North of the South Island Loop Itinerary Top of the south island loop Abel Tasman Marlborough Sounds Gateway Wellington Interislander Greymouth Arthur s Pass Kaikoura Gateway Christchurch The North of the South Island of New Zealand is easily accessible from gateway Christchurch and is the perfect starting point to a 7-10 day self-drive experience. From Christchurch an easy 90-minute drive north leads to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs. Ride a mountain bike through forest, take a jet boat ride, or simply relax in a hot sulphur pool. Head west through the towering beech forests of the Lewis Pass and on to the wild west coast where pounding surf sends spray sky-high through the Pancake Rocks blowholes. Break personal boundaries in Murchison/Nelson Lakes region: ski, snowboard, ice-skate, kayak, or simply enjoy the ambience of a high-country fishing lodge while tracking down elusive brown trout. Discover Nelson, a city renowned for embracing creativity and design. Stroll through the city streets enjoying the café culture; visit its studios, galleries and boutique artisan stores. Drive through the countryside of Moutere and Motueka. Visit roadside stalls, and sample boutique wine, local liqueurs, wharf-smoked fish, and farm-fresh cuisine. Drive over Takaka Hill to Golden Bay, where life moves to a relaxed friendly beat. In the North-West corner, Farewell Spit curves into the Tasman Sea and over 90 species of birds make their home here. Take a 4wd tour along the Spit; kayak, sail or hike in the Abel Tasman National Park; and visit Te Waikoropupu Springs, the world s clearest freshwater springs. After returning to Nelson city, a 2 hour drive East will take you to Blenheim, in inland Marlborough. Savour the award-winning wines of Marlborough, where world-class Sauvignon Blanc is grown. Watch the sunset over the water from a Lodge in the Marlborough Sounds, then wind up your holiday with whale watching or snorkeling with seals in Kaikoura where a wealth of other eco-tourism activities await. Finish your top of the South Island loop, with a journey down the East Coast, back to Christchurch. 1
Nelson and Marlborough Themed Itineraries For clients interested in action, relaxation, or indulgence, the top of the South Island is a must-do stop on any itinerary. The following Nelson/Marlborough itineraries have been prepared with travellers interests in mind: Wine and Food, Art and Heritage, Outdoors and Adventure. Each itinerary is 5 days long, and can be started at your choice of entry points: Picton, via the Cook Strait ferry from Wellington, Blenheim via TranzCoastal train or road from Kaikoura or Christchurch, or Nelson Tasman via the scenic drive north along the West Coast of the South Island. Itineraries have been developed to be a starting point for customised itineraries and should be suitable for a range of clients and budgets. For advice on customising these itinerary starters, or suggestions on activity and accommodation product matched to your client base, do not hesitate to contact: Nelson Tasman Tourism Astrid Fisher astridf@nelsonnz.com Destination Marlborough Nikki Page npage@destinationmarlborough.com Special Events There are a range of large and community events in Nelson and Marlborough each year. Annual events which may inspire small group itineraries, or are must-do s for travellers in New Zealand at the right time are listed on the websites www.destinationmarlborough.com and www.nelsonnz.com. A sample of events is included below. Wine and Food Marlborough Wine Festival: Second Saturday in February Havelock Mussel Festival: Annually in mid March Brightwater Wine and Food Festival: Mid-Late February Art and Heritage Classic Fighters Marlborough: Easter in odd-numbered years Picton Sculpture Symposium: Annually in February Nelson Lakes Antique and Classic Boat Show: Early March Nelson Jazz Festival: Early January Hunter s Garden Marlborough: Annually in Spring Nelson Arts Festival: Annually in Spring Outdoor Adventure Marlborough Grape Ride: Annually in March or April Nelson Summer Kite Festival: Annually in mid-late January Rainbow Rage (mountain biking event): Annually in mid March 2
Nelson and Marlborough Wine and Food The Top of the South Island is a must on any wine and food tour. Highlights include succulent seafood scallops, mussels, and salmon, and fabulous wines, including Marlborough s Sauvignon Blanc. Boutique beers are also produced from locally-grown hops. The region is a focal point for gourmet restaurants specialising in fresh local ingredients and the chefs are spoiled for choice. Day One Arrive in Marlborough, New Zealand s foremost wine growing region. Join a gourmet wine tour of some of the regions 90 wineries, or a winemakers tour of a select winery and discover some new favourites and enjoy lunch in a gourmet vineyard restaurant. Dine at a one of the many local restaurants then stay in boutique