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Green Gourmet 9 day itinerary
Start the route by taking the inter-islander to Picton, flying to Nelson or driving from Christchurch via Kaikoura.
Day 1 Driving time Nelson 1 hour / Picton 3 hours Overnight at The Resurgence, Abel Tasman
Stop in Nelson to visit local artists and for lunch on the waterfront. In the afternoon, explore the 50 acres of bush tracks on-site at tonight's eco-lodge accommodation or laze by the pool or in the hot tub.
Day 2 Overnight at The Resurgence, Abel Tasman
Spend the day in the picturesque Abel Tasman National Park, with great kayaking, hiking and boat trips plus the picture-postcard golden sands and turquoise water. Watch for little blue penguins, dolphins, orca whales and kayak or swim with the seals.
Day 3 Overnight at The Resurgence, Abel Tasman
Take a guided hike into the wilderness of Kahurangi National Park for keen walkers, birders and botanists; or explore Golden Bay's beautiful beaches, cafes and artists on a self-drive tour.
Day 4 Driving time 3.5 hours Overnight at Birds Ferry, Westport
A scenic driving day, travelling through the Motueka Valley and Buller Gorge and the Cape Foulwind seal colony. Tonight's accommodation is near Charleston with views to the West Coast. Explore the property with Andre before watching the wonderful sunset from the outdoor spa. Alison's dinner & breakfasts make good use of her extensive organic garden.
Day 5 Driving time 4.5 hours Overnight at Mahitahi, Bruce Bay
In the morning continue on SH6 to Punakaiki, stopping to see the pancake rocks, blowholes and to walk the short tracks there. Stop for lunch in the West Coast seaside town of Hokitika, look out for the local greenstone (jade) carvings. After lunch continue south to the glaciers and an afternoon heli-hike, flight over Mt Cook or other glacier experience. Continue 30 minutes south, away from the buzz of helicopters, to the peace of Mahitahi in Bruce Bay. Explore the property on John's interpretation tracks and enjoy Jacqui's home cooking.
Day 6 Driving time 2.5 hours Overnight at Riverrun, Wanaka
In the morning, explore this stunning West Coast destination with wild crashing waves and driftwood on the smooth rounded pebble beach before continuing over the Haast Pass and along Lake Hawea to Wanaka. This afternoon, take a hike or cycle ride through the 500 acres of tonight's accommodation or around lake Wanaka.
Day 7 Overnight at Riverrun, Wanaka
Take a magnificent scenic flight around Mt Aspiring and join a cruise on the Milford Sound.
Day 8 Overnight at Riverrun, Wanaka
The Wanaka region has an unparalleled selection of short hikes, day walks and wilderness adventures. With its two lakes, many rivers and big skies, the valley is also popular for mountain-biking, kayaking, fishing, canyoning and skydiving.
Day 9 Driving time 1 hour Overnight at Mt Rosa, Queenstown
Take a short drive to Queenstown. Tonight's accommodation is at Mt Rosa, a very scenic vineyard in the Gibbston Valley above Queenstown. Spend the afternoon around the winery or visit the historic Arrowtown. Your host John is in the wine industry and Maureen a cordon bleu chef.
End the route flying out of Queenstown or driving back to Christchurch.
Green Gourmet 7 day itinerary
Day 1 - 7 Itinerary as above but with 2 nights at each of The Resurgence, Abel Tasman and Riverrun, Wanaka and 1 night at Birds Ferry, Westport, Mahitahi, Bruce Bay and Mt Rosa, Queenstown.
Green Gourmet 12 day itinerary
Day 1 - 12 Itinerary as above but with 3 nights at each of The Resurgence, Abel Tasman and Riverrun, Wanaka and 2 nights at Birds Ferry, Westport, Mahitahi, Bruce Bay and Mt Rosa, Queenstown.
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