Page Text Content
South Island : Scenery, Sea Life and Snowy Peaks
Your days will be spent walking, kayaking and boating around the famous mussel beds and tasting some fine Marlborough wines, all of which can be arranged by the resort.
Days 6 and 7
Kaikoura
Pick up your hire car and drive to the old whaling town of Kaikoura, now most famous for sightings of sperm whales that come close inshore to feed on the nutrient-rich soupy sea, as well as swimming with dolphins. Kaikoura is always a highlight with children, with lots of landbased activities, including Maori cultural tours (£43), as well as the watery ones.
Bay of Many Coves
All of these tours and many other activities (including quad biking) can be booked by our consultants. You'll stay at the waterfront Waves On The Esplanade apartments which all have two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
This ten day itinerary, easily amalgamated with a tour of North Island, showcases the majestic Southern Alps as well as coastal highlights. Underpinning all our family-friendly ideas throughout New Zealand is a preference for accommodation with full kitchen facilities, usually in aparthotels or private houses.
Days 1 and 2
Wellington
If you're just doing the South Island we'd still recommend, for both convenience and interest, that you begin in the North Island with a two-night stay in Wellington. There, you should set aside several hours for exploring the superb Te Papa museum which has several `discovery centres' for children. You'll be staying just opposite at the Museum Hotel de Wheels in one of the new apartments.
Days 3, 4 and 5
Marlborough Sounds
You'll sail out of the protective arms of Wellington's hills and across Cook Strait before sneaking through the jigsaw of islands and into the calm, pale blue waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. From Picton you'll need to take a water taxi across to the Bay of Many Coves, where you'll stay in a two-bedroom suite with spectacular views of the Sound.
Kaikoura
36
|
inbro