Day 6 - Queenstowm to Christchurch

Today, travel over the Lindis Pass, via Omarama, Twizle and the McKenzie Country to Lake Tekapo. We suggest you stop at The Church of the Good Shepherd for stunning views across the lake to the Southern Alps. Continue on over Burkes Pass, Fairlie ,Geraldine and Ashburton to Christchurch (approx 6.5 hrs).

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, most notable are the carefully preserved historic buildings dominated by the Christchurch Cathedral. The city’s parks are without equal anywhere in the country, and many small restaurants and cafes line the banks of the Avon River, which winds its way through the central city.
Accommodation (2 nights) in a double/twin room including breakfast at:
The Worcester, Christchurch

Day 7 - Christchurch

Today you may enjoy a half day Gourmet Food and Wine Tour personally escorted by award-winning food writer Mavis Airey. Subject to availability, your visit may include a selection from De Spa Chocolatier, Isaac Salmon Farm, Victorian morning tea at Berryfields, St Helena Wine Estate, Good Things Gourmet store, Canterbury Brewery Heritage Centre, Dux de Lux microbrewery, Artabria Vale Emu Farm, Rossendale wines and beef and Raspberry Café at Otahuna Berries.

This afternoon visit the Christchurch Art Gallery and the Canterbury Museum.

Day 8 - Christchurch to Blenheim

This morning drive north via the Waipara Valley, we recommend lunch at Pegasus Bay Winery – an absolute must-visit family winery with an excellent range of fine wines and delicious lunches.

Continue north via the Greta Valley and Kaikoura to Blenheim (approx 5 hrs)

Blenheim is the centre of the Marlborough viticultural region – it has the reputation of producing some of the finest wines in New Zealand and the world particularly sauvignon blanc.

Marlborough’s spectacular scenery encompasses snow capped ranges, lush farmland, stony plains covered by vines, the romantic folds and depths of the Sounds and raw coastline.

Accommodation (2 nights) in a double/twin room including dinner and breakfast at:
The Bell Tower, Blenheim

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The Worcester, Christchurch

This beautifully preserved heritage house is furnished in classic Victorian style, complete with a superb collection of fine art and antiques, but at the same time offers guests every modern convenience, including complimentary in-room wireless and broadband internet.

Uniquely situated in Worcester Boulevard across the road from the Arts centre, Botanic gardens and five minutes walk to Cathedral Square. Personalised tours & wine trails are a specialty.

The Bell Tower, Blenheim

Purpose-built in 2001 in French country style, to accommodate four guestrooms, The Bell Tower comprises a main lodge and separate Barn adjacent. A bell tower mounted on the roof holds a replica of the East India Company's bell high above the walled garden on the 5-hectare (12-acre) property.

Panoramic views extend over the vineyards and Marlborough countryside to the Richmond Range and Cloudy Bay. Guests can choose between two spacious ensuite rooms within the lodge, each opening to private courtyards, or the separate two-bedroom Barn for total privacy. Breakfast, brunch and lunch are served inside or alfresco in the courtyard. A four-course dinner with wine is also available by prior arrangement.