5 Day Marlborough Wineries Tour
from  NZ$857.00   per person twin share

A five day tour to the northern part of the South Island. Visit the West Coast via the alpine route of Arthur’s Pass, the famous pancake rocks and blowholes, Nelson, Blenheim –famous for its vinyards and Kaikoura – internationally acclaimed for the whale watching operation.
Features- tour of the Marlborough wineries and Kaikoura Whalewatch tour.

Trip Duration:     Five Days
Departing From:  Christchurch
Finishing at:         Christchurch
Car Rental Type: Toyota Echo, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry or 4WD Subaru Legacy.

IIncluded in Cost:  Complimentary transfers to and from airport, accommodation, tour of Blenheim wineries, Kaikoura Whalewatch cruise and hire of rental car for five days (unlimited kms).

Rates are per person and GST inclusive

Day 1  Christchurch/Greymouth/Punakaiki – 320 kms
Head west across the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps passing many sheep and cropping farms along the way.  Climbing Porters Pass, your journey passes by many of Canterbury’s major ski fields before entering the rainforest of the Arthur’s Pass National Park. Crossing the main Divide via an impressive viaduct, your journey descends into the West Coast to Greymouth and then it is a short drive to Punakaiki.

Accommodation: Punakaiki Rocks Hotel or similar

Day 2  Punakaiki/Nelson – 250 kms
This morning visit the famous Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes, just 400 metres from your accommodation. There are optional horse treks and local tours available.
This afternoon, travel north through Westport and the Buller Gorge to Nelson.
We highly recommend a visit to the Wearable Arts Museum (a world class facility)

Accommodation: Heritage Rutherford Hotel, Kings Gate Motel or similar

Day 3  Nelson/Blenheim – 122 kms
Travel through the Nelson State Forests to Blenheim, one of New Zealand’s major wine producing regions. This afternoon join Highlight Tours for a tour of the Marlborough wineries. Visit at least four of the better known wineries for wine tasting and lunch. Opportunity to purchase some internationally recognised award- winning wines.

Accommodation: Scenic Circle Blenheim Country Hotel, Bella Vista Motel or similar

Day 4  Blenheim/Kaikoura – 137 kms
Travel past the Grassmere saltworks to the rugged Kaikoura Coastline.
Enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the Seaward Kaikoura mountain range as you follow the coastline southward to the seaside resort of Kaikoura.

Accommodation: Anchor Inn, Norfolk Pine Motel or similar

Day 5  Kaikoura/Christchurch – 200 kms
This morning enjoy a 3 hour cruise with Kaikoura Whalewatch to marvel at the giant sperm whale and the dusky dolphins. Kaikoura Whalewatch has won many international awards for tourism excellence and marine conservation.

In the afternoon return to Christchurch travelling through undulating hill country to the Canterbury Plains.  Your journey will take you past many sheep farms and many new vineyards – perhaps try some of the local wines at Waipara.