Ultimate South Island

After a relaxed breakfast our departure from Bark Bay takes us through contrasting stands of mānuka and luxuriant mixed forest, over a low saddle and across a high and airy suspension bridge above the Falls River.

Views open up to golden sand beaches on the descent to Torrent Bay where your guide may talk you into taking a side trip up to the Falls River cascades, a stunning swimming spot, or to Cleopatra’s Pool, a must do and the perfect place for a refreshing swim. If you are feeling nimble you can join the guide for a boulder hop further up the valley here exploring idyllic pools and waterfalls.

We camp tonight at the bush-fringed and bright blue inlet of Anchorage. Relax, read a book and go for a swim before meeting in the evening to cook and eat together. 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.

Afterwards 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, canyons, caves, rivers, wilderness areas and coastlines.

The first half of the trail is on a relatively flat well-formed track, 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. Learn from your guide how to cross rivers safely, supporting each other by linking arms. 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, join the guide and explore up a beautiful side canyon following the stream until it disappears into a cave. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Before meeting as a group grab breakfast at one of the great cafés in town. Today you get to cycle* the stunning West Coast Wilderness Trail between the Arahura River bridge and the historic township of Kumara.

Pedal your way through majestic native forest, cross crystal-clear rivers, and pass old reservoirs and water races which date back to the goldrush days. 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 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 Edwards Valley. Includes lunch and dinner.

*E-bike upgrades are available on request for an additional cost.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast together with a postcard view of Aoraki/Mt Cook from our dining room window.

There is the option today of joining a local operator for a guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier (from NZ$899).* A helicopter flight will take you onto the upper glacier where you’ll attach crampons to your boots to explore ice formations and ice caves and no doubt marvel at the jagged landscape.

Those not heli-hiking can join the guide for a hike up the steep slopes of Sebastopol to the Red Tarns for more stunning views. If there is need to rest the legs today, either relax at the hut, take a walk on the valley floor or visit the information centre to learn more about the park’s natural history and the feats of pioneering mountaineers. An alternative hike option for those wanting to stride out on their own today, is the spectacular Hooker Valley Track (3hrs,10kms), this trail starts from near the hut and meanders its way gently up the valley to the Hooker Glacier Lake, crossing 3 big suspension bridges along the way.

By mid-afternoon we re-unite with the heli-hikers and depart Aoraki/Mt Cook to continue our journey south through the Mackenzie Country and over Lindis Pass into the Central Otago region. We stay tonight near the shores of Lake Hāwea, a glacially formed lake over 35kms in length ringed by mountains. Take the night off cooking and dine at a local restaurant. Includes breakfast and lunch.

*Price correct at time of publishing.
Optional extra hike: 10.2 km (6.3 miles), 3 hours hiking, elevation +/-270 m (890 ft)

We start our return hike early this morning enjoying the pretty views and easy walking along the floor of this wide glacially formed valley. Once we are back in Wānaka recharge with a lakeside picnic and you may want to dive into the lake for a swim.

Next up is a remarkable drive over the Crown Range, offering breath-taking summit views of the Wakatipu Basin and lakes. By late afternoon, we’re past Te Anau and well on our way to Milford Sound.

We camp for the next two nights at the beautiful Eglinton Valley campsite, relaxing and making the most of the welcome hot showers. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

After breakfast we take a short hike to check out a beautiful waterfall near our campsite, where you may want to soak up one last little bit of Fiordland by jumping under for a bracing shower. We then make our final drive to Queenstown arriving in the early afternoon.

The afternoon is free for you to use as you wish. Our lodge is within easy walking distance to town. We meet up in the early evening and head out to celebrate the great hikes and adventures we have had together over the last two weeks. Includes breakfast and lunch.