South Island Road Trip Delights: Custom Multi Day 14D : 13N

The linking of special short road trips allows you to relax and take in more of the uniqueness of New Zealand. Having existing planned routes by a born local who understands that having custom options that can be tweaked to suit rather than a set plan creates a more flexible holiday.
The hot spots of New Zealand can then be interspersed with out of the way places that you may never have heard of or knew existed. New Zealand is a place of wonder and every hour the scenery changes to something more spectacular. Queenstown is a great stopping spot with so much to do and flying home is easy.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marlborough Wine and Food Delights

Stop At: Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen, 13 Selmes Road Rd3, Blenheim 7273 New Zealand
Amazing local wines with one of the most awarded Sauvignon Blancs in Marlborough. Great restaurant as an option of lunch with outside or inside choices and with vineyard views.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Cloudy Bay, Jacksons Road, Rapaura, Blenheim 7273 New Zealand
Fabulous wine tasting and delicious seafood from the Raw Bar of local oysters, Cloudy Bay clams, Sushi and amazing cheese platters. Relax in the expansive landscapes with the vineyards and Wairau Valley views.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Framingham Wines, 19 Conders Bend Road, Renwick 7243 New Zealand
Delicious Rieslings and Montepuciano Rose are favourites here, wine tasting with matching cheeses and meats and locally made crackers and breads.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Clos Henri Vineyard, 639 State Highway 63, Blenheim 7271 New Zealand
A unique Marlborough vineyard here for you to compare sauvignon blanc and pinot noir in different terroir only metres apart. Due to an earthquake fault that runs diagonally through the vineyard. Enjoy the expanse of the Wairau landscapes while you engage in your wine tasting and here too an array of French cheeses and condiments and home-made breads.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Makana Confections, Corner of Rapaura Road and O'Dwyer's Road, Blenheim 7273 New Zealand
A special stop at the beginning or end of the tour for tantalizing boutique chocolate tasting and sales - you cannot resist the unique flavours with many truffles of Pinot Noir or salted caramel and the best of all the Macadamia Butter Crunch that takes your temptation into heaven!
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, 79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand
It can be a unique experience here to view Peter Jackson's amazing collection of classic aircraft from WWI and WWII. Reality images and displays of real life events in the magnificent historical scenes.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: Delicious platters of local meats/pates/seafood with vegetarian and vegan options. Bookings made to suit your tastes.
• Dinner: Hans Herzog Restaurant Rapaura
Accommodation included: Delightful cottages amidst the vineyards, homely bed and breakfast, 4-5 Star Hotels/Motels arranged at time of booking.

Day 2: Nelson Tasman Bay Region South Island

Stop At: Eyebright, Lansdowne Road Appleby, Nelson New Zealand
Eyebright is a glorious country store on the Waimea Plains a few minutes drive from Richmond. Stepping from the garden into the shop is to enter a wonderland of silk flowers, dried flowers, gourmet delights, home wares, gifts, jewellery, and more. Allow yourself plenty of time.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Nelson, Nelson, Nelson-Tasman Region, South Island
Pics Peanut Butter - Visit and Taste one of the creamiest ever! A local hot spot of Nelson and no one wants to leave.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Nelson, Nelson, Nelson-Tasman Region, South Island
Nelson Cathedral: A beauty standing on the hill at the top of Trafalgar Street. Historic stonework and stain glass windows as fitting for such time piece. Organ Pipes still adorn above the vestry and being so close to town the steps are tempting to climb.
Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch: The Styx a popular stop over on the waters edge and light lunch style including fresh fish n chips and seafood chowder.
• Dinner: Kai Restaurant on the water with all day coffee and delicious treats and excellent dinner menu.
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Accommodation included: Kimi Ora in Kaiteriteri natural wooden chalets in the bush with great views.

Day 3: Kaiteriteri

Stop At: Kaiteriteri Beach, Tasman, New Zealand 5 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road RD 2, Kaiteriteri 7197 New Zealand
Waka - come and have a traditional paddle and ocean experience including a Maori welcome and instruction about the respect of the sea and all who live in the universe. Rules apply even to getting into the Waka and walking around it to respect the elders that came before. Head out around the point with a team of 8 and your guide. Marvel at the Golden Bay coastline and return ready for a pre- dinner relax.
Manaaki moana, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua
Care for the sea, care for the people, move forward as one.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: The Beached Whale or Mermaid Restaurant
• Dinner: Hooked Restaurant. A short drive around Golden Bay to watch the sunset over the Tasman Sea. The menu is to delight.
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Accommodation included: Kimi Ora in Kaiteriteri natural wooden chalets in the bush with great views.

Day 4: Kaiteriteri - Riwaka Resurgence - Karamea

Stop At: Riwaka Resurgence, Riwaka Valley Road Motueka area, Kahurangi National Park New Zealand
A tranquil native experience for a short walk of 30 minutes with special Maori spiritual connections.


Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Oparara Basin, Karamea 7893 New Zealand
This basin has a compact network of walking tracks to various limestone arches and caves dating back more than 3 million years. That’s all without mentioning the amazing ancient rain forest all of this is nestled in with trees covered in moss.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: Delicious packed lunch
• Dinner: The Last Resort. The items on the menu are the best and while here you can taste
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Accommodation included: The Last Resort with fabulous dining indoor and out in a stoned terrace with pagolas.

