Arrive Christchurch
"Haere Mai" Welcome to Christchurch - the Garden City. On completion of formalities, pick up your rental car and travel onto your centrally located accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore what Christchurch has to offer. The city has had 2 earthquakes in the last year, and as a result the central CBD district has been damaged. However many of the activites in and around Christchurch are still operating as normal, and there is still plenty to experience and see. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge
Day 2
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Today head up the coast to Kaikoura, the area is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish (in the Maori language kai means food, koura means crayfish). The environment is truly spectacular – the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape. Kaikoura’s special talent is marine mammal encounters – whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops. Stay: Willowbank Motel
Day 3
Kaikoura to Picton
Further north lies today’s destination Picton, the picturesque seaside town is the South Island base for the ferry service that links the main islands of New Zealand. It’s also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Stay: Aldan Lodge Motel (2 nights)
Day 4
Day at leisure in Picton
Today is at your leisure to explore Picton and the surrounding areas. Built around a very sheltered harbour, the town has an attractive seafront dotted with cafés, restaurants and various types of galleries. There’s also a floating maritime museum and an aquarium. Local operators can take you cruising, fishing, dolphin watching or sea kayaking. The Queen Charlotte Track is a major local attraction; you can conquer it on foot or on a mountain bike.
Day 5
Picton to Nelson
Today takes you to Nelson, from a cultural point of view, it provides the chance to appreciate New Zealand art, both in galleries and in artists’ studios. The district has attracted creative people who work with glass, metal, stone, wood, clay, sand, paper, ink, paint and fabric. Nelson is also appealing from a lifestyle point of view. There are wineries scattered around the Moutere Hills and the Waimea Plains. In the city, you’ll find a good selection of restaurants – some with huge views of Tasman Bay. Activities include skydiving, rock climbing, 4WD biking, horse treks, sailing charters and water fun at the excellent beaches. Stay: Parkside Motel (2 nights)
Day 6
Nelson
Today enjoy your Wilsons Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Open day pass. With its above average sunshine record, beautiful sandy beaches the area is a must see for visitors. Lush forest coastal paths lead to delightful bays with gold sand beaches and clear blue water. The park can be explored on a cruise, by kayak or on foot.
Day 7
Nelson to Hanmer Springs
Today head southwards to Hanmer Springs, as the name might suggest, the peaceful village of Hanmer Springs is best known for its natural hot springs and forms the main thermal resort of the South Island. Set amidst a stunning alpine landscape that offers snow-covered peaks in the middle of winter and lush evergreen forest is well worth a visit at any time of year. Entrance to the Thermal Reserve is included today and is one of the leading attractions on the South Island and is a retreat that is enjoyed, as much by locals as visitors. The reserve has been attractively landscaped around the natural features to produce a relaxing and peaceful environment, with an oriental feel. Stay: Greenacres Chalets and Apartments
Day 8
Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
On your final day of this itinerary make your way back to your starting point Christchurch, please return your rental car to the depot at Christchurch airport prior to your onward flight.
Note: This self drive tour can be completed in reverse order, the tour cost remains the same.To view tour prices or to make an enquiry, please click on the Tabs at the top of this itinerary.Top
from NZ $1,1598 Day Nature Trail14.05
8 Day Nature Trail Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 8 Day Nature Trail.
Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for a lovely holiday. Everything went really well, with only one small disappointment and that was the Wilkin River Jet Boats was cancelled because water levels were too low. Everything else was really amazing and spectacular. The vistas of the South Island were unbelievably beautiful with each new one being better than the last (if that was possible). We had a marvellous time, the weather was really kind to us. We had it all except rain, and when ever it turned bad it was either the day before we got somewhere or the day after we left. Views of Mt Cook were great. You guys organised everything for us beautifully. N0 hassles, no mix ups, everything went like a well oiled machine. Thank you so much for the wonderful effort you put into preparing everything for us. Next time we will have to do the North Island. I certainly know which mob to refer my friends to when they're planning a trip to NZ.
Gorana & Mirko Ceranic (Australia) Tour Date 11/06/2009
* 1 & 2 Bedroom motel units are all self catering.
** 2 Bedroom motel prices based on 4 adults travelling.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Season Sale! Save 5% off the prices shown on our website, for all 2012 departures. Deposit this month to qualify!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking.
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'.
Self Drive Tour Notes
Prices above are per person & valid till September 2012.
2 Bedroom motel prices above are based on 4 adults travelling.
Some motel studios may not have full self catering facilities. If self catering is required then please request a 1 or 2 bedroom room.
If a property listed on our itinerary is unavailable at the time of booking we will replace it with a equivalent accommodation, and let you know, to ensure it is to your satisfaction.
Please note this itinerary was updated 5 July 2011.
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