Days 10 to 12 - Franz Josef - Nelson, Accommodation and Activities in Nelson New Zealand - Days 8, 9 and 10 of the Royal Tour of New Zealand and the Best of New Zealand

Days 1 & 2-3 | 3-5 | 6-9 | 10-12 | 13 | 14 & 15 | 16 & 17

Day 10 - Franz Josef - Nelson
Overnight: Bronte Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Depart after breakfast, driving north beyond Hokitika and on to the Punakaiki (Pancake) Rocks. Millions of years old, these limestone layers are similar to colossal stacks of pancakes, fashioned by the sea. To see the "Rocks" take Dolomite Point Walk, a 10 minute stroll from the highway through lush tree ferns and nikau palms to the rocks. On the way, you pass a deep surge and mighty blowholes that unexpectedly blast streams of water skyward!

Afterward, continue along Highway 6 through national parks and stately forests, along the Buller River to Richmond, located just southwest of Nelson.

The conclusion of today's journey is the Waimea Estuary, home of Bronte Lodge.

Day 11 - Nelson
Overnight: Bronte Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Home to many of New Zealand's finest potters, weavers, glassblowers, carvers and crafts persons, Nelson has a unique and emerging lifestyle. The region is experiencing a rebirth with its revival of the traditional carving and weaving. Products created from wood, metal, clay, glass or paper can be purchased by tourists. The setting for this revival is diverse with its alpine lakes, expansive beech forests, bays edged with azure blue and forested foothills.

The more active might opt for the sea kayaking option to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Sea kayaking is an exciting way to explore the Abel Tasmania beautiful and extensive coastline, and an excellent way to get up close and personal with the local seal colony.

Experience the diverse environment as you paddle along the impressive and distinct coastline from Anchorage to visit the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, sanctuary to penguins, seabirds and a thriving seal colony.

Day 12 - Nelson
Overnight: Bronte Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Today suggested option is a trip to Marble Mountain with your private guide. Begin the day winding your way through small pockets of mountain beech forest and mazes of marble karst rocks. Explore the remarkable marble landscape with its streams, caves, sinkholes and very unique flora and fauna. You will view scenes straight out of the "Lord of the Rings", which was filmed in this area.

The region has some of the oldest rock formations in New Zealand - over 500 million years old! Observe rare and ancient giant carnivorous snails - truly living dinosaurs. Trek through ancient beech forests which are remnants of the ancient super continent of "Gondwanaland" which spawned New Zealand some 80 million years ago. A marvelous tour accompanied by ecologist Dr. G. Bennett Wilkinson.

Accommodation

Bronte Lodge

Bronte Lodge is unique, it borders an estuary paradise on the historic Bronte Peninsula, an area of stunning beauty in Nelson's Tasman Bay.

The homestead sits in spreading gardens of mature trees, a minute's walk from the two luxury suites and two villas, which are just a few paces from the lapping waters of the private foreshore.

Relax on your sheltered deck to watch the wading birds, go for a canoe paddle, swim in the pool, play tennis, sip a local Chardonnay in the garden, wander among the roses, linger over breakfast under the wisteria and take time to enjoy the tuis in the kowhai trees.