Day 5: Karamea via Westport to Hanmer Springs

Stop At: Punakaiki, Punakaiki, West Coast Region, South Island
Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes attraction walk
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, 42 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs 7334 New Zealand
After taking a stop at Punakaiki and the sensational Pancake Rocks giving you their best welcome energy take time for a glass of wine or a light lunch before arriving into Hanmer Springs - a 2:45 hr journey of astounding views. Jump into the Hot Pools and or Spa to relax before dinner.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: Punakaiki Cafe
• Dinner: Power House Cafe and Restaurant
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Accommodation included: Award winning bach cottage with natural views and close to the centre.

Day 6: Hanmer Springs

Stop At: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, 42 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs 7334 New Zealand
Relax and forget the World for a while. Snow capped mountains and bird song.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Hanmer Springs Animal Park, 55 Hanmer Springs Road, Hanmer Springs 7334 New Zealand
Fun for all ages with many other activities, For the adventurous Jet bungy jumping (your cost). Crazy Putt Golf.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs, Canterbury Region, South Island
Hanmer Springs Helicopters to fly you over the snowy mountains and birds eye views of the lakes and landscapes.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: Fire and Ice Cafe Restaurant
• Dinner: MK Restaurant - elegant and delicious
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Accommodation included: Award winning bach cottage with natural views and close to the centre.

Day 7: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

Stop At: Quake City, 299 Durham Street North, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand
The repairs are slowly recreating this wonderful City
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Akaroa, Akaroa, Canterbury Region, South Island
Wildlife and quaint settlement
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Avon River, Christchurch New Zealand
Take a wander along the banks or a gondola through the city to take in the views of the trees and old English pubs and cafes.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: Picnic by the Avon
• Dinner: Tramway Restaurant. Travel around the City in the comfort of the Tram while having dinner
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Accommodation included: Brockworth Cottage

Day 8: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook

Stop At: Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
Middle Earth
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mount Cook Alpine Memorial, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 7999 New Zealand
Glorious and magnificent Mount Cook and on a clear day as luck will have it a perfect view that will take your breath away.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: A take away gourmet picnic lunch to enjoy under or on the Mountain.
• Dinner: Lake Tekapo. Peppers Restaurant.
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Accommodation included: Cottage on the edge of the Lake and close to town.

Day 9: Lake Tekapo

Stop At: Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
Time to take in the sights with a casual walk and Dark Sky Project and admire the night sy through the astronomers eyes up at St John
BY DAY- Discover the night sky during the day with the new indoor multi-media daytime astronomy experience that combines tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) and science. At just 45 minutes long with daytime and early evening tours available, this experience is perfect for those staying overnight or simply passing through.

Sit back and relax at Dark Sky Project’s two exquisite eateries. Overlook the picturesque Lake Tekapo as you dine at Dark Sky Diner. During the day, hike or drive up Mt John and enjoy a refreshment at the Astro Café whilst taking in the stunning surrounds that boasts some of the world’s best views including the Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki Mt Cook..
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: The Power House Cafe with high country flavours.
• Dinner: Five Stags Restaurant and Bar - a warm and cosy hunting lodge.. Hearty rustic Kiwi cuisine.
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Accommodation included: Cottage on the edge of the Lake and close to town.

Day 10: Lake Tekapo to Lake Wanaka

Stop At: Lake Wanaka Lookout, 3283 Makarora-Lake Hawea Road The Neck, Wanaka 9382 New Zealand
The growth of Wanaka and the nature walks are a time to relax and reflect. Amazing views of the South Island Hot spots like Wanaka.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: Francescas Italian Kitchen
• Dinner: Kika The modern tapas-style restaurant, owned and operated by award-winning chef James Stapley. Elegant and comfortable.
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Accommodation included: Maple Lodge

Day 11: Lake Wanaka

Stop At: Lake Wanaka, Wanaka New Zealand
Maple Lodge
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: Casual Lunch by the Lake.
• Dinner: A home cooked meal in a mansion on the land. A most beautiful venue to remember with maple trees and expanses of lawn.
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Accommodation included: Maple Lodge

Day 12: Lake Wanaka to Queenstown

Stop At: Cromwell Museum, 47 Cromwell Service Centre The Mall, Cromwell 9310 New Zealand
Cromwell the home of the big bird. A quiet country town with a big heart. A lovely coffee pot stop on the way to Queenstown.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch: A coffee stop on the way
• Dinner: One of the sought after cafe restaurants that will inspire.
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Accommodation included: Oaks Queenstown Shore Resort on the waterfront.

Day 13: Milford Sound

Stop At: Milford Helicopters, 104 Milford Sound Highway, Milford Sound 9600, New Zealand
Joy ride over the Mountain with spectacular birdseye views .
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
Take a cruise on the Sounds as your option instead of Helicopter. From $99 pp. Additional option. Your own cost.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: A luxury packed gourmet lunch.
• Dinner: Dinner by choice selection of tastes.
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Accommodation included: Oaks Queenstown Shore Resort on the waterfront.

Day 14: Queenstown

Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Shot over Jet
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Skyline Queenstown, Brecon St Top OF Street, Queenstown 9348 New Zealand
A must to visit for the spectacular view and an afternoon refreshment. Evening option also an amazing experience.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: The best local burger in town. Not a nasty one a fantastic one!
• Dinner: Skyline Gondola if fits with departure details
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Accommodation included: The Game Keepers House Queenstown

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.