The Top of the South Adventure Trail

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Interislander ferry terminal in time for your ferry check in.

The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Leaving Wellington Harbour the ferry passes 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 country's highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph).
From the Cook Strait spectacular views of the Kaikōura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and dolphins and many sea birds are often seen. Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds and this region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays offer remarkable photographic opportunities. The final leg of the cruise travels through Queen Charlotte Sound before coming to an end in the picturesque town of Picton.

Escape to Interislander’s Premium Lounge for sensational views, child-free serenity, and locally sourced food and drink. Interislander’s Premium Lounge has enhanced its offering to bring you an elevated travel experience across Cook Strait. Enjoy delicious food and drink, attentive service, and prime positions for appreciating the spectacular views. Whether you're looking to relax or chat with your travel companions, the Premium Lounge provides the ideal space. With varied seating options, you can choose a cosy spot to watch the stunning scenery and taste a selection of seasonal snacks included in your ticket.

You will be met at the Picton Ferry Terminal and transferred to your Picton accommodation.

Picton is a picturesque portside town at the top of the South Island. Gateway to the forest, marine and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is built around a sheltered harbour. Home to cafes, restaurants and galleries it also has a floating maritime museum and aquarium. Picton is also the starting point for Queen Charlotte Track, one of New Zealand’s leading hiking trails.

Cruise to Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary near Picton – part of the mainland but only accessible by water.
Take a short unguided walk to the lookout or do the longer 2.7km loop track, keeping eyes and ears out for the plentiful birdlife. You will have approximately 2.5 hours to explore the sanctuary.
Kaipupu’s bush clad hills are home to many of New Zealand’s unique native wildlife including tui, korimako (bellbird),  piwakawaka (fantail), kereru (NZ woodpigeon), korora (little penguin), tree weta, raukawa gecko and waiharakeke grass skink.

Board your water taxi from Picton to Lochmara Lodge in the Marlborough Sounds.

Enjoy a spectacular two-course dinner at the Lochmara Restaurant, located on-site at the Lodge. The dining experience is reserved for your chosen evening during your stay and is just a short stroll from your room. Dinner includes two courses (entrée and main, or main and dessert).

This day is free to explore the Lodge grounds at your own pace. You have complimentary access to 11 acres of scenic art and nature trails winding through native bush, as well as the chance to join popular daily animal education and feeding tours to meet the native Kākariki parakeets, Kunekune pigs, and eels. Feel free to grab a paddle and use the free kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) in the sheltered bay, or simply relax on the beach. Should you wish to enhance your day, you have several exciting optional activities available at Lochmara: book a private relaxation session in the secluded Bathhouse, or purchase a Queen Charlotte Track Pass (required for access to the longer hiking and biking sections, such as the Onahau Lookout). Please reach out to your travel specialist prior to arrival to secure your booking. Delicious meals and snacks are available throughout the day at the licensed waterfront café.

Enjoy a spectacular two-course dinner at the Lochmara Restaurant, located on-site at the Lodge. The dining experience is reserved for your chosen evening during your stay and is just a short stroll from your room. Dinner includes two courses (entrée and main, or main and dessert).

Depart Lochmara Lodge, in the Marlborough Sounds and head back to Picton by water taxi. 

This tour's from price includes an intermediate-sized vehicle, setting you up for comfortable travels. Yet, we understand every adventure is unique! Feel free to select the perfect wheels from our incredible collection of rental cars, spanning from economy hatchbacks to premium SUVs. See the most popular range here.

First time driving in New Zealand? Check out our hot tips for a safe and successful self drive experience on our roads.

Heading south from Picton you soon arrive into the grape growing areas around Blenheim. Famous for their sauvignon grape variety the region is the largest in New Zealand. Many of the wineries welcome visitors to their cellar doors.  Heading south west you pass the airport and here you will also find the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which is well worth a visit. A short drive north from Blenheim to you reach Havelock.  The small port town of Havelock has a great variety of cafes and restaurants to choose from so plan your journey to arrive in time for lunch.  Crossing the Bryant Range you arrive onto Tasman Bay and the city of Nelson.

The vibrant Nelson city centre offers an abundance of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops and along the waterfront, you will find many fine restaurants specialising in seafood to enjoy. Founded in 1841 by the New Zealand Company the region today still boasts many remarkable buildings from these early days, however it is its close proximity to Abel Tasman National Park that is one of Nelson's greatest advantages to visitors with its pristine waters, beautiful native bush and golden beaches making this an adventure seeker's paradise. Nelson is also famous for its art and crafts and you will find many local offerings - including the world-famous Hoglund Glassworks.