accommodation overlooking the vines, or head into Blenheim township to a comfortable or quirky hotel. Day Two Start your day with a visit to some of Marlborough s boutique local producers depending on the season, sample olives and olive oils, hazelnuts, cherries, berry fruit, garlic, honey, and lavender products. Visit the stunning terraces of the Awatere Valley where award winning olive oils compete for space with boutique vineyards and traditional sheep farming. Day Three Start your day in Picton, gateway to the Queen Charlotte Sound. Build an appetite with a walk on the iconic Queen Charlotte Track or a sea kayak through sheltered bays or sit back on a cruise, watching for dolphins and seals and visiting local salmon farms. Follow the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock township for lunch, then take a cruise in the Kenepuru and Sound to see Greenshell mussels farmed in their natural environment. Enjoy mussels matched with Marlborough wine on board. Stay in the Marlborough Sounds, with award winning restaurants and stunning views, or visit a homestay where you can get involved in making the local cheese. Day Four Head West of Marlborough through the Whangamoa ranges to the Nelson Tasman region. Every Saturday morning the Nelson Saturday Market bustles with locals and visitors buying fresh produce, organics, cheeses, olive oils, gourmet foods and kitchen wares, and arts and crafts. After lunch at an inner city café take a wine tour with a local operator or self-drive using the WineArt map; explore the boutique wineries of the Nelson region local aromatic varieties are achieving international acclaim. Meet the winemaker and stop for lunch at a winery or country café. Or drive across the Waimea Plans and Moutere Hills to the historic village of Upper Moutere. Stop along the way at orchards growing apples, berries, hops and olives. Choose from a range of charming B&B or hotel accommodation in and around Nelson, and dine at any of a number of cafes and restaurants on Nelson s waterfront, overlooking Tasman Bay towards the mountainous horizon. Seafood will feature prominently on the menu. Day Five Spend the day learning more about the local produce at a cooking school in the picturesque Nelson Tasman country side. Themes include how to prepare fish, BBQ and outdoor entertaining, French cooking with a Kiwi twist, dinner party cuisine, sensational soups, chocolate overload, and more. 3
Nelson and Marlborough Art and Heritage The North of the South Island is known to Maori as Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui the tip of Maui s canoe. Holding a central position in New Zealand, the region has a rich history. Today, artists and craftspeople are attracted to the region, finding inspiration in the outstanding natural beauty, natural light, and laidback lifestyle. Day One Start your day in Nelson city, enjoying the region s sophisticated artistic centre. The Nelson City Art and Crafts brochure has maps showing the location of city galleries displaying local and national artists works. A public sculpture brochure and Fashion Map of local fashion designers and jewellery artists will provide you with plenty to discover. After lunch visit the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum, 5 minutes drive from Nelson city. This is Nelson s iconic art attraction, where art is taken off the wall to adorn the body, in wild and wonderful ways. A complementary gallery presents over 50 classic cars and motorbikes with the same flair and design, and is a tribute to automotive design and performance. Choose from a range of charming B&B accommodation, and stroll to an inner-city café for dinner. Trafalgar Street in central Nelson provides your choice of dining with tables spilling onto the paved street at the foot of the steps of the picturesque Cathedral. Day Two After yesterday s inspiration, you might be ready to get creative yourself. Take a workshop in pottery, glass-blowing, glass-bead-making, bone-carving, or even a class in making New Zealand s classic meringue dessert, the pavlova. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the north of the South Island, and will provide you with a hand-made memento of your trip. Day Three Today take a guided tour of the studios of some of the over 350 full-time artists glassblowers, painters, potters, jewellers, woodworkers and more. Or pick up a copy of Nelson Regional Art Guidebook. This beautifully illustrated memento publication has over 200 pages of artists profiles and maps, for a self-drive tour of the region. Stop for lunch at a country café or winery, before stopping at your luxury B&B in the Nelson Tasman countryside most prominently featuring the works of local artists. Day Four Head East through the Whangamoa ranges along the Treasured Pathway to Marlborough. This historic route has stories to tell of New Zealand s indigenous Maori and colonial past. Marlborough is a region of spectacular scenic beauty and warmth, with crystal clear waterways, majestic views, and fine wines. