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.