Molesworth 3 Day Journey

Travel Time:
3 days/2 nights
Departs:
Blenheim

Highlights

Discover the East Coast of Marlborough and Molesworth and Rainbow Stations in the beautiful Marlborough high country.

You will learn the history and hear tales from your local tour guide, enjoy country hospitality, experience wine tasting at a sustainable Marlborough vineyard and meet wonderful people while staying in heritage accommodation for a journey of a lifetime.

Fast Facts

Day One: Depart Blenheim at 8am. Heritage stay in Awatere Valley
Day Two: Travel through Molesworth Station. Stay in Hanmer Springs.
Day three: Experience Rainbow Station, St James, Lake Tennyson and Wairau Valley.  Returning to Blenheim by 5.30pm.

Food

  • Breakfast is continental or cooked delivered to your unit
  • Lunches are country picnic style enjoyed in the wide open spaces of the back country
  • Evening dining is two courses,
  • Tea breaks will feature ocally roasted plunger coffee or tea and home baking from the cake tins.

Pricing

Twin/share rate is $1235per person; please contact us to find  out latest specials, single supplement options are available at $150.
This includes two nights’ accommodation while on tour and all meals for duration of the tour, some alcohol included.

Tour Dates 2012

January
 February
 March
 April
 May
12-14 15-18 1-3 2-4 3-5
28-30   7-9 10-12  
    18-20 17-19  
    27-29 26-28  
Day 1:100km Touring - Departing from Blenheim at 8am, explore the coastal route of the Wairau Lagoons with its interesting history. Visit an olive grove and private home for morning tea and enjoy a meal in the home of a third generation farming family. Experience wine tasting at Peter Yealands sustainable winery before arriving at Ugbrooke Country House for your overnight stay.
Day 2:200km Touring - Departing Ugbrooke after a relaxing night in the country, travel up the Awatere Valley following the river terraces into the high country, visit a station for morning tea with the family before reaching Molesworth Station to enjoy lunch beside the original cob cottage, visit the old Acheron accommodation house, before arriving at Hanmer Springs by 5.30pm time for a swim and dinner with your group.
Day 3:220km Touring - Departing from Hanmer by 9am travel into the back country stopping at Lake Tennyson to view the alpine plants. Tour highlights include Island Saddle, Tarndale and Rainbow Station, with a picnic lunch beside a creek, beautiful native beech forests and a short bush walk and swing bridge if you feel like stretching your legs. Returning to Blenheim by 5.30pm.
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Swing Bridge Crossing

Using the swing bridge to cross the Upper Wairau is a good confidence booster for all ages.
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Reaching Island Saddle

Reaching the top of Island Saddle the highest point on the route from Hanmer to Rainbow Station
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Native Bush Walk

Time for a short bush walk amongst the native beech forest on Rainbow Station
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Upcot Station Family Visit

Meeting the family for a chat over morning tea at Upcot Station is a chance to get an insight into high country life.
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Olive Grove Visit

Brian and Roberta will enjoy welcoming you onto their East Coast olive grove and showing you their oil press. You will even be able to try the different oils they produce.

Ugbrooke Country House

Heritage listed Ugbrooke Country Estate - built 1885 - 1903. The elegant and gracious home spans 10,000 square feet with high ceilings and unique timber joinery. Ugbrooke presides in an elevated position with views across vineyards to the Cook Strait.

Glenalvon Lodge Motels

Located in the heart of Hanmer Springs next to the thermal pools, Glenalvon Lodge Motels offers 9 quiet, spacious, ground-floor studio units. All rooms sleep 2-4 persons and have king or queen-size beds and ensuites.