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is Marlborough s newest attraction, bringing to life the heroes of World War One Aviation with an unparalled collection and dramatic life-like scenes. After lunch, head into Picton, gateway to the Queen Charlotte Sound. Join a cruise of the sounds, visiting Ship s Cove Captain Cook s favourite New Zealand anchorage, and Motuara Island, where he claimed British Sovereignty for New Zealand. Stay in the Sounds overnight for award winning dining and beautiful views. Day Five Join a tour or make your own path on Marlborough s art and craft trail. Visit modern and traditional artists and artisans in their studios, or collections of works in one of the galleries throughout the region. Visit some of the beautiful gardens scattered throughout the region for a visual feast of a different style. 4
Nelson and Marlborough Outdoors and Adventure The top of the South Island is an unsurpassed natural adventure playground. The high sunshine hours complement the north-facing coastline, incorporating the stunning Golden Bay and Abel Tasman National Park in the west and the magical Marlborough Sounds in the east. Sea kayaking, fishing, sailing, hiking it s outdoor adventure at its best. Day One Start your day early, catching a water taxi to a chosen start point on the iconic Queen Charlotte Track. Go via Motuara Island bird sanctuary, stopping for dolphins on the way. The 71km Queen Charlotte Track follows the coastal bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound and headland ridgeline overlooking the Kenepuru Sound. Pick a section for a day walk, with native bush, native birds, and stunning views. Overnight in the Marlborough Sounds at a lodge or resort. Day Two Join a guided sea kayaking company or charter a yacht for a gentle trip through the sheltered bays and clear waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Stop for lunch on a private beach, where you can swim or perhaps fish. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and seals. Hire a mountain bike and head back to Queen Charlotte, or nearby Nydia Track for a few hours of adrenaline-fed fun before returning to your accommodation for some well-deserved indulgence. Day Three Head inland from the Sounds to the Marlborough wine growing region. Hire a bike for the morning and tour round some of the region s 90 wineries. Store the inevitable purchases in custom-made panniers and pick up ingredients for a picnic lunch at local producers. Head west toward Nelson, stopping half way at the Pelorus Scenic Reserve to eat your picnic among ancient native trees. Continue through the Whangamoa ranges to Nelson, and visit Happy Valley Adventures for a quad bike adventure along bush and forestry lined trails to a summit overlooking Tasman Bay. Enjoy the silent serenity as you ride the skywire across a valley of native bush. Day Four Take the 60 minute journey by road or 50 minute launch cruise to the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, and spend the day walking, kayaking, sailing or a combination of any of these. Water taxis and launches provide a more leisurely way to travel, or for return transfers. Over night options include lodge accommodation on beachfront, or overlooking native bush, as well as comfortable, fully catered camping. Day Five Allow a local operator to create your perfect action itinerary within and around the region s three national parks. Explore the stunning environment by luxury 4WD vehicle, and drop a fly into a pristine lake or river. Or go heli-biking or heli-treking in the hills surrounding Nelson. 5
Nelson Go-Gourmet 3 Day Itinerary Day 1- Seafood in abundance From Marlborough Region you enter the Nelson region via the dramatic Whangamoa range sweeping down towards the coastal port city of Nelson. If you have time, check out Happy Valley Adventures for some outdoor action on 4WD Bikes, or to ride the Skywire high over a valley of native bush. For lunch try a steamy bowl of garlic mussels or succulent scallops in season. Alternatively stroll through the city streets and dine alfresco at one of the many pavement café s that make Nelson unique. Every Saturday morning the Nelson city market bustles with locals and visitors buying fresh produce, organics, cheeses, olive oils, gourmet foods and kitchen wares, and arts and crafts. On Friday evening there s a Farmers Market at Founders Park in Nelson, selling organic produce. After perusing the produce, stop for a locally brewed beer at Founders Brewery also in Founders park. After dining at a Nelson inner-city café, take the short stroll back to your inner city boutique B&B accommodation. Day 2 Vineyards and workshops Take a wine tour with a local company or self-drive using the WineArt map; explore the boutique wineries of the Nelson