Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage of New Zealand’s South Island on this immersive journey. From Christchurch’s historic tram dining to the stunning TranzAlpine rail journey, coastal wonders of Punakaiki, and the artistic charm of Nelson, each day is a new adventure. Cruise Abel Tasman National Park, savour Marlborough wines, and enjoy a Seafood Odyssea cruise in the Sounds. Discover aviation history in Blenheim and relax in Hanmer Springs. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and indulgence awaits!
Activity Level 1
Early Booking Discount - Book by 10 Aug, 2025 and save an extra $70 per person
Home pickup and return within the Auckland metropolitan area (if applicable).
Services of Travelwise Holidays Tour Leader throughout.
Return airfare Auckland/Christchurch flying Air New Zealand.
All coach touring and sightseeing as indicated.
Quality hotel accommodation throughout, on a share twin basis.
All cooked breakfasts, 2 x lunches & 8 dinners.
All sightseeing excursions and admission costs.
Tram Car dinner in Christchurch
Akaroa Tour and Cruise
TranzAlpine Rail journey Christchurch to Greymouth
Punangairi Visitor Experience visit
Punakaiki Rocks visit
Westport visit
Nelson Winery Lunch
Hoglund Glass Studio visit
Kaiteriteri, Motueka.
Abel Tasman National Park Cruise
Queen Charlotte Sound Seafood Odyssea Cruise
Riverside Rail and winery lunch Blenheim
Tour the Omaka Aviation Centre’s exhibitions: "Knight of the Sky" & "Dangerous Skies"
Scenic coastal drive to Kaikoura
Scenic drive to alpine village Hanmer Springs
TUE 10 FEB - AUCKLAND/CHRISTCHURCH
Depart for Christchurch at 11.00am, arrive at 12.25pm. Savour a fabulous Christchurch TramCar dinner tonight. Stay Fable Hotel, Christchurch, 2 nights. Included: D
WED 11 FEB - AKAROA DAY EXCURSION
Visit the enchanting French village of Akaroa. Encounter the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, fur seals and coastal birds, as you cruise through an extinct volcanic crater. Dinner at the hotel tonight. Included: B, D
THU 12 FEB - CHRISTCHURCH/RAIL/PUNAKAIKI
Explore the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train - one of the world's great train journeys, covering 223 kilometres. Travelling coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions the South Island. Visit the new state of the art Punangairi Visitor Experience Centre. Stay Scenic Hotel, Punakaiki, 1 night. Included: B, D
FRI 13 FEB - PUNAKAIKI/NELSON
Gaze in wonder at the pancake rocks and blowholes, where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of hotcakes. Nature began this work of art about 30 million years ago. Visit Westport then drive the wild and scenic Buller River Valley to St. Arnaud; perched on the edge of Lake Rotoiti and surrounded by the stunning beech forests and mountains of Nelson Lakes National Park. Onward to Nelson. Stay Tides Hotel, Nelson, 3 nights. Included: B, D
SAT 14 FEB - NELSON, WINERY LUNCH
Morning at leisure then wine tasting & lunch at Seifried Winery. The family have been pouring heart and soul into every bottle since 1973, when Hermann and Agnes grafted, planted and tended the first grapes in the Nelson region. Later visit the fascinating Hoglund Art studio. Freedom dining in Nelson tonight. Included: B, L
SUN 15 FEB - KAITERITERI/ABEL TASMAN CRUISE
Enjoy a coffee break on a cruise into Abel Tasman National Park. Voyage North pausing at Split Apple Rock, follow the coast to Medlands Beach (Bark Bay). Change boats here, for the return journey and cruise South past the seal colony on Adele Island. Later explore vibrant Motueka. Return to Nelson. Dinner at the Hotel tonight. Included: B, D
MON 16 FEB - NELSON/BLENHEIM
Travel to scenic Havelock, self titled the Greenshell Mussel capital of the world. Once a gold mining settlement, it has many quaint colonial buildings housing boutique galleries and cafes. Continue on to Picton to enjoy the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds on a scenic Seafood Odyssea Cruise. As you cruise, sample local seafood such as salmon, and Greenshell mussels and keep an eye out for local wildlife including seals, dolphins and birds. Stay Scenic Hotel, Blenheim, 2 nights. Included: B, D
TUE 17 FEB - BLENHEIM, WINERY, OMAKA AVIATION
Free morning to explore from your central hotel. Savour a Winery lunch today and ride the delightful riverside train. Visit the Omaka Aviation Centre and tour the fabulous exhibitions: "Knight of the Sky" & "Dangerous Skies". Included: B, L, D
WED 18 FEB - BLENHEIM/HANMER SPRINGS
Travel the stunning coastal route to Kaikoura where rugged mountains meet the sea and wildlife is accessible and abundant. Continue on to the the alpine village of Hanmer Springs for a free afternoon. Maybe relax at the thermal pools. Stay Hanmer Springs Retreat 1 night. Included: B, D
THU 19 FEB - HANMER SPRINGS/AUCKLAND
A leisurely start then enjoy the drive to Christchurch, with its deep gorges, tree-lined rivers, and stunning mountain views.
Depart Christchurch at 2.00pm, arrive Auckland 3.25 pm. Included: B
Deposit: $500pp
