New Zealand Capital to Coast
About Your Trip
Indulge in the beauty of one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal regions, the north of the south.
From the nation’s bustling capital, Wellington through to the heritage city of Christchurch. We’ll take you along the northern coastline of the South Island. An area famous for its incredible landscapes and stunning national parks. With pristine beaches, amazing wildlife and spectacular wineries.
This 11-day immersive journey provides longer stays and flexible days. Join us on a hike, a bike ride, or relax aboard a stunning seafood cruise. The choice is yours with a wide range of included activities to choose from. Finishing with one of New Zealand’s most beautiful rail journeys, the Coastal Pacific. On this unique itinerary you’ll travel some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.
Dates: 13 March 2022
Length: 11 days | 10 nights
Small group: Min 6 | Max 10 guests
Price: $9375 – your own room guaranteed
* Active conponents are optional
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Wellington
A private transfer will escort you from the airport. This evening is a chance to meet your fellow travellers. We’ll visit New Zealand’s Parliament, otherwise known as “the Beehive”. Following a short tour, we will have our welcome dinner at Bellamy’s. Once exclusive use by parliamentarians, Bellamys is now open. You’ll experience the legacy of Logan Brown and the amazing food New Zealand has to offer.
Overnight: Rydges Wellington
Day 2: Wellington to Punga Cove Resort
This morning you’ll cruise the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry. Often described as ‘one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world’. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island. And have your camera ready as you head through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. Included in your sailing is access to the Premium Plus lounge. It’s the most comfortable lounge with complimentary beverages, light meals, and internet access.
You’ll transfer to a water taxi in Picton and transfer to the Marlborough Sounds. A great way to see the beautiful sounds where you will spend the next 3-nights.
Overnight: Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove Resort, Marlborough Sounds (3 nights including dinner and breakfast daily)
Days 3 & 4: Queen Charlotte Sound
The Marlborough region is one of the most diverse in New Zealand. Comprising many sunken river valleys known as ‘Sounds’.
An area of over 4000sqm, it lies on South Island’s north-easternmost point. Located between Tasman Bay and Cloudy Bay. With isolated houses and resorts only accessible by boats. It makes the ideal getaway destination with countless adventure and relaxation opportunities. Marlborough is home to an array of marine life and seabirds. You may see dolphins, seals, penguins, the fantail, bellbird and woodpigeon.
Located on Queen Charlotte Sound is one of the most popular walking trails in New Zealand. The Queen Charlotte Track is a 71 km walk through native bush and secluded coves. It’s a haven for wildlife, a treat for landscape-lovers, and an area steeped in history.
The Marlborough Sounds make the perfect setting for some awesome activities.
Choose your own adventure!
One activity per day is included from the list below. The choice is yours!
Seafood Odyssea Cruise
This Seafood Odyssea Cruise offers a unique range of sightseeing, birdlife and wildlife. Onboard is a fabulous seafood tasting matched to stunning Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Kaipupu Point Cruise and Walk
Sit back and relax as Cougar Line cruises to the beautiful and secluded Kaipupu Point Mainland Sanctuary that is only accessible by boat.
Blumine Island Bird Watching Tour
Experience the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track by bike. Views, bush, beaches – today’s ride has it all.
Queen Charlotte Track Mountain Bike Ride
Experience the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track by bike. Views, bush, beaches – today’s ride has it all.
Full Day Guided Walk in Queen Charlotte Sound
This scenic reserve is a significant historical site of early Māori occupation. The bush is a mixture of stunning podocarp and beech forest.
Day 5: Return to Picton and continue to Kaiteriteri
This morning you’ll return to Picton by water taxi. You’ll then travel the Marlborough sounds coastline between Picton and Havelock. This drive offers spectacular views of the sounds so be sure to have your camera ready. There will be time to explore the secluded sandy coves along the narrow road to Portage. Stopping in Havelock for lunch as this portside town has a great variety of cafes and restaurants to eat at. After lunch you’ll visit the Pelorus Bridge, stopping for a forest walk. Continue on over the Bryant Range to arrive into Tasman Bay and the city of Nelson. Motueka is a further 45 minutes along the coast and a short drive to Kaiteriteri and Marahau. These are ideal spots from which to explore the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park.
Overnight: Abel Tasman Lodge or Ocean View Chalets (3 nights including dinner and breakfast daily)
Day 6: Abel Tasman National Park
Today the choice is yours! Explore the Abel Tasman National Park how you wish. Choose from one of the following included activities:
Promised Land Guided Walk
Take a breathtaking ride up the Takaka hill to Ca-naan Downs. Walk through the ancient Gondwanan beech forest of the Wainui valley.
