Fiona Donaldson - Personal Travel Manager
0403 868 746
fiona.donaldson@travelmanagers.com.au
Top of the South Food and Wine Tour
Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.
Welcome to Christchurch City
Christchurch New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore the city or easy way to see the sights or ride the historic trams across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral, that's right it is built of cardboard!
Your accommodation: Quest on Cambridge
Quest on Cambridge serviced apartment-style hotel rooms offer guests a relaxed and comfortable Christchurch accommodation experience. Each room has an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and natural light. Quest on Cambridge is a short walk from the south shopping centre and to the Botanic Gardens.
Collect your rental car - Kia Sportage Urban LX 2WD (SFAR) or similar (Europcar)
- 5 door 2WD SUV
- Air Conditioning and Bluetooth
- Engine: 2 litre
- Automatic
- Passengers: 5 passengers
- Luggage Space: 4 large bags
- Maximum Excess/ Liability: NZD$0
Christchurch to Kaikoura
The drive north from Christchurch to Kaikoura takes you through the rolling hills of North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley. Allow time for a detour and visit Hanmer Springs for a dip in the mineral hot pools. Continue on and cross the Hawkswood Range before descending to the spectacular Kaikoura coastline - where the road hugs the ocean for the last leg of the drive.
Your accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikōura
Set on the Esplanade in Kaikōura, The White Morph enjoys commanding views of the ocean and mountains. Just a 10-minute walk into town, The White Morph has been beautifully placed so that you can take in the spectacular scenery of Kaikoura while enjoying the variety of attractions on offer.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 179 kms / 111 miles : 2.5 hours
Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura
Experience New Zealand's only marine based whale watching company. Whale Watch Kaikōura offer a once-in-a-lifetime, up close encounter with the giant Sperm Whale. You are also likely to encounter New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and albatross. Depending on the season you may also see Pilot, Blue and Southern Right whales as well as migrating humpbacks. Often orcas can be spotted here and the world's smallest dolphin, the Hectors, occasionally make an appearance. Cruise in style on modern catamarans, specifically designed for whale watching. The VIP Captain’s Cabin is situated in the wheelhouse alongside the captain. This cabin provides guests with exclusive access to the captain as well as a dedicated tour host for the duration of the tour.
Kaikoura to Blenheim
Heading north from Kaikoura, the road hugs the shore for approximately 50 kilometres and offers many opportunities to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. One of the best seal watching locations is Ohau Point (25km north of Kaikoura), where you can observe the adults on the shoreline and the pups frolicking in the waterfall, just a short walk from the road (signposted). As you drive you will have turquoise waters of the South Pacific Ocean to your east and to the west the towering Kaikoura Ranges. Crossing the dry hills of the Marlborough ranges you head towards Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine producing region. Blenheim sits right at the heart of Marlborough and is ideally located to enjoy an afternoon sampling the local produce. A great way to do this is to take a guided wine tour with Sounds Connection Wine Tours.
Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Marlborough
Scenic Hotel Marlborough offers the ultimate in modern comfort and service. Located in the heart of sunny Marlborough, this Blenheim hotel is just a few minutes walk from the centre of Blenheim with some of New Zealand's finest food and wine virtually on your doorstep.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 116 kms / 72 miles : 1.4 hours
Blenheim
Surrounded by row upon row of vines, Blenheim sits at the heart of the Marlborough Wine region. A compact town centred on an old fashioned marketplace, Blenheim is a great place to soak up the country atmosphere. A great choice of cafes, restaurants, and shops will help you while away the afternoon.
Blenheim is also home to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which houses Peter Jackson's Great War collection, complete with mannequins by Weta Workshop.
Of course, the region is most famous for its world-class wines and a visit would not be complete without sampling the vintages at the many wineries.
Blenheim to Havelock
A short drive north from Blenheim to you reach Havelock. The small port town of Havelock has a great variety of cafes and restaurants to choose from so it's a great place to stop for lunch.