Cycle the best of the Tasman Great Taste Trail on a premium e-bike! This day-long adventure covers 32km of spectacular scenery, moving from Nelson's historic rail route onto the picturesque Coastal Route toward Mapua. The Grade One (easy) trail is perfect for riders with a moderate fitness level. Along the way, you'll find plenty of fun stops, including award-winning wineries, craft breweries, and even Pic's Peanut Butter World. The experience culminates with a short, charming ride on the Mapua Ferry to the relaxed atmosphere of the Mapua Wharf, where you can celebrate a great ride with pizza and a local wine tasting. This self-guided tour handles all the logistics for a perfect day out.

From Nelson, follow the coastline through several small seaside towns including the popular holiday destination of Kaiteriteri with its magnificent sandy beaches and calm blue waters. Continuing on you'll come to the tiny settlement of Marahau, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.

Experience the golden beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, a coastal paradise renowned for its spectacular hiking track, pristine golden beaches, secluded inlets, and private lagoons. With its mild climate and stunning natural environment, it's a cherished destination for New Zealanders nationwide. Why not enjoy a scenic cruise through the Sounds or take a kayaking tour around its many sheltered bays? Relax to the melodious birdsong and get up close to some of the park's many animal residents, including native bats, geckos, birds, marine mammals, fur seals, and dolphins.

Escape the crowds and sail deep into the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park. This unforgettable one-way journey combines the relaxation of a morning skippered sail with the excitement of a high-speed water taxi cruise, making it the perfect scenic transfer to the remote Awaroa Lodge. You'll glide past golden beaches, visit the famous Split Apple Rock, cruise via the Tonga Marine Reserve to spot native fur seals, and enjoy a delicious packed lunch all in one seamless adventure. Travel the Abel Tasman coast in style and arrive refreshed at your destination!

Indulge in an exquisite 3-course dining experience at the remote and stunning Awaroa Lodge, nestled in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park. The Harakeke Restaurant delivers a regionally-influenced menu using the freshest local produce, much of it grown on-site in their organic garden. Dine inside the glass-walled Conservatory overlooking the wetlands or by the cozy log fire for a truly unique New Zealand culinary experience.

Awaroa is the perfect base to start a half day sea kayak adventure with immediate access to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and the Awaroa Lagoon, both offering top class sea kayaking with a remote feel. The marine reserve trip explores the bays south of Awaroa with views of stunning granite sea cliffs, marine life thriving in a pristine marine ecosystem and sea birds diving and foraging for food. The lagoon offers sheltered paddling conditions with stunning scenery, secluded beaches, the chance to see eagle rays feeding on the sea floor and a range of sea birds feeding on the sandy banks. 

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here

Indulge in an exquisite 3-course dining experience at the remote and stunning Awaroa Lodge, nestled in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park. The Harakeke Restaurant delivers a regionally-influenced menu using the freshest local produce, much of it grown on-site in their organic garden. Dine inside the glass-walled Conservatory overlooking the wetlands or by the cozy log fire for a truly unique New Zealand culinary experience.

Today you will board a comfortable catamaran vessel to cruise the National Park. Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles have plenty of room to move around on board for photo opportunities and to make the most of your Abel Tasman experience.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.

The drive from Abel Tasman National Park (Mārahau) to Picton is a stunning journey transitioning from the golden-sand beaches of the Tasman region to the spectacular waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. After leaving Mārahau and heading through the orchards of the Motueka Valley, you can make your first stop in Motueka itself for a coffee or to check out the local art scene. The drive takes you through the city of Nelson and along the coast of Tasman Bay towards the Bryant Range. The highway between Nelson and Picton also crosses the Pelorus River and just at this junction is the famous and historic Pelorus Bridge. From here there are a number of forest walks with the most popular the 30 minute loop through beech, rimu and totara forest to the swing-bridge. Starting in the town of Havelock the Queen Charlotte Drive travels the Marlborough Sounds coastline towards the port town of Picton. Magnificent views of the sounds can be had from many vantage points so allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. If you can spare the time take the narrow windy road to Portage along Mahau Sound and Kenepuru Sound with their bush clad hillsides and secluded sandy coves. Arrive in the busy port town of Picton, and it's here that the Interislander ferries arrive and depart. The small town centre has plenty of shops and cafes and the waterfront area is a very pleasant place to spend a few hours watching the activity of the ships. The Edwin Fox Maritime Centre on the wharf is worth a visit with the star attraction being the vessel the Edwin Fox, reputably the 9th oldest ship in the world.

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

Described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world,' the 92 km journey between Picton and Wellington takes around 3 hours. The first hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds before heading out into open waters. This region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays offer remarkable photographic opportunities. Once out on the Cook Strait, amazing views of the Kaikoura Ranges can be seen, often accompanied by dolphins and sea birds. After crossing the strait you approach the Wellington Harbour, passing many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head, location of New Zealand's oldest lighthouse, Red Rocks, home to a large seal colony and Oterangi Bay  - the site which recorded the country's highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph).

You will be collected from your Wellington hotel and transferred to the airport.

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