-
Christchurch, New Zealand
Depart Brisbane Sunday 1 March 6:10pm arrive in Christchurch 12:40am Monday March 2.
Take the gondola up to Mount Cavendish – A great activity to do even with a little jet lag. The Christchurch Gondola is only 20 minutes from the city centre and gives incredible views of Lyttleton Harbour and the city below. Gondola Shuttle – our direct Gondola shuttle operates daily between Cathedral Square and the Christchurch Gondola.
There is a combo gondola & Tram ticket $77 ( https://christchurchattractions.rezdy.com/405497/tram-gondola-combo?_ga_data=e30%253D )
Canterbury Earthquake Museum ($20)
Brockworth Street Art Gallery
hop-on-hop-off tram tour! With 17 stops around the city and the driver’s cheeky commentary, you not only get a chance to see a lot, but you’ll learn all about this lovely city along the way. I always enjoy hop-on-hop-off tours because they take care of transportation but I’m still on my own timeline! This tour can be booked for $35 NZD for adults
-
Kaikōura, New Zealand
1. The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a scenic path that runs along the coastline, offering views of Point Kean, the ocean and clifftops. Visitors can witness various marine animals such as seabirds, seals, and whales. The walkway can be accessed by taking a right from the carpark, descending downstairs to reach the Seal Colony area. Recognition of being on track is when one reaches the white stone path
3, Kaikōura is a foodie paradise with exceptional local seafood, a gin distillery and breweries to try. Don’t miss the iconic crayfish caravan Nins Bin – this 50-year-old family business is the place to go for the freshest seafood.
-
Blenheim, New Zealand
Blenheim is a small town just before Picton. The Taylor River runs through the heart of the town, and the surrounding area is dotted with pretty gardens and nice picnic spots.
• Follow the path all the way from the Quays around to Pollard Park. The walk only takes about 30 minutes and can make a nice introduction to Blenheim.
• Makana Chocolates are very well known. Whilst they can be quite expensive, the cost is worthwhile. There are free chocolate tastings, and it is also possible to watch them being made in-store.
This is the Marlborough wine region (Sav Blanc). There are over 30 wineries within a decent driving distance of the main city. A few of favourite wineries include Lawson’s Dry Hills Winery & Cellar Door, located right in town; Cloudy Bay Vineyards, which is one of the most beautiful; and Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen is perfect if wanting a meal too.
Nautilus Estate
A beautiful spot with passionate staff and a fantastic range of wines. Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable team and recommend putting Nautilus high on your winery tour list.
Forrest Wines Cellar Door
Highly recommended for its delicious wines and great value tastings. Visitors love the friendly staff and generous samples—perfect for both wine newbies and connoisseurs.
Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen
Set amongst the vines, this vineyard is praised for its stunning setting and excellent wines. Enjoy a meal with your tasting for a truly memorable experience.
Spy Valley Wines
A must-visit for its outstanding wines (don’t miss the chardonnay!), relaxed vibe, and fun extras like corn hole and vineyard walks.
Bladen Wines
A delightful, family-run vineyard where you can walk among the vines and taste grapes straight from the source. Reviewers say it’s a must-not-miss spot in Marlborough.
Wine tours by bike.
“Experience the Marlborough Wine Region on your own terms with this bike rental service. Get a bike route map and local knowledge about nearby wineries to help you build your own self-guided wine tour. Visit any of 12 wineries within just 3-kilometers from your starting point. Sample a wonderful variety of wines at each winery's tasting room. Benefit from a wine map filled with insights, tips, and recommendations”
https://www.getyourguide.com/blenheim-l32273/marlborough-full-day-self-guided-biking-wine-tour-t180917/?ranking_uuid=02399c09-6e28-4395-80c2-b250d71c4e2d Cost: from A$59.99 pp
Whites Bay
• Whites Bay is a lovely swimming beach situated between Picton and Blenheim. The beach itself is a sheltered bay with calm water (although there’s a lifeguard on duty) as well as rock pools to explore and lots of lush forest nearby.
• The drive to Whites Bay is very pretty, with views overlooking both the town of Blenheim and many of the wineries. There are a few good stopping points along the way.
