South Island Wildlife and Wine Boutique Self Drive
If you love wildlife, being out on the water and sampling local cuisine and wines, this itinerary is a winner. You’ll keep the pace relaxed as you drive, cruise and journey by rail exploring the top of the South Island. From the French flavour of historic Akaroa, you’ll explore the Banks Peninsula by boat and watch out for Hector’s dolphins. Next you’ll be whale watching on a nature cruise from Kaikoura, with the chance to see more marine life including seals and seabirds. Join the experts on a guided sampling tour of some of Marlborough’s wineries, before dining on fresh seafood with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as you cruise the Marlborough Sounds. Take in the stunning coastal scenery, nature and birdlife of the Abel Tasman National Park and discover nature’s handiwork at Punakaiki and its famous Pancake Rocks. The grand finale of this tour will be traversing the ‘Great Divide’ as you take one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world on the TranzAlpine. With 2 night stays at each point on route in carefully selected boutique accommodation, you’ll enjoy Kiwi hospitality at its finest.
Discover Tailor-Made Travel
- Award-winning holidays
- ATOL protected
- Incredible value
Including
9 meals
- 8 breakfasts
- 1 lunch
Accommodation
10 nights in boutique lodges, cottages and B&Bs
Excursions and visits
- Discover Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula with it’s French flavour and historic buildings
- Take a wildlife cruise to spot Hector’s dolphins, unique to New Zealand’s waters
- Watch for whales, seals and Dusky dolphins on a nature cruise from Kaikoura, then dine on local crayfish
- Sample the wines of Marlborough on a guided tour, then enjoy fresh seafood and local Sauvignon Blanc on a luxury catamaran
- Explore the coastal scenery of Abel Tasman National Park by boat and walking trails
- Listen for bird song and watch out for fantails, tui and bellbirds, shags, gannets and little blue penguins
- Traverse the ‘Great Divide’ on the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s top rail journeys
- Experience the best of Kiwi hospitality in carefully selected accommodation gems
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Visa (if required)
- Optional excursions
Plus
11 days Avis Group C car rental
Sightseeing touring/cruises as indicated
Overview
10 nights
Australasia . New Zealand . Christchurch . Blenheim
International flights not included
From £1,816 per person
Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm
Saturday: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Itinerary
Duration: 11 days