Itinerary in brief:
- 2 nights Christchurch
- 2 nights near Punakaiki, West Coast
- 2 nights Abel Tasman
- 2 nights Kaikoura
- 4 nights Bora Bora
Day 1 & 2: Depart UK
Depart the UK from your chosen airport.
Included: International flight
Days 3 & 4: Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch, you will be taken to your hotel, The Hotel Montreal, for the next 2 nights.
The next day is yours to explore Christchurch and see history in the making, as a new vision for this city unfolds after the devastating 2011 earthquake which hit the city. Visit the famous Cardboard Cathedral or browse the farmers market for a delicious lunch to eat in Hagley Park. Alternatively, we can arrange a guided tour for you here.
Included: Arrival transfer & hotel
Day 5 & 6: Near Punakaiki, West Coast
Today, you will pick up your rental car and take a 4-hour scenic drive across Arthur's Pass which brings you to the wild West Coast. Stop at Punakaiki and meander up to Charleston. You’ll stay at Birds Ferry Lodge for the next 2 nights.
Spend the next day relaxing and exploring the grounds and organic gardens at Birds Ferry and go for a short walk amongst seals.
Included: Breakfast, rental car & hotel
Days 7 & 8: Abel Tasman, Nelson Region
Today's drive is very scenic, winding north through the Buller Gorge and Motueka Valley to your home for the next 2 nights at The Resurgence. You can dine with other guests or book a romantic candle-lit table for two.
The next day, we’ve included something very special - a day in Abel Tasman National Park aboard a luxury catamaran. This is likely to be a highlight of your time in New Zealand: kayak, hike, fish, swim or just enjoy the passing marine life that comes to visit.
Back at The Resurgence, you can enjoy your very private deck and enjoy a drink after dinner listening to the sounds of nature under the canopy of stars.
Included: Breakfast, rental car, day cruise on the Abel Tasman & hotel
Days 9-11 - Kaikoura, Canterbury
Say farewell to the Abel Tasman and drive across to the east coast via Nelson and Blenheim, enjoying great views of the Pacific Ocean as you head south, and watch out for seals on the rocks. Why not stop off for a vineyard tour at one of the award-winning wineries en-route?
You’ll be staying at The Factory for the next 3 nights. It’s a lovingly restored 100-year-old dairy site a few minutes north of Kaikoura; a self-contained hideaway between mountains and the sea.
A stay in Kaikoura is not complete without seeing the whales. A 30-minute scenic flight leaves you plenty of time to relax and take lunch at the 'kai carts' where freshly caught Koura (lobster) is sold by the sea – we’ve included this. A swim with the dolphins is also one of those must-do experiences and is also included.
Included: Breakfast, rental car, 30 minute scenic flight & hotel
Day 12: Christchurch
From Kaikoura, drive south back to Christchurch – the journey takes around 2.5 hours so you have plenty of time. Spend your last night back at the Montreal Hotel.
Included: Car hire & hotel
Day 11: Arrive Bora Bora
Today you’ll drop your rental car back at the airport and fly to Tahiti via Auckland. Crossing the dateline means you actually arrive the day before, connect with your domestic flight to Bora Bora, the jewel in the crown of French Polynesia.
On arrival you will be transferred to the stunning St Regis Bora Bora Resort, your idyllic home for the next 4 nights, staying in an overwater villa.
Included: International & domestic flights
Days 12-15: Bora Bora
You have 4 days here now to relax in absolute luxury on one of the most iconic islands in the world.
Experience world-class snorkelling in the private lagoon at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort before returning to enjoy the romantic, adults-only oasis Pool with secluded private cabanas.
Beyond The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort you can enjoy jet skiing, jeep safaris, shark & ray feeding, sailing, diving, hiking & sunset cocktail cruises. If you're looking for something a bit more relaxing then try out Miri Miri Spa; set on its own island in a turquoise lagoon, the 13,000 square-foot spa offers guests a sensory experience inspired by the magic of its natural surroundings.
Included: Domestic flight, arrival transfer & hotel
Day 16: Fly home
Sadly it’s time to leave paradise, and you’ll be transferred back to the airport to fly back to Papeete to connect with your onward international flight.
Included: Departure transfer & international flight
Day 17: Arrive UK
Why not add in a stopover in Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Your flights will generally return via West Coast USA, so this is easy to arrange. Speak to your consultant for further details.