• There are plenty of walking tracks around here that are suitable for a range of fitness levels. These include:
The Monkey Bay Walk
This is a very short walk around a rocky point with a small beach and a lookout point.
Distance: 0.3 km, Time: 5 minutes, Type: out & back
Pukatea Walk
The Pukatea Bushwalk is a short, mostly flat forest walk from Historic Cable Station near Rarangi to Whites Bay Campsite.
Distance: 0.3 km, Time: 5 minutes, Type: out & back
Black Jack Track.
The Black Jack Loop Track is a relatively short loop walk with few steeper parts on the way, but the scenery makes it all worthwhile.
There’s a great picnic bench at the top with spectacular coastline views. A carpark with public toilets is located at the trailhead.
Distance: 3.9km, Time: 1h 26 minutes, Type: loop
-
Picton, New Zealand
There are some spectacular lookout points in and around Picton. Some of the best views are on the Queen Charlotte Drive. For those with limited time, one of the best things to do is to take a 5-minute drive to Picton Harbor Lookout. The views of Picton and down the Sounds as ferries are coming in are extraordinary
Snout Track Walk
Picton Foreshore and marina - can hire bikes and Kayaks. The bridge over the marina leads to another beach and walking track that leads to The Snout.
Queen Charlotte View
This is a short walk that offers phenomenal views. It goes from the Snout Track Car park to Queen Charlotte View.
It is quite a steep climb to the viewpoint; hence it is rated as moderate, but the track is quite clear with views pretty much the whole climb.
Time: 30 mins; Distance: Type: out & back
Day trip to Queen Charlotte Sound
https://www.queencharlottetrack.co.nz/day-trips/walk-ship-covemeretoto-to-resolution-bay-2hrs/ $125 inc water taxi to start of track then explore Captain James Cook’s favourite anchorage, steeped in Māori history, before heading uphill through native tree ferns, then tall beech forest, to a spectacular lookout. meet ferry at 3pm at Resolution Bay.
Governors Bay- The Governors Bay Walking Track is a 15-minute drive from Picton. It’s a short and relatively easy walking track that leads to scenic Governors Bay. The walk to the bay should take less than 10 minutes each way, leading to a beautiful golden-sand beach surrounded by native bush. The best view of Governors Bay can be seen at the viewpoint at the start of the track, just after the car park. Up
-
Picton, New Zealand
Day trip to Queen Charlotte Sound
https://www.queencharlottetrack.co.nz/day-trips/walk-ship-covemeretoto-to-resolution-bay-2hrs/ $125 inc water taxi to start of track then explore Captain James Cook’s favourite anchorage, steeped in Māori history, before heading uphill through native tree ferns, then tall beech forest, to a spectacular lookout. meet ferry at 3pm at Resolution Bay.
The Queen Charlotte Drive: a scenic drive from Picton to Havelock
• The Queen Charlotte Drive is a spectacular winding road that links Picton to Havelock. It runs around the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound and Pelorus Sound, is 35 km long, windy and hilly, although sealed. It is often described by drivers as one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. There are epic views across the ocean, beach bays, and lush vegetation at every turn.
-
Havelock, New Zealand
Along Queen Charlotte Drive on the way to Havlock (approx 5.5km prior) is the Mahau Sound Lookout and the Cullen Point Lookout and the Cullen Point Lookout Track (approx 10min rtn) and the Cullen Point Coastal Track (approx 1hr loop)
Havelock Museum and Gallery. Mail boat does not sail on Thursday when we will be passing through.
-
Pelorus Bridge, New Zealand
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve walks: Park in large carpark just before the bridge. has toilets.
1. Circle Walk and Loop Track (45min)
2. From the parking follow an easy tramping Elvy Waterfalls Track. The track branches off the Tawa Path and goes along the Pelorus River through the forest. The waterfall is reached in 15-20 minutes.
Return via the same track, or continue on to the track, 10 minutes after the track leaves the Pelorus River shore, you'll reach another waterfall - Elvy Stream Waterfall.
