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Hiking Safari |
| Start: | Christchurch Visitor Centre, Cathedral Square West., 8:00am |
| Finish: | Christchurch 7.00pm (approx.) |
| Length: | 10 days |
| Grade: | E (Some off-track rocky terrain, scree and river crossings.) |
| Price: | NZ$1120 |
| Extra Costs: | $25/day kitty |
| Departs: | Thursdays - 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 Mt 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 sculptured by glaciers and water, where scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed, and gaze at a mountainous panorama from the summit of Mt 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 Mt Fyffe hut on the spectacular Seaward Kaikoura Range. 6 hours hiking.
Day 2: Climb to the summit of Mt 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 ($117), a thrilling opportunity to see whales, dolphins and seals in their natural environment. Drive to our lakeside camp at St Arnaud. 2 hours hiking.
Day 3: Start a 3 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 Mt 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 seakayaking, exploring golden sand beaches and sea coves in turquoise waters ($99). 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. 5 hours kayaking.
Day 7: Pack for a 3-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 Mt Owen (1875m) and enjoy panoramic views of distant mountains. Hike through bizarre alpine landscape of sculptured 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 ($15) at 1.50 pm. Please advise guide on day one if you want them to arrange this booking.
Click here for the detailed trip dossier
This trip goes well with the following tours:
"New Zealand hiking holiday on the South Island of New Zealand."
HIKING NEW ZEALAND
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