region. Beautiful wineries in gorgeous settings offer tastings, cellar door sales; local Aromatics and Pinot Noir are winning international acclaim. Meet the Winemaker and enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Waimea Estates café in the Vineyard in Hope. Overnight at a handcrafted boutique hotel near the City Centre Day 3 Inland Orchards and Country Café s Today choose to spend a couple of days in the Abel Tasman National Park on a guided walk enjoy lodge accommodation and gourmet cuisine at the end of each day. Or drive across to the Moutere highway with beautiful countryside across the Waimea Plains and Moutere Hills. Follow signs to the historic village of Upper Moutere via the inland highway. You will find en-route a number of orchards, see rolling countryside growing apples, berries, hops and olives, with boutique wineries offering cellar door tastings. Overnight at a nearby country B&B. Nelson Abel Tasman National Park 3 Day Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Nelson region from Marlborough From Marlborough Region you enter the Nelson region via the dramatic Whangamoa range sweeping down towards the coastal port city of Nelson. Drive through the port city of Nelson; home to the biggest fishing port in Australasia. Keep driving west towards Kaiteriteri at the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. There are numerous activities available in and around the park such as walking, kayaking and sailing. This afternoon you will spend a spectacular day sailing through pristine clear waters aboard a spacious sailing catamaran, surrounded by secluded coves, golden beaches, islands and lush native forest. Explore sheltered lagoons and enjoy lunch on the beach. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery, or get involved in the sailing. Overnight at eco-style accommodation at the 6
northern end of the Abel Tasman National Park, and dine in the award-winning café which uses fresh organic produce from the Lodge s garden. Day 2 Abel Tasman National Park Seal-Swim Spend the day exploring the golden sand beaches and easy walking through native bush and harakeke (flax). There are numerous activities available in and around the park such as a 3 day guided walk. This is deal for people who are short on time, and want to walk the length of the 38 Km Abel Tasman Coast Track, including a scenic cruise along the coastline. Overnight lodge accommodation is included. Today, spend the day walking with an experienced guide. The coastal track is managed and maintained to a very high standard by the Department of Conservation. The track is well-formed and heavy hiking boots are not necessary. After your day discovering the golden beaches, secluded coves, and beech forest, return to your accommodation for a well-earned gourmet meal with local wines. Day 3 Abel Tasman National Park Today, take a one day guided sea kayak. Get up close and personal with a Seal Swim around the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. The calm waters and golden sand beaches make this an idyllic environment to experience these playful and curious creatures. Alternatively, a Maori interpretive day trip provides a cultural experience of the Abel Tasman National Park. The tour flows with Tangaroa (God of the sea) and Tane Mahuta (Lord of the forest). Spending time within these different mediums of the Abel Tasman gives us an opportunity to gain true insight into Maori culture and history of the region. The trip is a ½ day kayak and a ½ day walk. Return to your eco-style accommodation nestled in lush native bush, near the edge of the Park. Enjoy gourmet meals and local wines at the end of a big day in the park. Nelson Luxury Adventure 3-Day Iitinerary Allow a local operator to host you for a multi-day adventure within the awesome wilderness of the Nelson Tasman Region. These trips are for the traveller who wants direct, authentic experiences with skilled and like minded guides. For the traveller who wants to be challenged, get dusty and tired and earn a feeling of achievement. Then, at the end of the day, enjoy fine food, good wine and comfortable accommodation. Day 1 Heli-bike Heaven Your journey begins early as you helicopter through an alpine wilderness to a mountain ridge. Then it s an 18km mountain bike downhill, a sail across Tasman Bay into Abel Tasman National Park, a swim from a golden sand beach, and dining on the deck of a yacht, while watching the sun slip below the hills, before sleeping peacefully on board. Day 2 Abel Tasman Adventure Spend the whole day kayaking along the coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park, or if you have the down-hill bug, take an exciting mountain-bike down Marble Mountain into Golden Bay. The Rameka Track starts at the top of the Takaka Hill at the inland edge of 7