-
Rai Valley, New Zealand
Rai Valley Cottage: This charming accommodation option is highly rated and provides a cozy place to stay while exploring the area. It’s a great base for your adventures.
scenic walks
-
Grampians, New Zealand
Grampians Walkway begins at the uphill end of Collingwood St, in central Nelson. The upper section of Collingwood St is steep and narrow, and parking is for residents only. The best places to park are on Collingwood St downhill of Brougham St, or on upper Trafalgar St.
-
Nelson, New Zealand
Picton → Havelock ∎ 50 min, 34.9 km
Havelock → Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve ∎ 14 min, 19 km
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve → Cable Bay ∎ 45 min, 46.9 km
Cable Bay → Boulder Bank Scenic Reserve ∎ 17 min, 15.2 km
Boulder Bank Scenic Reserve → Nelson ∎ 18 min, 15 km
Grampians walk look over Nelson
Centre of New Zealand Monument - The Centre of New Zealand Monument is located atop Botanical Hill, serving as the central point for 1800s surveys. While not exactly the geographical centre of the country, it offers a remarkable 360-degree view of the Nelson area from its summit.
Visit Pic’s Peanut Butter World.
Learn all about the manufacturing process, see it being made, and try out peanut butter and other flavours like chocolate, almond, and cashew. Do a factory tour, or just stop in the factory store to stock up on a wide variety of peanut butter flavours (good to take home as gifts also).
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Tours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm; bookings essential
Location: 49 Saxon Road, Stoke, Nelson, 7011
Cost: from NZD$50.00 pp
https://www.abeltasman.co.nz/day-trips/
Founders Heritage Park is a charming outdoor museum located in Nelson, New Zealand. It offers a glimpse into the Victorian-era village life from the 1880s to 1930s. The park features historic buildings such as a pub, church, and windmill, along with stagecoaches, buses, and farm utensils. Visitors can explore various shops housed in cottages and enjoy baked goods and craft beers.
Rabbit Island - can see from road driving between Nelson to Motueka (accommodation)
- Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Cycling Self-Guided Adventure
-
Motueka, New Zealand
-
Golden Bay, New Zealand
Pupu Springs - Te Waikoropupū Springs are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, the largest cold-water springs in the Southern Hemisphere and contain some of the clearest water ever measured. Loop walk
At northern tip of Golden Bay is Wharariki Beach -is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, rolling sand dunes, and the famous Archway Islands. The beach features expansive golden sands, unique caves, and stunning cliffs formed by coastal erosion. It is a popular spot for landscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Visitors can explore the beach on foot, with several walking tracks leading through farmland and coastal forest. The best time to visit is during low tide, allowing for a longer walk along the beach and access to hidden caves and tidal pools . Seal pups,
-
Motueka, New Zealand
-
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
-
Motueka, New Zealand
Bulla Canyon Jet Ride: From NZD
$125.00
Duration: 40 Minutes (approx.), Location: Murchison
- Enjoy a mind-blowing 40 minutes of pure thrill at 85km/hour.
- Ride through the beautiful scenery of a protected scenic reserve.
Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure Park
Buller Swing Bridge - Adult – $12.50
Tandem Comet Zip Line - ($40) 160m Take the ride together with a friend – the more weight on the ride the faster it goes! Suitable for all ages. A great ride for couples or parents with children.
Jet boat (40min leaves on the hour $125)
Swingbridge crossing, ($12.50Adult)
Cross New Zealand’s longest Swingbridge on the 110m long Buller Gorge Swingbridge. Suspended 19 metres high above the mighty Buller River.
-
Buller Gorge Swingbridge, New Zealand
Buller Gorge - drive through the gorge and stop for activities such as jet boat and walking the suspension bridge
Bulla Canyon Jet Ride: From NZD
$125.00
Duration: 40 Minutes (approx.), Location: Murchison
- Enjoy a mind-blowing 40 minutes of pure thrill at 85km/hour.
- Ride through the beautiful scenery of a protected scenic reserve.
Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure Park
Buller Swing Bridge - Adult – $12.50
Tandem Comet Zip Line - ($40) 160m Take the ride together with a friend – the more weight on the ride the faster it goes! Suitable for all ages. A great ride for couples or parents with children.