Pelorus Mail Boat
Join the world famous Pelorus Mail Run in the Marlborough Sounds and visit isolated homesteads nestled in quiet secluded bays, delivering crucial supplies and mail the same way it has been done for decades. View mussel farms and see why Pelorus Sound is the mussel capital of the world. Old timers row out in dinghies to meet the boat, while some receive their supplies on tiny, unspoilt beaches. Mail was first delivered to the Marlborough Sounds by Government Steamer in 1912. The Steamer put the mail ashore at various small Post Offices throughout the area and the residents had to row to these points to pick their mail up. In 1925 the Government decided to put the Service out to Private Operators and the Mail Run, as it is today, was born. In the early years most of the goods carried were farming supplies and a few tourists. These days as most of the farms have ceased operating, tourists are the only passengers as well as the mail.
Havelock to Blenheim
From Havelock you follow the valley south towards Blenheim and wine growing region of Marlborough. The town of Blenheim sits right at the heart of the New Zealand's largest wine producing region, Marlborough, and is ideally located to enjoy an afternoon sampling the local produce. A great way to do this is to take a guided wine tour with Sounds Connection Wine Tours.
Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Marlborough
Scenic Hotel Marlborough offers the ultimate in modern comfort and service. Located in the heart of sunny Marlborough, this Blenheim hotel is just a few minutes walk from the centre of Blenheim with some of New Zealand's finest food and wine virtually on your doorstep.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 74 kms / 46 miles : 0.9 hours
Blenheim to Nelson
A short drive north from Blenheim to you reach Havelock. The small port town of Havelock has a great variety of cafes and restaurants to choose from so plan your journey to arrive in time for lunch. Crossing the Bryant Range you arrive onto Tasman Bay and the city of Nelson.
Explore the Plains Half Day Tour with Bay Tours Nelson
This 4.5hr afternoon tour of the Nelson region is a great taster of the area, you will enjoy a couple of wine-tasting experiences along with one or two artisan and scenic spots eg: Rabbit Island Beach, Pics Peanut Butter shop, Hoglund glass - Tasman Artisan Cheese shop. To end the tour we will visit NZ's Oldest Pub in the hop-growing region of NZ and enjoy a glass of craft beer/cider or wine from the local area. If time allows we can also visit the popular and historic Mapua Wharf to browse the shops and grab a coffee or ice cream.
Your accommodation: The Sails Motel
The Sails Nelson is located just 5 minutes walk from the Nelson City Centre and adjacent to all main routes. Each suite is tastefully and luxuriously furnished to the highest standard, providing you with the total package in comfort and style.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 109 kms / 68 miles : 1.4 hours
Nelson to Christchurch (via Nelson Lakes National Park)
Leaving Nelson you will pass through the suburb of Richmond. Moving on you will travel through the Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Park regions. Trees, rivers and valleys accompany you now as you head towards the town of Murchison. Murchison is a quiet place and a great lunch stop. Underneath its sleepy farming facade is an adventurers paradise with white water rafting, jet boating, gold panning, kayaking, 4WD trips and excellent trout fishing.
From Murchison, you will head south towards Maruia Springs, which has been attracting travellers for years and the natural hot springs are now located within an authentic Japanese themed resort, a great place to stop for a soak if time allows. Head inland over the Lewis Pass where the landscape changes to a sub-alpine zone with large forests of red and silver beech. Near the summit a short walking track, the Tarn Nature Walk, is an ideal place to break your journey.
The drive south to Christchurch takes you through some fine rolling farmland and North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley.
Your accommodation: Quest on Cambridge
Quest on Cambridge serviced apartment-style hotel rooms offer guests a relaxed and comfortable Christchurch accommodation experience. Each room has an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and natural light. Quest on Cambridge is a short walk from the south shopping centre and to the Botanic Gardens.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 465 kms / 289 miles : 6.5 hours
Return Your Vehicle to Christchurch Airport
It's time to return your rental car and let the South Island journey come to an end. If time allows spend the day exploring more of Christchurch, we'd suggest a leisurely drive up the Port Hills for some great sites and then over to the harbour of Lyttleton, before circling through the tunnel and back to the airport to continue your journey home.
Farewell from Aotearoa-New Zealand
Bid farewell to New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 7 kms / 5 miles : 0.2 hours