8 Day Top of the South Coach Tour have been pre-planned and for ease and peace of mind we have pre-booked all your accommodation and sightseeing needs to allow a truly memorable experience.
On arrival in Christchurch, ‘The Garden City’, seat in coach passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2 : CHRISTCHURCH - KAIKOURA
Travel through North Canterbury before turning towards the coast and arriving in Kaikoura, a town steeped in Maori history and legend. Enjoy a Whale Watch experience by boat (weather permitting – tomorrow morning early is the alternative cruise time). You will have the opportunity to view the magnificent Sperm Whale as well as New Zealand’s own tiny Hectors Dolphin, Fur Seals and Royal Albatross. (B)
DAY 3 : KAIKOURA - BLENHEIM
A leisurely start this morning before you continue north to Blenheim, the centre of the Marlborough region and New Zealand’s most famous wine growing area. This afternoon is at leisure. (B)
DAY 4 : BLENHEIM - NELSON
Explore the Marlborough Wine Region this morning including a winery visit with tasting before heading through to Havelock Marina. Join the Greenshell Mussell Cruise this afternoon on the Marlborough Sounds before continuing by road through to Nelson. (B)
DAY 5 : NELSON
At leisure to enjoy Nelson. Optional activities include a day excursion to Abel Tasman National Park or enjoy a visit to one of the many wineries in the region. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)
DAY 6 : NELSON - PUNAKAIKI
Travel across hill country today through the Buller Gorge to Westport and down the coast to the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. (B)
DAY 7 : PUNAKAIKI - GREYMOUTH - CHRISTCHURCH
A short journey today to reach the town of Greymouth. Board the TranzAlpine train (seat in coach passengers only) and travel through the rainforest of the West Coast to reach Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Southern Alps, before descending through the rugged gorges of the Waimakariri and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B)
DAY 8 : DEPARTURE DAY
Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. We trust you enjoyed your Kiwiway Vacation! (B)
Arrive to United States Of America, US
Inclusions & Highlights
Our Package Touring offers the following:
[icon_check] Daily departures [icon_check] No minimum number of passengers [icon_check] Breakfasts Daily at all hotels [icon_check] All sightseeing entry fees included (as mentioned in each itinerary) [icon_check] A choice of accommodation options [icon_check] All tours can be added to [icon_check] All packages can be taken in reverse (except ‘Stunning New Zealand’)
ACCOMMODATION
Standard Accommodation Options Standard is equivalent to a good 3-star tourist hotel.These hotels represent excellent value for money and usually have a licensed restaurant and bar on the premises.
Superior Accommodation Options Superior describes hotels in the 3 1/2 to 4-star category. More often than not, these will be centrally located and offering a wide range of services and facilities.
First Class Accommodation Options First Class are central city or resort location hotels at the top end of the scale rating 4 to 4 1/2 stars. All hotels at this level have excellent facilities, bars and restaurants etc, full services, and many feature swimming pool, spa baths, and fully equipped gymnasium for the enjoyment of guests.
DATES & PRICES
Prices starts from NZD 1,866 per person, twin share, Daily Departures
The price is customized based on final hotel choices, travel dates, and other custom preferences. If you require modifications to the itinerary as well as travel arrangements, please also advise.
Departing from Picton Wharf, enjoy the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds featuring freshly steamed mussels paired with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for the ultimate wine/food match.
Take in the natural beauty of this stunning environment, and learn about the history of the Marlborough Sounds and the pioneering families who have settled here. Visit a Greenshell Mussel farm where your launch captain will explain how and why this delicacy grows so well in the Marlborough Sounds. While at the mussel farm, we serve freshly steamed mussels with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, a wonderful wine and food match in a beautiful part of Marlborough.
Duration: 3 hours
Marlborough Wine Tours offers a variety of tours, ranging from a short 3 hour tour to full day tours.
Throughout the day you will taste some superb Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Noir as well as some lesser known varieties from the area.
Short Tour
This 3 hour tour gives you a taste of the Marlborough wine experience. The tour can start at either 9:30am or 1:30pm. It is ideal for those who have limited time but still wish to experience classic Marlborough wines.
