Meet up with your guide in central Nelson before escaping to the hills via the scenic Motueka region. The first hike begins after lunch from Flora Saddle. Leaving the vehicle behind we ascend through virgin beech forest up onto sprawling tablelands in New Zealand’s second largest national park, Kahurangi. An historic gold mining and grazing area, our route follows an old pack track above a stream where native blue ducks reside. Emerging onto the tussock covered tablelands gives panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and a sense of true wilderness. We spend the night in an old gold miners’ rock shelter. Enjoy the evening sitting around a crackling campfire reliving bygone days, star gazing and maybe trying to spot the Ruru (morepork) you’ll surely hear. Includes lunch and dinner.
Leaving the rock shelter early, we head across the tablelands once more and spend time exploring the geologic marvels of the area. This is a karst landscape made up of limestone and marble - with large sinkholes and an intricate system of caves beneath the surface. Here your guide will describe the forces that have shaped it into its current state. Next we walk up Gordon’s Pyramid (1489m) and spend time soaking up some of the best views that the park has to offer. We usually stop for lunch in the sun, amongst the rocks on the slopes of Mt. Arthur, before walking back to the vehicle. Enjoy the picturesque drive south - with ice cream in hand - through one of New Zealand’s most diverse agricultural areas, the Tapawera Valley. Accommodation tonight is at a private campsite and cottage, which is superbly located overlooking the confluence of the Buller and Maruia Rivers. A scrumptious dinner with organic ingredients is prepared by our hosts. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The day begins with a relaxing drive toward the West Coast along the mighty Buller River. On the drive we get our first glimpse of the coast’s impressive podocarp forest. Arriving at Cape Foulwind (aptly named by Captain Cook), your guide will drop you at the start of the easy coastal walk to the Tauranga Bay seal colony. After reuniting with your guide there we head south along the scenic coast to one of the country's best-kept secrets - Paparoa National Park. Walking up the Fox River involves multiple river crossings - no bridges here! You will be an expert at river crossings by the time you reach tonight’s campsite under the Ballroom Overhang, a massive fluviatile cave. Crank up the campfire and settle in for the night. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Heading out from the Ballroom, we are reacquainted with the river's channel, entrenched between towering limestone cliffs covered in lush native rainforest. The scenery in this area is truly breath-taking, and unparalleled in the South Island. Take the opportunity to explore nearby caves, see stalactite formations and have a swim. A short drive gets us to the small tourist town of Punakaiki. Grab a coffee and wander through the geologic phenomenon that is the Pancake Rocks - the origin of their ‘pancake’ layering has been a subject of debate among scientists. If the tide is right, you will get to witness the magnificent blowholes in action. Tonight, we stay near the coast and dine at a local pub for dinner. A saunter down to the beach to view the sunset is highly recommended. Includes breakfast and lunch.
This morning we take the opportunity to explore the rugged coast around Punakaiki, rich in Maori and early European history. Leaving Punakaiki we head south before turning inland and driving one of New Zealand’s most cleverly engineered roads through the Southern Alps at Arthurs Pass. Lush green rainforests give way to glaciated mountains and scree slopes. We take one final hike at Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill, exploring the distinctive sculptured limestone formations. A final drive takes us across the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch in the late afternoon. Includes breakfast and lunch.
