Itinerary

Days 1-2 Tramp through the spectacularly beautiful South Island - it's a Kiwi tradition! Hike Godley Head out to Taylor's Mistake for views of Lyttleton Harbor and the South Pacific Ascend through beech forests and past alpine lakes to a sheep station hut once used by shepherds during the days of high-country sheep farming.

Days 3-5 Alpine tundra in the a.m. and oceanside trails in the p.m.  Traverse high country wetland to the dramatic 429-foot Devil's Punchbowl Falls Watch water explode sky-ward through blowholes at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks by the Tasman Sea A jungle trek along (and across!) the Porari River reveals native tree ferns and nikau palms ? Check out the hand-carved greenstone jewelry in the gold-rush town of Hokitika.

Days 5-7 Explore two glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox  Lake Matheson reveals the famous reflections of Mounts Tasman and Cook Swap rain forest for pounding surf at Munro Beach and search for pounamu, the native jade Canoe with a naturalist on Lake Moeraki or go hiking or swimming.

Days 8-10 Hike to the top of Rocky Mountain for incredible views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks Experience dramatic Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous fjord, on an optional excursion Breathtaking 360-degree vistas greet you atop Mount Iron, an impressive glacial rock formation.

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