the Abel Tasman National Park and is part of an immense and bizarre landscape featuring fascinating pre-historic rock formations, sink-holes and dense and unusual forest. Wind you down the single track with a few tricky sections, right to the base of the mountain and Takaka township to a comfortable rural lodge and a hearty home cooked dinner. Day 3 Western Wilderness Travel by helicopter to the immense Kahurangi National Park, for a trek through a section of one of the Department of Conservations Great Walks, The Heaphy Track. Kahurangi is a geologically complex area. Much of its rock is sedimentary, laid down in an ancient sea, then faulted, uplifted and scoured, in places, by glaciers. Parts of the region are limestone or marble, these areas are characterised by an abundance of caves, bluffs, natural arches, sinkholes and water-worn outcrops. New Zealand's oldest fossil (540 million years old) was found in the park. Return to Nelson by helicopter in the late afternoon. Lord of the Rings 2-Day Iitinerary Day 1 Scenic Flight The scenic splendour of the Nelson region was the backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Depart Nelson Airport on a scenic flight, taking in breath-taking views of snow capped mountains, emerald seas, golden sands, and lush native forests from the comfort of high quality 3, 4, or 6-seater helicopters. Fly over Takaka Hill and across the lush and brooding Chetwood Forest, where Aragorn and the hobbits fled after their stay at Bree. Hovering over Hardwood s Hole will allow you to peer into the 176m deep shaft in the ancient limestone rock. From here, fly across Kahurangi National Park to Mt Olympus where you will land at a height of 4,500 ft amongst amazing rock formations. This remote and spectacular site is very recognizable as Eregion Hills from The Lord of the Rings. The natural quiet is awesome and the view out across Golden Bay is magnificent. Take 30 minutes to wander and explore before returning to Nelson of the Abel Tasman National Park and Tasman Bay coastline. Overnight at a handcrafted hotel near Nelson city, and dine on-site. Day 2 The One Ring Artisans of Nelson crafted The One Ring, brewed the beer that was served at The Prancing Pony at Bree, and created many of the props of Middle-earth. This morning view the original One Ring, which was produced by Nelson Jeweler, Jens Hansen on display at the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum. This is Nelson s iconic art attraction, where art is taken off the wall to adorn the body, in wild and wonderful ways. A complementary gallery presents over 50 classic cars and motorbikes with the same flair and design, and is a tribute to automotive design and performance. After lunch at a central city café, visit the boutique store of Jens Hansen Gold and Silversmith, where the Hansen family style continues to evolve under the direction of Jens Hansen's sons, Halfdan & Thorkild. Here you have the opportunity to purchase an authentic replica of the one ring. Join a half day tour taking in four local award winning breweries, including Tasman Bay Brewery, who produced the stout chosen to make the ale for the Lord of the Rings movies. New Zealand s entire crop of hops are grown around Motueka. Harvest is in March, and 8
most are exported. However some remain in the region for several boutique brewers to apply their mastery. Sample some of the finest naturally brewed beers Nelson has to offer and see behind-the-scenes processes from the raw ingredients to finished product. Enjoy a ploughman s platter with organic beers at Founders brewery which is located in a picturesque historic village. Marlborough Discovery 2 Day Itinerary 2 days for Marlborough? This itinerary takes a selection of the best to suit a variety of tastes for inclusion in a shorter New Zealand itinerary. Day 1 Marlborough Sounds The Marlborough Sounds is an area of outstanding beauty and activity opportunities, and as yet is comparatively quiet. Explore the sounds by boat and on foot. Join an early morning cruise through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to Motuara Island in the outer sound, stopping to see dolphins on the 45 minute trip. Visit the bird sanctuary island, taking the 15 minute walk to the top for outstanding views. Continue over to Ship s Cove historic area, read the information on Captain Cook, and then walk the first section of Queen Charlotte Track to Resolution Bay. Eat a packed lunch at the beach, and catch an afternoon water taxi to Torea Saddle. Transfer over the saddle for an afternoon guided sea kayak in the tranquil Kenepuru Sound. Stay overnight in the Marlborough Sounds. Day 2 Inland Marlborough Book a small or personalised tour to make the most of the short time in the region. Tailor the itinerary relevant to tastes. Visit at least 2-3 wineries including a well-known name, and let a guide help your clients to discover a new favourite at a boutique vineyard. As they travel through the region, they will intersperse tastings with visits