6 Day Wine, Brews & Views

Kia ora welcome to the Garden city of New Zealand. Once you have cleared customs and collected your baggage, collect your rental and begin your drive to Hanmer Springs which is approximately 1 hour and 45 minute drive. This afternoon unwind in one of 22 outdoor thermal pools including the cascades, relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools, an array of water jets and bubbles – at a range of temperatures.

As you head to Nelson and make your way to your accommodation the rest of today is at leisure to enjoy the local sights. The Nelson region is an area of diverse beauty that boasts the greatest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand. It is home to a thriving arts and crafts colony where locals enjoy a relaxed, easy-going lifestyle. It is also a great base to explore the Abel Tasman National Park with its numerous marine, wildlife and nature based activities.

Nelson is well known for its award-winning local wines and craft beer and this afternoon we go and explore this area of Nelson.

Enjoy a couple of wine tasting experiences along with one or two artisan and scenic spots eg: Rabbit Island Beach, Tasman Artisan Cheese shop, etc. To end the tour we 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. This is a fabulous no fuss, relaxing way to see a lot of Nelson in an afternoon!

This morning is at leisure before you drive over to Blenheim. You will be collected from your accommodation around 12.30pm and travel by comfortable minivan, set out to explore the Marlborough wine region and admire the views as you drive through the rolling vineyards. We stop along the way to visit four of Marlborough’s best wineries, soak up the scenery as you stroll through the vineyards, and learn more about New Zealand wine as you sample a variety of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling wines. There is also an option to buy a cheese platter or small nibble along the way. After a thorough introduction to New Zealand wine, your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel around 5pm.

As you leave Blenheim you head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island. The Kaikoura Coast road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometres and offers many chances to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals.
You will go through the town of Kaikoura which is a bustling place with many cafes and shops – but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife. If you are a definite nature fan, we recommend staying the night so you can partake in a Whale Watch cruise or a half day guided seal kayaking tour. Enquire for more information about tours and staying in Kaikoura.

Continue along the coast before heading inland through North Canterbury’s major wine region, the Waipara Valley. You may also be introduced to the South Island’s most numerous inhabitant, the sheep on this drive before arriving into Christchurch, your destination for the night.

Time to farewell New Zealand and we hope that this 6-day taster will intrigue your senses to come back for more.