Discover the paint pot bright colours, warm and sunny climate and stunning scenery that characterises the lesser-explored top of New Zealand’s South Island.

Day One | Christchurch
Your private driver/guide will meet you from Christchurch airport and transfer you to Elm Tree House showing you a little taster of Christchurch on the way.
2 nights | Elm Tree House

Day Two | Akaroa
Today gives you the opportunity to explore the hidden gem that is the Banks Peninsula and the quaint French settlement of Akaroa. Take to the water on a wildlife cruise of the harbour, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, and enjoy a cosmopolitan lunch of local cheese and wine.

Day Three | Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura
Lesser known and developed than its big sister Queenstown, the alpine resort of Hanmer Springs still offers a mouth-watering menu of activities and gives you the chance to relax in the hot springs before heading north to Kaikoura. This tiny township is situated between the mountains and the ocean and, whilst known for being ‘where the whales are’, also has an ancient and thriving Maori heritage.
1 night | Kincaid Lodge

Day Four | Kaikoura and Marlborough Sounds
No visit to Kaikoura is complete without a marine experience of some kind. Hit the waves on a state of the art vessel to see whales, or get your wetsuit on and swim with the dolphins. Snorkel with seals, or take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the whales (additional cost). If you’re more interested in the heritage of the region, then spend the morning with the local Maori for a unique cultural experience. From Kaikoura, continue your journey north to the sunny climes of Marlborough.
2 nights | Raetihi Lodge

Day Five | At leisure
The beautiful Marlborough Sounds are a playground filled with treasures that will surely bring out the child in you. The vast range of water and nature based activities includes kayaking, mussel cruises and hiking through native bush.

Day Six | Nelson
It’s onwards to Nelson today via the little waterside town of Havelock and the Ra Valley. This charming corner of New Zealand is a magnet for artists who have flocked here for the light and the relaxed pace of life. Galleries and studios are in abundance and it’s a great place to pick up an original piece of New Zealand art.
2 nights | Cambria House

Day Seven | Abel Tasman National Park
Your guide is on hand today to offer advice on the many activities available. A combination of a guided walk and sea kayak through the Abel Tasman comes highly recommended – it will feel just like you’re walking through a photograph!

Day Eight | Nelson Lakes and Punakaiki Rocks
The landscape changes today as you head through the Nelson Lakes region to Murchison and Buller Gorge and onwards to the rugged west coast. Keep cameras at the ready for stunning landscapes as you travel through the Paparoa National Park to Punakaiki. Bizarre limestone creations known as the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes make for an unusual panorama and are at their most dramatic when the weather is wild.
1 night | Punakaiki Resort

Day Nine | TranzAlpine to Christchurch
A short drive south brings you to Greymouth, boarding point for the TranzAlpine train which wends its way through the backbone of the Southern Alps to Christchurch. On arrival, transfer to Elm Tree House for one final night in Christchurch.
Overnight | Elm Tree House

Day Ten | End of Tour
Your driver/guide will transfer you to the airport for your onward connection.

Kaikoura – “ We expected Kaikoura to be very commercial but it isn’t at all and the whale-watching cruise was excellent, especially as we were lucky enough to see dolphins as well.” Mr & Mrs Frost, Surrey

Abel Tasman National Park – “We wouldn’t have missed our Abel Tasman mini trek for anything. it was truly like walking through a photograph.” The Petersons, Wiltshire

From £2,959 per person, including all accommodation with daily breakfast, private driver/guide and vehicle and touring as shown.
Self drive option also available from £1,465 per person