to local artist studios, and gourmet food producers. Spare a couple of hours in the afternoon to visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, just outside Blenheim. Gourmet Marlborough 3 Day Itinerary This itinerary is 3 days of pure indulgence. It is ideally suited to FITs, although we can provide details of operators who welcome small or larger groups. Day 1 It s all about the wine Marlborough wine is world renowned, and much more than Sauvignon Blanc. Spend a day focusing on the wine region. Join a wine tour or plot your own route with the Marlborough Wine Map. Book a personalised tour, or join a small van, relax on a horse and carriage tour, or pedal through the vineyards on a wine tour by bike. Taste and savour at over 40 wineries, comparing wines from throughout the region from boutique family producers and well recognised names. Learn to identify aromas in classes (by arrangement) or informal demonstrations. Rest over lunch in a vineyard café and end your day in a gourmet restaurant among the vines. Overnight in a quirky Blenheim hotel, or be pampered in one of the many boutique B&Bs or vineyard cottages throughout the wine region. Day 2 Options galore If clients are in Marlborough on a Sunday in summer, don t miss the Farmers Market, for a collection of produce from throughout the region and a gourmet breakfast cooked from what is on offer that day. Alternatively, for a break from food visit local gardens and artists 9
studios modern art, sculpture, jewellery, and pottery studios and galleries provide temptations of a different nature. Another option is to head into the Marlborough Sounds where you can join a cheese making workshop on a local farm. After lunch, head into the Marlborough Sounds for a relaxed cruise. Cruise the Kenepuru Sounds visiting the home of the Greenshell Mussel, or take to the Queen Charlotte visiting Salmon farms and of course sampling the produce on the way. Your cruise launch will drop you at your choice or Marlborough Sounds lodges. Day 3 Hidden surprises off the beaten track After breakfast, book a water taxi back inland to experience the boutique producers of the region. In summer, visit cherry, peach, and apricot orchards and berry farms pick your own fruit or buy the sweetest fruit direct from the farmer. Plot a route visiting your choice of producers boutique chocolaterie, lavender farms, hazelnuts, and sheep s cheese are some examples. After lunch, visit an olive farm for a guided tour, and sample some of Marlborough s award winning olive oils. Finish your afternoon sampling local boutique beers and award wining fruit brandies, liqueurs, and spirits. Consider booking clients into a B&B which provides pre-dinner canapés and drinks; after a day like this it will probably be more welcome that dinner. Alternatively, suggest a casual local restaurant such as Le Café in Picton (popular with locals, live music), or Black Creek in Blenheim (great pizza, adjoining a boutique brewery). Marlborough Adventure 3-Day Itinerary Day 1 Adrenaline junkies Book a transfer from Wellington via skydive, touching down in Picton. Jump straight on a water taxi and get into the Sounds. Replace the adrenaline with a different natural high produced by swimming with the dolphins in the Queen Charlotte Sound. In the afternoon, burn off the energy with a hike on the Queen Charlotte Track, admiring the views from the ridgeline and relaxing to the sound of birdsong. Qualified divers exchange the walk for a further stay in the water. Book with a specialist company to explore the sunken cruise liner, Mikhail Lermontov, hailed as one of the best wreck dives in the world. Stay overnight in the Marlborough Sounds. Day 2 Boys and their toys (also good for girls!) Wake up to beautiful views and a hearty breakfast. Book on to a guided sea-kayak trip for the morning. An early start provides a sense of complete tranquillity and one-ness with nature in the sheltered bays. Enjoy a packed lunch on a beach, before exchanging the sea kayak for a mountain bike. Experienced single-track riders can bike the exhilarating Queen Charlotte Track, while novice riders can take to small roads. Finish the day in Picton, enjoying a night on the town with live music, great food, and of course some Marlborough wine. Day 3 Off the beaten track Start the day being inspired by the heroes of World War One aviation at the Aviation Heritage Centre, outside Blenheim. Then take to the Marlborough back country. Explore the Pelorus River area, with walking tracks through ancient forest and swimming in hidden river swimming holes. Book a guide for a fly fishing experience on the river, or helicopter to more remote stretches for a luxury experience. In the afternoon head through the Wither Hills, for walks in the open through the hills overlooking the Awatere or Wairau valleys. Consider visiting the Molesworth for a glimpse of New Zealand high-country life. 10