Honeydew Forest & Nikau Sunset Short Break

South Island: Nelson to Christchurch

5 days

 

 

This tour departs from Nelson and heads a short distance to the Nelson Lakes National Park. Walk in the shade of the beech trees the length of the inviting waters of Lake Rotoiti, or challenge yourself to an ascent of Mt Robert, above the bushline and affording stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Smell the sweet honeydew and listen to the beautiful dawn chorus of our native birds. Take a dip in the cool waters of the lake. Journey through the precarious Buller Gorge and out to the west coast. Walk along a former railway line into a charming gorge of lush bush and raging waterfalls, and home to our native giant snail. Watch the sunset over the prolific nikau palms from our seaside accommodation. Walk along the cliff tops of a rugged cape and view the seals nursing their pups below. Travel the spectacular west coast highway. Walk beneath the limestone bluffs amidst the lush sub tropical bush in the Paparoa National Park, or paddle the gentle tannin stained river. Discover the famous 'pancake rocks' of Punakaiki. Scour the wild beach for unusual shells driftwood and jem stones. Experience a west coast pub. Smell the salty sea air on a coastal walk. Enjoy the transition from lush bush to the dry plains of Canterbury on our journey over Arthur's Pass to Christchurch, either via our bus or the TranzAlpine Train, where your tour comes to an end.

See the complete itinerary below...

 

Day 1 Nelson - Nelson Lakes

You will be met at the Nelson airport or your central city accommodation at approximately 2pm. We head a short distance inland to the Nelson Lakes National Park. Relax beside beautiful Lake Rotoiti or take a gentle hike [2hrs; Grade 1] along its shores in the native beech forest. We stay in log chalets near the lake for the next two nights. (D)

 

Day 2 Nelson Lakes National Park

Spend the day exploring the park. Hike [4hrs; Grade 2] through the beech forest and discover the hidden bays of Lake Rotoiti, or venture beyond for a hike [5hrs; Grade 3] up Mt Robert, for stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the lake below. Alternatively, try your hand at fishing on the lake or in the trout filled rivers, or simply relax by the lake. Enjoy a meal out in the local restaurant. (B/L)

 

Day 3 Nelson Lakes - Cape Foulwind

We head toward the west coast along the mighty Buller River. Continuing up the beautiful palm fringed coast, we spend the afternoon hiking [3hrs; Grade 1] along an old mining railway line through lush rainforest. Our accommodation this evening is on a beautiful stretch of coastline (much nicer than the name suggests!) We eat out at a colourful local pub. (B/L/D)

 

Day 4 Cape Foulwind - Punakaiki

Enjoy a leisurely walk [1.5hrs; Grade 1] along the coast to view a New Zealand fur seal colony at play. We then continue along the wild coastal road to the enthralling village of Punakaiki, perched between the wild coast and the rainforest clad limestone cliffs of the Paparoa National Park. Hike [3hrs; Grade 1] beside (or canoe up) the beautiful Pororari River, dwarfed by towering limestone cliffs and gently weaving through the lush tropical rainforest. (B/L/D)

 

Day 5 Punakaiki - Christchurch

This morning we view the blowholes of the famous Pancake Rocks. Continuing down the spectacular coast road, we enjoy a walk [1.5hrs; Grade 1] through forest and coastal flax bushes before heading to Greymouth. Sit back and relax for the last leg of our journey, the drive over the spectacular Arthur’s Pass, stopping for an alpine walk [1hr; Grade 2] to stretch our legs on the way back to Christchurch. Alternatively opt to take the TranzAlpine train across the Pass, acclaimed as one of the best alpine train journeys in the world. We arrive in Christchurch at approximately 5pm. (B/L)

 

 

Included in the tour package:

All prices are in New Zealand dollars and include GST of 12.5%. The fare includes just about everything including: 4 nights accommodation; 3 evening meals, 4 lunches, 4 breakfasts and plenty of healthy snacks in between [as indicated on the itinerary]; 2 guides; and all transport and guided hikes.

Not included in the tour price is 1 evening meal, wine and beer (you are welcome to BYO) and any other adventure activities you would like to do along the way, such as a sea kayaking. We have indicated just some of the options in the itinerary, but the possibilities are endless! Prices quoted are approximate. If you choose not to participate in any optional activity, we will always have walking options available so you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a great experience.