EARLY BIRD SPECIAL BOOK EARLY & SAVE! Fifeshire Rock, Nelson Top of the South 5-12 December 2018
Itinerary Day 1: Wednesday 5 December - Travelling to Picton This morning we are transferred to Wellington where we meet at the ferry terminal for an afternoon sailing across Cook Strait to Picton. Upon reaching Picton we make the short transfer to our Picton accommodation to settle in before dining in this evening. Day 2: Thursday 6 December - Sounds Cruise and on to Takaka We travel to Havelock this morning via the very scenic Queen Charlotte Drive, winding our way around several deep calm bays in the upper reaches of the Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds. At Havelock we board our Marlborough Tours Mussel Cruise, an informative and relaxing boat cruise which takes us out on the Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds, to enjoy the natural beauty of this tranquil environment, while learning about the history of the Sounds and the pioneering families who have settled here. We visit a Greenshell Mussel farm, where we enjoy freshly steamed mussels with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - a classic Marlborough food match. Moving on we find a sheltered bay to anchor and enjoy a picnic lunch (included). Returning to Havelock we continue our road journey, over the Rai and Whangamoa saddles to Nelson. Here we have a short leg stretch before we travel out through the horticultural patchwork of the Motueka district and then ascend the Takaka Hill, known locally as the Marble Mountain. Finally, we drop into the lush Takaka Valley, and motor down to the township of Takaka, our home for the next two nights. We dine out this evening at a local restaurant. Day 3: Friday 7 December - Takaka and Farewell Spit Eco Tour We journey up to Collingwood this morning, stopping off enroute to view the Waikorupupu Springs. Known locally as Pupu Springs, geology, landform, rainfall, time, chemistry and water all come together in a unique mix to create what is thought to be the clearest water in the Southern Hemisphere. We enjoy a pleasant walk through bush and our morning cuppa before we make our way to Collingwood for an early lunch (included) prior to joining Farewell Spit Eco Tours, for our overland adventure exploring the unique Farewell Spit land form. We discover the flora and fauna that inhabits this 25 kilometre spit, and learn of its history through a full and informative commentary, enjoying afternoon tea at the historic lighthouse near the very tip. Returning to Collingwood, we have arranged dinner at the local Tavern, before we return to our Takaka accommodation.
Itinerary Day 4: Saturday 8 December - Takaka to Nelson We have time for a little further exploration of Golden Bay this morning, taking a jaunt out to Tarakohe and sheltered Ligar Bay, with a chance to take a short walk to view the Abel Tasman Memorial. We also enjoy a stroll through a scenic reserve called The Grove, a special spot characterised by massive rata trees growing out of curiously-shaped limestone outcrops. The track winds through the narrow canyons in the limestone - a series of blocks, that have been sculpted into wonderful shapes by water. We return to Takaka Village for lunch (own cost). Golden Bay is recognised as a haven for artists and talented craftspeople, and there will be time to browse some of the wonderful array of community galleries selling locally crafted works. This afternoon we visit a lovely East Takaka Garden. Matuku Farms Garden mixes shrubs, roses and perennials to create splashes of colour, and features two long perennial borders that will be in their prime at this time of the year. Old totara stumps billow with roses, and the centrepiece of the garden is a wattle and daub cottage. Our travels then take us back over that mountain, making our way back to Nelson to check in to our accommodation, looking forward to settling in for the next three nights. We enjoy relaxed dining in house this evening. Day 5: Sunday 9 December - Exploring Nelson A leisurely breakfast this morning before we set off to explore the attractive city of Nelson and uncover some of its treasures. Our day starts with an iconic Nelson walk to the Centre of New Zealand so named because it was a central survey point in the 1800s. A short climb provides great views over Nelson City. We then move on to Queens Gardens, a fine example of a classical Victorian ornamental park. The gardens are part of a designated Historic Places Trust precinct, and are adjacent to the Suter Art Gallery. Nelson historically has a strong foundation in the arts so this is a must see for those interested in art. Nelson s Cathedral is next on our list, a rather austere building that belies its glorious interior. With time for lunch (at our own cost and leisure) we head around the city port to Tahunanui, where we take a short detour to a scenic lookout that provides stunning views of Tahuna Beach and Tasman Bay. This afternoon we visit The World of Wearable Art and Collectable Car Museum, where art...is taken off the walls to adorn the body in wildly wonderful ways... and set amongst music, lighting and movement. The Classic car section is a stunningly presented display of immaculately restored cars, covering three centuries of motoring, from Edwardian times through to modern super cars. We return to our hotel to enjoy a little bit of time to relax and unwind, dining in again this evening.
