Valid for travel between 1st May - 17th October 2021.
Departs:
Includes:
- One-night accommodation in Christchurch, one-night accommodation in Punakaiki, Two nights accommodation in Blenheim, one-night accommodation in Kaikoura
- Breakfast (as indicated)
- Transfer from hotel to train station
- TranzAlpine rail journey from Christchurch to Greymouth
- Car rental - Greymouth to Christchurch, 5 days with unlimited kilometers
- Wine tasting and guided Estate Tour at Clos Henri, Renwick, Blenheim
- Mail Boat cruise Queen Charlotte Sounds, Picton
- Whale Watching Scenic flight, Kaikoura
Itinerary:
Day 1: Christchurch City
Arrival day into Christchurch. Make your own way to Sudima Hotel in the City centre.
Overnight at Sudima Hotel Christchurch city
Day 2: Christchurch - Greymouth- Punakaiki
Transfer from your accommodation to the train station, by share shuttle.
TranzAlpine Christchurch to Greymouth : Truly one of the world’s great scenic train trips through the dramatic contrast of dry beech forests with tussock land on one side of the Alps and lush green landscapes on the other. From Christchurch, cross the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury plains, follow the Waimakariri river, climbing into alpine scenery on a series of spectacular viaducts. After stopping at Arthur's Pass, emerge from the long Otira Tunnel and descend through sub-tropical rain forest past beautiful Lake Brunner and on to Greymouth.
The car rental company will collect you at the train station.
Head north on SH6 for Punakaiki
PUNAKAIKI - Best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes - both of which are spectacular and a must-see when visiting the West Coast. The Pancake Rocks are columns of limestone resembling stacks of pancakes. At high tide with a heavy swell running, seawater is forced upwards through blowholes.
Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki, standard room:
Included: train ticket, accommodation, cooked breakfast
Day 3: Punakaiki – Renwick/Blenheim
Originally a provincial service town to the farming community, Blenheim is increasingly geared towards urban lifestyle, visitor needs and the dominant wine industry of the area. There were only 18 vineyards in the region in the 90s, and now there are over 160. The region is especially well suited to producing Sauvignon Blanc.
Included: Wine Tasting and Estate tour at Clos Henri*: (Not open on a Sunday)
Clos Henri is the Marlborough vineyard of the Domaine Henri Bourgeois, from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé (France). Gathering 10 generations of know-how with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, the family wanted to broaden its horizons and continue crafting exceptional wines. From the three different soil types of the estate also composed of a hill site, the family uses the best of French and new world viticultural and winemaking techniques to capture the essence of Marlborough varietal character and reveal the identity of the Clos Henri Terroir.
The Estate tour lasts approx. 45 minutes - Enjoy:
- A look through the vineyard and especially the fault line which is at the origin of the formation of the 3 distinct soils.
- Wine tasting in the quaint chapel to taste what you have just witnessed, comparing the difference of the soils in two of our Sauvignon Blanc and two of our Pinot Noir.
- A goat cheese experience, combining the famous goat cheese from Chavignol and the local delicacy of Cranky Goat cheese to enhance your senses.
Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim
Included: Local Guide& Wine tasting , accommodation , cooked breakfast
Day 4: Blenheim – Picton - Blenheim
Drive from Blenheim to Picton (30 minute drive) for a day trip to one of NZ’s prettiest seaside towns, and the stunningly Queen Charlotte Sound. Enjoy a morning wander and stop for lunch and in the early afternoon join your Mail Boat Cruise* - the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural delivery service in the Queen Charlotte Sounds. Share the excitement of mail day as the skipper delivers mail, freight and groceries to the families who live in the various bays, inlets and coves of the sounds. No route is the same as they deliver to a different area each day. Return drive to Blenheim. (Mail boat cruise does not operate on Sundays.)
Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim: Chateau Superior Studio :
Included: boat ticket, accommodation , cooked breakfast
Day 5: Blenheim - Kaikoura
There are only a few places in the world that can boast of such natural wonders as those offered by land and sea in Kaikoura. Take time to walk, soak up the scenery, and local hospitality. Your included Whale Watching by plane will be an absolute highlight.
Included: Whale Watching by plane:
Whale watching by aeroplane offers a unique perspective and the opportunity to view whales and dolphins in their natural environment. From the air passengers can experience the true magnitude of the world’s largest mammal, the whale. These animals can reach an impressive 18 metres in length and weigh up to 60 tonnes!.
The Fairways, Kaikoura: 1-bedroom apartment
Included: scenic flight, accommodation, cooked breakfast
Day 6: Kaikoura - Christchurch City
Head south to Christchurch and drive enroute through the Waipara region - well known for its vineyards. Enjoy wine tasting if you have the time.
A world-famous 'Garden City', Christchurch's well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city's founding fathers.
Conditions
Valid from May 1, 2021
Expires Oct 17, 2021
Limit: 4 per user and 2 as gift for others
Bookings essential, must be made within 5 days of purchase or by 30 September 2021 (whichever occurs first). Subject to availability. Valid for travel between 1st May - 17th October 2021. Not valid public holidays. Must be used in 1 visit. TranzAlpine departs Christchurch on Thursday or Friday. Deal valid for one person on a twin share basis i.e. two vouchers must be purchased at this price. Single supplement fee of $950.00 applies for solo travellers. Car hire: driver must have full NZ licence, minimum age to drive is 25yrs, excess applies. Maximum weight 135kg per person for whale watching flight. Once booked, non-changeable and non-refundable. Value of deal is based on current rates, which are subject to change. While stocks last. No refunds unless required by law. No cashback. Not to be used with other offers.
See the rules that apply to all deals.
