4 Days/3 Nights

Day 1 Arrive Blenheim (D.)

Arrive in Picton (by ferry from Wellington or by train from Christchurch).

You will be collected on arrival by a private car and driver and taken directly on a half day tour of the Marlborough wineries. This is New Zealand's top wine producing area, it's wines winning awards around the world. Among the leading wineries are Grove Mill, Herzog, Hunters, Alan Scott Estate, Shingle Peak, Cloudy Bay and Montana. A café style lunch at one of the wineries and wine tasting is included.

Timara Lodge

Day 2 Blenheim - Kaikoura (B.D.)

Breakfast at the lodge.

First visit the new Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum. The Knights of the Sky exhibit here occupies 3,000 sq metres and is one of the world's largest collections of WW1 aircraft and rare memorabilia including a mix of dramatically staged static displays along with flyable aeroplanes. The collection is owned by a trust chaired by renowned Film Director - Peter Jackson (Oscar winner for the Lord of the Rings Film Trilogy).

Then drive down the Pacific Coast to Kaikoura for a whale watch cruise in a purpose built boat. The sea in this area is especially rich in nutrients, which attract a wide variety of sea life including Sperm Whales - the largest of all the toothed whales, which can be seen in these waters on 95% of days year round. There are also pods of playful Dusky Dolphins, seals, penguins and occasionally Orca can be seen.

Your accommodation tonight is in Fyffe Country Lodge, which was built in 1994 from rammed earth bricks and roofed with hand-split Canadian cedar shakes. It is sited in a delightful English style garden set against a backdrop of the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. There are just 6 x en suite guest rooms and a licensed restaurant and bar on site. Seafood is the speciality of the kitchen served with local produce complimented by Marlborough wines. The town centre is 5 minutes drive away. Superior grade room.

Fyffe Country Lodge

Day 3 Kaikoura - Hanmer Springs (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel

First view a colony of fur seals. Then travel inland through Waiau to Hanmer Springs.

This pretty alpine village is situated in a high country basin 385 m above sea level - and is one of New Zealand's favourite retreats - perfect for rest, as a get away or for adventure. The outdoor thermal pools in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve are popular year round. Sit back and relax in the natural thermal water of these pools surrounded by towering trees and a magnificent mountain backdrop. Hanmer Springs has something for everyone from a variety of walking trails, golf and dining to thrill seeking adventure in jet boats, mountain bikes, 4WD drive safaris, horse trekking and even a bungy site. Free afternoon for your own choice of activities.

Your accommodation is in a local landmark building, which has 64 well-appointed en suite guest rooms and is set in lovely grounds. There is an elegant dining room, piano bar, swimming pools. Tennis and petanque courts. The famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve is just minutes away.

Heritage Hanmer Springs Hotel

Day 4 Hanmer Springs - Christchurch (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel.

The morning is free for further activities in and around Hanmer Springs. In the afternoon drive on to Christchurch stopping en route at one of the very good wineries in the Waipara Area where wine tasting will be arranged for you.

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