Jet boat (40min leaves on the hour $125)
Swingbridge crossing, ($12.50Adult)
Cross New Zealand’s longest Swingbridge on the 110m long Buller Gorge Swingbridge. Suspended 19 metres high above the mighty Buller River.
-
Westport, New Zealand
Cape Fowlwind Walkway - walk along the coastline past Tauranga Bay Seal colony for beautiful views
Coal Town museum
Denniston Incline - coal mining memorial with info board
Carters Beach
bike hire popular
Lyell Historic area - remnants of gold rush era.
-
Punakaiki, New Zealand
Blowholes at Pancake rocks best to visit at high tide
Truman track - 10min walk to secluded beach located 1.7km north of Punakaiki on the highway.
Punakaiki Beach - lots of shells and greenstone
Punakaiki Cavern - limestone cave approx 130m long very dark
- akaiki Cave in the town area can see glow worms and stalactites (free)
-
Hokitika, New Zealand
Glow worm Dell - The dell is located on the lefthand side of the road as you enter the town. The path leading to the dell is unlit but has handrails to guide you. The walk to the dell takes only about two minutes from the roadside.
Bring bug spray
Rimu Glowworm dell is a less well-known alternative: park just outside the Woodstock Hotel (an eight minute drive from Hokitika town centre) or pop in for a drink at the hotel first and use their car park. Then start walking south on the Woodstock Rimu road (slightly uphill and on the same side of the road as the hotel), it’s a main road but very quiet at night and there is a wide grassy verge, albeit very wet!
After 230m and roughly a 3-minute walk you’ll see a very small sign on the right side of the road which says glow worms (it’s not a road sign, but more like the kind you see at a historic site). Directly ahead of you you’ll see a small tunnel in the cliff and pass through the tunnel straight into the dell. In fact, if as you crouch in the tunnel you look up, you’ll see glow worms on the ceiling!
The National Kiwi Centre, located in the heart of Hokitika, is a wildlife centre and freshwater aquarium showcasing native New Zealand animals.
Known for its Green stone - can pick up on beach.
15km inland Lake Kaniere - short walk
Just south on Highway 6 is Lake Mahinapua Scenic Reserve - short walks
Hokitika Gorge - swing bridge 2 min walk from car park blue water granite cliffs
West Coast Tree Adventures - Treetop walk - self guided https://treetopsnz.com/
The National Kiwi Centre
The National Kiwi Centre, located in the heart of Hokitika, is a wildlife centre and freshwater aquarium showcasing native New Zealand animals. Visitors can witness the country's famous national bird, the kiwi, along with other unique creatures like the tuatara and giant eels
Hokitika Westland site Visitor Information Centre
West Coast Tree Top - Zipline South Island
Located in the South Island, West Coast Tree Top - Zipline offers a thrilling experience amidst nature. Visitors can explore a 20-meter-high canopy walkway over mature Rimu trees and enjoy panoramic views of the coast, lake, and forest.
-
Hokitika, New Zealand
-
Franz Josef, New Zealand
-
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Can do the Franz Joseph Glacier Valley Walk on the way to Fox Glacier. Approx 4km return
Fox Glacier Walk 1.3km hike return
Paringa Salmon Farm
Lake Mapouraka - kayak
Terrace Walk on outskirts of Fox Glacier
Callery Gorge Walk
-
Lake Matheson, New Zealand
Lake Matheson 4min drive from Fox Glacier(4.2km)
- Return hike loop around lake from carpark 1.5 hr (2.6km)
-
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
-
Haast River Bridge, New Zealand
-
Thunder Creek Falls, New Zealand
about 2hr (170km) south of Fox Glacier on State Highway 6
28m high waterfall that feeds the Haast River small car park on the righthand side of the road. 5min walk to the observation deck.
-
Blue Pools Track, New Zealand
Park in the car park and walk 3.2km approximately 25 - 30 each way
on the way is the suspension bridge over Makarora River. Follow this to the beach area.
