This morning we depart Auckland on the Northern Explorer. Experience the extremes of NZ’s scenery from the fertile farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti Coast. Enjoy the guided audio commentary, the open-air viewing deck and a great selection of food and beverages from the dining car. 

On our arrival in Wellington we’re transported to our hotel in the city centre and enjoy a beautiful buffet dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Dinner

Today we depart Wellington on the Cook Strait Ferry. Famously known as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world. After our 3.5-hour journey travelling through the magnificent Queen Charlotte and Marlborough Sounds we’re met by our coach and driver. We take a stop in Picton before continuing on to Havelock where we spend the next 2 nights. Known as the coastal village at the head of Pelorus Sound, Havelock is also known as the Muscle capital of the world! 

Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we are met at the wharf by our skipper for the mail run cruise – the crew on board this boat believes that being a “sea postie” in the Sound is one of the best jobs in the world! We get to experience this first hand as we travel through the magnificent Sound highlighting a gannet colony, dolphins, a mussel farm, a tour of an historic “off the grid” working farm and finally a stop at the beautiful Te Rawa Lodge. 

Dinner tonight is at the famous Mussel Pot restaurant in Havelock. And yes, there are other food choices besides mussels!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we drive out to French Pass where we’re met by a local couple who welcome us into their historic homestead for a beautiful lunch in a majestic setting. Here, we listen to stories of living in this “far from the madding crowd” special part of Aotearoa. After lunch we board their boat and enjoy a 1-hour journey that takes us up close to D’Urville Island.

Back on terra firma we say farewell to our hosts and drive to Nelson for a 2-night stay.

N.B. Before the tour you may like to read an amazing story of a young Italian girl who moved to D’Urville Island from Stromboli in 1906. Read about her life in this remote part of the world and her friendship with a high-born Maori woman “Angelina” by G. Hindmarsh. 

Breakfast, Lunch, DInner

This morning we head off to do some sight-seeing around Nelson including a visit to the famous National WOW Museum and Nelson Classic Car collection. For the afternoon, you can explore Nelson city or choose to enjoy some R&R back at the hotel by the pool.

Breakfast, Dinner

Today we drive to Motueka on the western shore of Tasman Bay for an overnight stay. This unique vibrant town boasts a great café culture and artistic community. We explore the coast and visit Kaiteriteri Beach and you’ll soon see why this stunning coastline is so popular with holiday makers. Tonight, we eat at a local restaurant.

Breakfast, Dinner

Farewell Spit is calling! A great day is planned as we drive over the Takaka Hill to the famous Te Waikoropupu Springs. These are the largest freshwater springs in NZ and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. A short walk into the springs and you’ll soon appreciate its allure as it contains some of the clearest water ever measured. We enjoy morning tea at Collingwood before we join our guide and drive 34km along one of the longest sandspits in the world. It’s home to over 90 wetland and migratory bird species of its own. We enjoy a picnic lunch at Cape Farewell (the South Islands most Northern Point) and Fossil Point, including the historic Lighthouse. Takaka will be our home for tonight and the last on our tour. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

All good things come to an end as we drive back to Nelson and board our plane home. We leave with our hearts and cameras full of wonderful adventures and new friends, and of course, it’s all been with Seemore Tours where you see more, eat more and have more fun. 

Breakfast