You are going to love meeting local farmers in their homes, staying in heritage accommodation at Ugbrooke Country Estate, discovering Molesworth and Rainbow Stations, as well as staying in Hanmer Springs and at the historic Tophouse in the Nelson Lakes.
Taking bookings now for your summer or autumn hetitage holiday
A great trip - wish we could do it all over again. Thanks. Callum and Caroline Sinclair. Scotland.
Itinerary-Blenheim - Pacific Coast - Barewood Garden-Awatere Valley - Ugbrooke Country Estate - Awatere Station - Molesworth Station - Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort - Lake Tennyson -Tarndale Lakes - Rainbow Station - Tophouse - Lake Rotoiti - Lake Rotoroa - Wairau Valley - Blenheim.
Day one Departing Blenheim 8 am we first head to the Awatere Valley. Enjoy meeting local olive growers with morning tea in their home near the township of Ward on the Pacific Coast. Learn about New Zealand's early sheep farming history and see for yourself the changes in land use today.
Enjoy lunch on an East Coast farm amongst picturesque farmland and hear the local history and tales from 3rd generation farmers.
Wine tasting of the Awatere Valley's newest winery and the Worlds most eco advanced winery. Arrive at Ugbrooke Country Estate where you'll have time to explore the garden, swim, walk among the vineyards, try the 9 hole pitch and putt course, play bowls, or just enjoy the beautiful country setting sitting on the expansive verandah over looking Clifford Bay. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Awatere wine with your meal, a fully stocked cash bar is available for further purchases.
Day two takes you into the remote Marlborough high country with a morning tea visit with the family on a historic station, before reaching the mighty Molesworth Station.
Soak up the atmosphere and breath the mountain air. Enjoy hearing tales of times past, and just be amazed at the vast expansive views and crystal clear skies of Molesworth.
Arrive at Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort to stay at The Drifters Inn late afternoon with time to enjoy a walk, wander through the township or soak in the hot pools before dinner.
Day three we journey to the remote and beautiful lake Tennyson and through the beech forest of the Rainbow Valley. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wide open spaces and stretch your legs at Tarndale Lakes.
We also visit Hell's Gate, Conner’s Creek, Island Saddle (New Zealand's highest driveable pass), Coldwater Creek, the historic Rainbow Accommodation House, and if you're brave you can cross the Lee's Creek swing bridge.
Overnight at Tophouse, an historic accommodation house [built in 1887]in the Nelson Lakes region. You will enjoy an evening stepping back in time and enjoy the quiet serenity of the house. You can purchase local wines and beers from the smallest bar in New Zealand located at the end of the verandah.
Day four begins with a healthy breakfast, then a visit to Lake Rotoiti, the DOC visual display centre, enjoy morning tea in a country kitchen in the Howard Valley, lunch at Lake Rotoroa and afternoon tea in the garden setting on a lavender farm, before heading down the Wairau valley through farmland and vineyards back to Blenheim by 5.30 pm.
Tour Dates
March 29-1st April
April 8-11
April 12-15
May 6-9
Other tour dates maybe available for a minimum of four people, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
Fast Tour Facts
Departs Blenheim at 8:00am
Overnights: Ugbrooke Country Estate, Drifters Inn in Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort and Tophouse in the Nelson Lakes region.
Return Blenheim by 5.30 pm on day four
All meals and morning/afternoon teas provided.
Bring: Warm clothing, swimming gear (for hot pools), camera.
Cost: NZD $1500pp GST inclusive single Supplement $200
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High Country Station Stay available for groups of four people
Visit our other Molesworth back country tour options
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