Coastal Kai & Luxury Lodges

Following earthquakes that razed its centre and much of the outlying suburbs, Ōtautahi-Christchurch is well into a billion-dollar makeover. In the middle of the Canterbury Plains, bordering the pacific ocean, New Zealand’s newest city is an ideal gateway to exploring the middle of the South. Go punting on the Avon River, take a historic tram ride, catch the gondola to the rim of an extinct volcano or do all three! See the world's only Cardboard Cathedral and for nature enthusiasts - wander the renowned Christchurch Botanic Gardens, or head to Oxford Terrace in the city to find a great spot to eat or drink. Drive an hour in any direction to ski, mountain bike, wine taste, whale-watch, bungy jump or play golf. Take the winding Port Hills road to the French settlement of Akaroa & Banks Peninsula and tour the vines in Waipara for an authentic New Zealand wine-tasting experience.  

Located just 15 minutes from the city center, Christchurch's 75-acre Botanic Gardens boast the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand. This impressive collection creates a tranquil oasis, with spring daffodils, stunning summer roses and herbaceous borders, vibrant autumn foliage, and cozy conservatories to warm up in during winter. There’s something to enjoy in every season. The New Zealand Garden also offers a unique glimpse into the country’s wilderness, providing a peaceful escape throughout the year.

Sit back as a local host takes you on a complete journey, discovering delicious kai (food) and igniting the senses with paired drinks. Amiki will introduce you to local culture, discover delicious kai and immerse you in the emerging foodie scene of Ōtautahi - Christchurch.

A private transfer will meet you at your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport to collect your rental car.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range. From compact economy, hatchbacks to prestige SUVs. Find out all you need to know about rental car hire in New Zealand with our helpful FAQ's.

The drive north from Christchurch to Kaikoura takes you through the rolling hills of North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley. Allow time for a detour and visit Hanmer Springs for a dip in the mineral hot pools. Continue on and cross the Hawkswood Range before descending to the spectacular Kaikoura coastline - where the road hugs the ocean for the last leg of the drive.

The dining room at Hapuku Lodge, designated as "Kai Whare" (Māori for "house of food") on early maps, is at the heart of the guest experience, offering a relaxed and warm atmosphere. The Lodge's cuisine reflects a deep passion for food, from production to presentation, with guests often observing their meal preparation and chatting with Executive Chef, Fiona Read. A significant portion of the vegetables and herbs used in the kitchen are sourced directly from the Lodge's gardens. The culinary team is dedicated to sourcing the best local provisions, including meat directly from their farm and fresh fish from local fishermen, ensuring a genuine "paddock-to-plate" experience. Menus are carefully created based on the seasonal availability of these ingredients. As a result of this commitment to quality and fresh local sourcing, many guests consider the food served at Hapuku Lodge to be among the best in the country.

Hapuku Lodge offers guests a relaxing and engaging experience both on the property and in the surrounding Kaikoura environment. Guests can explore the area using the Lodge's complimentary mountain bikes to tour local by-ways and trails, or take a variety of walks, ranging from short to long, beach to bush, often with a prepared picnic basket. On-site, you can unwind in the year-round heated mineral system pool and sauna, or indulge in a soothing massage. The Lodge also provides unique opportunities tied to its working farm, such as watching the harvesting of antlers from the stags or helping to pick olives during the May-June season. For ocean enthusiasts, an ocean fishing trip can be arranged, and the famed Mangamaunu surf break is nearby for those looking to learn or catch a wave.

Discover Kaikōura’s incredible marine life with an exclusive experience. Begin your journey alongside marine mammal biologist Dr. Krista van der Linde, or one of her team, who will share their expertise on the region’s unique and diverse marine wildlife. This is your chance to gain fascinating insights into the whales, dolphins, and other creatures that make Kaikōura’s waters so extraordinary.  

Experience the magic of Kaikōura's wild landscape through a unique farm-to-table cooking class with Chef Fiona.  Join her in her charming rural kitchen and learn to create uncomplicated yet delicious dishes inspired by the region's bounty.  Harvest fresh ingredients from her extensive gardens and discover the secrets to transforming them into culinary masterpieces.  Enjoy a welcome of locally roasted coffee, New Zealand tea, and fresh baking before venturing into the gardens.  The day's menu is crafted based on the freshest harvest, ensuring peak flavour. 

Today follow the coast to Picton, located at the top of the South Island. As you leave Kaikoura you'll take in the spectacular shoreline and keep a lookout for native wildlife as you go. Stop to view adult fur seals at Ohau Point, and take a short stroll along the oceanside walkway. Continuing on, you'll have the ocean on one side and the Kaikoura ranges on the other before traversing the dry hills of Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine-producing region. Visit one of the vineyards surrounding Blenheim for a wine tasting or a gourmet lunch before continuing your journey towards Picton. When arriving in Picton you can park your car in Bay of Many Coves car park close to the ferry terminal and catch a water taxi to the bay. 

Board your Cougar Line scheduled water taxi to head into the Marlborough Sounds. Stopping at a number of drop off points before you arrive at Bay of Many Coves, this is a great way to see the beautiful sounds with a knowledgeable captain who is always happy to give any information or commentary en-route.

Bay of Many Coves offers an exquisite dining experience deeply rooted in Marlborough's acclaimed gourmet heritage. The culinary team is dedicated to crafting menus from the finest locally-sourced and sustainable produce, utilizing fresh ingredients from the land and the sea, including the region's renowned 'Kai Moana' (seafood). Guests can choose between multiple venues, including the fine dining Foredeck Restaurant, which presents a nightly changing 5-course degustation menu, and The Kumatage for more casual fresh flavours. Meals are perfectly complemented by selections from the resort's extensive cellar, which proudly showcases a range of world-class New Zealand wines, highlighted by the region's famous Sauvignon Blanc.

Escape the everyday with a range of unforgettable experiences at Bay of Many Coves, the perfect place for discovering the delightful flavours of Marlborough and immersing yourself in nature. The resort provides access to both rejuvenating on-site activities, like indulging in blissful treatments at the Miritu Day Spa, and thrilling local adventures. Spend your days walking through 52 hectares of private bush, alive with native birds, or venture onto parts of the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track. One of the highlights is an up-front encounter with the region's marine wildlife, where you have the chance to see dolphins, fur seals, or even Orcas. In the late afternoon, you can enjoy a magical night-time excursion to see the Glow Worms, a truly unique New Zealand ecosystem, ensuring you'll have your day and night cut out for you.

Return from Bay of Many Coves to Picton by Cougar Line scheduled water taxi today via the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Stop at a number of pick up/drop off points en route.

Before departing Picton drop your rental car at the wharf and continue your onward journey.

The 92 km journey between Picton and Wellington takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds. This region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays is a true photographic opportunity. From the Cook Strait spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and dolphins and many sea birds are often seen. After crossing the strait you approach Wellington Harbour and pass many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse (1859). Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site which recorded the countries highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph).
When you're not out on the deck enjoying the amazing views, you can retreat to the exclusive premium plus lounge which is the most comfortable and relaxing way to travel across the Cook Strait. You'll enjoy complimentary beverages, light snacks, lunch or breakfast, internet access, magazines and newspapers and the most comfortable seating, so you can sit back and enjoy the journey.

You will be met on arrival into Wellington and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy a 7 hour private guided tour where you savour the best tastes Wellington has to offer. From Coffee, Chocolate, Peanut butter, a Craft beer brewery, Gin Distillery, lunch, and a scenic drive to Mt Victoria, Eastern and Southern Bays.

Bid farewell to Aotearoa / New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Māori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!