The Two Gods Self Guided Nature Walk & Kayak
Both by land and sea, this is a trip you will remember, as you live and breathe the soul of the Abel Tasman.
Abel Tasman National Park Vista BBQ Cruise
Travel in style along the golden granite coast. Discover Split Apple Rock, Tonga Island Marine Reserve and Adele Island Wildlife Reserve. View seabirds and seals and watch out for Little Blue Penguins.
Sailing Adventures
The Abel Tasman National Park coastline offers some of the best sailing in New Zealand. Peaceful relaxing sailing early in the day is the ideal time to cruise North. The afternoon offers the thrill and excitement of fast sailing.
Day 7: Golden Bay and Farewell Spit Tour
The summit of Takaka Hill sits 791 metres above sea level with spectacular views of Golden Bay. There are short walks on either side of the summit (time permitting). At the valley floor you’ll find the small village of Takaka. Takaka has a thriving arts and crafts community which is worth exploring. Continuing along the coast you’ll pass the historic settlement of Onekaka. Once a thriving industrial town, it’s now home to craftspeople and producers of artesian products.
Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance. It’s around 35km long with public access restricted to the first 4km. More protected than other national parks, vehicle access is only for supervised tours. As well as exploring the spit, stops in Puponga and at the most northern point on the South island, Cape Farewell.
From the cliff top, you’ll see seals and their pups all year round basking on the rocks below.
Day 8: Blenheim and cloudy bay Estate
Today’s drive takes you through the city of Nelson, along the coast of Tasman Bay towards the Bryant Range. The highway between Nelson and Havelock also crosses the Pelorus River. The small settlement of Havelock, known as the Greenshell Mussel capital of the world. Making it the perfect spot to try these delicious seafood delicacies. From Havelock you’ll follow the valley south towards Blenheim. The town of Blenheim sits right at the heart of the Marlborough region. New Zealand’s largest wine producing region. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon sampling the local produce.
This evening you’ll enjoy panoramic vineyard views, a tailored menu featuring the best local produce, expertly paired with fantastic wines.
Overnight: Chateau Marlborough (B, D)
Day 9: Coastal Pacific Train to Christchurch
You will have this morning at leisure before enjoying the scenic Coastal Pacific train journey to Christchurch. The scenery is breath-taking. With the Kaikoura mountain ranges one side and the Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. It travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges. One of them being New Zealand’s only road-rail bridge. You’ll travel through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas. Seeing amazing wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins. The Coastal Pacific includes an open air viewing carriage. Allowing you to awaken all your senses with the clean, fresh, sea air.
Overnight: The Classic Villa or Orari B&B ( 2 nights including breakfast)
Day 10: Christchurch
Today you can explore Christchurch at leisure with a Christchurch Trams ticket included. The tram operates daily from 9:00 – 18:00. Board at any of the 17 Tram stops, with trams running every 15-20 minutes. With onboard commentary and the freedom to hop on and off as you wish. It’s a great way to explore the main city centre attractions.
Trams played an important role in transporting the people of Christchurch until 1954. In 1995, the Tramway historical society reintroduced the beautiful trams. Travel from the top of New Regent Street near the junction with Armagh Street. You’ll venture through the quaint arcade with Spanish style buildings and sunny cafes. Continuing through Cathedral Junction, home to several of the city’s restored hotels. Turning right at Worcester Street, heads west through Cathedral Square. As you cross the Avon River, you’ll discover the Arts centre and Botanic Gardens.
All good things must come to an end. Say farewell to new friends with dinner at Fiddlesticks, in the heart of the Arts Precinct.
Day 11: Farewell
Following breakfast, a private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport.
I joined the Rejuvenate in Byron Bay Retreat by myself this year and I can honestly say that it was absolutely wonderful! Everyone was extremely welcoming from the first moment we met and made me feel comfortable and part of the group. I enjoy yoga but am certainly not an experienced yogi but that didn’t matter at all. The yoga teachers were so lovely and knowledgeable and catered for all levels. The resort was stunning and the food delicious. As an introverted person by nature, I never felt pressured to join in when I wanted some alone time. I highly recommend this fabulous retreat.
Inclusions
- Min: 6 | Max: 10 guests
- Solo Luxe hosted tour
- Return airport transfers
- 10 nights Superior accommodation with private room
- Breakfast daily
- 9 dinners (including 3 signature experiences)
- New Zealand Parliament tour
- Interislander Ferry with Premium Plus Lounge
- Coastal Pacific train
- 3 free choice activities as listed
- Christchurch trams tour
- Farewell Eco Spit tour
- All transportation as listed with private driver/guide
