This ten-day trip has been carefully designed to offer you:
- Diverse and comfortable seaside adventures
- Stunning and safe remote places
- Easy driving distances
- Plenty of spare time to walk, relax, play golf and visit artists' studios, galleries
and restaurants - Character accommodations
Arrive in Christchurch and head north to Waipara and stay at Claremont Country Estate set on a working high country sheep and deer station that has its own private nature reserve. Take a 4WD safari on the property and see fascinating geological formations. Fish and picnic if you wish.
Drive north along the rugged coastline to Kaikoura and stay in a luxurious tree house lodge. Take a boat or helicopter to view whales, swim with dolphins and watch seals. Dine on abundant and locally harvested crayfish.
Set sail on your own skippered launch or charter yacht on the Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy tranquil sheltered bays, abundant bird life, the Queen Charlotte Walking Track and fresh fish. You may choose to stop off at one of the water's edge lodges for a meal. Alternatively stay at the Bay of Many Coves Resort, a uniquely New Zealand waterside experience comprising a luxury retreat of contemporary design set in a remote, pristine water's edge location surrounded by verdant bush.
Nelson or Tasman Bay will be your base for several days to explore some of the treats that this region has to offer. Great restaurants, art galleries, bush hikes, exquisite golden bays, the Wearable Art Museum, golf, fishing, wineries and much more.
You will need an aqua taxi or small plane to journey to the secluded Awaroa Lodge for lunch. You may choose to walk or kayak for part of the trip. The lodge nestles behind the sand hills of the beautiful Awaroa Beach in the middle of the Abel Tasman National Park and has no road access.
- In the Marlborough Sounds you may wish to leave your charter yacht in the evenings to dine and sleep at one of the lodges on the coast. Golden Bay is a very remote and spectacular area with lots to do.
- Two nights will give you a taste of what's on offer. Experience the Farewell Spit Nature Tour, feed endangered animals at a farm and visit crystal clear springs. You can also horse ride overlooking Farewell Spit or walk on wild West Coast beaches.
- Blenheim is the hometown of Marlborough wines. You can sample fine wines and gourmet food at the nearby vineyards or in the comfort of your lodge. Golf courses, backcountry tours, horse riding and catered picnics are also on offer.
