Itinerary

DAY 1
Join tour in Nelson

Begin with a drive to Flora Saddle, where we have lunch and pack gear. Start 2-day hike through beech forest on a pack track down the Flora Stream then up to tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Stay overnight in a natural rock shelter. Introduction night.

4 hours hiking
DAY 2
Buller Gorge

Up early to explore sinkholes. Hike up over Gordon's Pyramid (1501m), past limestone karst to Mount Arthur (1795m). Return to Flora Saddle and drive to a character cottage overlooking the Buller Gorge. Enjoy a home cooked meal made from locally grown organic produce.

7 hours hiking
DAY 3
Paparoa National Park

Visit a breeding colony of NZ fur seals (once almost hunted to extinction), then head south to Paparoa National Park and begin 2-day hike up 'Rivendell' canyon to the Ballroom Overhang to camp with elves.

4 hours hiking
DAY 4
Punakaiki

Hike up a side canyon with a refreshing swim to see glow-worms. Explore caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Hike back down river, then to overnight accommodation in Punakaiki. Coastal walks in the afternoon.

6 hours hiking
DAY 5
Okarito

Check out the Pancake rocks, then drive south to Greymouth to pick up food and fellow hikers. Drive to the coastal settlement of Okarito. Camp by the beach and enjoy a hangi and beach bonfire.

2 hours hiking
DAY 6
Okarito

Optional morning kayak on Okarito Lagoon. Catch the in-going tide into the lagoon to see birdlife, including white herons, godwits, black swans and tui. Explore channels into kahikatea forest. Return to camp. Free time to wander along this remote beach, hike up to a viewpoint or just relax in the afternoon.

4 hours kayaking plus optional hiking.
DAY 7
Fox Glacier

A short drive takes us to Fox Glacier, which descends from the mountain tops into rain forest. Take a guided walk on the glacier with seracs, crevasses and ice caves. Join your guide for an optional hike in the National Park. Stay in cabins.

4 hours hiking
DAY 8
Welcome Flat

Start 3-day hike up Copland Valley through podocarp forest across swing bridges to Welcome Flat. Stay in hut or camp. Relax weary muscles with a soak in natural hot pools with magnificent views of 3000m-peaks within Westland National Park.

3 hours hiking
DAY 9
Welcome Flat

Rest day, but the keen can explore this alpine valley. Boulder hop up to waterfalls for a refreshing shower and great views of Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m). Return to the hut and the hot pools.

4 hours hiking
DAY 10
Moeraki

Hike back down the Copland Valley stopping for a swim (optional) and lunch by this glacial-fed river. Stop at Ship Creek and look out for Hector dolphins. Drive south to Moeraki. Camp at an isolated site with a feed of fresh salmon baked on a campfire.

3 hours hiking
DAY 11
Tour ends in Queenstown

Drive over Haast Pass to Lake Wanaka for lunch, swims and vehicle clean-up. Plenty of short hikes to choose from as we drive over Haast Pass. Continue to Queenstown via the Crown Range arriving early evening.

2 hours hiking

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