Top Of The South

Whanganui (September 10th)

If departing from Whanganui, meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for an 8am departure, and travel south to Levin for some home baked morning tea.

From here, it's straight into the Bluebridge Ferry terminal in plenty of time to board our 1:30pm sailing over to Picton.

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Departing from another destination

For those departing from another destination, you will fly into Wellington and be transferred to the Interislander Ferry Terminal to meet up with the group.  All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack, sent  prior to travel.

Picton (Septemebr 11th)

After a relaxed start to the day, we head down to the marina to join one of the last remaining ‘genuine’ Mail Boats left in the world, still delivering mail and groceries as it has been for over a century. We cruise the majestic Western route of the sounds, delivering goods to isolated homesteads nestled in quiet secluded bays. 

A picnic style lunch is organised for today, and we visit a mussel farm and see how this area got the name of the green lipped mussel capital of the world! We carry on delivering the last of the mail and return to Havelock approx 4pm.

Nelson (September 12th)

After a scrummy breakfast we’ll hit the road for a short drive out the Nelson Adventure Park to tackle the Skywire Experience.

You start with a 4km ride in a 4-wheel drive shuttle van, passing through pristine native forest while the guides entertain you with facts about the park’s diverse native environment, cultural aspects and fun stories.

The Skywire is set 300m above the base café and has incredible views of Cable and Delaware Bays, the western ranges and north towards D’urville island. On a clear day you can even see the snow-capped peak of Mount Taranaki.

One of the World’s longest Flying Fox’s. This one of a kind experience is an amazing scenic ride with a shot of adrenaline flying high above the forest canopy. If you would rather not partake in this activity then simply relax in the cafe amongst the gorgeous natural environment before we all meet for lunch at the Base Cafe.

Then, enjoy a relaxing stroll around the Founders Heritage Park, where we will enjoy the charms of days gone by at this great attraction including a train ride around the park. 

We aim to get back to give you some R&R time before meeting again for another delicious dinner. If time permits in the afternoon and you want to have a look around the Nelson CBD, Jase will happily drop you off and pick you up again before tea.

Accommodation: The Nelson Hotel

Nelson - Golden Bay (September 13th)

After breakfast, it’s time to depart Nelson and head to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal areas. Before we arrive at Abel Tasman National Park, we will stop at the charming seaside village of Mapua. Situated by the stunning Waimea Estuary, Mapua Wharf is a beautiful location to wander the shops or to get yourself some morning tea.

Golden Bay  (September 14th)

After breakfast, we head out to what will surely be a highlight as we embark on the amazing eco tour of Farewell Spit. From Collingwood, we will board the purpose-built coach for this is a great afternoon of exploring. 

We travel right out to the historic lighthouse located about 27 km along the beach, and this is where we will have our picnic style lunch. Our journey also includes a stop in Puponga and at the most northern point on the South Island, Cape Farewell. The knowledge of the guides will amaze you and after this great day we make our way back to Takaka where we’ll have fish n chips on-site at our accommodation before hitting the sack for the night.

Accommodation: Mohua Motels

Golden Bay (September 15th)

Today, we bid farewell to Golden Bay and retrace our path over the hill but not before some more fun, sightseeing and a spot of fishing.

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Blenheim (September 16th)

After a hearty breakfast we get stuck into another fun day out in this fabulous region.

We start with an option to either visit the Omaka Aviation Museum or have a mini Marlborough wine tour visiting two wineries in the morning. We have strong relationships with a number of boutique and iconic Marlborough wineries so you can hear about the history, taste a stunning range of wines and meet people who know wine and love sharing their passion with you.

Then travel to Picton and get ready to hit the calm waters of the sounds! Enjoy a bbq lunch prior to onboard our premium catamaran, then sit back for a relaxing seafood cruise in the afternoon. Amble along the calm waters of the stunning Marlborough Sounds, with sensational views accompanied by fresh local seafood and Marlborough sauvignon blanc to wash it down.

We are then transferred back to our lavish accommodation for our final group dinner together and maybe a wee tipple to finish the evening off.

Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough

Blenheim (September 17th)

A relaxed start to the day before we make our way to Picton to catch our 11am ferry back to Wellington. There will be plenty of time to get yourself some lunch as we head over the strait. 

When arriving into Wellington, those flying out will be transported to the airport and the others will make their way back to Whanganui.

*If you are travelling to another destination, your travel arrangements will be made for you in your customised itinerary.

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