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Ocean Alpine Sea

Catch your breath on the road less travelled 

 

The road less explored is the one that leads to discoveries and realisations. It is the road used by wanderers, explorers and the ones seeking deeper and meaningful connections. The road less travelled isn’t a marked path that's to be followed, written on a map or found somewhere on Instagram – it’s the road you make, and reinvent every day. The road less travelled is many things to many people, but to all it’s the road that leaves you changed. 

 

The road awaits, and it starts in one of the world’s newest cities, Christchurch. With daily air connections from New Zealand and the World, the road less travelled might just be right in front of you...

it links Ocean – Alps –Sea. 

Day 1

Christchurch to Kaikōura

Begin your journey by enjoying some highlights of Ōtautahi (Christchurch). Renowned for its Botanic Gardens, the well-known “Garden City” will get your journey off to the start it deserves and complement your next stage, the Waipara Valley , beautifully.

Internationally renowned as one of the finest wine areas in New Zealand, a brief stop here will have you rewarded with some award-winning samples of Pinot Noir and Riesling. Choose a bottle to bring with for your evening relaxation if you wish.

Leaving here will see you continue through the rural country of the Hurunui. Take a rest- break in Cheviot for a quick bite at any of the cafes in the township before heading north.

The winding hills of the Hundalees will offer amazing views of the Southern Kaikōura ranges before opening up on the beautifully sculpted Kaikōura coastline to end your first day of the journey.

  • Transport
New Regent Street tram tables 2 v2

Day 2

Getting out of pool 3 HIGH RES Cumulus

KAIKŌURA TO HANMER SPRINGS

Adrenaline seekers have their southern mecca but wildlife enthusiasts will always have Kaikōura. Choose from one of the many unique marine based activities; whalewatching (from sea & air), dolphin swimming, seal kayaking. Adrenaline and relaxation enthusiasts also happily catered for with quad biking and strolls along the peninsula.

From here, join the Alpine Pacific Triangle Touring Route heading inland. Make sure to take it easy and enjoy the breathtaking scenic views along the route courtesy of Mt. Lyford (home to New Zealands only log cabin village) and the surrounding mountains.

Hanmer Springs – New Zealand’s Alpine Spa Village – will give you everything to relax and recharge after your journey; from hot pools and day spas to boutique shops and eateries.

Aim higher and enjoy the many walking & biking tracks in the area to help stretch those legs also.

  • Highlights 3
  • Distance 130KMS
  • Transport
Whales Tale Whale Watch Kaikoura BareKiwi
Highlight 1

Whale Watch Kaikōura

Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment at all times of the year.
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Highlight 2

Dolphin Encounter

Dolphin Encounter operates exceptional tours to Kaikoūras' amazing dusky dolphins. All year round, pods of dolphins can be found along the Kaikoūra Coast which has a very picturespque mountainous backdrop offering exceptional scenery. Options are snorkelling with the dolphins (all equipment supplied) or watching from the comfort of the boat
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Highlight 3

Seal Kayak Kaikōura

New Zealand's 1st and only Kayak tour of its kind. Easier, faster, hands free, pedal or paddle, perfect for photos or those cheeky selfies.
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Day 3

HANMER SPRINGS TO WESTPORT

Fill up with a hearty breakfast from one of the many cafes and begin your day with a scenic walk through one of the many forest walks in the area, stopping to see the sculptures on display throughout.

Suitably nourished, head towards the first town to receive electricity on the South Island; Reefton (an historic town with more to it than meets the eye), stopping off to take a last minute soak at Maruia Springs on the way.

More scenery on the agenda for the final leg of todays journey as you wind your way through the Buller Gorge before entering Westport and meeting the local Coasters at OutWest Tours. For something a little extra, take an adventure with UnderWorld Adventures and enjoy the spectacular glow worms to be found.

  • Distance 216KMS
  • Transport
Art Deco Westport 14 of 16

Day 4

Oparara Arch 8 of 13

WESTPORT TO KARAMEA TO WESTPORT

High on the West Coast bucket list is where you’ll find a tour with The Oparara Experience. Learn about the home of the extinct Moa, Cave systems as well impressive Limestone archways as you venture through the Kahurangi National Park.

Witness the untamed landscape, long home to the coal miners who pioneered the area and endured its hardness, from the Denniston Plateau – visit the CoalTown Museum in Westport for more info on these hardy stock.

Enjoy the sunset on the shores of Cape Foulwind whilst watching the seals.

  • Distance 95KMS
  • Transport

Day 5

WESTPORT TO CHRISTCHURCH

Experience the drive along one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world as you make your way from Westport to Greymouth and relish the views of the Pacific Ocean as it lashes the coast. Stop along the way to visit the bucket-list-tastic and extremely photo-genic “Pancake Rocks” of Punakaiki or take your time and explore the historic “Shantytown” village in Greymouth.

Enjoy lunch at Lake Brunner, Moana before taking a last look at the untamed and wild environment of the West Coast as you make your way into the Southern Alps; crossing rivers and the Canterbury Plains to return to your starting point of Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

  • Distance 323KMS
  • Transport
TWC Puni 0943

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