Nelson & Marlborough

The many secluded bays, the native forests reaching down to the shoreline, the abundant sea life including seals, dolphin and penguins and the tranquil waters of the Marlborough Sounds makes this an ideal place to enjoy sea kayaking. The sea kayak craft are completely stable, easy to maneuver and lots of fun and your guide will ensure total safety. There are a number of optional sea kayak excusions in this region but we have selected Kenepuru Sound because of the especially beautiful areas it visits.

From $67 USD per person

The Queen Charlotte Track is a 45 mile long spectacular walking trail of the Marlborough Sounds, one of the most popular walks in New Zealand. You can choose to do the complete walk over 3 to 5 days or sample just some of the highlights by doing 1 or 2 day sections. Accommodation is in properties located close to the finishing point of each days walking. If you add this to your Wish List we will include one of these options according to the total time you have available on your New Zealand vacation.

This is not only the smallest national park in New Zealand, it is also the most popular. Golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters, superb forests, abundant bird and sea life make it a special place for visitors. A favorite excursion is to be dropped by sea taxi at a golden sand beach and to then walk around the beautiful coastline to be picked up again at a pre-arranged pick-up point. Even better, stay a night at one of the lodges or other accommodation located within the park. If you select this experience UPlanit.com will arrange an exciting 2 or 3 day Abel Tasman National Park experience.

Cape Farewell is the northernmost point of the South Island and has been a wildlife sanctuary since the 1930's. It provides home for over 90 species of bird including up to 20,000 godwits, 30,000 knots plus curlews, whimbrels and turnstones that fly over 7,000 miles every northern hemisphere autumn, to spend their summers in the south. The best way to enjoy this experience is to have Uplanit.com arrange an eco guided tour from Nelson (6.5 hours) and learn about the history, the wildlife and ecology of Farewell Spit from your qualified guide. Bring cameras and binoculars to make the most of this nature-lover's paradise.

From $70 USD per person

Waikoropupu Springs, more commonly referred to as Pupu Springs, is the largest natural springwater system in the southern hemisphere. Some of the clearest water found anywhere in the world bubbles to the surface after traveling underground from its source at the nearby Takaka Hill. It is estimated that an amazing 3,700 gallons of water are produced per second, enough water to supply a city the size of Boston, Massachusetts. The horizontal visibility has been measured at just over 200 feet! Take your time exploring the many tracks around the springs and go quietly - the better to spot tui birds, bellbirds, wood pigeons, and other native birdlife (swimming not permitted)

This is an interesting driving route between Nelson and Blenheim. Start early and drive south from Nelson to the Kawatiri Junction, access point to beautiful Lake Rotoroa. At Lake Rotoroa take a short walk on the clearly signposted tracks alongside the lake and through the surrounding native forests. Continue driving east to the tiny town of St Arnaud (population 200) and Lake Rotoiti. Here you can visit the Nature Recovery Project where native wildlife has been re-established and you'll see and hear the results of this work; a forest alive with the sights and sounds of native birds. In the afternoon drive to the east coast (2 hours) and Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine growing region.

Blenheim is the main town in the Marlborough region, one of the world's finest wine producing areas, its reputation established on the fine qualities of their Savignon Blanc wines and more recently Pinot Noir. Enjoy the restaurants and cafes of Blenheim and enjoy wine tasting at over 55 nearby wineries. We will arrange an introductory full day private guided tour that includes tastings at some of the finest vineyards in the region.