Springtime in Nelson - Beaches, Lakes and Mountains

Itinerary

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DAY ONE                                        D  

Today will see us departing to Nelson. Once we arrive, we'll visit the Mapua Wharf Shops where you can explore at your own leisure and maybe haggle with the local craft people as we have a bit of time for shopping. From here we'll continue onto Rare Creations Interactive Wooden Art Gallery, where the owner will show us some of the unique pieces and tell us all about this. Tides Hotel is where we will be based whilst in Nelson for our holiday. Social hour and dinner will be in the on-site restaurant.  

DAY TWO                                       B,L, D  

 This morning, we head to the mountains, visiting the alpine village of St Arnaud in Nelson Lakes. We stop at Lake Rotoiti to stretch our legs, where birds like tui and bellbirds gather around the large red beech trees. We then enjoy a mountain morning tea at the lovely Alpine Lodge property nestled amongst the impressive St Arnaud Range, taking in the breathtaking scenery. After morning tea, we continue to Melrose House, category 1 classified with Heritage New Zealand, it is one of the last surviving 'grand' historic homes in Nelson. Melrose House was built of heart rimu in classical Victorian style in 1879/80. We will have a delicious lunch followed by a historic talk and tour of Melrose House and gardens. We then travel back to the hotel, where some can relax for the afternoon. Others may explore Nelson's shops, museum, or the town itself just a 5 minute drive away. We'll meet again in the evening for a catch-up and dinner. 

DAY THREE                                    B, MT, L, D  

Today we board our coach and relax whilst taking in the lovely scenery of the coastal plains of Motueka and the mountain vistas atop of the Kahurangi Range. We stop at the fantastic Hawkes Lookout. To get there is a short but flat walk of approximately 10minutes passing through dramatic water sculpted marble rock formations. For morning tea, we visit Canaan Woolshed, a traditional NZ woolshed that has been converted into a coffee and craft shop. We then continue down into Golden Bay and onto the Te Waikoropupū “Pupu” Springs. The largest freshwater springs in the Southern Hemisphere and some of the most transparent water ever measured. Enjoy a stroll over the boardwalks, the informative panels and take in this natural treasure. We then head to the coastal village of Pohara for lunch and drive along the coast. Our next stop will be a lovely eclectic store called Eyebright Country Store where we'll take out time to have a good look around before continuing onto our accommodation. Social hour and dinner in the on-site restaurant.  

DAY FOUR                                      B, L, D  

After breakfast, we ride the coach along the scenic drive through the mountains arriving at the quaint fishing village of Havelock, situated at the head of Mahau Sound. Here we will board the Pelorus Water Boat Taxi.  An exclusively chartered cruise through to the iconic Portage Hotel Resort. On the way, as we travel through the bays, our captain will provide us with an informative commentary of the area. Once we have disembarked our vessel, you can enjoy a walk around this beautiful tranquil cove nestled in the Marlborough Sounds or maybe just put your feet up and let nature wash over you. We will gather for a lovely lunch in the Portage Restaurant, and we may even be joined by some visitors passing through on their way along the famous Queen Charlotte trail. Later that afternoon, we re-board our boat and cruise home.   

DAY FIVE                                        B, L, D  

Today, consider wearing shorts or 3/4 pants for ease when boarding the boat, and if you're prone to motion sickness, having sea legs medication on hand might be beneficial. This morning, we travel to the stunning golden beaches & coastline of Abel Tasman. We will be exploring the glorious Abel Tasman coastal waters on their comfortable vessel with comfortable seating. Your Skipper provides interpretative commentary throughout your cruise to introduce you to the area’s natural highlights and fascinating history. Depending on the tide schedule, we will enjoy a delicious lunch on-board soaking in the pristine views in a bay of choice by the captain or disembark at Torrent Bay Lodge. This will be a wonderful, relaxing day out on one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastlines.  On our return by bus, we will take a scenic drive and walk along Motueka Quay, viewing what’s left of the Shipwreck Jane Seddon. After our fabulous day out and all that fresh sea air we 'll head back to put our feet up before gathering again for social hour and dinner in the on-site restaurant.  

DAY SIX                                           B 

Well, the time has flown by as it is time to head for home, but not before visiting an iconic part of Nelson Pics Peanuts. We'll enjoy a guided tour and savour a warm welcome joining a group of peanut butter enthusiasts from all around the world to hear the Pic’s story, learn all about their peanuts and watch as nuts tumble out of Roasting Matilda and feed into the grinder before being squirted into jars. After our interesting and tasty morning, we will make our way to central Nelson for free time. You may enjoy exploring the city shops or perhaps you will be called to the Nelson Classic Car Museum, a collection of more than 150 cars in immaculate condition. From here we will make our way to the Airport for our flights home after our lovely top of the south experience