South Island
Top of the South, Picton to Christchurch via the West Coast
8 Days
A shorter trip, for those who like to explore a smaller area in depth, taking in the some classic high lights as well as the lesser-visited Golden Bay – perfect for beach walks, seascapes, kayaking and rounded off with a trip on the TranzAlpine Railway.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Interislander Ferry
- Abel Tasman
- Golden Bay
- Pancake Rocks
- TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey
Day 1 Arrive in Picton by ferry from Wellington, drive to Nelson
“The most beautiful ferry journey in the world” as described by Wine Spectator – leave the city of Wellington behind you as you make the 90km journey across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. You will arrive in time for lunch in a winery – it is the Marlborough Region that really put New Zealand wine on the map. Have a taste, but do remember you are driving! In the afternoon head west, through the scenic reserve at Pelorus and on to Nelson, your base for the next 3 nights.
Day 2 Nelson
Sunniest city in New Zealand (or a close contender)! Food, wine, craft beer, arts, beaches and mountains – Nelson has it all. Spend today, exploring this, the most liveable city in New Zealand.
Day 3 Abel Tasman
Up to you how you visit the Abel Tasman – cruise, kayak, walk or a combination of all of these, guided or unguided the choice is yours – the golden beaches, the azure waters and lush bush – it is impossible to resist. You could extend your visit by staying a night or two in the Park.
Day 4 Drive to Golden Bay
Only one road in, the twisty Takaka Hill – take it slow, a road quite unlike any other, to sleepy arty Golden Bay. Maybe we’re biased, this is where we are from, but the co-existence of productive farming, lively arts scene, beautiful beaches, Te Waikoropupu Springs and Farewell Spit, New Zealand’s longest sand spit, an internationally important nature reserve is second to none.
Day 5 Golden Bay
Join a Farewell Spit Eco Tour, travelling the length of the Spit, learning of the history and ecology of the area. This is more than just travelling to the “end of the world” – over 20,000 godwits make this their home for the summer. Visit the light house and historic buildings and gannet colony.
Alternatively, explore the beach at Wharariki, by foot or on horseback, where you may be lucky enough to see baby seals playing in the rock pools at low tide, walk around the base of the Spit and across the farm park, head out east and hike up to Wainui Falls, visit one or more of the many galleries. No visit to Golden Bay is complete without a visit to the Te Waikoropupu Springs and don’t leave town without a beer in the Mussel Inn.
Day 6 Drive to Punakaiki
Back over the Takaka Hill – stop at different view points travelling this way, and head down the Motueka Valley, and on to Murchison. From Murchison head through the Buller Gorge where the road narrows in places to a single lane and cuts into the rock face at Hawks Crag into Westport. Spend an hour at the seal colony at Cape Foulwind, walk out to the lighthouse. And then, the final drive down the stunning West Coast to Punakaiki.
Day 7 Punakaiki to Greymouth and Christchurch
Spend the morning wandering around the Pancake Rocks – we hope to time your visit so it coincides with the high tide, so that you can see the Tasman Sea, spouting up through the blowholes; but high tide or not, the stratified limestone rocks, set among the flaxes is a sight you won’t forget. The Truman Track, just north of the tiny settlement, will introduce you to the nikau palms and West Coast rainforest before you emerge on the beach carved out by the crashing Tasman Sea breakers. Late morning, make the 40 minute drive to Greymouth along the more of the stunning coastline and check-in for your TranzAlpine train journey to Christchurch.
Day 8 Christchurch
This is a city on the up – coping remarkably well with the savage effects of the recent earthquakes. Visit the Transitional Cathedral, the Re:Start Mall, the Canterbury Museum, or the Antarctic Centre, before heading to the airport for your onward journey.
Some alternatives you may consider:
•Fly into Nelson.
• Start in Christchurch and travel up the East Coast stopping in Kaikoura, for dolphin swimming or whale watching.
• Drive instead of train to Christchurch so you can do some walks in Arthur’s Pass.
• Drive further down the West Coast to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and beyond.
• Spend a few days walking or kayaking the Abel Tasman or walk the Heaphy Track.
Remember – our knowledge, your journey – so mix and match bits of these itineraries so that they suit you! Nothing is fixed. We will talk and email as much as you wish until you get what you want – this is YOUR holiday.