Top of the South - Takaka -2026

Name: Top of the South - Takaka -2026
Brand: Alps 2 Ocean
Price: 300.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

Tour Date: Mon 30th Nov- Mon 7th Dec 2026

DEPOSIT - $300.00

Single - $4,791.00

Twin Share - $4,129.00

Date 30 Nov -7th Dec Nov 30 to Dec 7th

Product variants

If these dates don't work for you but you're still interested in this tour please contact us below.

Please note this is a cash or cheque price. Credit cards will incur a 2% fee.

*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment.

Northwest mountain ranges, lush rainforest, marble rock formations, the Nelson Lakes, a bird watching tour on Farewell Spit, and scenic boat tours in this special corner of the South Island.

This tour is for those with a sense of adventure who may want to enjoy a range of optional short walks in off the beaten track places. We travel in 9 or 12 seat, high roof vehicles with luggage trailers, which enable us to explore the more remote parts of New Zealand and discover its hidden gems.

Our groups are small and personalised with spare seats in our vehicles, and we can easily stop for quick photos, or short walks or just to explore this amazing region.

Group Size

Personalised small group tour of 5 to 10 people

Location & Duration

Hanmer Springs- St Arnaud- Takaka – Golden Bay -Nelson. Starts Christchurch. Finishes Nelson. 8 Days - 7 nights.

Highlights Will Include

Takaka, Canaan Downs
Pupu Springs
Farewell Spit eco tour
Labyrinth Rocks and the Grove viewpoint
Abel Tasman coastal sea shuttle tour
Lake Rotoiti scenic boat tour and Lake Rotoroa
Maruia Springs ,Maruia Falls
Hanmer Forest, and hot springs
Waipara Valley winery lunch

Inclusions

Eight days transport, 10 or 12 seat vehicles
Your own experienced driver / guide for eight days
Farewell spit eco tour
Abel Tasman Sea shuttle tour
Lake Rotoiti boat tour
Seven night’s accommodation
6 dinners ,6 lunches ,7 breakfasts

Exclusions

Flights - if you would rather, I am happy to book flights and any extra accommodation at the start or finish of the tour. I do not have large enough groups to be able to get travel discounts and some people may be better off using credits or air points. Please let me know if you would like me to book though and I can just add to the tour cost for you.
Items of a personal nature

Booking Conditions

A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your place on the tour. Payment can be made to this account number.

Full payment is due one month prior to tour start.

Bookings made after 30 Feb 2023 – full payment at time of booking.

Cancellations

Deposit – nonrefundable
If this tour is cancelled due to Covid 19 government travel restrictions, a refund is available, or we will endeavour to reschedule. Alps 2 Ocean Ltd reserves the right in addition to any supplier-imposed amendment and cancellation fees, to charge a service and administrative fee of $100 per person.

View full details

Top Of the South - Tour Route

Northwest mountain ranges, lush rainforest, marble rock formations, the Nelson Lakes, a bird watching tour on Farewell spit and scenic boat tours in this special corner of the South Island.

Download Tour Map

Tours Details

Day 1
ChristChurch to Hanmer Springs
Day 2
Hanmer Springs
Maruia Springs - Lake Rotora - St Arnaud -Lake Rotoiti
B | L | D
Travelling
North over the Lewis Pass we stop at the stunning Maruia Falls, a result of a
major earthquake. We will explore and visit the remote but beautiful Lake
Rotoroa , the birdlife and beech forest walk make this a tranquil stop and enjoy
the many river valleys that feed the mighty Buller River before staying for 2 nights at Lake Rotoiti.Theres a walk from the motels
to the lake before dinner for those who want to .Dinner is a relaxed BBQ with some of Waynes own farm meat.
Day 3
Bush Walks
- Lake Rotoiti boat tour
B | L | D
St Arnaud is the gateway of the Nelson
lakes,next to lake Rotoiti, and a hub for so many tracks and trails in the
area. We can walk part of the Travers Sabine lakeside track in the morning. A
chance to spot and hear the birdlife, there has been a lot of work to make this
area free of predators. In the afternoon, we will take the Rotoiti boat tour
with our local guide, who will tell us the history and stories of Lake Rotoiti.

Dinner at the Alpine Lodge.
Day 4
Lake
Rotoiti-Kaiteriteri boat tour-Takaka
We leave Lake Rotoiti and travel through the
fruit and hops region of Motueka to
arrive at Kaiteriteri in time for a relaxed lunch before taking the Abel Tasman
sea shuttle tour around the coastline to Totaranui.Its there I will meet you
and we can travel the scenic road to Takaka. Our accommodation will be at Mohua
Motels for four nights.

Dinner at the Dangerous Kitchen
Day 5
Explore
Takaka
B | D
We'll be introduced to Neil, a passionate
local historian well-versed in Golden Bay's history. He'll guide us through the
delightful Takaka Museum, lead us around the region, and offer insider tips on
the town's numerous gift shops and galleries. Additionally, for those
interested, I can lead a scenic 30 to 40-minute walk known as the Groves.
We dine tonight at the Mussell Inn.
Day 6
Farewell Spit
Tour – Whirinaki Beach – Historic Lighthouse
B | L
We start the day with a trip to the
northernmost point of the South Island, known for its breathtaking cliff-top
views, intertidal plains, and the historic lighthouse. We'll join the Farewell
Spit tour to observe migratory and native New Zealand birds. Any free time will
be dedicated to discovering the region's rugged coastline. Additionally,
there's an opportunity to walk to the beautiful Whirinaki Beach and spend some
time exploring the village of Collingwood.
Dinner is a free choice tonight
Day 7
Takaka - Anatoki
Salmon - Labyrinth Rocks - Pohara
B | L| D
We begin our day with a visit to the
breathtakingly clear Pupu Springs, accompanied by a short loop walk through the
native forest—a true morning treasure. There's time to explore unique rock
formations such as the Labyrinth Rocks, dip our toes at the beach in Golden
Bay, and experience salmon fishing at Anatoki Salmon.
Dinner at Mollies in Pohara
Day 8

Takaka
Hill- Mapua - Nelson
B|L
After a leisurely breakfast we head east over
the scenic Takaka Hill, a very picturesque drive . Along the way, there are
stunning viewpoints and options for brief walks. You'll encounter the area's
distinctive marble rock formations, sculpted by the elements.We stop in Mapua
for a light early lunch and from there we travel through to Nelson arriving between
12 and 1pm to meet afternoon flights or be dropped at accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of fitness do I need?

No matter what your fitness level, you can choose the activity level you feel appropriate for you, but everyone who has experienced this tour has the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors whether it’s a gentle stroll or a long walk the choice is very much up to the individual. Whatever you choose it is essential to bring suitable footwear and a rain jacket so you can enjoy the environment.

What if I want to change some of the travel plans?

Sometimes our travellers like to visit relatives while on the journey. The multi night stays at each location do allow for you to meet others, or if we are stopping for a walk nearby, Wayne can arrange that you spend your time differently. If you are thinking you would like to visit someplace that is not listed in the itinerary, we can sometimes build this in. It is worth having a chat to Wayne to see what is possible.

What about cancellations or interruptions due to level changes?

We do ask for a small non-refundable deposit to begin the booking process; however, all other expenses are fully refundable if we did need to cancel. In most instances we would look to reschedule and will be in touch with you if this arises. If in the event the level changes were imminent while we were travelling, we would look to get you quickly and safely back to a destination you could travel home from e.g., Queenstown or Christchurch.

Top of the South - Takaka -2026