Highlights
- Explore Christchurch's sights while dining in a moving heritage tram
- Go whale watching by airplane along the beautiful Kaikoura coastline
- Ride the scenic Coastal Pacific Train from Christchurch to Picton
- Cruise the Queen Charlotte Sound above a special seafood cruise
- Go wine tasting in New Zealand's famous Marlborough wine region
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch, Tramway Restaurant Experience | Christchurch |
| Day 2 | Train to Kaikōura, Whale Watching by Plane, Guided Sunset Kayak Experience | Kaikoura |
| Day 3 | Matai Peak Coastal Farm Tour, Seasonal Feast Cooking Class | Kaikoura |
| Day 4 | Hike in Kaikōura, Train to Picton, Water Taxi to Marlborough | Marlborough |
| Day 5 | Mail Boat Cruise in the Marlborough Sound, Seafood Odyssea Cruise | Marlborough |
| Day 6 | Marlborough Wine Tasting, Water Taxi to Nelson, Free Time | Nelson |
| Day 7 | Visit Abel Tasman National Park, Depart Nelson |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch, Tramway Restaurant Experience
Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand's South Island, where you've landed in Christchurch, the country's second-largest metropolis. Collect a rental car at the airport and make the short drive to your accommodation for the night. Once you're settled, head out for a stroll to get your bearings in this walkable and green city. After a remarkable rebirth from the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the urban center is full of modern architecture and street art, which you can explore on foot. Or, shake off jet lag by joining a relaxing punt ride down the Avon River / Ōtākaro.
This evening, you'll board the country's only restaurant tram for a scenic tour of the city while you enjoy a four-course meal. This historic, colonial-style dining tram showcases the best of New Zealand cuisine while making the rounds of central Christchurch's top attractions. Enjoy the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum, and the river from your window-side table as you dine on local gourmet fare.
Day 2: Train to Kaikōura, Whale Watching by Plane, Guided Sunset Kayak Experience
Early this morning you'll cross the rolling hills of North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley, as you head toward the spectacular Kaikōura coast on board the Coastal Pacific Train. The scenic train journey hugs the ocean for the last leg of the three-hour journey. Each year, Kaikōura draws in huge numbers of visitors for its abundant sea life, and first up, you'll go whale watching by airplane. You'll grasp the true magnitude of the world's largest mammal from the air. Whales can reach an impressive 60 feet (18 m) in length and weigh up to 60 tonnes!
Unlike other popular sea-watching spots, Kaikōura's whales, seals, and dolphins tend to visit year-round! After, stop for lunch in town then take a transfer to your luxury lodge to check in. Refresh and relax with a welcome drink, then return to the ocean to grab a paddle for a sunset sea kayaking experience. Watch seals frolicking on the rocks, hunting octopus in the sea, or even battling one another. Also look for blue penguins, albatross, or chance encounters with dusky dolphins as the light changes.
Day 3: Matai Peak Coastal Farm Tour, Seasonal Feast Cooking Class
After a gourmet breakfast at your lodge, hop into a beach buggy for a private tour of Matai Peak Coastal Farm. You'll cruise along the beach, watching Hector's dolphins that regularly feed in the area, and then continue to a traditional kiwi farm. Your guide will introduce you to Te Mania's prized bulls, which are globally sought after. Next, ascend a mountain peak to admire ocean views; on a clear day, you can see along the peninsula all the way to Christchurch's Port Hills. End with a drink at the iconic Saloon Bar, surrounded by farming memorabilia.
This afternoon, you'll venture into the wild Kaikōura landscape for a private experience with Chef Fiona from Hapuku Kitchen. Start with a locally roasted coffee, then forage for fresh ingredients in the property's garden. Return to the kitchen to prepare seasonal dishes, learning cooking techniques as you go. End the day enjoying your homemade feast, paired with local wine or beer, and take home a recipe booklet and your Hapuku Kitchen apron as keepsakes.
Day 4: Hike in Kaikōura, Train to Picton, Water Taxi to Marlborough
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
The Kaikōura coast offers a huge variety of coastal walks, so after breakfast lace up your walking shoes and get your steps up while spotting marine life from one of the many trails. Rise early to complete the three-hour Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway before your morning train. It crosses the peninsula's clifftop, rewarding your efforts with views of the surrounding mountains, ocean, and coastline. For something easier, the 45-minute Hinau Track is an interesting loop through an unusual forest with a number of large Hinau trees.
After, you'll jump on the Coastal Pacific Train again, following the coast three hours north to Picton, located at the top of the South Island. As you leave Kaikōura, enjoy views of the ocean and the Kaikōura ranges before traversing the dry hills of Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine-producing region. Upon arrival in Picton, you'll board a scheduled Cougar Line water taxi deep into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. It stops at several bays within the heart of Queen Charlotte Sound, making it a scenic way to reach your secluded luxury lodge.
Day 5: Mail Boat Cruise in the Marlborough Sound, Seafood Odyssea Cruise
Today, you'll spend all day on the water, starting with a cruise on The Beachcomber—New Zealand's only official mail boat. Sit back and enjoy views of the gorgeous Queen Charlotte Sound as your skipper delivers mail, freight, and groceries to the families who live in the various bays, inlets, and coves. Keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, blue penguins, and other wildlife as your captain shares commentary about the region's wildlife and history.
Day 6: Marlborough Wine Tasting, Water Taxi to Nelson, Free Time
After breakfast at the lodge, take a water taxi back to Picton where a local guide and driver will be waiting. Today, you'll go wine tasting in New Zealand's world-famous Marlborough region. This area is renowned for its excellent sauvignon blancs, and the distinct climate and beautiful scenery make it a must-visit destination for wine lovers. In the 1990s, there were just 18 vineyards, but now you'll find more than 160. Today, you'll visit a handful of cellar doors, learn about how vines are planted, pruned, managed, and harvested here, and taste the region's award-winning wines.
In the mid-afternoon, you'll return to Picton and take a 90-minute water taxi to Nelson. This small coastal city is easy to explore on foot, so check in and drop your bags then venture out. You could wander the historic center, see the famous cathedral, or simply kick back at one of the many cafés on Trafalgar Street. Nelson is home to many artists, so visit local galleries and studios to pick up an authentic souvenir to remember your honeymoon. Finish the day by visiting the Classic Car Museum or sample local beers since you're in New Zealand's craft brewing capital.Day 7: Visit Abel Tasman National Park, Depart Nelson
On the final day of your South Island honeymoon, squeeze in one last adventure to Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest national park. Named after Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman, the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642, the park covers an area of 91 square miles (237 sq km), and you can explore by boat, water taxi, or on foot. Join a guided day trip to explore this beautiful marine reserve with crystal-clear water, golden sandy beaches, carved granite cliffs, and coastal trekking. Just make sure you're back in time for your flight!
At the appointed time, a driver will meet you for a transfer to Nelson's airport for your connecting flight home or next destination. Safe travels!More Great New Zealand Itineraries
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