Top of the South Wine Trail - 7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1:  Arrive Wellington or Christchurch & On To Marlborough
On arrival in either Picton off the Interislander Ferry or in Christchurch or Blenheim at the airport, collect your rental car and make your way to your accommodation in the Marlborough town of Blenheim.  An ideal base for those who want to explore the local wine & food culture, Blenheim offers an exciting and diverse range of attractions and activities.

Stay:	Superior	Marlborough Vintner's Hotel in a Suite for 2 nights including continental breakfast
	Deluxe	The Peppertree in a Guest Suite for 2 nights including breakfast

Day 2:  Discover Marlborough Vineyards
With over 70 wineries, a range of boutique breweries and even a world class distillery, Marlborough really is a fantastic destination.  Add to this an incredible range of cafes and restaurants and Marlborough really is a "Gourmet Paradise".  Today you will enjoy the very best of the Marlborough wineries with your own wine tour guide and luxury vehicle for the day.  Visit the Icons such as Cloudy Bay, Allan Scott's and Hunters, or let us show you some of the boutique wineries such as Huia, Seresin and Te Whare Ra.  The tour can be personalised to include your favourite wineries, or alternatively mix in a nice selection of arts and crafts, gardens and wineries.


Day 3:  Marlborough to Nelson
Depart today and enjoy a leisurely drive to the nearby city of Nelson.  Here you can discover the creative paradise that is Nelson – an irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape at the top northwest corner of the South Island.  From the northern edge of the Southern Alps across the fertile plains and out to a great sweep of beaches, Nelson is beautifully laid out under a generous sun that delivers New Zealand’s highest hours.

Stay:	Superior	Heritage Rutherford Hotel in an Executive Room for 2 nights including breakfast
	Deluxe	The Resurgence in a Deluxe Lodge Room for 2 nights including breakfast

Day 4:  Discover Nelson Vineyards
Today travelling by luxury vehicle with driver/guide you enjoy a relaxing and fun filled day out discovering local vineyards.  There is no set itinerary for today as your driver/guide will create something special for you around your own interests.  Perhaps visit the stunning wineries such as Waimea Estate and Neudorf as well as a selection of boutique wine, arts, crafts and food experiences.


Day 5:  Nelson to Punakaiki
Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region and navigate the awesome Buller Gorge across to the rugged West Coast.  At Hawks Crag the road has been hacked out of solid rock – you’ll drive under a dramatic overhang!  Travel along the Tasman Sea coastline to reach Punakaiki – home to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

Stay:	Superior	Punakaiki Resort in a Guest Room for 1 night including breakfast
	Deluxe	Punakaiki Resort in a Eco Unit for 1 night including breakfast

Day 6:  Punakaiki to Christchurch
Depart Punakaiki this morning and travel further north along the rugged West Coast to reach Greymouth.  Here you return your rental vehicle and join the Tranz Alpine train, which is rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world for your journey to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass and crossing the Southern Alps.  When you arrive in Christchurch early evening you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Stay:	Superior	Millennium Hotel in a Superior Room for 2 nights including breakfast
	Deluxe	George Hotel in a Premium Executive for 2 nights including breakfast

Day 7:  Discover Waipara Vineyards
Today you join your scheduled guided tour to the Waipara Valley, Canterbury's premier wine growing region around 45 minutes from Christchurch.  Visit four award-winning wineries, such as Pegasus Bay, Mud House, Waipara Springs, Torlesse, Mt Cass, Muddy Water, Danny Schuster or Sherwoods. (all wineries subject to availability).  You will be able taste the wine, view the vineyards and, if you wish, buy some wine.  On the wine trail we are usually able to show you where the wine is made and you are often able to meet the winemakers.  A lunch platter at one of the wineries is also included.


Day 8:  Depart Christchurch
Sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you are transferred by private vehicle to Christchurch 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.
 

What's Included?

Departures daily on request Transportation by self drive rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance on days 1-6 7 nights accommodation on a choice of superior or deluxe Breakfast included daily Full day privately guided tour of Marlborough vineyards including transport & tastings Full day privately guided tour of Nelson vineyards including transport & tastings Tranz Alpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch Transfer by private vehicle from Christchurch train station to hotel Scheduled guided tour of Waipara Vineyards including transport, tastings and lunch Transfer by private vehicle from hotel to Christchurch Comprehensive day by day travel itinerary Comprehensive day by day travel itinerary Driving directions Maps and brochures for the regions you are visiting and driving 24 hour on call assistance from a Luxury Vacations for the duration of your vacation

Tariff - please contact us for details and pricing.

This travel package has been prepared by Luxury Vacations to help you plan your holiday in New Zealand.  All of our packages are fully flexible, from the date you travel to the accommodation you stay at, the vineyards and sightseeing you experience to your mode of transport. 

We also offer a free itinerary planning service so you can design your dream vacation.  We’ll match your interests, budget and time frame to find that perfect balance just for you - all the while backed by our specialist advice.

If you’d like further information and pricing on this golfing holiday, please email us and be sure to let us know your proposed month of travel.

Or if you’d like us to help you plan your own individually tailored holiday, simply fill out our free enquiry form with as much information as you can and one of our experienced staff will be in contact.