Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch to Punakaiki
You'll start with a pickup from Christchurch and drive across one of the Southern Alps' three scenic passes. Lewis Pass takes you through beech forests and alpine wetlands alongside the Lewis River, eventually getting you to the coastal town of Punakaiki by late afternoon.
Landmarks/POIs Lewis Pass Lewis River - Day 2
Punakaiki
The afternoon is yours to explore Punakaiki at your own pace. The famous Pancake Rocks here have water columns shooting skyward, and there's plenty to check out including limestone cliffs, canyons, caves, rivers, and the coastline running through the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks And Blowhole Walk
Landmarks/POIs Pancake Rocks Blowholes - Day 3
Punakaiki to Abel Tasman National Park
Head along the wild west coast stopping to see lighthouses and seal colonies. As you move inland, Nelson Lakes comes into view before you reach Abel Tasman National Park. After settling in, spend the afternoon exploring the town or picking up some fresh green-lipped mussels for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind Seal Colonies
Landmarks/POIs Abel Tasman National Park Nelson Lakes Ohau Point Seal Colony Cape Foulwind Seal Colony - Day 4
Abel Tasman National Park to Golden Bay to Wharariki Beach to Abel Tasman National Park
Travel to Golden Bay to see New Zealand's longest sandspit and visit the Ngarua Caves. From there, check out Te Waikoropupu Springs known for crystal-clear water. You'll hike to Wharariki Beach at the South Island's northernmost tip, then head back to Abel Tasman for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Golden Bay & Wharariki Beach day trip
Landmarks/POIs Ngarua Caves Te Waikoropupu Springs Wharariki Beach Golden Bay - Day 5
Abel Tasman National Park
Today's free in Abel Tasman National Park. Relax on the beach or take advantage of optional activities like hiking sections of the park or paddling a kayak along the coast. Tui birds and Tuatara are around if you keep an eye out for native wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hiking sections of Abel Tasman National Park
- Kayaking the coastal route of Abel Tasman National Park
- Wildlife spotting (Tui, Tuatara)
Landmarks/POIs Abel Tasman National Park - Day 6
Abel Tasman National Park to Kaikoura
Leave the park and head toward the Marlborough Wine Region. You'll drive through the Marlborough Sounds and stop at a local winery for a tasting focused on Sauvignon Blanc. Continue to Kaikoura where dramatic rugged cliffs line the coast. Dinner happens at your guide's favorite spot this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Group dinner at guide's favourite spot)
Included Activities
- Wine tasting in Marlborough
- Kaikoura Coastline, Famed For Its Marine Wildlife
Optional Activities
- Whale watching in Kaikoura
- Dolphin swimming in Kaikoura
Landmarks/POIs Marlborough Wine Region Marlborough Sounds Kaikoura Coastline - Day 7
Kaikoura to Christchurch
Spend your morning in Kaikoura checking off anything left on your list, like seal spotting, whale searching, or swimming with dolphins. After that adventure, it's a drive back to Christchurch. You'll arrive at your original pickup point around 3 pm to say goodbye.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Seal spotting in Kaikoura
- Whale spotting in Kaikoura
- Dolphin swimming in Kaikoura
Landmarks/POIs Kaikoura
