After meeting at the Nelson i-Site we drive out of town around Tasman Bay to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.
Here we pack our gear for a 2-night stay in the park and then board a water taxi. A boat cruise around the coast takes us to a beautiful and less visited part of the park at Awaroa. We enjoy a picnic on this idyllic beach before starting our hike following the Abel Tasman Coast Track south to Bark Bay, where our tents and some gear have been dropped by boat.
We pitch our tents and enjoy a delicious meal together. Fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore. Includes lunch and dinner.
After a relaxed breakfast we continue our hike on the Coast Track to Anchorage. The hike from Bark Bay takes us through stands of manuka, over a low saddle and across a 47-metre suspension bridge at Falls River.
The optional side trip to Cleopatra’s Pool is a must and a perfect place for a refreshing swim. If you are feeling nimble you can join the guide for a boulder hop further up the valley exploring idyllic pools and waterfalls.
Your guide may also talk you into taking another side trip up to the Falls River cascades, another stunning swimming spot. We camp tonight at the bush-fringed and bright blue inlet of Anchorage. Relax, read a book and go for a swim before we meet in the evening to cook and eat together. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It’s time to hit the water and explore the Abel Tasman’s magical coastline by waka (Māori canoe).* After a traditional karakia (blessing) we learn the etiquette associated with joining a waka team. Then it’s time to climb aboard and paddle!
Depending on conditions, we explore several coves on the mainland and the wildlife refuge of Adele Island, where we observe a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals – beautiful animals that were almost hunted to extinction in the 1800s. Along the way our waka guide enlightens us with stories of local Māori history and customs. We paddle into the beautiful Kaiteriteri beach at around midday, where our Hiking New Zealand guide awaits with our backpacks.
After a picnic lunch and a restock on supplies in Motueka we drive south to our private campsite near Murchison overlooking the confluence of the Buller and Maruia rivers. We enjoy an organic meal that is home-cooked by our hosts. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
* Note: The waka experience requires a minimum of 6 people. With smaller groups we return to Kaiteriteri via water taxi.
After driving through the Buller Gorge our first stop and experience of the wild west coast is at Charleston. We take a short hike through lush West Coast bush checking out the dramatic headlands, crashing waves and secluded bays.
After the hike we enjoy a picnic lunch and pack up for our next hike that takes us up a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. Established in 1987, this park covers more than 30,000 hectares. As well as canyons, caves lie hidden in rainforest wilderness, set between breathtaking coastal scenery and the Park’s rugged mountainous backdrop.
The first half of the trail is on a reasonably well-formed track and is relatively flat, while the second half involves multiple river crossings and sections where the riverbed itself is our route. Some boulders here can be slippery and good hiking shoes or boots are essential. Our guide teaches us how to cross rivers by linking arms with our companions. We collect firewood along the way and set up camp under the massive Ballroom Overhang, a fluviatile cave.
For those that are keen on more hiking you can join the guide and explore up a beautiful side canyon, following the stream until it disappears into a cave. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After a relaxed breakfast we hike back out the same way and head to the West Coast town of Punakaiki to check out the famous Pancake Rocks and seawater blowholes. Then it’s down the coast to tonight’s accommodation in Hokitika. A thriving gold rush town in the 1870s, Hokitika is now a great place to buy pounamu (greenstone), which was highly valued by early Māori for tools, jewelry and weapons.
Tonight’s lodge accommodation is centrally located and just a short distance from the beach. Tuck into traditional Kiwi fish and chips on the beach or eat at one of the many cafés in this bustling little seaside town. On arrival in Hokitika, we get fitted out with bikes for tomorrow's ride. Includes breakfast and lunch.
Before meeting the group grab breakfast at one of the great cafés in town. Today we get to cycle the stunning West Coast Wilderness Trail between the Arahura River bridge and the historic township of Kumara.
We will pedal our way through majestic native forest, cross crystal-clear rivers, and pass old reservoirs and water races. Today’s ride is unguided, but the trail is very well marked, and our local partners will give you a very thorough briefing on riding the trail. The thoughtfully restored Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara is the perfect place to celebrate the completion of our ride with a drink.
After the ride sit back and enjoy the mountain and rainforest landscapes as we turn east to drive into the Southern Alps and stay in the quaint mountain village of Arthur’s Pass. Lodgings tonight are at a private hut with showers and electricity. We prepare dinner together and get ready for tomorrow's hiking adventure into the Edwards Valley. Includes lunch and dinner.
*Ultimate World Heritage Adventure hikers join us tonight for the hike into Edwards Valley tomorrow
While Arthur’s Pass is not as well-known as some of the other National Parks visited on the tour, you will be awestruck by its rugged alpine peaks, wild rivers and adventurous hiking trails. Our overnight hike takes us up the Edwards Valley to the Edwards Hut which sits just above the treeline with a great view up and down this beautiful valley.
It is a challenging hike on a real ‘kiwi-style’ track. There are several river crossings and parts where you will need to use your hands for extra grip as the trail is rugged with steep slippery sections.
We either camp or stay in the hut depending on how many other hikers are there. For those with energy still to burn, there will be the opportunity to join the guide for another hike from the hut this afternoon.
At nightfall we listen out for the distinct call of our national bird, the kiwi. Roroa or great spotted kiwi are known to inhabit this sub-alpine area. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We retrace our steps this morning as we hike back out the Edwards valley. Back at the vehicle we unpack and refuel with a picnic lunch.
The scenery changes dramatically as we continue our drive on the eastern side of the divide. The steep forested slopes of the west are replaced with wide braided rivers, scree slopes and the surreal limestone formations of Castle Hill where we stop for a quick ramble as this landscape is too good to drive past without stopping! Say our goodbyes to our new hiking friends continuing south as our tour draws to a close. One of our team will transfer you on to Christchurch where you will arrive before 5pm. Includes breakfast and lunch.