Springtime in Nelson - Beaches, Lakes and Mountains

Itinerary

DAY ONE                                                                 D  

Today will see us departing to Nelson. Once we arrive, we'll visit the Mapua Wharf Shops for a bite to eat 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.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. 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  

  Today we head to the mountains visiting alpine village St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes. Reaching Lake Rotoiti we stop to stretch the legs The lake attracts nectar-feeding birds such as tui and bellbirds to the large red beech trees that dominate this area. Whilst here we will enjoy a mountain morning tea at Alpine Lodge a lovely property nestled amongst the impressive St Arnaud Range in breathtaking scenery. After morning tea, we continue our journey to our next destination The Mudcastle a lovingly hand-built adobe brick castle located in the scenic Moutere Valley near Nelson. The castle is rustic, warm, and inviting with areas for hosting, dining, and entertaining to suit a wide range of occasions. The grounds are beautifully landscaped to the natural contours of the land, which have lent themselves to some spectacular feature plantings, hand crafted waterfalls and tranquil ponds – a peaceful escape from the outside world.All this is hand made by the owners from local mud bricks; the Mudcastle is an intimate yet grand space. We will have a delicious lunch and tour of this fantastic property. We will travel back to the hotel for those who would like to put their feet up, for a leisurely afternoon and some free time to relax. For those who would like to explore Nelson's Retail shops, Museum or just have a little look around we'll make our way into town which is a 5-minute drive away from the hotel & take the time to explore Hardey Street and Morrison Square. Once home we'll have a freshen up and relax before meeting 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 return to Nelson will be later in the afternoon. Social hour and dinner in the on-site restaurant.  

DAY FOUR                                                              B, L, D  

You may want to have some sea legs medication if suffer from motion sickness from the boat. 

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 you may want to wear shorts or 3/4 pants for getting on and off the boat and you may want to have some sea legs medication if suffer from motion sickness from the boat. 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 savor 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.