Journey through New Zealand’s stunning West Coast, from the dramatic landscapes of Arthur’s Pass to the wild beauty of Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks. Explore Māori heritage in Greymouth, enjoy a brewery tour, and celebrate Christmas by the ocean. Cruise the crystal-clear waters of Abel Tasman National Park before unwinding in sunny Nelson with a winery visit. A breathtaking escape filled with nature, culture, and relaxation.
TUE 22 DEC - AUCKLAND/CHRISTCHURCH
Depart on Air New Zealand at 10.00am, arrive in Christchurch at 11.25am. Explore Willowbank Reserve and discover our Wildlife Big 5 - the Kiwi, Kaka, Tuatara, Kea and the Takahe. Check into our central city hotel, then free time. Dinner at the hotel. Stay Fable Hotel, Christchurch, 1 night. Included: D
WED 23 DEC - CHRISTCHURCH/HOKITIKA
Drive one of NZ’s most iconic roads, Arthur’s Pass. The highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps. Stop in Arthurs Pass for an included lunch at 2,400 ft. Onward to Hokitika. Stay Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika, 1 night. Included: B, L, D
THU 24 DEC - HOKITIKA/PUNAKAIKI
Depart for Greymouth. Visit the new Mawhera Pounamu Experience. A one-of-a-kind self-guided journey, delving into the history of Poutini Ngāi Tahu and the Māwhera Pā settlement. Enjoy a striking masterpiece crafted by Wētā Workshop and a sensory feast of visuals and sound. Lunch in Greymouth at the original Monteith Brewery, the home of craft brewing in New Zealand. Later take a guided 45-minute brewery tour. You’ll get to pour your own beer from the tap and take home a 6 pack of your favourites. Onward to Punakaiki. We arrive at our stunning ocean view retreat located right on the beach. Stay Scenic Hotel. Punakaiki, 2 nights. Included: B, L, D
FRI 25 DEC - PUNAKAIKI
Out hotel is nestled between the stunning temperate rainforest unique to the West Coast and the untamed Tasman Sea. Punakaiki rocks are a short stroll away. Gaze in wonder at the rocks and blowholes, where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of hotcakes. Nature began this work of art about 30 million years ago. Celebrate Christmas Day with a special meal. Included: B, D
SAT 26 DEC - PUNAKAIKI /NELSON
Head to Westport then onward via the wild and scenic Buller River Valley to St. Arnaud - perched on the edge of Lake Rotoiti and the stunning beech forests and mountains of Nelson Lakes National Park. Walk along the jetty and maybe see some friendly native eels below. Arrive in sunny Nelson. Our hotel, is only minutes walk from Nelson's landmark cathedral and main shopping district. Stay Rutherford Hotel, Nelson, 2 nights. Included: B, D
SUN 27 DEC - NELSON,ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Today enjoy a very special coffee break on a cruise into the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. A comfortable voyage North pausing at Split Apple Rock, then follow the coast around Pitt Head into Torrent Bay and continue on to Medlands Beach (Bark Bay). Change boats here, for the return journey and cruise South past the seal colony on Adele Island. Later explore vibrant Motueka, known for its lively café culture and artistic community. Return to Nelson. Dinner at the hotel. Included: B, D
MON 28 DEC - NELSON/AUCKLAND
Morning at leisure before visiting a fabulous Winery for a wine tasting and hearty lunch. Later depart on Air New Zealand at 3.25pm and arrive into Auckland at 4.55pm. On arrival, shuttle back to your home address if in Auckland. Included: B, L
Deposit: $500pp
