South Island Adventure

Sample New Zealand Trip: your itinerary and accommodation may vary depending on your travel dates

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 central Christchurch hotel where you will stay for 1 night.

Day 2: Christchurch to Arthurs Pass

This morning you will meet your group early to travel by vehicle to Arthurs Pass. This scenic journey west travels through through the Canterbury Plains past the Waimakariri River valley gorge to Arthur’s Pass National Park. After lunch begin your first scenic hike. Starting at a waterfall, the trail runs through lush native forest across terrain that is rocky and can be wet before ending dramatically at the area’s iconic scenic road. Stay for 1 night at a high country wilderness lodge located on a working sheep station. Enjoy a welcome reception tonight before dinner with views of Arthur’s Pass.

Hiking: The Devils Punchbowl hike (3.8 miles, 900ft elevation gain)

Day 3: 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 2 nights.

Biking: Choose between the Hokitika Route (25 miles, 900′ elevation gain) or Hokitika Rimu Road Route (34 miles, 1200′ elevation gain)

Day 4: Franz Josef

After breakfast, start a memorable ride to the charming coastal community of Okarito. Here you will trade in the saddle for hiking shoes and walk the peaceful Okarito Trig pathway. After lunch, walk the Tatare Tunnels trail that winds through lush forest and including epic views of the Tatare Gorge, to the tunnels that were created during the gold rush 100 years ago.

Biking: Okarito Out & Back ride (14 miles, 700′ elevation gain)
Hiking: Okarito Trig Hike (2 miles, 800′ elevation gain) and Tatare Tunnels Hike (3.1 miles, 600′ elevation gain)

Day 5: Franz Josef to Lake Moeraki

The Franz Josef Glacier is one of the few glaciers in the world that descends into rainforest. Over the past century, the glacier has experienced a steady loss of ice and snow, withdrawing to higher elevations that are no longer safely reachable by foot. You have multiple activity and hiking opportunities to explore the area. It is worth noting weather in this region is highly subject to change!

Scenic flights are available (weather dependant, additional cost).Enjoy a guided hike to explore the glacial valley, or shuttle to the trailhead and then walk up the steep-sided valley for incredible views then continue walk back to town for lunch.  This afternoon travel to your next destination, Lake Matheson, near the town of Fox Glacier. Stroll around this beautiful lake, enjoying a mostly forested trail with fantastic flora and bird viewing. On a clear day, New Zealand’s highest peaks are reflected in the lake. Continue to your hidden wilderness lodge in pristine Lake Moeraki, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Hiking: Franz Josef Glacier Valley (4.5 miles, 400′ elevation gain), Lake Matheson Loop Hike (2.5 miles, 200′ elevation gain)

Day 6: 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 (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 (1.5 hours)

Day 7: Lake Moeraki to Wanaka

Today is an adventurous ride to experience the rugged environment and incredible scenery. Travel to Haast to begin your ride on a less travelled road past farmland along the rugged coast to see the Tasman Sea, to the sleepy fishing village of Jackson Bay.  Drive up the steep Haast Pass and over 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 Bay Ride (30 miles, 1200′ elevation gain)

Day 8: 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 9: 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.

Biking: Treble Cone Turnoff Route (12 miles, 700′ elevation gain) or Treble Cone Turnoff Out-&-Back (24 Miles, 1,300′ elevation gain).

Days 10-11: 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 2 nights.

Rafting & Jetboat: Kawarau River

Day 12: Depart Queenstown, New Zealand

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

Like the look of this trip, but looking for a slower pace? We have an alternate 9-day tour available, contact us for details.

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.