South Island Adventure

Tour Highlights:

• Marvel at verdant rainforests, wild rivers, crashing waves and the rugged coastline
• Raft the Kawarau River, cross an iconic swing bridge and trek beneath the Rob Roy hanging glacier
• Bike and hike through dramatic varied scenery and mountain ranges, finishing in a Pinot grape-growing wine region
• Discover the charms of historic Arrowtown rich in gold-mining history and Hokitika, renowned for its jade

Sample New Zealand Trip: your itinerary will vary depending on your departure date, please ask for details at time of booking.

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch, New Zealand

Kia Ora, welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand). On arrival into Otautahi (Christchurch), you will me met and have a private transfer to your boutique Christchurch hotel where you will stay for 2 nights.

Day 2: Christchurch

Today is at your leisure to explore Christchurch before your tour starts tomorrow.

Days 3-4: Christchurch to Arthurs Pass

Meet your group early this morning to travel by vehicle to the village of Hororata. Leaders will fit you to your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety before heading off on a ride that  showcases an impressive mosaic of paddocks of the Canterbury Plains. This unique landscape is
known for its rich agricultural heritage and natural beauty with its wide-open spaces and braided rivers. Along the way, stop for lunch and continue pedaling toward Lake Coleridge. After the ride, rest your legs in a shuttle north past the Waimakariri River Valley gorge to Arthur’s Pass National Park. This small resort town in grand mountain landscape. Stay 2 nights at a high country Wilderness Lodge that is also a working sheep station. Enjoy a welcome reception tonight before dinner with views of Arthur’s Pass.

Biking: Terrace Downs Route (18 Miles with shuttle, 1,100′ elevation gain), Coleridge Route (30 Miles , 1,500′ elevation gain)

Walking & Hiking: options at Arthurs Pass include Waimakariri Overlook Route (4.2 Miles with shuttle, 1,000′ elevation), or Bealey Spur to Musterers Hut Route (7.6 Miles, 1,800′ elevation) or Bealey Spur to Summit Route (9.4 Miles, 2,800′ elevation)

Day 5: Arthurs Pass to Franz Josef

Travel by vehicle to the historic gold mining town of Kumara to commence your bike ride along quiet country roads through dense woodland and green paddocks to Hokitika. After lunch, bike along tranquil farming roads or spend time on your own exploring this historic community, famous for its crafts and jade carvings.  Take a shuttle further south to Westland National Park and the town of Franz Josef where you will stay for 1 night.

Biking: Choose between the Hokitika Beach Route (19 miles, 700′ elevation gain) or Kaniere Road Route (32 miles, 1000′ elevation gain)

Days 6: Franz Josef to Lake Moeraki

Start today with a shuttle to start your ride to the charming coastal community in the village of Okarito, once a gold-mining boomtown.  Continue to your hidden wilderness lodge in pristine Lake Moeraki, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Biking: Okarito Out & Back ride (14 miles, 700′ elevation gain)

Hiking: Okarito Trig Hike (3 miles, 500′ elevation gain)  Franz Josef Glacier Valley Route (2.2 miles, 200′ elevation)

Day 7: Lake Moeraki

Today is at your leisure to explore the heart of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area. Naturalists at the lodge offer a variety of activities to choose from.  One of these is included and you may book extra experiences (optional, additional cost) such as a hike through the rainforest, kayak across the lake, walk to Munro Beach and down at the water, scour the beach for pounamu (New Zealand’s Jade). If is raining, you may choose to relax at the lodge with a good book!.

Hiking: Munro Beach Walk (3 miles, 300′ elevation gains)

Day 8: Lake Moeraki to Wanaka

Today is an adventurous ride to experience the rugged coastline with incredible scenery to the sleepy fishing village of Jackson Bay.  Drive to Haast where you will start your ride on a seldom travelled road past farmloand and along the rugged coast.  Enjoy views of the Tasman Sea to the sleepy fishing village of Jackson Bay.Shuttl up the steep Haast Pass over the Main Divide of the Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes region. Stop at The Neck, a lookout between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea to see dramatic vistas of bright teal-colored water surrounded by jagged peaks. Stay in Wanaka for 2 nights.

Biking: Jackson School Route (12 miles, 100′ elevation) or Jackson Bay Route (30 miles, 1200′ elevation gain)

Day 9: Wanaka

Drive into the scenic heart of Mt Aspiring National Park. Hike along the floor of the valley, taking a swing bridge river crossing and climb the trail to a spectacular view below the hanging Rob Roy Glacier, often referred to as the “Matterhorn if the South”.

Hiking: Rob Roy Glacier Route (6 miles, 1300′ elevation gain) or Rob Roy Glacier extended route (7.5 miles, 1900′ elevation gain).

Day 10: Wanaka to Arrowtown

Today is yours to explore the Wanaka area.  Ride out-and-back past Glendhu Bay, take a hike with the group up Rocky Mountain or Mt. Iron or perhaps spend the day on your own visiting a nearby winery or taking it easy in town.  If the weather is clear, you may wish to take a flight over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound (additional expense). In the afternoon travel to Arrowtown where you have your final night with your group for a farewell dinner and stay for 1 night.

Walking & Hiking: Lake Wanaka Viewpoint Route (3 miles with shuttle, 800′ elevation) or Rocky Mountain Route (4 miles, 1500′ elevation)

Days 11-13: Arrowtown to Queenstown

After breakfast, start your exciting day on the water with a 30-minute jet boat ride across scenic Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau River to meet rafting guides for a thrilling 2-hour whitewater rafting experience.  If you prefer you can enjoy a leisurely morning in Arrowtown on your own. The tour concludes after lunch, make your way to central Queenstown (approximately 15 minute drive from Arrowtown) where you will stay in a Lakeview Suite for an additional 3 nights after the tour.

Rafting & Jetboat: Kawarau River (4 hours)

Day 14: Depart Queenstown, New Zealand

Depart Queenstown and New Zealand today.  A private transfer from your hotel to Queenstown Airport is included.

Why not stay longer in New Zealand and explore the North Island as well?

Ask one of our New Zealand travel specialists to customise your trip, or to add flights for you.