From Christchurch we drive across the Canterbury Plains to our first hike at Mt Somers. Of volcanic origin, this mountain and the adjoining range stand out from the neighbouring mountains with stunning rocky tors and a deep canyon. The hike climbs through beech forest and traverses high tussock slopes with a distinctly "Middle-earth" feel. Stop for lunch at the well-placed Woolshed Creek Hut before returning on the Rhyolite Ridge Track, with spectacular views down into the canyon as we climb high above on the slopes of Mt Somers. Accommodation is nearby in the village of Methven, a ski town in the winter and a chilled rural Canterbury town the rest of the year – comfortable, with an on-site restaurant and bar. Accommodation: Ski Time Methven. Includes lunch and dinner.
A small hotel/motel in this Canterbury Plain foothills town. Comfortable and warm with top-quality beds and a compact ensuite. Enjoy the lovely rural views as you relax with a drink at the restaurant.
The drive south follows the edge of the Canterbury Plains at first, then into the Mackenzie Country and Lake Tekapo, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd perched daintily by the lake. On arrival at Aoraki/Mt Cook we stretch our legs on a relatively flat hike up the Hooker Valley where we get to marvel at views of glaciers looming above on Mt Sefton and The Footstool, and the imposing south face of Aoraki beyond our turnaround at Hooker Lake. For the next two nights we stay in a lodge in the village with stunning views of Aoraki. Accommodation: Unwin Lodge. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Unwin Lodge is the flagship of the New Zealand Alpine Club's lodges. Located near to Aoraki/Mt Cook village, enjoy classic group-style accommodation with stunning valley and mountain views. The Lodge is located just a few minutes’ drive from the start of many walking tracks, restaurants and cafes, and attractions such as the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
Today’s hike takes us up the famous steps (2,200 of them) to Sealy Tarns, with time to soak up the vista of the Hooker and Mueller glaciers and the ice carved summits of Aoraki, Mt Sefton and The Footstool. If conditions permit, the hike continues from here up on to the Sealy Range and along to Mueller Hut. Before our descent rest for a while and enjoy the reward of the climb - 360 degree views of the glaciers, ice cliffs, and vertical rock faces of New Zealand's highest mountains. There is also the option this afternoon to join the Glacier Explorers boat tour on the Tasman Glacier Lake. A remarkable experience where you can get close to New Zealand’s longest glacier. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to join this tour. Accommodation: Unwin Lodge. Includes breakfast and lunch.
Enjoy a second night at Unwin Lodge, with fantastic mountain views on your doorstep.
Today we continue our journey south to make the most of the outdoor opportunities on offer. We drive to nearby Twizel and get fitted out with bikes to ride a section of the impressive Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Cycle along the quiet canal roads before crossing the Lake Ohau weir and weaving your way around the lake on a purpose-built cycle track. The views are amazing and there will be plenty of time to stop, take photos and admire the mountains and the amazing blue of the glacially fed Lake Ohau. We leave the bikes at Ohau Lodge and reunite with our vehicle before taking an afternoon hike - a great opportunity to enjoy more of the majestic mountains, lakes and rivers. Accommodation and dinner is at the Lodge tonight. Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Nestled against the hills, Lake Ohau Lodge has a special reputation for high country hospitality and contemporary high-country food. From the lodge, enjoy panoramic views overlooking the alpine lake up to the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook. A restaurant, bar and spa pool will add to your experience of this uniquely Kiwi lodge.
After a hearty breakfast we drive over Lindis Pass into the Central Otago region and on to Wanaka, a resort town set alongside its namesake lake. Wanaka is the gateway to a vast wilderness area of beech forests, glaciers, pristine rivers and spectacular lakes. We’ll arrive late morning, which allows you time to relax and enjoy lunch and a quick stroll along the lakefront before heading off on the Arriving in the late morning, we have time to relax and enjoy lunch and a quick stroll along the lakefront before heading off on our afternoon hike along Sawyer Burn Track. Following a well-marked trail, we veer off to the Kidds Bush Nature Walk and initially zigzags up through the forest to the bushline before sidling across to the Sawyer Burn Hut. From the summit, the views of Lake Hāwea and the surrounding mountains are spectacular. Accommodation: Oakridge Resort. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Situated a short distance from the stunning Lake Wanaka, Oakridge Resort is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Boasting 9 outdoor heated pools that are tastefully landscaped in rock and alpine tussock. Rooms are located on the 1st level with a balcony, this 22 square meter room also includes an ensuite bathroom and tea & coffee facilities.
We have saved a very special hike for the last day - the Rob Roy Track. We start off with a beautiful drive up the Matukituki Valley, passing through large sheep, cattle and deer farms along the way. Our hike starts from Raspberry Flat and crosses a suspension bridge across the Matukituki River before climbing through beech forest alongside the raging boulder strewn Rob Roy Stream. Eventually the track emerges above the tree line in a delightful alpine meadow with a superb view of the Rob Roy Glacier. We take lunch here before wandering back down the valley to the vehicle. Our afternoon drive takes us over the Crown Range and down into Queenstown where the tour ends. The Queenstown region is famous for its majestic vistas, vineyards and adventures activities and is a great place to stay for a few extra days. Includes breakfast and lunch.
