auckland 11 - 18
• Rotorua 07 - 17
• Wellington 09 - 15

TIPPING

New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income, however tipping in appreciation for extra-special service is at the discretion of the individual traveller.Some tours may organise an envelope to be circulated for a group presentation to the Coach Captain and/or Tour Guide but any contribution is based on individual appreciation and is not mandatory.

INCIDENTALS

We suggest you allow a minimum of NZ $40 - $50 per day per person for incidental cash expenses such as lunch, morning and afternoon tea.

LUGGAGE LIMITS

Each traveller is entitled to travel with ONE suitcase on tour measuring (length + width + depth) no more than 150cm (59”). The maximum suitcase weight allowed is 23kg (50lbs).

ROLE OF YOUR COACH CAPTAIN

Your Coach Captain is responsible for driving and maintaining the coach and for providing commentary throughout the tour. They are responsible for your wellbeing and for co-ordinating all the accommodation and activities. It is important whilst travelling on tour that you follow all Crew instructions.

COACH SEAT ROTATION

For the enjoyment of all travellers a daily seat rotation operates which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking. The coach seat plan is displayed on the coach for your reference.