6 Days Top of South Island

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 - Christchurch to Picton

We depart at 9am from Christchurch's Antarctic Centre for a scenic drive to the port town of Picton with a stop to view a seal colony on the way. We arrive in the afternoon in time to do a walk and see some stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.

Day 2 – Picton to Abel Tasman

You have this morning at leisure to simply relax or explore Picton further on foot or mountain bike, before we head to Marahau. We stop for a wine tasting in NZ's premier wine region Marlborough, world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, then head across to Nelson and out to the Tasman region for the picturesque beaches and bays of the Abel Tasman National Park. We stay in our exclusive campsite located adjacent to the national park, where your group gets the chance to plant a native tree or seedling to leave a legacy of your stay! Dinner tonight includes a taste of local seafood. (B, D)  

Day 3 – Full day in Abel Tasman

An entire day to explore the Abel Tasman National Park. We have included a boat transfer out of the park so you can walk this famous coastal track, incorporating some of the NZ's best beaches. You can upgrade to one of the other great options including sea kayaking or sailing. We self-cater tonight with BBQ facilities available and stay again at our campsite right beside the National Park. (B)

Day 4 - Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs

Today we set off early passing through two more national parks en route to the tranquillity of Hanmer Springs. The Kahurangi and Nelson national parks boast fabulous scenery and some great small hikes with craggy mountain ranges draped with forest to the lake's edge. We will have a picnic on the lake edge today. We arrive at Hanmer Springs in the afternoon and have a relaxing soak in the hot pools. We go for a group meal tonight. (B, D)

Day 5 - Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura

The day begins with a short, leisurely drive to the coast heading to Kaikoura, a stop that offers a sanctuary of marine life. Regardless of what you choose to do you will encounter marine life in many forms. There are seals, dolphins, whales or the king of the skies, the Royal Albatross. There is a fantastic walk starting from the seal colony around the cliff tops where you will get amazing views. Tonight we stay overnight at this quaint seaside village. (B) N.B. Due to the Christchurch earthquake this tour now has an extra day, tonight's accommodation is not included in the tour price. Pay on arrival.

Day 6 - Kaikoura to Christchurch

We leave Kaikoura at 6.30am for an express trip across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch city, arriving at approximately 8.45am.