Join us and explore the wonders of the Marlborough and North Canterbury regions, where each day brings new adventures. From the serene Marlborough Sounds and world-class vineyards to a scenic coastal rail journey and whale watching; to the allure of lush forests and an alpine village Christmas - this is an unforgettable journey. Indulge in Vineyard lunches, cruise and lunch in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, bathe in the thermal pools and so much more.....
Home pick up and return within the Auckland metropolitan area (if applicable).
Services of a Travelwise Holidays Tour Leader throughout.
Breakfasts and Dinners daily and two fabulous winery lunches and lunch at historic Furneaux Lodge
All locally guided sightseeing tours, entry fees as per itinerary, including
Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise & lunch, Omaka Aviation centre guided tour, Coastal Pacific train journey, Whale Watch cruise and Christmas dinner in Hanmer.
SAT 21 DEC - AUCKLAND/BLENHEIM L,D
Depart Auckland on Air NZ5203 at 9.25am. Arrive in Blenheim at 10.55am. Head to a local winery for a wine tasting and hearty lunch. Free time this afternoon. Dinner is included tonight.
Stay 2 nights at the Scenic Hotel Marlborough.
SUN 22 DEC - BLENHEIM & MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS B,L,D
Drive to picturesque Picton and today we cruise the serene native bushland of Queen Charlotte Sound and land at Endeavour Inlet for lunch at cosy Furneaux Lodge. Named, West Bay by Captain Cook but renamed, Endeavour Inlet by Captain Stokes of the HMS Acheron. Mount Furneaux is also known as Puhikereru, or “the plume of the kererū”. Its a beautiful spot with a backdrop of native forest and lush rolling lawns right to the stunning green-blue water. Dinner is included tonight.
MON 23 DEC - BLENHEIM/KAIKOURA B,D
In the morning a guided tour of the fabulous Omaka Aviation Centre and its ‘Knight of the Sky‘ & ‘Dangerous Skies‘ exhibitions - ground-breaking for its rarity, scale and innovative presentation.
Afterwards board the Coastal Pacific Train (subject to train operation) to Kaikoura between mountains and sea - on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. Voyage through the vineyards of Blenheim, dripping with New Zealand's premium crop and admire the rugged coastline and remote beaches as you head South. Your brand new shoreline hotel awaits.
Stay 1 night at the brand new 4.5 Star Sudima Hotel on the Kaikoura shoreline.
TUE 24 DEC - KAIKOURA/HANMER SPRINGS B,D
Kaikōura is the whale watching capital of New Zealand. This morning we join a unique Whale Watch tour. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. Typically you’ll encounter New Zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales and southern right whales. In the afternoon a leisurely drive to the resort town of Hanmer Springs. An attractive destination for relaxation and indulgence, surrounded by dramatic mountains and towering forests. Maybe an evening dip in the famous thermal pools, a 5 minute walk away. Stay Hanmer Springs Hotel (2 nights).
WED 25 DEC - HANMER SPRINGS B,L,D
Merry Christmas! Relax and enjoy this stunning alpine village. Savour a wonderful Christmas dinner at the hotel tonight.
THU 26 DEC - HANMER SPRINGS/AUCKLAND B,L
This morning we head South to the Waipara Valley, a relatively new wine region in New Zealand, with production first established in 1978. We enjoy a delectable winery lunch before we head for Christchurch airport for your Air NZ flight NZ588 departing at 3.45pm and arriving back into Auckland 5.10pm.
