South Island Tours NZ - Molesworth Station & Kaikoura Tour

Pick up from Christchurch at 8.00am. Today we journey to North Canterbury and the alpine township of Hanmer Springs. We will explore the western side of Molesworth Station and St James Station. See the historic woolshed and blacksmith shop before stopping at Lake Tennyson for a cuppa, enjoy the natural alpine plants growing in this picturesque setting.

We will stop at Fowlers Hut, see the rabbit proof fence of old, drive over Island Saddle to the boundary of Rainbow Station. We will have a picnic lunch at Sedgemere Tarn before returning to Hanmer for the night an enjoyable meal out. L. D

Today we will explore the eastern side of Molesworth Station with a visit to the historic Acheron Accommodation House with time to look around and have a cup of tea at Pig Trough Corner, see how the pioneers lived in this wonderfully preserved large cobb building, before enjoying a picnic lunch. We will cross the Guide River, and follow the cattle drovers’ route through Isolated Flat, recounting tales of old characters that made this area their home.

We will drive up and over Wards Pass to be able to view the Station operations hub, view the original Molesworth two room cobb cottage. We will continue our journey through the Awatere Valley, while stopping at various vantage points, e.g., Hodder Bridge, on our way to Blenheim, where we will enjoy an overnight stay. B. MT. L. D.

After a delicious café breakfast, we will walk through Seymour Square to visit and tour through the Omaka Museum.  Onward to the wonderful wine region to visit Yealands Estate winery which is a world leader in premier sustainable wine production. Yealands Estate’s passion for innovation and on-going commitment to environmental initiatives makes this particular winery a highly interesting visit.  After observing the coastline from Yealands Estate, we venture down to Ward Beach and then on to Kekerengu for a spot of lunch.  While driving to Kaikoura we will make the most of stopping to take in the magnificent views.

Tonight, we will stay in Kaikoura and enjoy a meal on the waterfront at The Pier Restaurant, which is an iconic nineteenth century character hotel – famous for the freshest seafood and Kaikoura crayfish. B. D.

We start the day with a delicious café breakfast, before visiting the Kaikoura Museum. Here we will experience the “New Normal” – The Kaikoura Earthquake Exhibition. New Normal is a compelling long-term exhibition that looks at the impacts of the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake on the people, the landscape, and the natural environment.

On our drive to Christchurch, we will take the inland route, visit the Historic Hurunui Hotel for lunch and weave through the small regional towns, observing points of interest.  The final evening of our tour we will stay in Christchurch central and share a wonderful meal and recap the past several days we have experienced together. B. D.

Your tour is finished after breakfasting this morning. B.