The Whales, Wines & Thermals Tour
Only have five days for a tour? We have just the thing for
you. Ride the best routes to the finest attractions of the
northern part of the South Island. The east coast brings
some opprtunities for spotting whales and other marine mammals,
while the beautiful Marlborough region produces some of
NZ's finest wines. Then it's off to sunny Nelson and back
across the alps to a thermal resort town and back to Christchurch
for the conclusion of the tour. This short route packs quite
a punch!
5 day tour, 850 kms - Variable
pricing
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Arrival Day: Christchurch
After collecting you from Christchurch International Airport or
your hotel, we’ll take you to the the depot to complete
the paperwork. You'll be introduced to your fellow adventurers
and tour leaders – and to your motorcycle. After a safety
and tour briefing you'll have a chance for a familiarisation ride
with rider training included if required. Your first night's accommodation
is included in the tour price.
Day 1: Christchurch to Blenheim
The first day's ride gets you in the mood for the brilliant roads
to follow. After stopping on the east coast at Kaikoura for some
whale-spotting, you'll end the day in Blenheim (can you say 'Blenum'?)
in the heart of the world famous Marlborough wine region. Take
the opportunity to sample some of the best wines New Zealand has
to offer while you reflect on a great opening day!
Day 2: Blenheim to Nelson
Today's ride via Queen Charlotte Drive along Marlborough Sound
to Nelson will present countless photo opportunities. Convoluted
waterways, delightful bays and islands and a beautifully surfaced,
twisty, scenic coastal road - what more could you ask for? Sunshine,
that's what. Nelson reputedly has the most sunshine hours of any
city in New Zealand.
 Day
3: Nelson local area
Today you'll have a chance to explore New Zealand's 'most liveable'
city. Nelson has some beautiful Victorian houses and is an epicentre
for alternative lifestylers. There are also superb beaches and
national parks to visit further afield. The more adventurous might
want to head for Motueka, Kaiteriteri and Abel Tasman National
Park. Dotted with caves, potholes and limestone hills and with
golden beaches washed by crystal blue waters this once-sleepy
little coastline is now very popular with holidaymakers.
Day 4: Nelson to Hanmer Springs
More great roads are on the menu today. From Nelson we head for
Murchison and then we get into the twisties! The road from the
west coast to Hanmer Springs runs over Lewis Pass - another spectacular
stretch with curvy roads and fascinating scenery. Hanmer Springs
is the South Island's thermal resort town and what better way
to end the day's ride than to relax in a hot pool?
Day 5: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
You have a relatively short ride today through beautiful farm
land down to Christchurch. Tonight we say haere ra (goodbye)
to new friends and why not celebrate the end of this wonderful
journey with a great dinner and a glass of New Zealand's finest!
Why not stay on in Christchurch for a few days? We'll be happy
to help with accommodation and planning of activities. Also known
as the 'Garden City', Christchurch is the most 'English' of NZ's
cities and was designed to reflect ordered class structure instead
of being just another shabby colonial outpost. Stroll through
exquisite gardens, punt on the Avon River, ride a tram or people-watch
in Cathedral Square.
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