Itinerary

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH
You are met by your private local guide upon arrival in Christchurch, which is known as New Zealand's Garden City and is the largest of the South Island's city centers. Enjoy a city tour before joining your guide for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight The Chateau On The Park. [D]

DAY 2 :  KAIKOURA
Drive north three hours through a patchwork of rich fields and wineries bordered by beaches littered with driftwood to the seaside town of Kaikoura. Once Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to view marine mammals with an amazing variety of whales, dolphins, and seals frolicking and feeding in the krill-rich waters.  Hike past limestone sea caves and formations on the Kaikoura Peninsula observing seal and sea bird colonies with spectacular views of surrounding coastal mountains. Overnight Hapuka Lodge. [BD]

DAY 3 :  KAIKORA & ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Don wet suit, mask, snorkel, and fins early this morning and plunge into an underwater world with gregarious Dusky dolphins. Swim among the dolphins enthralled by their antics or remain dry and marvel at their acrobatic displays from the boat. Then head inland to the northwest end of the South Island (about 4 hours) into a coastal landscape embraced by alpine lodges, wilderness mountain country, clear rivers, forests, limestone outcrops, rocky coasts and legendary sandy beaches bordering crystalline bays. Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a local vineyard before following the coastal route towards Marahau to board a scheduled water taxi directly to your beachside accommodation inside Abel Tasman National Park. Overnight at Awaroa Lodge, an award winning ecotourism lodge set on 19 hectares of private land nestled in native bush a short walk to the beach in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park. Overnight Awaroa Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 4 :  ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Today you can sea kayak along the impressive and diverse coastline of Abel Tasman National Park among secluded bays and islands to the seal colony at Tonga Island. Alternatively, travel by water taxi along the coastline and deep into the national park. Hike the lush forest interior and explore tranquil golden sand beaches and crystal clear bays. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the field. Back from the day of kayaking or hiking, watch the sunset over Tasman Bay while dining on delicious seafood. Overnight at Awaroa Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  WEST COAST & PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK
Off to the wild West Coast, isolated and defined by New Zealand's Southern Alps. Stop at Cape Foulwind and hike the rugged coast of the Tasman Sea. Observe New Zealand fur seals basking along the rocky coastline and sea birds soaring above the cliff-tops. Relax with lunch at a delightful cafe overlooking the breakers. Explore Paparoa National Park, one of New Zealand's least known parks. Hike along the Pororari River, through limestone landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest before emerging from the palm and fern filled forests onto the shores of the Tasman Sea. Overnight at Punakaiki Resort tucked into the northern end of Punakaiki Beach and featuring commanding views of the spectacular Pancake Rocks and Tasman Sea. [BLD]

DAY 6 :  PANCAKE ROCKS & WESTLAND NATIONAL PARK
Kick off the day with a walk along the beach to the famous Pancake Rocks where crashing waves have forced spectacular blowholes through a stratified pancake-like stack of weathered limestone! Head south to the small town of  Hokitka, center for local crafts where New Zealand artists showcase their work with pounamu (New Zealand jade), bone carvings and wood carving, blown glass, and woven wool. This afternoon you have the choice of taking a guided walk to the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier or perhaps join a sea kayak excursion on Lake Okarito, habitat of a White Heron colony. From here it's a short journey to Fox Glacier Village and your accommodation this evening. Nestled beneath the towering Southern Alps on the scenic West Coast, Te Weheka is a lovely modern inn offering spacious accommodations and warm west coast hospitality and cuisine. Dinner and overnight Te Weheka Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 7 :  FOX GLACIER HELI-HIKE

