5 Day - Top of South Island
Explore a coastal national park with great walks along stunning beaches; enjoy the local food and wine, hot springs and the best place to view New Zealand's plentiful marine life..
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| TOP OF SOUTH ISLAND | |
| TOUR CODE: TSI5 HIGHLIGHTS :: Time to explore Abel Tasman National Park with free boat transfers and our exclusive campsite :: Hanmer Springs with hot pool options :: The Nelson Lakes for amazing walks :: Kahurangi National Park and Kaikoura (for seals, dolphins and whale spotting) ITINERARY DAY 1 :: CHRISTCHURCH TO PICTON We leave Christchurch this morning for a scenic drive to the port town of Picton with a stop to view a seal colony on the way. In the afternoon you have time to do the stunning Queen Charlotte Sounds Walk at the top of the South Island (No meals). DAY 2 :: PICTON TO ABEL TASMAN You have the morning at leisure to just relax or explore Picton further on foot or mountain bike before we head through to Marahau. We stop for a wine tour of New Zealand’s premier wine region world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. After tantalising our tastebuds we head across to Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand, then out to the Tasman region for the picturesque beaches and bays of the Abel Tasman National Park. We stay in our exclusive campsite, with cabins located adjacent to the national park. Dinner tonight includes a taste of the local seafood (B,D). DAY 3 :: FULL DAY IN ABEL TASMAN An entire day to explore the Abel Tasman National Park. We have included a boat transfer out of the park so you can walk this famous coastal track, incorporating some of the world’s best beaches. Your guide will take you on a walk varying in length from 2 to 3.5 hours. You can upgrade to one of the other great options available to explore this fabulous area including sea kayaking or sailing. Any way that you explore it you will be amazed by this stunning region. We self-cater tonight with BBQ facilities available and stay again at our exclusive campsite right beside the National Park (B). |
DAY 4 :: ABEL TASMAN TO HAMNER SPRINGS Today we set off early and head deep into the interior of the upper South Island passing through two more national parks enroute to the tranquillity of Hanmer Springs. The Kahurangi and Nelson national parks boast fabulous scenery and some great small hikes with craggy mountain ranges draped with beech forest to the lake’s edge. We then head for our first alpine pass to cross the main divide through the steep mountains, gorges, waterfalls, and trees, stopping in a number of places along the way to take it all in. We arrive in the afternoon to give you time to soak in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs. We go for a group meal tonight (D). DAY 5 :: HAMNER SPRINGS TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA KAIKOURA The day begins with a small drive to the coast to head north for Kaikoura, a stop that offers a sanctuary of marine life in a concentration unmatched anywhere in New Zealand. Regardless of what you elect to do you will encounter marine life in many forms. Seals, dolphins, whales or the king of the skies, the Royal Albatross are all available to see. After a five hour stop to give you time to do even the longest of options we express south to Christchurch, the largest South Island city (B). BRING Sturdy Walking shoes (ankle high), swimming gear, hat and sunscreen, motion sickness tablets, water bottle, towel and toiletries, warm clothing and waterproof jacket, insect repellent, camera. INCLUDED Experienced tour guide, accommodation transfers, accommodation, meals as indicated, boat transfers in the Abel Tasman National Park, a winery visit and a soak in the hot springs of Hanmer. NOTE The 2 nights at Abel Tasman in our exclusive accommodation includes quad share cabins. |
| 5 DAYS |
Adult $595 (quad share)  ACCOMMODATION UPGRADE! Twin/Double $675 pp Single $756 pp DEPARTS Christchurch to Christchurch 01-06APR ... Wed Sat 07APR-08NOV ... Sat 09NOV-31MAR ... Wed Sat Picton to Christchurch 01-07APR ... Thu Sun 08APR-09NOV ... Sun 10NOV-31MAR ... Thu Sun EXTENDED VERSIONS OF THIS TOUR ALSO AVAILABLE Click here to visit the 9 Day Tour Click here to visit the 14 Day Tour FINISHES Approximately 6:30pm MAX PEOPLE - 24 Valid till 31 March 2012 |
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Hikes up to 6-8kms per day. |
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Maximum 24 front facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle |
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