Sector 12: CHRISTCHURCH-KAIKOURA WHALE WATCHING, SEAL COLONIES, GREEN GLOBE COMMUNITY
Upon leaving the Garden City this morning, we follow the rugged coastline up to Kaikoura, stopping enroute to visit a seal colony. The coach will arrive in the Green Globe community of Kaikoura in time to experience the lifetime thrill of whale watching or dolphin swimming – don’t miss out! Back on land, try some fresh Crayfish or indulge in a traditional New Zealand fish & chip dinner here, voted one of the best places to do so!
Approximate arrival time in Kaikoura is 12.00pm
Sector 13: KAIKOURA-PICTON-WELLINGTON WINE COUNTRY, MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS, COOK STRAIT
A slightly more leisurely departure time this morning so enjoy a lie in! We keep following the coast north, travelling through famous hilly pastures and wine country of Marlborough to Picton in time to catch the early afternoon ferry across to Wellington (price of ferry not included in some passes). If you are travelling to Nelson, stay onboard the coach and you will arrive late afternoon.
Approximate arrival time in Wellington is 4.30pm
Sector 6: NELSON-GREYMOUTH BREWERY TOURS, WHITEBAIT FRITTERS, WEST COAST HOSPITALITY
After leaving Nelson, we journey through the Hope Saddle and cross the picturesque Buller Gorge to the ‘Wild West Coast’. Today you will become aware of the amazing scenery and warm welcome that the West Coast is famous for. After driving through one of the many National Parks in the region – the Paparoa National Park, take in some fresh air with a stroll on the Truman Track that lets you appreciate the rainforest and amazing coastline up close. During the afternoon we take a stop to visit the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks which are a pretty amazing sight, especially when the sea is in full swing, before we head onto our overnight stop. Tonight in Greymouth we recommend you take part in a tour of the (very kiwi) Monteiths Brewery including an all you can eat BBQ. It’s a great chance to meet some of the interesting locals.
Approximate arrival time in Greymouth is 5.00pm
Sector 22: TRANZALPINE TRAIN - GREYMOUTH TO CHRISTCHURCH The TranzAlpine departs at 1:45pm:
The TranzAlpine is world renowned as 'The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure'. From Greymouth the train follows rivers and skirts around lakes before crossing the country's greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps. It descends over massive viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys before crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains.
NB: You will need to make your own way to the train station.
The TranzAlpine will arrive in Christchurch at approximately 6:05pm.
Sector 99: PLEASE NOTE The departure and arrival times listed above are approximate and many different factors can cause these times to alter so please use them as a guide only.
