Early Explorers from Queen Charlotte Sound to Akaroa 7 day tour

Early Explorers from Queen Charlotte Sound to Akaroa

7 day small group tour to Marlborough, Kaikoura & Banks Peninsula

We take a private cruise out on the Sound to visit Meretoto Ship Cove that gave shelter to early Maori and Captain Cook who visited five times. Hear the stories of the Polynesian voyagers’ settlement at Wairau Boulder Bank and discover the history of the eastern coastline at Kaikoura and Akaroa.

WHAT TRACY LOVES ABOUT THIS TOUR: “It takes an hour to cruise down stunning Queen Charlotte Sound to the jetty at Ship Cove and it’s always a treat. It’s the perfect way to start our coastline odyssey in the wake of the first visitors and settlers. Each night we stay close to the sea and each day we connect with our early history.”

$4,990 (NZD) pp twin
$5,590 (NZD) pp single

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Day 1

Fly to Blenheim – Wither Hills vineyard – Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Your Kiwi Guide meets you at Blenheim Airport. We celebrate our arrival with a wine tasting and lunch at Wither Hills Winery Restaurant with a stunning view overlooking the vineyards.

We visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre to see Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of World War One and World War Two aircraft and memorabilia. Later in the day check into our home for three nights, Scenic Hotel, Marlborough, and dine in this evening.

Wine tasting and lunch at Wither Hills Vineyard Restaurant
See vintage aircraft and dioramas at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Accommodation

BLENHEIM - SCENIC HOTEL MARLBOROUGH

Located in the heart of sunny Marlborough, this Blenheim hotel is just minutes walk from the middle of town. This contemporary 4-star plus property sparkles with style and comfort and has signature kiwi-made wool and down bedding.

What we love about Scenic Hotel Marlborough – You will know you are in the heart of Sauvignon Blanc country with the hotel offering a wine tasting which includes a selection of six of the best wines of the region. Head to the the bar and enjoy.

Day 2

Blenheim – Queen Charlotte Sound, Meretoto Ship Cove – Picton - Blenheim

Today is a special day as we take our own private discovery cruise out onto magnificent Queen Charlotte Sound to beautiful Meretoto Ship Cove near the entrance to the Sound. We have a picnic lunch at the Cove and plenty of time to explore and soak up the atmosphere at this historic site.

Maori valued Meretoto Ship Cove’s sheltered waters and it’s easy to see why Captain Cook did too, returning four times to drop anchor in this idyllic cove. We cruise back to port in the mid afternoon visiting the inlets and coves along the way.

Exploring magnificent Queen Charlotte Sound
Soaking up the atmosphere at idyllic Meretoto Ship Cove

Accommodation

BLENHEIM - SCENIC HOTEL MARLBOROUGH

Day 3

Blenheim – Port Underwood – Picton - Blenheim

In Blenheim we meet our private guide at the Marlborough Museum for insights into the early history of the Wairau Bar Boulder Bank which in 1250 was the home of the first Polynesian settlers.

To see other significant places in the region’s history we take the long way to Picton to the Wairau Bar, Rarangi, White’s Bay and Port Underwood.

In Picton the barque, “Edwin Fox”, sitting in a dry dock, is a spectacular sight. Built in 1853 it’s a massive and fascinating restoration project.

Learn about the history of the Wairau Bar Boulder Bank
In Picton get an idea of life on board “Edwin Fox”, launched in 1853

Accommodation

BLENHEIM - SCENIC HOTEL MARLBOROUGH

Day 4

Blenheim – Waipapa Farm, Clarence - Kaikoura

Leaving Blenheim we head down the Kaikoura Coast to Kekerengu and on to Waipapa Farm on the Clarence River. We lunch with Jane and Derrick Millton and enjoy their hospitality and the wide ocean views from their property.

Later In the day we drive the stunning coastal highway to Kaikoura. Our local guide takes us on a tour of historic Fyffe House and we visit the seal colony nearby. We stay at the White Morph Inn and dine in this evening.

Lunch at Waipapa Farm
Drive the Kaikoura coastline

Accommodation

Kaikoura - White Morph Inn

Here’s how someone summed it up on Tripadvisor recently: “You can sit and watch the whales from your balcony – town is a 5 min walk away and the views of Kaikoura are stunning. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, nice people all round.”

What we love about the White Morph – The great coffee next door, being right across from the beach and on a quiet street.

Day 5

Kaikoura – Waipara – Christchurch – Lyttelton – Akaroa

We meet our guide at the Kaikoura Museum then continue down the Kaikoura Coast and cross the Canterbury Plains to lunch and enjoy a wine tasting at Waipara Springs Winery and Cafe.

In Christchurch we tour the rebuilt inner city before continuing to Banks Peninsula via Lyttelton and Gebbes Pass. We stay at the Akaroa Village Inn on the Akaroa waterfront for two nights and dine out this evening.

Lunch and wine tasting at Waipara Springs Winery & Cafe
See the rebuilding of Christchurch’s inner city

Accommodation

Akaroa Village Inn

Spacious apartments on the Akaroa waterfront just 50 metres from the wharf and within easy walking distance of the boutique shops along Rue Lavaud and village streets of this unique French settlement.

What we love about Akaroa Village Inn – A central location makes soaking up the atmosphere of this small town super easy.

Day 6

Banks Peninsula sightseeing – Okains Bay Museum - Akaroa

At historic Blythcliffe House Lesley and John Harding recount Akaroa’s history and we meet Kathrine Fraser at Coombe Farm homestead, built by a French settler. The Okains Bay Museum’s collection of taonga includes whare, waka, pounamu and vintage boats.

This afternoon we continue on the trail of the peninsula’s history and take in the panoramic views along the Summit Road. Returning to Akaroa, we dine out this evening.

Visit historic Blythcliffe House and Coombe Farm
The treasures on display at Okains Bay Museum

Accommodation

Akaroa Village Inn

What we love about Akaroa Village Inn – A central location makes soaking up the atmosphere of this small town super easy.

Day 7

Akaroa – Little River – Christchurch – Return flight

After breakfast we stroll the village and waterfront where the whaling trypots are a reminder of the whalers that called into the harbour from the 1830s onwards. At the Akaroa Museum exhibits tell the stories of the Ngai Tahu, whalers and French settlers.

We visit Josie Martin’s Giant’s House, a six-star Garden of International Significance, featuring Josie’s quirky mosaic sculptures, it’s a “must-see” in Akaroa. On the way to Christchurch airport we stop for lunch at Little River Cafe and Gallery.