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 an overnight stay in the park and then board the water taxi. A boat cruise around the coast takes us to the 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.
This morning we have a quick breakfast and pack up camp, then shoulder our backpacks and hike the Coast Track from Bark Bay to Anchorage to catch an early afternoon water taxi back to Kaiteriteri. There is time to rest the legs on the drive to tonight’s private campsite and accommodation near Murchison, overlooking the confluence of the Buller and Maruia Rivers. We enjoy a scrumptious organic dinner tonight, kindly prepared by our hosts. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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, wild 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. Its attractions include mountains, limestone cliffs, caves, rivers, wilderness areas and coastlines. 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 river 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.
Following the hike back down the canyon to the vehicle there is a stop in Punakaiki and a chance to check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes before continuing our drive to tonight’s accommodation in the quaint mountain village of Arthurs Pass. On arrival in Arthurs Pass we take a short hike up to the Devils Punchbowl Falls before settling into our cosy lodgings for the evening. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
While not as well-known as some of the other National Parks visited on the tour, Arthur’s Pass will awe you with its rugged alpine peaks, wild rivers and adventurous hiking trails. Our 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. This valley is home to our national bird the kiwi. Roroa or great spotted kiwi are known to inhabit this area; this species of Kiwi is known as the ‘Mountain Kiwi’ and prefers to live in sub-alpine areas. We return via the same track, enjoying a different aspect on the views experienced on the way in. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Departing Arthur’s Pass this morning, the scenery changes dramatically 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 to explore. We then drive out of the mountains to follow the western boundary of the Canterbury Plains before ascending again into the stunningly beautiful Mackenzie Country, an intermontane basin of huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. On arrival at Aoraki/Mount Cook we climb up to the Red Tarns and take in the views of New Zealand’s highest mountain. We’re in the heart of the Southern Alps, surrounded by huge mountains of commanding presence. From our accommodation with luck, we can watch the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook turn from white to pink with the sun’s last rays. Includes breakfast and lunch.
Today we hike with day-packs up to Sealy Tarns and possibly as far as Mueller Hut. Enjoy views across two glaciers to the ice falls on Mount Sefton and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Towering moraine walls, glacial lakes and the frequent rumbling of distant avalanches are reminders of nature’s sheer power in this dynamic landscape. We return via the same track to our accommodation. There is the option today of joining a local operator for a guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier (NZ $599) *. A helicopter flight will take us onto the upper glacier where we attach crampons to our boots and marvel at the jagged landscape while exploring ice formations and ice caves. Those wanting to rest the legs today can either relax at the hut or visit the information centre and learn more about the park’s natural history and the feats of pioneering mountaineers.*Price correct at time of publishing. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We depart Aoraki/Mount Cook to continue our journey south through the Mackenzie Country and over Lindis Pass into the Central Otago region. We stop in at Wanaka township this morning, grab a coffee and take a wander around this vibrant lakeside resort town before we drive along Matukituki Valley to the end of the road. We grab our packs and hike along the valley enjoying stunning alpine views as we hike the easy trail to Aspiring Hut. Between high peaks we catch glimpses of the Matterhorn-like Mt Aspiring (3033m). Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We begin our return hike early this morning enjoying the pretty views and easy hiking along the floor of this wide glacially formed valley. We make a side trip up the impressive Rob Roy valley to view the glacier. Cheeky and inquisitive kea (alpine parrots) often mingle with our group at lunchtime, so we might need to keep an eye on our gear (kea love shiny zips)! Once back at the vehicle we drive back through Wanaka, over the Crown Range and down into Queenstown. Queenstown is dubbed the adventure capital of New Zealand so you may want to plan a few extra days here to go on further adventures or just enjoy the amazing landscapes. We head into town tonight and celebrate nine days of excellent hiking and exploring in some of the South Islands most iconic wilderness areas. Includes breakfast and lunch.
Please let us know if you would like to book a return shuttle to Christchurch for the following day ($60 – arrives Christchurch airport at 4pm).