Today you venture out upon the massive Fox Glacier on a heli-hike which combines the thrill of walking on an active glacier and the unsurpassed experience of helicopter flights.  At the top of the glacier you will put on the special crampons  provided (used for balance and grip in icy conditions) and walk down as you explore ice crevasses and ridges.  Spend approximately an hour on the ice before returning to the village. (This hike is fun and safe for all. No experience is necessary as no technical climbing is involved.)  Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Te Weheka Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 8 :  WEST COAST & LAKE WANAKA
Traveling south along the World Heritage Highway to Wanaka (about 5 hours), the natural landscape of the west coast becomes more pristine and beautiful.  Stop to stretch your legs walking in the rain forest past giant tree ferns and Kahikatia trees to an isolated beach where nesting penguins may be glimpsed. Continue driving from the rain soaked West Coast, over Haast Pass, to the parched rolling grasslands along the beautiful shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch at a local vineyard before continuing to Wanaka. Nestled on the outskirts of Lake Wanaka, Lime Tree Lodge is a five-star boutique accommodation in one of New Zealand's most spectacular regions offering uninterrupted mountain views, luxuriously appointed accommodation, fresh flowers, gourmet breakfasts, and an introduction to the wine and produce of the Wanaka region. Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight at Lime Tree Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 9 :  MILFORD SOUND OVERNIGHT
Today cross the Crown Range towards to the Te Anau/Milford junction, a journey of approximately six hours through land which was carved, tumbled and jumbled by grinding glaciers during the last ice age. Stop for short walks to cascading streams and waterfalls in Fjordland National Park on the way to boarding your overnight Milford Sound cruise all the way through the awe inspiring sound to the Tasman Sea. Anchor for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove beneath towering Mount Pembroke. Explore the fjord by kayak or tender craft with on-board naturalists or simply relax on deck and watch the sunset. Overnight onboard the luxury vessel in a private en suite cabin; this is the best way to experience the splendor of Milford Sound. [BD]

 

DAY 10 :  BEGIN ROUTEBURN TRACK
Awaken to the silence and serenity of Milford Sound. Explore around the anchorage before breakfast then return to shore and drive to the Divide to start the Routeburn Track to begin the 3 day/2 night, twenty-five mile hut to hut hike across New Zealand's Southern Alps along one of the most spectacular treks in the world. Accompanied by a regional trekking guide, you start in dense beech forest along a well graded trail which winds above the treeline at Key Summit followed by a brief descent to Lake Howden. Climb steadily upwards to magnificent Earland Falls before descending to the hut at Lake MacKenzie. Hiking distance: 9 mi. Dinner and overnight at MacKenzie Hut in shared accommodations. [BLD]

Trekking Note: Enjoy the ease of trekking with professional guides who take care of all the meals and logistics. Carry your own overnight pack with just your clothes and personal items. Overnight in private huts accommodating 4-6 guests per room with comfortable bunks, down comforters and shared bath with hot showers.

DAY 11 :  ROUTEBURN FALLS
Depart the emerald waters of Lake MacKenzie, traversing above the bushline and crossing the dramatic alpine terrain of the Hollyford Face. From the Harris Saddle, you descend past Lake Harris and into an immense alpine basin often carpeted by wildflowers. Hike downward alongside a final pitch of impressive cascading waterfalls. Hiking distance: 9 mi. Dinner and overnight at the Routeburn Falls Hut. [BLD]

DAY 12 :  END ROUTEBURN TRACK & QUEENSTOWN
Descend to the alpine meadows of Routeburn Flat with the tiered cascades of Routeburn Falls providing an impressive backdrop walking among the deep green pools of the Route Burn River and the unspoiled beech forest to the waiting van. Hiking distance: 7 mi.
Relax on the drive back along the sores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. Your accommodations are at the Dairy Hotel.  This exclusive boutique accommodation is centrally located in Queenstown and features 13 private en suite bedrooms, all with wonderful views of Queenstown and the surrounding area, as well as a cozy lounge, library with fireplace and sumptuous home-baked breakfast in the renovated 1920s dairy and country store. Overnight at the Dairy Hotel. [BLD]


DAY 13 :  QUEENSTOWN
Today is at leisure to explore Queenstown on your own after you say farewell to your guide. Choose from an array of exhilarating optional activities such as rafting, kayaking, canoeing, jet boating, bungee jumping, fly-by-wire, canyoneering, tandem paragliding, hang gliding, skydiving, horse trekking, river surfing, fishing, vintage plane flights, or glider flights. Other less adrenaline-pumping options including relax golf at Millbrook Resort, treatment at the Bliss Day Spa Complex or just soak up the atmosphere walking around Queenstown savoring the alpine scenery. Gather for dinner to swap tales of the days adventures. Overnight at the Dairy Hotel. [B]

    Note: Today's activities are on own account.

DAY 14 :  DEPART
Linger over a gourmet breakfast, take a quiet stroll along Lake Wakatipu or sneak in some last minute shopping before transfer to the Queenstown airport in time for your international departure. [B]

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