South Island High Country

25-31 January 2022

9-15 April 2022

7 Day / 6 Night tour

$3,495

(NZD) pp twin share

$3,995

(NZD) pp single

ENQUIRE HERE

Book the January trip to be the recipient of our friend Robyn's generosity and receive one of ten $300 discounts.

Join us as we enter some of New Zealand’s best high country. Scree-scarred mountain ranges for as far as the eye can see, vast landscapes, wide river valleys, hidden waterfalls and tussock slopes. All working stations on hundreds and thousands of acres of land.

Starting in Blenheim and finishing in Christchurch, this 7-day tour uncovers the real rustic beauty of New Zealand’s unique high country.

Itinerary

DAY 1. Blenheim

Our adventure starts with a flight to Blenheim where we are then transferred to the Scenic Circle Marlborough hotel.

Dinner
DAY 2. 4WD Exploring - Molesworth Station

Today we join a local 4WD operator for a guided tour through scenic Molesworth Station. This trip seems to be on everyone’s ‘to-do’ list and you will certainly not be disappointed. The first 100kms through the grandeur of the Awatere Valley is well worth the trip just on its own. We overnight in Hanmer Springs. Anyone for a hot swim?

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 3. 4WD exploring - Jacks Pass & Rainbow Station

Today we rejoin our 4WD operator and roll into Jacks Pass to the Clarence River valley and on up past St. James to Lake Tennyson. We stop for a cuppa and then onto the Molesworth/Tarndale lakes country before entering into the rugged Rainbow Station.

A drive through Rainbow Road will open your eyes to the magnificent pristine beauty the South Island of New Zealand has to offer. Mountain ranges for as far as the eye can see, clear rivers that flow through the centre of the valley, hidden waterfalls created by the melting snow and the beauty of all things New Zealand is known and loved for.

Another action packed day with the chance for a hot soak in the pools before dinner at the Hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 4. Christchurch City

This morning we depart Hanmer and head to Christchurch where we do a city tour. Afterwards, we check into our fabulous accommodation at the Pavillion Hotel for the next 3 nights. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.

(Breakfast and Dinner).
DAY 5. Erewhon Station

Today we head off to Erewhon Station. Erewhon Station is a picturesque 35,000 acre sheep & beef property nestled right amongst the Southern Alps of NZ. This Country provided a magnificent backdrop for the Lord of the Rings movie “The Two Towers”.

The Station includes a large Clydesdale Horse Stud and they endeavour to use horses instead of vehicles.

Tonight we enjoy a fine dining experience aboard a vintage tram as you drive through the center of Christchurch.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 6. Christchurch Highlights

There is so much to see and do in Christchurch and we’ve selected a few of the options; Orana Park and the International Arctic Centre in the morning then the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for lunch and a guided tour through the reserve in the afternoon. Dinner back at the hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 8. Homeward Bound

Sadly it is time to head to the airport and make our way back home after an adventurous few days through some of the most scenic high country New Zealand has to offer.

Breakfast

Acheron Accommodation House, Molesworth Station

A number of cob houses were built along the route to house stock drovers: The Acheron Accommodation House, also known as the Clarence Accommodation House, is the only one left today. It was built in 1863 by Ned James, a ships carpenter and station hand known for also building cob buildings. He took nearly a year to build the eight-roomed house. The house grew into a social hub. It included a store and unofficial post office and became a venue for a number of local clubs and meetings. Once its proprietor, Ernie Tozier, died in 1932, the house became used less often and was abandoned in 1954. It has now been restored and, along with the Molesworth Cob Cottage (closed to the public), is registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.