Full Day Tour
This 6-7 hour all day tour starts from 9:30-10am with a first visit for a ‘vineyard walk and talk’ before continuing onto other wineries throughout the region. The tour includes a stop for lunch (cost not included) with several lunch options available. This tour is presented in a relaxed and informative manner where selective tasting is the order of the day.
Taieri Gorge Railway: Afternoon journey Dunedin/Pukerangi/Dunedin – The Taieri Gorge Limited train is Dunedin’s prestige tourist train operating from the historic Railway Station.
Departing daily (seats are limited on Christmas day) it takes you on a journey through the rugged and spectacular Taieri River Gorge, across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago. With full commentary, photographic stops, and onboard refreshments the train offers year-round, all-weather entertainment.
You can make the return journey to Pukerangi, or Middlemarch, or use the train as the one leg of your journey to or from Queenstown and Central Otago on our connecting ‘Track & Trail’ coach. Ask your Kiwiway consultant for more details.
Taieri Gorge Railway Summer Timetable 2024
WINTER TIMETABLE May to September – The train departs to Pukerangi daily at 12.30, except Fridays when it goes to Palmerston at 12.30.
SUMMER TIMETABLE October to April – Train departs at 2.30 pm daily to Pukerangi plus morning trips to Middlemarch, Pukerangi or Palmerston on selected days
TranzAlpine Train – Christchurch to Greymouth Train
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island with the Tranzalpine Scenic Train Journey. Renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys, this awe-inspiring experience takes you from coast to coast, unveiling stunning scenery that simply cannot be witnessed from the road.
As you board the Tranzalpine train, get ready to immerse yourself in a visual feast of natural wonders. From towering snow-capped mountains and rugged gorges to pristine rivers and lush forests, every moment of this journey promises to leave you in awe. The panoramic windows of the train offer unobstructed views, allowing you to capture every detail and truly appreciate the grandeur of New Zealand’s South Island.
The TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Journey is not just a means of transportation; it is an expedition into nature’s masterpiece. As you traverse through picturesque landscapes, keep your camera ready to capture moments that will forever be etched in your memory. Marvel at the ever-changing scenery as you pass through charming towns, cross soaring viaducts and venture into tunnels carved through mountains.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast seeking solace in untouched beauty or a traveler yearning for an extraordinary experience, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey has something for everyone. It offers a unique opportunity to witness New Zealand’s diverse landscapes up close and personal.
So why settle for ordinary when you can embark on an extraordinary adventure? Hop aboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey and let it transport you into a world where beauty knows no bounds. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
TranzAlpine Timetable
The TranzAlpine operates daily excluding Christmas Day.
Whale Watching Cruise Kaikoura: Whale Watch is New Zealand’s only marine-based whale-watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale at all times of the year. Whale Watch scheduled tours operate daily. Our 95% success rate means we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale Watch tours are extremely popular so we advise to book early.
What is Whale Watching?
Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Find out why the Whale Watch tour is such an amazing tourist attraction.
Depending on the season you may also see migrating…
Humpback Whales,
Pilot Whales
Blue Whales
Southern Right Whales
Kaikoura often hosts the world’s largest dolphin – the Orca – and is home to the world’s smallest and rarest – the Hector’s. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater. If your Whale Watch Kaikoura tour does not see a whale we will refund 80% of your fare.
Tour Check-in Times
7:15am – 10:00am – 12:45pm, An extra tour is scheduled at 3:30pm from November to March
Duration: 3 hours
Tour check-in occurs at the Whaleway Station (Whale Watch Office)
Whale Watch operate tours every day (weather permitting) excluding Christmas Day
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ACTIVITY LOCATIONS
Optional Activities for South island Coach Tours New Zealand
We offer you the flexibility to either choose from our existing itineraries or create your own itinerary based on your preferences, requirements, and travel dates. To begin, just get in touch with us and receive your personalized itinerary within 48 hours.
Looking for a personalized New Zealand tour for a group of 10 or more people? Contact us for a competitive price quote. We specialize in creating unique itineraries that inspire groups.
