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| self drive tours > 9 Day Top of the South Self Drive Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Day 2: Tranz Alpine Train, Punakaiki This morning you are transferred to Christchurch train station where you board the TranzAlpine Train, described as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys! The TranzAlpine scenic travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. On arrival in Greymouth you collect you rental vehicle. Also included for the duration of your car hire is the KRUSE GPS Travel Guide, which as well as offering GPS navigation also provides informative commentary on the regions you pass through as well as a ‘Best of NZ’ button which showcases New Zealand’s award winning restaurants, wineries, cafes, pubs and hidden scenic gems. You then travel the short distance to Punakaiki, which is famous for its pancake rocks and booming blowholes. The pancake rock formations date back about 30 million years and were created by layers of limestone being overlaid by rock and clay. When the tide is right, the blow holes are spectacular.
Day 3: Punakaiki, Nelson The road to Westport hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. From Westport the road to Nelson is scenic and interesting, beginning with the dark, forbidding Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag you’ll drive under a dramatic rock overhang. Then travel up the Motueka River Valley on a pretty, winding road that takes you past magical scenery and tiny settlements to arrive in Nelson.
Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park After driving to Stephens Bay, you board your cruise for a full day trip. Cruise around the headland to Split Apple Rock, where you may see several shags drying their wings above the warm rocks after their early morning fishing. From here the cruise itinerary is flexible so if there is something to see on your day trip, like dolphins riding the bow wave or New Zealand fur seals fishing, then we'll go take a look. Similarly if there's a particular bay you want to visit or park feature you want to see, then please do let the skipper know and he'll try to accommodate your wishes. Then it’s onto a sheltered bay for a light lunch. You can swim, sea kayak, go ashore for a bush walk, or just relax onboard while your lunch is prepared. Day 5: Picton & the Marlborough Sounds The drive to Blenheim is both beautiful and interesting. Rai Valley has a delightful cottage museum, and at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim. And Havelock is the place for a seafood meal – it’s known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. When you reach Renwick, which is surrounded by vineyards, it will be clear that you’ve arrived in wine country. Then travel to Picton where you join your water taxi for your cruise across Marlborough Sounds to your accommodation.
Day 6: Marlborough Sounds The Marlborough Sounds is a paradise offering the opportunity to partake in so many enjoyable activities. Indulge in a favourite pastime or try a new diversion! Perhaps enjoy bush walking as you tramp the Queen Charlotte Track at your own pace. Hire a kayak and explore the sheltered bays and beautiful Sounds coastline either on a guided or independent option. Try your hand at fishing or take a helicopter or seaplane flight to see the region from another perspective. The choice is yours. Day 7: Return to Picton, Kaikoura & Whale Watch Tour This morning take your water taxi back to Picton where you collect your rental vehicle. Your journey south on State Highway 1 takes you through the coastal foothills, and then out into the picturesque Awatere Valley. Then after the small town of Ward, the road turns toward the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast which you follow to reach Kaikoura. Later today you join your Whale Watch Encounter by boat. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross.
Day 8: Kaikoura Today is at leisure. Perhaps take a scenic flight to view the breath-taking Kaikoura Mountains from above, and fly over the rocky peninsula and seaside township. Or you could take the controls of a small aircraft with the local Aero Club - no experience needed! On land an excellent range of activities awaits, ranging from four wheel motor biking, horse trekking and hunting, to star-gazing, wine tasting or experiencing Maori hospitality. Day 9: Kaikoura to Christchurch & Depart The trip south today takes you along the edge of the rugged coastal ranges before the landscape becomes gentler as you near Christchurch. Here sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you return your rental vehicle to the airport in time to join your onward flight. Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Please note that this self drive package can be taken in reverse order and the prices remain the same. If you are interested in receiving further details about this package, please complete the enquiry form below. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Package Inclusions
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Package Prices EARLYBIRD SPECIAL Hotel B&B Boutique $2,838 $2,894 $3,864 $2,843 $2,899 $3,870 $2,927 $2,983 $3,953 $3,006 $3,061 $4,032
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| Enquire Now | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To receive more information about this package, please complete the below enquiry form. Once received, one of our specialist travel consultants will be in contact by the next working day. In addition Luxury Vacations take your privacy very seriously and you can be assured that we will never distribute, sell or rent your information to anyone else. Fields marked with a * are required. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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