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Top of The South

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Top of The South

The tour includes expeditions to most prominent attractions in South Island, New Zealand. It begins from Christchurch and continues up the lovely coastline between Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges, to half-submerged mountain range called Marlborough Sounds. Visit the Hanmer Springs, and Nelson Tasman region which is home to colourful coastal towns and is surrounded by three national parks.

 

Tour Nights

  • Christchurch: 1 nights
  • Marlborough Sounds : 2 nights
  • Nelson: 2 nights
  • Hanmer Springs : 1 nights
  • Tour CodeTour code: AWNZ01
  • Accommodation GradeAccommodation Grade
  • Private TourPrivate Tour

Tour At a Glance

  • Enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating at waterways, coves and inlets of Marlborough Sounds
  • Spend some time at art galleries and modern cafés in Nelson
  • Soothe your mind and soul at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
  • Explore the natural beauty of Waipara region at its vineyards and olive groves

Itinerary details

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  • Day 1 : Arrive Christchurch
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    Meet and greet service with rental car pick up at Christchurch Airport.

  • Day 2 : Christchurch – Picton (344 km) - Marlborough Sounds
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    Travel across broad, braided rivers and the rich patchwork farming landscape of the Canterbury ranges. Continue up the ruggedly beautiful coastline between the surging Pacific Ocean and the steeply rising Kaikoura Ranges to the wine growing region of Marlborough. On arrival in Picton park your car and travel by water taxi to your accommodation. Recommended Optional Tour Enroute: Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typ ical tour may encounter fur seals, pods of dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. You may also see Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kiaoura is home to world’s largest dolphin the Orca and the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphin the Hector and has the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand. Read More

  • Day 3 : Marlborough Sounds
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    Day at leisure. The South Island’s northeast corner is dominated by the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, a half-submerged mountain range revealed as a labyrinth of waterways, inlets, coves, bays and islands. The result is a marvellous recreation area for boating, swimming, and fishing as well as walking and cycling.

  • Day 4 : Marlborough Sounds – Picton - Nelson (130 km)
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    Take a water taxi back to Picton today to collect your rental car and make the short journey to Nelson.

  • Day 5 : Nelson
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    Day at leisure. The Nelson Tasman Region is known for its vibrant coastal towns, full of bustling cafes, charming boutiques and funky art galleries. Rich with spectacular scenery, three national parks are within 90 minutes of the city. Recommended Optional Tour: Journey north to Abel Tasman National Park to cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Pause to view the antics at Tonga Island Seal Colony then land at historic Tonga Quarry Beach. Take a one hour walk over a picturesque forested saddle and around the Bark Bay waterfall trail to bays of golden b eaches before the return to Nelson. Read More

  • Day 6 : Nelson - Hanmer Springs (300 km)
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    A beautiful drive today will take you via the Nelson Lakes to Hanmer Springs. Situated in the foothills of the Southern Alps Hanmer Springs is a destination for relaxation and indulgence. Bike rides, bush walks and horse treks are all on offer but by far the most famous and popular activity the town boasts is the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa – to which entrance is included.

  • Day 7 : Hanmer Springs - Christchurch (134 km)
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    The return route to Christchurch follows the beautiful Waiau River. Farmland, vineyards and olive groves characterise the Waipara region, which is known for its wine and food The last leg of your journey takes you past surf beaches to Christchurch where your tour concludes with the return of your rental car to Christchurch Airport depot.

Dates & Guide Prices

  • PERIOD OF TRAVEL
  • PRICE (PP)

Hotels

  • Cambria House
    Cambria House
    Star Rating Nelson
  • Cheltenham House
    Cheltenham House
    Star Rating Hanmer Springs
  • Bay of Many Coves Resort
    Bay of Many Coves Resort
    Star Rating Marlborough Sounds
  • The George
    The George
    Star Rating Christchurch

Cambria House Star Rating

Nelson
  • Cambria House

Cambria House hotel is Situated in the heart of Nelson, Cambria House is close to Queens Gardens, Miyazu Japanese Gardens, and South Pacific Distillery. Additional area attractions include McCashin's Brewery.

More info

Cheltenham House Star Rating

Hanmer Springs
  • Cheltenham House

Cheltenham House is just 200 metres from the renowned thermal pools, restaurants, shops and forest walks. The hotel is ideally located on a quiet street in the centre of Hanmer Springs. Hanmer Springs is just 90 minutes drive

More info

Bay of Many Coves Resort Star Rating

Marlborough Sounds
  • Bay of Many Coves Resort

Resort is just a 30 minute ferry ride from the township of Picton or a 15 minutes helicopter flight from Wellington. 18.1 Kilometer from Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre.

More info

The George Star Rating

Christchurch
  • The George

Leave the airport and turn left at the first roundabout onto Memorial Avenue and head straight along it. Go straight through at the lights (under the overpass) and stay on Memorial Avenue. Stay on Memorial Avenue until it bec

More info

What's Included?

  • Meet and Greet services.
  • Collect rental car from Airport depot.
  • Co-Pilot will be handed over by the Meet & Greet Representative on arrival.
  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
  • Meals on Breakafast basis.
  • Drop off rental car.
  • Unlimited kms, Standard Motor Vehicle Insurance, Excess Reduction to a NIL Excess, Airport/Whaf Fees, GPS Unit, GST.

What's not Included?

  • International flights.
  • Visa fees.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephones calls, hard & soft drinks, meals other then specified, beverages and mineral water etc.
  • Still and video camera fee at monuments and game parks.
  • Tips to drivers, porters, bellboys, guides & waiters etc.
  • Any other services not mentioned in the itinerary and inclusions.

Additional Information

Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£) based on twin sharing.
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