Itinerary Day 6: Monday 10 December Abel Tasman National Park Today we explore the Abel Tasman National Park, journeying over to Kaiteriteri Beach where we board Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles for a morning cruise along the stunning coastline of New Zealand s smallest National Park. Spectacular granite rock formations, golden beaches, rocky islands and tranquil inlets are a feature of this area, and we enjoy a full commentary aboard the vessel. Returning to Kaiteriteri, we enjoy lunch at the Shoreline Café, located on the beach front. This afternoon we discover a scenic spot at the head of the Riwaka Valley, where we can take a stroll through cool remnant forest to the source of the Riwaka River. Here the waters of the river emerge from a cave under the Takaka Hill into a crystal clear pool, after flowing underground for four kilometres. A unique and unusual sight. On our travels back to Nelson, we stop off at Mapua, a coastal settlement with a great ice cream shop called Hamish s and named after a resident white heron. If time permits, there are also interesting galleries to browse, located in the old fruit cool stores on the historic Mapua Wharf. Back in Nelson, we dine in house again tonight at our hotel. Day 7: Tuesday 11 December - Travelling to Nelson Lakes We depart Nelson this morning, travelling out through the settlements of Brightwater and Wakefield, before travelling over a saddle that takes us through Golden Downs Forest. We then follow Tophouse Road, an historic droving trail, which was an important early route between Nelson, Marlborough and Canterbury. Morning tea today (included) is at Tophouse Hotel, built in 1859 as an accommodation house and a welcome stop on the trail. We then drop down to St Arnaud, gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park, and where we stay tonight. With a picnic lunch (included), this afternoon is spent exploring the twin lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, and discovering a range of short scenic trails that follow the lake shores and take us through beautiful beech forest, keeping an eye out for the trusting little South Island robin, who is likely to be found scratching for insects in the leaf litter. Checking in to our hotel, we have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of our hotel before dining in tonight. Day 8: Wednesday 12 December Travelling Home We follow the Wairau River down Valley to Blenheim this morning, where we visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Aviation in the Great War is given the Weta Workshop treatment at Omaka, and brought to life in sensational and realistic sets, while incorporating rare memorabilia. Continuing on to Picton we have time to find a bite of lunch (own cost) before we catch an afternoon sailing to Wellington. Here we bid farewell to our fellow travellers before being transferred to our respective home locations.
Tour Schedule Price Per Person: Double or twin share...$2675.00 per person Single accommodation...$3315.00 per person Early Bird Special...Save $50.00 per person!* *Applies to bookings made before 30th November 2017 only Deposit required to confirm your booking:...$375.00 The Cost of this Tour Includes: > All coach travel > Interisland Ferry transfers > Good quality motel or hotel accommodation > 2 course or buffet evening meals > All breakfasts > Morning tea on travelling days > Greenshell Mussel Cruise and lunch > Farewell Spit Eco Tour > Lunch at Collingwood Tavern > Matuku Farms Garden entry > World of Wearable Art and Collectable Car Museum entry > Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles half cruise > Lunch at Shoreline Café, Kaiteriteri > Morning Tea at Tophouse Historic Hotel, St Arnaud > Picnic Lunch > Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre entry Balance payable by...22 October 2018 To: OR: Tranzit Coachlines Wairarapa, P O Box 116 MASTERTON 5840 Phone 0800 471 227 or (06) 370 6600 Book online at www.tranzittours.co.nz Please read Terms and Conditions enclosed.