 Daily Tour Notes
A New Zealand walking vacation to some of the most spectacular alpine peaks and valleys in the South Island, as well as some of our hidden secrets. A trip designed to appeal to the more active hiker looking to discover the lesser-visited locations and be provided with comfortable accommodation and excellent, knowledgeable guides. This trekking tour is ideal as a lead-up for those planning to hike the Great Walks starting out of Queenstown or Te Anau (i.e. Milford, Routeburn, Hollyford or Greenstone/Gables Tracks).
Day 1
Above Christchurch we start the walking with a skyline trek that provides us with stunning 360 degree vistas across the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps, over the Pacific Ocean and over the city. We also explore the volcanic history of the volcanic caldera that is now Lyttelton Harbour. This early hike stretches our legs and sets the scene for the next 10 days. Departing from Christchurch we travel across the plains into the Canterbury foothills. Over the Porter Pass we make a stop at the surreal Castle Hill boulders, our own limestone Stonehenge, with the chance to explore and discover something of the cultural heritage of this unique area. After a further short drive we enter the native Beech Forests of the Craigieburn Range and embark on a 2 hour round trip which explores this scenic area. In the late afternoon we arrive at our lodge accommodation and enjoy a meal together. (L, D)
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast we head into the fringes of the nearby Arthur’s Pass and hike an easy 3 hour round trip on a gently rising mountain spur with its views into the broad river valleys below and defined vegetation patterns. Eventually returning to the coach, we drive on to Arthur’s Pass in time for lunch and a short walk to a nearby waterfall. Back on the coach we cross the pass and descend into the rainforests of the West Coast, travelling on to Franz Josef where we stay for the night. (B, L)
Day 3
Okarito Lagoon is the home of the rare and sacred Kotuku, (NZ white heron), and numerous other bird life. There is no better way to explore this unique area than by sea kayak on an incoming tide. After this delightful excursion we walk the old gold mining coastal track over to the next bay and return via the wild beach on a low tide. En route we divert to the nearby survey point from where we obtain one of the finest views of the Southern Alps. We drive onto nearby Fox Glacier and onto our accommodation for the night. (B, L)
Day 4
After breakfast we make our way to the glacier hike briefing and then depart for a 4-hour walk onto the glacier itself. With guide and ice axe we have the unique experience of walking on 200-meter thick ice next to dripping rainforest. After lunch we have time for a walk around nearby Lake Matheson, famous for its reflections. We travel south down the coast until Haast where stay for the night. (B, L, D)
Day 5
An early morning start begins with a short drive over Haast Pass to Makaroa where we take an awesome scenic flight over the nearby Aspiring National Park before landing at a small mountain airstrip. Crossing the nearby river to a mountain hut we then turn down valley and walk through the beech forests to the Wilkin Valley in time to meet our jet boat for an adrenaline rush as we boat back to our coach and another short drive to nearby Wanaka for the next two nights. (B, L, D)
Day 6
With numerous walks around Wanaka to choose from, the drive up the Matutituki Valley is the start of the hike to an awesome picnic spot beneath Mt Rob Roy. With large walls and icefalls surrounding us it is a spectacular time to reflect. By mid afternoon we return Lake Wanaka and a chance to relax, catch up with postcards or just read a book. (B, L)
Day 7
From Lake Wanaka we drive over the Crown Range with its spectacular views into the Wakatipu Basin. After a chance to explore historic Arrowtown we travel on to Lake Manapouri and our accommodation. A late afternoon walk on the nearby Kepler track takes us to the shores of the Lake. This return hike provides an insight into the vegetation changes of this rainforest, before we return to our accommodation for the evening. (B, L)
Day 8
With an early start we drive into the Fiordland National Park with its huge glaciated walls and rainforests. Driving into the Darran Mountains we come to understand some of the forces of nature as we view the devastation wrought by the huge avalanches that fall off the vertical walls in the heart of winter. There are several hikes to consider and this will be determined by conditions on the day. By late afternoon we have descended into Milford Sound and boarded our floating hotel for the night aboard the Milford Mariner, complete with your private cabin and bathroom. (B, L, D)
Day 9
Back on shore we rejoin our vehicle and retrace our steps stopping for hikes missed yesterday. The chance to hike to key Summit is not to be missed (weather permitting) and by lunchtime we are back in Te Anau heading for Queenstown and our final nights celebration. (B, L, D)
Day 10
After breakfast you will be free to enjoy the delights of Queenstown for those who choose to stay. Those seeking to return to Christchurch with our vehicle will depart for the 7 hour drive through the MacKenzie Basin back to Christchurch where your trip will end at your nominated hotel. (B)
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
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A:Available
L:Limited Seats
C:Closed
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