New Zealand Hiking Holiday

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  Multi-day Hiking
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  Kayaking
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  Marine Mammal Viewing
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  Touring
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  Rafting
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  Caving
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  Biking
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  Skiing

Start:	Christchurch Visitor Centre, Cathedral Square West., 8:00am
Finish:	Christchurch 4:00 - 6:00pm (approx.)
Length:	10 days
Grade:	E (Some off-track rocky terrain, scree and river crossings.) Grade E Up to 8-9hrs physical activity each day. Altitude gains of 900 to 1000m. Some exposure to heights. Pack weights of 12-15kgs. Hiking experience necessary. High level of fitness required. View all Grades
Accom:	Backcountry Huts, Camping
Price:	NZ$1,500
Extra Costs:	$30/day kitty
Departs:	Thursdays - see see departures

Highlights: This New Zealand hiking holiday concentrates on the east and north/northeast areas of the South Island. You'll be able to gaze in wonder at the immensity of whales in their natural environment and enjoy the antics of dolphins and seals. Watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean from the summit of Mount Fyffe in the rugged Kaikoura Range. Birdwatch in a 'mainland island' reserve and swim in crystal clear lakes and rivers. Wander through dappled sunlight in beech forest and get to know quirky alpine plants. Hike along a rocky alpine ridge with views of glacial lakes, climb a craggy peak and follow a cascading mountain stream in Nelson Lakes National Park. Sea kayak the clear blue waters of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore a bizarre karst landscape sculpted by glaciers and water, where scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed, and gaze at a mountainous panorama from the summit of Mount Owen in Kahurangi National Park.

Day 1: Your New Zealand hiking holiday starts with a drive to Kaikoura and pack for our first overnight hike. Follow the Kowhai River before climbing to Mount Fyffe Hut on the spectacular Seaward Kaikoura Range. 6 hours hiking.

Day 2: Climb to the summit of Mount Fyffe (1765m) to see the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Take a different route back to the vehicle before driving to Kaikoura. Take a whale-watching cruise, a thrilling opportunity to see whales, dolphins and seals in their natural environment. We drive north up the coast to our coastal campsite at Marfells Beach. 4 hours hiking.

Day 3: Start a three day hike in Nelson Lakes National Park. Hike around the shores of Lake Rotoiti, through beech forest and up the cascading Hukere Stream to our campsite. 5 hours hiking.

Day 4: Climb up into the spectacular Angelus Basin. Stay in a trampers' hut at Lake Angelus, perched on a tussocky saddle surrounded by rugged mountain slopes. Weather and time permitting, we may scramble up rocky slopes to the summit of Mount Angelus (2077m). 5 hours hiking.

Day 5: Hike along a rocky alpine ridge with stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Drive to our campsite in Marahau, entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park. 4 hours hiking.

Day 6: Enjoy a day sea kayaking, exploring golden sand beaches and sea coves in turquoise waters. Seals and dolphins often play near the kayaks. There is the opportunity to hike into the park for those not kayaking. In the evening we drive to our peaceful riverside campsite. 6 hours kayaking.

Day 7: Pack for a three day hike in Kahurangi National Park. Climb steeply through ancient beech forest then follow a stream up Ghost Valley to Granity Pass hut. 6 hours hiking.

Day 8: Make a day trip to the summit of Mount Owen (1875m) and enjoy panoramic views of distant mountains. Hike through bizarre alpine landscape of sculpted marble, where scenes from the Lord of the Rings were filmed. 6 hours hiking.

Day 9: Hike down through beech forest to vehicle. Drive to character cottage overlooking the Buller River. Enjoy home cooked meal, made from local organic produce. 5 hours hiking.

Day 10: A restful morning at the cottage, relaxing and swimming. In the afternoon we drive over Lewis Pass back to Christchurch stopping for a soak at Maruia hot springs and vehicle clean-up.

Note: People heading north after the safari on day 10 , we can drop you off in Murchison to meet a Nelson-bound bus in the afternoon. Please advise guide on day one if you want them to arrange this booking. Bus not included in price.

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