Top of the South Island incl. Abel Tasman National Park

  DAY 1: Fly Auckland to Wellington. Interislander Ferry to Picton
Fly Auckland to Wellington at 11am, board the Interislander Ferry to cross Cook Strait into the Queen Charlotte Sounds to disembark in the pretty little maritime village of Picton. Overnight Beachcomber Inn

  DAY 2: Picton to Nelson with Greenshell Mussel Cruise
A free morning in Picton before lunch in Blenheim. Next we have our Mussel Cruise – steamed mussels, yum! We arrive Nelson early evening. Three nights in total - The Tides Hotel

  DAY 3: Nelson Sightseeing
Nelson Sightseeing – Boulder Bank views, Rabbit Is., trendy Mapua Wharf (art gallery, crafts, cafes), Monaco Peninsula. Nelson Free Afternoon.

  DAY 4: Nelson - Wilson's Abel Tasman National Park 3-Day Adventure
Nelson Markets then we drive to Motueka, meet our Abel Tasman National Park guides at Kaiteriteri Beach where we board our vessel to cruise through the National Park to our first lodge, Meadowbank Homestead, Awaroa in time for pre-dinner drinks. Over the next 3 Days do as little or as much track/beach walking as you wish or just launch-hop and lodge-relax the whole way. Our guides have many stories to tell about Maori and European settlers and the unique natural wonders along the coast. They will design each day to be as active or relaxed as you wish. All Lodge rooms have private en-suite bathrooms. All luggage is carried by launch and passengers are taken part or all of the way by launch also.

  DAY 5: Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park - It’s like waking up in another world, no cars, no phones, just abundant birdlife. For the walkers – make your way through native forest with magnificent coastal views, crossing the swing bridge at Falls River or see a different aspect of it, from the launch, that takes us to our 2nd beachfront lodge – Torrent Bay Lodge. It is rare to be able to stay overnight in a National Park!

  DAY 6: Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson
Abel Tasman National Park – If walking, discover the pristine bays and headlands. Stop for lunch, then walk on to Marahau to meet up with the launch group, before transferring back to Motueka to our awaiting coach. Once reunited with our SHIP n SHORE coach we make our way back to our Nelson Hotel for our last night in the South Island.

  DAY 7: Pics Peanut Butter Tour. Fly Nelson to Auckland
Before we hop on our plane we are entertained on a guided tour of the Pic's Peanut Butter Factory. Early afternoon we fly Air NZ Nelson to Auckland, arriving mid afternoon. Shuttles will be waiting to take us home.