DAY1: ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH

Pick-up self drive rental vehicle on arrival at Christchurch International Airport. Self drive to your hotel in the “Garden City”. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city on your own with rental vehicle..

DAY2: CHRISTCHURCH / KAIKOURA

Check out of your hotel this morning and depart Christchurch. Drive through the sheep farming area of North Canterbury to the fishing village of Kaikoura, travelling through the small farming servicing towns of Amberley and Cheviot en route. At Kaikoura you will enjoy a Whalewatch excursion and observe these huge mammals at close quarters from the safety of your rigid inflatable cruise vessel. Afterwards check-in to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore on your own or to relax. There are many very popular seafood restaurants in Kaikoura with the speciality of the day being fresh Crayfish.

DAY 3: KAIKOURA / BLENHEIM

Check out of your hotel this morning and drive north to Blenheim, travelling along the Kaikoura Coast to the heart of the Marlborough wine growing region, world famous for the Chardonnay and Savignon Blanc grapes that grow here and the high quality wines that are produced here. You will enjoy the afternoon exploring some of the local vineyards with an opportunity to sample the latest vintage. Check-in to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 4: BLENHEIM / CHRISTCHURCH

Check-out of your hotel this morning. Today you will drive back to Christchurch and there is a choice of routes to take. The first option is return via the same route along the Kaikoura Coast, and the second option is to take the alternative inland route through Hamner Springs either via Murchison and the Lewis Pass or to Hamner Springs via Kaikoura. At Hamner Springs you might feel like having a relaxing soak in the Thermal Hot Pools here. (Optional costs not included in the main tour costs).

The choice is yours to make today. Perhaps while you are in Blenheim you may also like to try the local delicacy of Green Lipped Mussels which are commercially farmed in the Marlborough Sounds or perhaps a visit to Picton which is a short drive from Blenheim and where the Cook Strait ferry has its terminal. Return to Christchurch and travel through the farming areas of North Canterbury to arrive back in the "Garden City" of Christchurch in the late afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure to relax.

DAY5: DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

Your arrangements conclude today with the drop off of your rental car prior to boarding your departure flight at Auckland International Airport. Bon Voyage! We trust that you have enjoyed your New Zealand holiday with Adventure Pacific.