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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Auckland - Nelson
Arrive into Auckland on your international flight, and pick up a domestic flight to Nelson. On arrival, collect your rental vehicle and make your way to Te Koi The Lodge, a short 25 minute drive away. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to settle in and relax after your flight.
Overnight: Te Koi The Lodge
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Day 2 Abel Tasman National Park
Enjoy a full day exploring Abel Tasman National Park. On this leisurely boat trip you will experience some of New Zealand's most magnificent coastline, where native bush meets golden sands and crystal clear waters are an untroubled playground for birds, seals and dolphins. Your skipper will point out seal colonies and secluded beach hideaways; and if you would like to stop anywhere, he or she will ensure you experience the best of Abel Tasman. A delicious lunch platter will be served at a sheltered cove, where you also have the opportunity to use the on-board kayaks and snorkelling gear.
Overnight: Te Koi The Lodge
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Day 3 At leisure
Today, enjoy the diversity of Abel Tasman at your own pace with a welcome day at leisure. Nature enthusiasts can explore the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters and scenic walking trails. Art lovers will appreciate Nelson's vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, studios and the renowned World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum. For a taste of local culture, the Nelson Market is a must-visit, showcasing regional crafts, fresh produce and delicious street food. Wine aficionados can tour the nearby vineyards on bicycles in the sunny Nelson wine region, known for its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Finally, for adventure seekers there is kayaking and mountain biking amidst a backdrop of dramatic landscapes.
Overnight: Te Koi The Lodge
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Day 4 Depart from Nelson and head to Kaikoura
This morning, take a scenic four-hour drive from Nelson to Kaikoura. The route winds through the picturesque Wairau Valley, a region celebrated for its vineyards and wineries. As you approach Blenheim, the heart of the Marlborough wine country, you'll have the opportunity to stop and enjoy some of the region's acclaimed wines. Continue south on State Highway 1 which hugs the coastline, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the chance to spot marine wildlife such as seals and dolphins. As you near Kaikoura, the scenery becomes even more dramatic with the Seaward Kaikoura Range rising sharply from the coast. The town of Kaikoura is nestled between these mountains and the ocean, creating a backdrop that captures the best of both land and sea. Check in to Hapuku Lodge, a visually spectacular property with elevated treehouses offering both mountain and ocean views.
Overnight: Hapuku Lodge
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Day 5 Whale watching by helicopter in Kaikoura
Lift off once more for your flight to Middlehurst Station, a sprawling 16,000-hectare retreat nestled in the serene Awatere Valley. En route, enjoy a scenic flight over the Seaward and Inland Kaikoura ranges. Upon arrival, indulge in a 'farm to plate' lunch meticulously crafted by Middlehurst's skilled private chef. Enhance your visit with a hands-on wool shed experience and an informative farm tour guided by Willie and Sue. Conclude your day with a return to your Kaikoura base, collect your vehicle and continue your journey to Christchurch with a journey time of around two and a half hours.
OPTION : For an extended escape, opt for an overnight stay at Middlehurst Station. Delight in an afternoon platter following your farm tour and unwind with dinner. Experience the comfort of exceptional accommodation and wake up to a sumptuous cooked and continental breakfast. Finally, enjoy a scenic flight back to the Kaikoura base. Activities include star gazing, hot tubs, hiking, cycling and blissfully remote picnics.
Overnight: The Mayfair
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Day 6 Fly to Middlehurst Station
Lift off once more for your flight to Middlehurst Station, a sprawling 16,000-hectare retreat nestled in the serene Awatere Valley. En route, enjoy a scenic flight over the Seaward and Inland Kaikoura ranges. Upon arrival, indulge in a 'farm to plate' lunch meticulously crafted by Middlehurst's skilled private chef. Enhance your visit with a hands-on wool shed experience and an informative farm tour guided by Willie and Sue. Take in panoramic mountain views while gaining an insight into the daily operations of their cattle and sheep farm. Conclude your day with a return to our Kaikoura base, collect your vehicle and continue your journey to Christchurch with a journey time of around two and a half hours. Check-in to The Mayfair on arrival.
NOTE: For an extended escape, opt for an overnight stay at Middlehurst Station. Delight in an afternoon platter following your farm tour and unwind with dinner. Experience the comfort of exceptional accommodation and wake up to a sumptuous cooked and continental breakfast. Finally, enjoy a scenic flight back to the Kaikoura base. Activities include star gazing, hot tubs, hiking, cycling and blissfully remote picnics.
Overnight: The Mayfair
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Day 7 TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass National Park
Experience the iconic TranzAlpine train as you embark on an unforgettable journey from Christchurch to the Southern Alps, combining a scenic train journey with a picturesque car ride. Begin your adventure by boarding the TranzAlpine train in Christchurch, traversing the lush Canterbury Plains and ascending through the breathtaking Waimakariri Gorge to reach Arthur's Pass National Park. Immerse yourself in the alpine village atmosphere, enjoy scenic walks amidst dramatic landscapes, and visit a local sheep farm for an authentic High Country experience. Your day concludes with a leisurely drive back to Christchurch.
Overnight: The Mayfair
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Day 8 Fly to Matakauri Lodge
Make your way to the airport to drop your car and fly to Queenstown, the country's adventure capital. Matakauri Lodge will be your base here. Situated on the banks of stunning Lake Wakatipu, this boutique lodge offers luxury accommodation, fine dining, superb service and spectacular panoramic views. Nestled in native bush only a few minutes outside Queenstown, it is a serene retreat with just eleven suites, each of which has a private terrace looking out across the lake and mountains.
Overnight: Matakauri Lodge
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Day 9 Outdoor adventures in Glenorchy
Enjoy a relaxing morning at leisure. This afternoon, you will be met and transferred to Glenorchy for a few hours of fun! Embark on your Funyak adventure starting with a thrilling jet boat ride from Glenorchy and up the Dart River into Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Navigate back downstream in a unique Funyaks (inflatable kayak), exploring pristine waters flowing from the Southern Alps to Lake Whakatipu. Pause at the riverside for a gourmet picnic amidst native birdsong and serene beech forest before you conclude your journey with a scenic ride back to Queenstown, passing iconic filming locations like those from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and X-Men Origins - Wolverine. Escape Queenstown's hustle and bustle and enjoy an afternoon being immersed in New Zealand's untouched natural beauty.
Overnight: Matakauri Lodge
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Day 10 Fly to Minaret Station
Today you will take the enchanting flight to one of New Zealand's most secluded lodges, Minaret Station. The only way in or out of the lodge is by helicopter, meaning it is truly off-grid and provides access to some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy some time settling into your private chalet before heading to the communal lounge for dinner by the fireplace.
Overnight: Minaret Station
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Day 11 - 12 Minaret Station
The next two days will be spent exploring the endless wilderness around you. Make use of the lodge's helicopters and enjoy the range of thrilling excursions such as heli-cycling, heli-skiing and guided trekking. Stop to truly soak up your surroundings with a picnic lunch overlooking a tranquil fjord accessible only by flying over remote glacial valleys. Having refuelled, trek deep into the backcountry to try your hand at fly fishing in the many lakes and rivers or head out on a riding adventure and feel some of the earth's freshest air woosh past you. Return to Minaret Station for a well-deserved meal using meat from the lodge's own farm and produce supplied by local growers.
Overnight: Minaret Station
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Day 13 Depart
Make your way to the airport in time for your flight home.
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Depart
