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A safari jam-packed with memorable hiking from Nelson to Punakaiki. Hike across the tussock alpine ranges of the Kahurangi National Park. Cross crystal clear rivers in the limestone canyons of Paparoa National Park. Sleep in the wilderness and spend evenings around the camp fire.
Day 1
Your tour begins in Nelson, in the north of the South Island. After collecting our food supplies, we drive to Motueka and up the steep road to Flora Saddle (at 1000 metres). After an early lunch we get to organise our packs for the first hike. Leaving our vehicle behind, we hike through beech forest, following a stream in the tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Gold was discovered here in the late 1850’s and tracks began to be laid, but in many areas gold finds weren’t as rich as expected. Scientists were attracted to the unique flora of the Heaphy area and conservationists managed to get this area made into a scenic reserve in 1915. Tonight we stay in an old goldminer’s rock shelter, a great place to get to know each other with introductions around a cosy campfire.
11km/4 hours hiking
 Day 2 We have an early start this morning, and after a quick breakfast we continue across the tablelands to explore a New Zealand karst landscape of sinkholes and caves. This whole area is of geological interest as it is in a range of marble and limestone hills, the interior being riddled with potholes. We climb up through mossy forest to the bushline and then onwards to Gordon’s Pyramid (1489 metres). We continue across a basin of crystalline marble karst to the shoulder of Mount Arthur and, if weather and time permit, fitter members can trek to the summit (1795 metres) for panoramic views of the Nelson region. We return to Flora Saddle and drive to our private campsite overlooking the Buller Gorge where we camp for the night.
15km/7 hours hiking
Day 3 Paparoa National Park
This morning we head out to Cape Foulwind and visit a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals – once almost hunted to extinction. We then turn south to the old gold-rush town of Charleston for lunch at a beautiful cove. This pretty town used to boast over 80 hotels in the late 1860’s! After relaxing here for a short while, we begin our hike up a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. Established in 1987, the park covers over 30,000 hectares. It has natural attractions including mountains, limestone cliffs and caves, rivers and wilderness areas. During our hike we learn river-crossing techniques, so prepare to get your boots wet. We collect firewood along the way and set up camp under the massive Ballroom Overhang – a fluviatile cave, carved by river-scouring.
8km/4 hours hiking
Day 4
Today we have a chance to explore the nearby limestone canyon and caves (some people may want to swim) with stalactites, and stalagmites, cave wetas (large wingless insects), glow-worms and the tallest moss in the world (Dawsonia superba). We then hike along the historic Inland Pack Track to Bullock Creek, and arrive back in Punakaiki by mid-afternoon. A chance to visit the Pancake Rocks just can’t be missed. These 30 million-year-old limestone rocks have formed into what look like immense layers of pancakes. When the tide is high, or the weather rough, the water surges into caverns below the rocks and squirts through mighty blowholes, bearing a great resemblance to natural geysers.
12km/6 hours hiking
Day 5
Take an optional stroll along the coast to check out sea caves that were once used as shelter by early Maori. Tides permitting, you can climb on to a headland. Driving south, we follow the coast to Greymouth, arriving late morning. Time here to have a quick look around and say farewells to fellow travellers continuing on down the coast on the West Coast Wilderness. You may wish to join the TranzAlpine train journey to Christchurch departing Greymouth at 1:45pm.
Rated as one of the world’s top six train journeys, it crosses the main divide through the lush forests of Arthur’s Pass National Park, over massive viaducts and along the impressive Waimakariri Gorge and finally the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch in the early evening. If you choose to stay in Greymouth, you can be dropped off at your accommodation.
5km/2 hours hiking
Hiking & Fitness
Grade: Moderate
Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 8-9 hours on longer days.
Pack weights of 12-15kgs on some days.
Altitude gains of up to 800m.
Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings.
No hiking experience necessary.
Agility and fitness required.
You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
Some tracks may be slippery or rough; some off-track hiking and river crossings.
What to bring:
New Zealand's weather is changeable and we can experience extremely cold weather at any time of year, especially in the mountains. Our huts/camps vary in altitude from sea level to over 1000 metres. It is necessary to have warm clothing. Jeans are not suitable for hiking.Essential Itemshiking boots (not shoes)backpack (at least 60 litres capacity)backpack liner (plastic bag) 3 season sleeping bagwaterproof raincoat (Gore-tex or similar)warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton) shorts for hikingpolypro/thermal underwear - top & and long-johns2 pairs of socks (they get wet)warm hat or balaclavasunscreen and sunglassesdrink bottle (1 litre) spare shoes or sandalsflashlight/head lampinsect repellent (sandflies like foreign blood)spare set of clothesOptional items:Gaiters, binoculars, gloves/mittens, earplugs, walking poles, camera.
We supply:Therm-a-rest sleeping mat, tents, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, first aid kit, safety equipment and maps.
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