News from the road – “Top of the South Island” March 2026

Our group met in Christchurch, and after a few cheerful reconnections amongst fellow travellers from past tours; we drove north. By early afternoon we were taking a scenic tour on the Weka Pass Railway, pulled by a vintage electric/diesel locomotive on a 12 km journey through the beautiful limestone Weka Pass. The evening saw us in Hanmer Springs, enjoying a welcome soak in the hot springs.

Using Hanmer Springs as a base, we explored historic Molesworth Station in a 4WD vehicle. We travelled into the Clarence Valley and through the locked gate to the Acheron Valley. We followed the Acheron River north through some of the 180,000 hectares that make it the biggest farm in Aotearoa, New Zealand. From the Molesworth Homestead, we also travelled through Saxton, Muller and Tarndale Stations, had a picnic lunch at the 150-year-old Acheron Cob Cottage and continued travelling through the stunning sub-alpine golden tussock scenery.

From Hanmer Springs, we continued north via interesting Reefton and the stunning Buller Gorge to St Arnaud and Nelson Lakes. We did some lovely bush walks, and a trip on the lake made us keen to come back and do the lake circuit.

A few nights in Nelson saw us make an unexpected detour to check out 500+ classic cars (the joy of a small-group tour where we can add detours easily), a yummy visit to Pic’s Peanut Butter factory, and a visit to Hoglund’s Glass Art Studio to watch glassblowing. A visit to Broadgreen Historic Cob House rounded out our time in Nelson.

Rather than take the rather twisty route over the Takaka Hill twice, our coach dropped us at stunning Kaiteriteri Beach and we took the water taxi around the Abel Tasman National Park and past Split Apple Rock to Totaranui Beach where the coach met us again. Our stay for the next two nights was at lovely Ratanui Lodge on Pohara Beach where we could enjoy all Golden Bay had to offer us. We walked to crystal clear Te Waikoropupu Springs and also the Grove Reserve which was a short walk through a spectacular limestone gorge and hugely enjoyed by everyone. A 4WD safari day trip to Farewell Spit on a gorgeous sunny day was a highlight. A bird sanctuary since the 1930s there are now over 90 bird species resident there, we stopped at a fossil site and had a delicious picnic dinner at the historic reserve under the lighthouse. There are still poignant reminders of the pioneering families who lived here and tended the light.

Takaka was a retro delight with lovely cafes and cool shops to browse not to mention a rather nice gin made in a local distillery who were happy to host us for a spur of the moment tasting.

Leaving Golden Bay behind we drove back through Motueka and Nelson with a stop in the Rai Valley and Pelorus Bridge before a wine tasting at the stunning Cloudy Bay winery and three nights in Blenheim.

A gorgeous sunny day saw us boarding the mail boat at Havelock for a cruise on Pelorus Sound. Dropping mail, parcels and provisions along the way as the sea postie has been doing since 1918. Every dog that came to the end of the jetty with their owner to collect provisions was treated to a tux biscuit by the captain much to the delight of everyone.

The next day we visited the Karearea/NZ Falcon Trust to learn about our only endemic bird of prey. A small passionate group of people working to restore populations to the wild showed us through the aviary. An opportunity to glove one of the falcons saw several moved to tears. Next was a visit to Meadowbank Station where Simon & Tarsh talked about the day-to-day operation of the farm and Simon demonstrated his impressive love and mastery of the dogs who help with the mustering. A delicious afternoon tea in the woolshed ended with an unexpected and outstanding aerial display. A trio of WW1 biplanes from the nearby Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre were practising mock attacks overhead. The next day was our visit to Omaka and guided tours of the WW1 And WW2 aircraft and exhibits, made extra special by the interesting and informative guides.

Our tour ended with the Coastal Pacific train back to Christchurch. An absolutely beautiful rail journey and the best way to finish our tour. We had outstanding sunny weather throughout and every day we encountered new and interesting places and unexpected surprises which reminded us what a beautiful and diverse country we live in and as several people commented….NEVER think you have seen it all.

We are planning to run this trip in summer 2026/27 – pop us a note at contact@calderandlawsontours.co.nz if you want to be on the interest list.