The Alpine Pacific Touring Coast -The Coast With The Most, Kaikoura

Itinerary

DAY ONE                                                                 D  

Pick ups complete, we take the flight to Christchurch. After a quick lunch at the airport, we will make our way to the hotel, viewing the rebuild of the city along the way. This evening we will dine at the onsite stylish high-end Bar & Grill, Bloody Mary's, featuring a steakhouse menu in a swanky setting with terrace and private rooms.

DAY TWO                                                                 B,D  

We are up early this morning, with a short trip down the road to catch the reinstated Coastal Pacific Train. Once settled into our seats and underway we can enjoy breakfast with an ever-changing view. Our coastal train journey north will run from Christchurch through Kaikoura then on to Picton, where we will turn around and travel back to Kaikoura. You will see some of New Zealand’s most incredible scenery. We will pass through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and journey over the region's magnificent, braided rivers. The Coastal Pacific train is rated one of New Zealand’s best scenic train trips, with an on-board licensed café, GPS triggered (at-seat) commentary and open air-viewing, it’s an unforgettable experience and a relaxing journey. Once we reach the coastal town of Picton, at the head of the Marlborough Sounds, we will hop off the train, stretch our legs for 20 minutes, then return to the train to cruise the rails once again along the rugged coastline to our final destination, Kaikoura, and our seaside accommodation.

DAY THREE                                                            B, L, D  

After breakfast, we will travel from Kaikoura up the coast, watching for the many seals dotted along this rugged coastline. Crossing the Hapuku River, we will make our way inland up the stunning Puhi Puhi River Valley, with the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains standing above us as we make our way up the valley to Puhi Puhi Station. We will spend our day with our Host Nicky McArthur, who will provide a tour and informative talk on this important reserve. Nicky has a harrowing story to tell of the earthquake and significant loss of property and damage to the station. Puhi Puhi Station is also home to one of the two remaining colonies in the world of the endangered Hutton's shearwater, which nest in burrows high in the mountains. The establishment of a charitable trust for the protection of this endangered seabird set in motion the process to have the entire upper area protected, in perpetuity, under a QE. Nicky is not only a member of this trust but also convenor of the Friends of the Hutton's Shearwater, formed to ensure the future of this endangered species. This will be a fabulous day, and after this, we will head back to our accommodation.

DAY FOUR                                                              B, D  

Remember to get some sea legs medication at the local chemist for whale watching if you suffer from motion sickness. We have an exciting day in store, as we will be armed with sonar rather than the cold steel harpoon of centuries gone by. Kaikoura's whale watching is one of New Zealand's deservedly famous attractions. Whale Watch is the original guided cruise company that takes trips out along the Kaikoura coast and view these magnificent whales and other amazing marine life. Just offshore from the town of Kaikoura, a deep undersea canyon attracts an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Sperm Whale. As the Whale watching capital of New Zealand, every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience, and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins, and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin, the Orca, and is home to the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin, the Hector's. Our expedition will take 3.5hrs and will be canceled if the weather is not suitable. However, we have a plan B up our sleeve if this is the case. Once we return from a great few hours on the water, we will spend a relaxing afternoon exploring around Kaikoura and walking some of the easy coastal walks available.

DAY FIVE                                                                 B, L, D  

This morning we will take our time to visit the Kaikoura Museum, we'll enjoy an introduction talk, then you can explore this at your own pace. Located in the heart of Kaikoura, the museum showcases exhibits and artifacts that tell the stories of the local Maori people, the early European settlers, and the unique marine wildlife that makes this area so special. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply curious about this fascinating region, the Kaikoura Museum offers something for everyone. After our informative morning, we'll head to Ohau Point Lookout in Rakautara to marvel at the seals and take a stroll along the paved walkway; this area has been completely revamped since the earthquakes. After working up an appetite, we'll enjoy lunch at The Store Cafe, and then we'll visit the Winterhome Garden of Significance for a tour of its beautiful gardens and grounds, taking in the serene surroundings and unique flora. On our return to Kaikoura, some may want to walk back from town, while others can continue on to the hotel. In the evening, we'll head out to a local eatery for a delicious dinner.

DAY SIX                                                                   B, MT   

This morning we travel back to Christchurch then home, travelling via the very picturesque Inland Road and stopping at a lovely local café for morning tea. From here, we will make our way through lovely mountain scenery on to Christchurch airport and home.