Discover Molesworth Station, sample some of the highlights of Marlborough and Nelson and explore the nature, art and scenery of Golden Bay and Farewell Spit on this 8 day/7-night small group tour. Visit local artisans, enjoy a Farewell Spit Tour, Abel Tasman boat cruise, with time to relax in Hanmer Springs and lots of other interesting inclusions. You will be looked after with great meals and accommodation and a friendly tour guide.
Travel will be in our comfortable van or small bus.
Blenheim
Nelson Airport. Or take the complimentary ride to Christchurch with your driver.
8:00am
Bring suitable layered clothing, a light raincoat, light walking shoes, insect repellent, camera, swimming gear if you want to enjoy the thermal pools in Hanmer Springs.
With pickups in Blenheim late morning, our first stop will be a Marlborough winery for lunch and wine tasting before a guided tour of the world class Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre. Arriving at your central Blenheim accommodation you will have time to relax or explore the town before diner at a hotel close by time 6.30pm. LD
After breakfast, we journey into the remote Marlborough high country, with morning tea at an historic station and travel on to the legendary Molesworth Station for lunch to soak up the atmosphere, hear tales of the past and breathe in the mountain air. Continue the picture-perfect drive to Hanmer Springs arriving late afternoon before going out for dinner with your guide. BLD
After breakfast we travel to North Canterbury to visit a Garden of National Significance Gardens’, chat with the owner and wander through the gardens and enjoy lunch in the homestead, we then return to Hanmer for free time to explore the village or to soak in the thermal pools. BL
Enjoy the morning to relax in Hanmer Springs. Suggestions are relaxing in the hot pools, explore the shopping or enjoy some walks, meet up for lunch with your driver before departing to journey through the Lewis Pass to the alpine village of At Arnaud for our overnight stay and dinner. BLD
We travel via the Motueka Valley to the Abel Tasman National Park and Kaiteriteri where you will board a catamaran to enjoy cruising the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui (a packed lunch will be supplied to eat onboard) your driver will meet you to travel on to Collingwood for a two-night stay. BLD
After breakfast, we will be joining the Farewell Spit tour to travel in their specially modified vehicle. See Cape Farewell, the most northerly point of the South Island, spectacular cliff top views, see the historic old lighthouse and the inter-tidal plains and special wildlife. Some local touring in the afternoon.
BLD
After breakfast return to Nelson, stopping at Takaka and Pupu Springs – with the reputation of having the cleanest water in the world. Today also includes optional salmon fishing with the opportunity to eat the catch for lunch or have them vacuum packed to take home. Overnight accommodation in Nelson with dinner out tonight. BLD
After breakfast, you can be transferred to Nelson airport or take the complimentary ride to Christchurch with your driver. B.