Daily departures - Self drive and coach options

From New Zealand’s political heartland, take a 3 ½ hour cruise from Wellington to the spectacular South Island of New Zealand.  The cruise across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds is a highlight in itself.

You have the choice of New Zealand full service hotel accommodation, self catering motel accommodation or New Zealand budget hostel accommodation. Choose what suits your holiday budget and style.

You can self drive with your own New Zealand rental car (choice of 3 car types) or opt to travel by first class scheduled coach services. Select the New Zealand transport that you prefer.

Simply refer to the price panels to see the accommodation and transport price options and sightseeing inclusions.

• 5 days  Wellington – Nelson – Franz Josef - Queenstown
• 2 days  Wellington – Kaikoura - Christchurch

Itinerary

• scenic ferry from Wellington Harbour
• cross Cook Strait into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds
• wine country and rolling hills en route to Nelson

• travel from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park
• cruise golden bays & beaches from Kaiteriteri
• independent 1-2 hour bush & beach walk option available during cruise (no extra cost)
• return to Nelson late afternoon

• follow rugged Buller River to Westport
• spectacular pancake rock formations at Punakaiki
• native forests & reserve of the West Coast

• half day guided glacier walk on the ice
• afternoon at leisure for adventure and fun

• spectacular ocean views
• cross Haast Pass to Makarora, gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park
• brief stop at picturesque Lake Wanaka

Includes:

• coach or rental car travel as per itinerary
• rental car option - 5 days' hire, unlimited kms & insurance
• coach option - transfers within itinerary
• 4 nights' accommodation as selected
• ferry crossing Wellington - Picton
• Abel Tasman National Park full day tour
• Franz Josef Glacier guided walk

Location - Nelson		Location - Franz Josef
Hotel	Rutherford Hotel or similar	Hotel	Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (Graham Wing) or similar
Motel	Riverlodge Motel or similar	Motel	Punga Grove or similar
Hostel	YHA or similar	Hostel	YHA or similar

If you'd like to book this tour or send us a query, click here.

Itinerary

• morning scenic ferry cruise across Wellington Harbour and Cook Strait
• idyllic, bush clad beauty of the Marlborough Sounds
• arrive Picton on the harbour
• wine growing district of Blenheim
• rolling hills, snow capped alps to the rugged coastline
• watch for fur seals basking on the rocks
• Kaikoura, rich marine environment
• remainder of the day free to walk the beach, view the fur seals and birdlife

• morning whale watch cruise
• sperm and humpback whales, orca, dusky and hectors dolphins
• seabirds, including albatross and other unique ocean wildlife
• afternoon travel through Waipara wine growing region
• flat, sprawling Canterbury Plains, fringed by the Southern Alps

Includes:

• coach or rental car travel as per itinerary
• rental car option - 2 days' hire unlimited kms & insurance
• coach option - transfers within itinerary
• 1 night's accommodation as selected
• Kaikoura whale watch cruise