-
Wānaka, New Zealand
Approaching Wanaka, pull over at the Lake Wanaka Lookout "The Neck" between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
Wanaka Tree on Lake best seen in the morning with lots of reflection
Wanaka Station Park (public toilet)
Te Ara Maumahara memorial walkway around Lake
Mount Iron Summit Track - view of both lakes and town and mountains
Eely Point Reserve on outskirts
Brownstone Food Trucks
Roys Peak - long hike leave early to arrive at sunrise.
-
Wānaka, New Zealand
-
Clay Cliffs Lane, New Zealand
38min (37.4km via State Highway 8)
1.3km return hike to cliffs
$10 entry to private property (honesty system)
dirt road after turnoff onto Henburn Road
-
Twizel, New Zealand
Largest town in the Mackenzie District. Market place well set out, cafes, quirky shops, large Kaki (black stilt) bird public art works.
High Country Salmon Farm - For the "Catch-A-Fish" salmon fishing experience it is necessary to book ahead online. A $30 non-refundable fee applies, which covers the one-on-one guided experience and equipment hire. Participants book for the number of salmon they want to catch, not number of people in their group. They must purchase what they catch - there is no "catch and release". The price per kg is NZD$35.00 landed weight.
-
Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand
1. A Summary of Mount Cook Walking tracks
• Bowens Bush Walk (10 mins)
• Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Viewpoint (40 mins return)
• Tasman Lake walk (1 hour return)
• Hooker Valley Track (3-4 hours return)
• Red Tarns (2 hours return)
• Kea Point, Mt Cook (1 hour return)
• Governors Bush Track (1 hour return)
• Sealy Tarns (3-4 hours return)
• Mueller Hut (6-8 hours return)
• Glencoe Walk (30 min return)
Hooker Valley Track is the most picturesque trail. approximately 10km (3hrto do the whole track) Highlights: Mt Cook, Hooker Lake, Hooker Glacier, Mueller Glacier and Lake
-
Twizel, New Zealand
-
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
The Church of Good Shepherd- beautiful old church on Lake Tekapo
Tekapo Springs - a variety of hot springs that overlooks the Lake, looks a bit like a swimming pool centre cost $37NZD
Lots of walks around the Lake. The Foreshore walkway approximately 1.9km circuit (45min) takes in the footbridge and Church.
-
Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand
• Akaroa Harbour is famous for its marine life, like penguins, fur seals and the endangered Hector’s dolphin
Barrys Bay Cheese.
• When driving into Akaroa (or out), visit – Barrys Bay Cheese.
• They have been in the cheese-making business for over 120 years.
• They offer cheese tastings every day in their store and factory.
b) The Giants House
• This has recently been recognised as a “garden of international significance” with incredible sculptures and mosaics.
• Cost: NZD$17.00/adult
Location: 70 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520
Walk the Ōnawe Peninsula
• With extensive (and violent) Māori history and striking views, the Ōnawe Peninsula is a worthwhile walk in the area.
• Displaying both volcanic and plutonic igneous rocks on the foreshore, this area provides a glimpse into the initial stages of volcanism – it’s unlike anything else on the Banks Peninsula.
• The walk goes to a former Maori Pa site located near Akaroa. It's a lovely fairly short walk with great sea level and Akaroa Harbour views.
• The track starts at a small car park on Onawe Flat Road near the Duvachelle Hotel.
• Length: 2.9 km; Type: Out & Back Time: 45 minutes
Akaroa Lighthouse
• The historic Akaroa Lighthouse is an iconic symbol of the town's maritime heritage.
• Originally located on Akaroa Head, the lighthouse was relocated to its current site in 1980. Visitors can stroll along the scenic waterfront and admire the picturesque views while learning about the lighthouse's history.
• Location: Beach Road
Akaroa’s Village
• Browse Akaroa’s galleries, craft stores and boutique stores and stop for lunch at one of the French-inspired eateries.
, Akaroa Museum
Blue penguin tour (not in season)
Hector Dolphins
-
Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand
-
Christchurch, New Zealand
Flight departing Christchurch 4:05pm Thursday 19 March, Arrive Brisbane 5:00pm Thursday 19 March
Depart Brisbane 7:55pm Thursday 19 March, arrive in Mackay 9:35pm