Top of the South - Takaka -2026

L|D

Wayne will meet you in Christchurch from 1030 am depending on flights and once we are all together we will travel north with a stop for lunch at a Waipara Vineyard that has an extensive garden .We continue on through the countryside to our stay In Hanmer Springs .Time for a soak in hot pools or a walk on one of the many trails

Dinner at Rock n Ice

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.

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.

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

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.

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 on the spit at times and exploring the village of Collingwood.

Dinner is a free choice tonight

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

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
1230 and 1pm to meet afternoon flights or be dropped at accommodation.