Sample itinerary:
Taste of the South

Sample itinerary for seniors or for the mobility impaired

This tour itinerary takes a leisurely pace, exploring a selection of New Zealand scenery, its cultural heritage, natural history, lifestyle and cuisine. This itinerary is designed for seniors and for those with a mobility impairment.

Taste of the South

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch International Airport and transfer to hotel. During the remainder of the day there is the option of discovering some of the highlights of this, the "Garden City", or simply resting and relaxing. Stay Christchurch two nights.

Day 2: Today we journey over the crater rim of an extinct volcano to Banks Peninsula and the small historic French settlement of Akaroa. Our route gives access to panoramic views of Christchurch, the surrounding Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. This afternoon an excursion on Akaroa Harbour gives us the opportunity to explore further, learn more of the history of the region and view the local marine life. Late afternoon we return to Christchurch.

Day 3: After a leisurely start, we farewell Christchurch and begin our journey northwards. The Waipara region is becoming well-known for its quality wines. We take some time to visit a range of boutique wineries before heading inland to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs. This picturesque settlement is known for its thermal and sulphur pools, used for relaxation as well as therapeutic reasons, which provide us with a great way to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Stay Hanmer Springs two nights.

Day 4: Today we enjoy a unique high country experience as we journey on to one of New Zealand's largest farms where conservation, farming and recreation go hand in hand.

Day 5: This morning we back-track briefly to join the inland route to Kaikoura, a small settlement nestled on a scenic coastal peninsula and flanked by the Southern Alps. Here the Pacific Ocean provides a rich feeding ground for a wide variety of marine and bird life species including whales, dolphins, albatross and seals. The Maori name, Kaikoura, translates to "meal of crayfish" and so a visit here would not be complete without trying this local delicacy over a picnic lunch. Our afternoon is spent exploring this dramatic coastline. Stay Kaikoura two nights.

Day 6: This morning we take a boat trip off the coast to view the wildlife of this region at closer hand and to learn more about Kaikoura's marine ecosystem, including its unique underwater landscape. The afternoon is reserved for your leisure to relax or to explore the range of local shops.

Day 7: Today we continue on our way north along the foot of the Seaward Kaikoura Range and take in more of the spectacular coastal views of this area. Our destination is Blenheim in the heart of the Marlborough region, New Zealand's largest wine growing area and a wine lover's paradise! We learn more about grape and olive growing in the Wairau Valley and sample some of its produce. Stay Blenheim one night.

Day 8: After a relaxing start we travel a short distance to Picton, a picturesque port in the upper Queen Charlotte Sound. From here a ferry takes us on a scenic journey through the bays, inlets and hidden coves of the Marlborough Sounds. We depart from the South Island at Tory Channel to cross Cook Strait, named after Captain Cook who was the first European to land in New Zealand. We arrive in Wellington, a vibrant city at the hub of New Zealand politics. Wellington has many varied attractions of which its culinary scene is undoubtedly one. Stay Wellington two nights.

Day 9: This morning we take in the sounds and sights of a unique predator-free eco-sanctuary, home to over 30 species of native birds. A stay in Wellington would not be complete without visiting Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, also affectionately called "Our Place". Te Papa, one of the largest national museums in the world, is a treasure trove of historical, cultural and natural history information and celebrates the essence of all that is New Zealand. On this, our last evening, we enjoy some unique New Zealand flavours at a farewell dinner.

Day 10: Our journey in New Zealand draws to a close as we transfer to Wellington Airport to connect with our international flights.