Disembarking at Picton, the afternoon itinerary will be as above. Away early to one of New Zealand's most popular Parks. First to Motueka, centre of the country's hop growing industry, prior to arriving at the settlement of Kaiteriteri. The opportunity exists during the day to walk along the beaches or just relax aboard the comfortable launch. Conclude the day with the coach trip back to Nelson.
Lunch is included.
Day 3 Nelson - Greymouth Head over Hope Saddle to Murchison where the hills still show the scars of the powerful earthquake that destroyed the town in 1929. Follow the river through the Buller Gorge, with its cliffs that in places overhang the road, to Westport. Turning south the route hugs the rugged West Coast with its deserted beaches and rocky outcrops to Punakaiki where time permits a visit to the famous blow holes before proceeding on to the gold mining town of Greymouth. This morning enjoy an excursion to Shanty Town, a reconstructed gold mining town of the 1860's, where you can try your hand at gold panning. Early afternoon continue on through virgin stands of native forest and cross many swift flowing rivers on their short course from the Alps to the sea, before reaching the Glaciers.