Luxury Whales, Wine & Wilderness
Daily
SELF-DRIVE tour
- Room only except Kaikoura where half board & Marlborough Sounds where breakfast.
- 5*Boutique The George, Christchurch; 5*Boutique Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses, Kaikoura; 4*Boutique Vinters Retreat, Blenheim & 4*Plus Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sounds.
- The price shown includes 8 days compact all inclusive car hire, accommodation as shown and return boat transfer for Punga Cove.
- International flights are not included.
- This holiday is 100% financially protected. ATOL protected 2713
Explore the South Island on this unforgettable Kiwi escape. Watch whales breach off Kaikoura, sip world-class Sauvignon Blanc among 30+ Marlborough wineries, then cruise the Marlborough Sounds by boat to a secluded lodge at Punga Cove. Kayak, hike the Queen Charlotte Track, or simply soak in the wilderness. From Christchurch and back, surround yourself in nature, and indulge in adventure in perfect balance.
Our suggested itinerary is a starting point
We're specialists in tailor-made holidays, where we can adapt each itinerary to suit your requirements
Days 1-2 Christchurch
On arrival, collect your hire car and head to your hotel. The next morning, perhaps hop on a tram and see some of the city sights before you drive north, following the coast, up to the picturesque coastal town Kaikoura (112 miles).
Days 3-4 Kaikoura
A perfect base for wildlife experiences of all kinds, with whales, fur seals and dolphins living permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. The town itself has plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants, with crayfish a particular feature on many menus. The next day, continue to wind your way northwards for Blenheim, which lies at the heart of wine-growing Marlborough (80 miles).
Day 5 Blenheim
Perhaps stock up with some delicious local produce before you drive to Picton, where you'll catch a boat through the scenic waterways of Marlborough Sounds to Punga Cove (16 miles land only).
Days 6-7 Marlborough Sounds
Punga Cove is well placed for exploring part of the Queen Charlotte Track, which leads you through lush native bush and offers scenic sea views along the way. Alternatively, why not hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for some time out on the water? Take the return ferry back to Picton and drive back to Blenheim. Enjoy the array of cafés, restaurants, wineries, bars, shops, artisan food outlets and golf courses as well as popular walkways along the Taylor River Reserve.
Close by, are more than 30 wineries and many welcome visitors for sampling sessions and cellar door sales (16 miles land only).
Day 8 Christchurch
Follow the road south back to Christchurch where your tour finishes. Alternatively, why not extend your tour and stay a few days in this beautiful city? (191 miles)
Need to know
Departures
Daily
Meals
Room only except Kaikoura where half board & Marlborough Sounds where breakfast.
Accommodation
5*Boutique The George, Christchurch; 5*Boutique Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses, Kaikoura; 4*Boutique Vinters Retreat, Blenheim & 4*Plus Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sounds.
Tour price
The price shown includes 8 days compact all inclusive car hire, accommodation as shown and return boat transfer for Punga Cove.
Notes
International flights are not included.
