Top of the South Island Loop

Top of the South Island Loop
Including Farewell Spit.

2 Mar - 12 Mar 2022

Duration: 11 Days
Cost: $3,490 per person (indicative price based on twin share) Single Supplement $995

We will be going to Picton and doing the Marlborough sound Mail boat cruise, a winery tour in Blenheim and visit the World of Wearable Arts in Nelson. We will visit the beautiful Te Waikoropupu Springs near Takaka, Golden Bay and take you to the Farewell Spit near Collingwood. We spend one night in Westport, traveling south we visit the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, also we visit some mining monuments both recent and historic, then continue toward fabulous Hokitika where we spend two nights. Here we visit beautiful Sunset Point, do the amazing scenic Tree Top Walk, Lake Mahinapua and in the evening visit the Glow Worm Dell. Our journey back to Christchurch takes us over the Otira George and Arthurs Pass, where we will stop for a lunch break before continuing to Christchurch.

Day 1 (D)

Today we depart Christchurch travelling north past the Waipara wine region, then onwards through the Hundalee Hills towards Kaikoura where we take a stop for lunch and a quick browse in the township. After lunch we continue north, taking in the rugged coastline scenery, stopping at Ohau Point seal colony to watch the seals and seal pups sunning and frolicking in their habitat, a wonderful photo stop before pressing on towards our beautifully located accommodation overlooking Picton harbour where we will be staying the next two nights.

​Day 2(B&D)

This morning we take a winery tour of a few different vineyards and wineries. Before returning for a lunch and boarding a boat for the famous Queen Charlotte Sounds Mail Boat Cruise.

Day 3 (B&D)

Today we say goodbye to Picton and move towards Nelson where we are based for the next two nights. Afternoon free to wander the town, check out the Cathedral etc.

​Day 4 (B)

After an easy morning we travel to Rabbit island for a nice cuppa beside the beach, then onto the quaint little seaside village of Mapua where we have some time to browse the galleries. After lunch we will visit the wonderful World of Wearable Arts. After which we will go back to our accommodation.

Day 5 (B&D)

After leaving our accommodation we drive through Motueka, we will have a short brake here to have a look around the shops. Afterwards we travel over the spectacular Takaka Hill. We will have a couple of photo stops along the way before arriving at our comfortable accommodation in Pohara where we will stay for two nights. The accommodation is right at the beautiful beach edge.

​Day 6 (B&D)

Today we go to Collingwood to do the Farewell Spit where we take a tour and observe the extraordinary ecosystem - vital for our migratory birds, also visiting Cape Farewell (the most northern point of the South Island). Time permitting, we will visit historic Langford Store (the old post office) in Bainham.

Day 7 (B)

We will take a stroll to the second clearest water in the world, the amazing Te Waikoropupu Springs. Well known for its volume of water discharge - 14,000 litres per second. Afterwards we will take a short but beautiful bushwalk to a lookout point in the cliffs at the Grove. A secret little gem in Golden Bay.

Day 8 (B&D)

We depart the Golden Bay area to head for Westport. This is another day of spectacular scenery. Once arriving in Westcoast, we take a short detour to Tauranga bay where we stretch our legs at the Cape Foulwind. Home to a seal colony and some spectacular views. Afterwards heading to our accommodation in Westport.

Day 9 (B&D)

Making our way south, stopping for a break at the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, hoping for a large swell to see a blowhole in a full action around the unique limestone formations. From there we continue

our journey stopping around Greymouth to visit some mining monuments and the Pike River Memorial site. After which we continue to our accommodation in Hokitika.

Day 10 (B&D)

After breakfast we take a short drive to Lake Mahinapua for a morning cuppa and soak in the views before going to the renowned treetop walk. Lunch here before returning to Hokitika. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town. This evening we visit the amazing lightshow of the Glow Worm Dell.  

Day 11 (B)

Today we make our way through the stunning Otira Gorge, stopping for a photo shoot, continuing to Arthur’s Pass Alpine village where we stop for lunch. Multiple photo opportunities before we arrive in Christchurch.

NOTES
B = Continental breakfast provided 
L = Lunch
D = Dinner (main meal) provided (please note any drinks will be at your own expense) 
Morning cuppa and 'bikkies' provided from the bus most days. 
We stop at various places for you to purchase your own lunch.