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Hiking Safari |
| Start: | Nelson Visitor Centre, Cnr Halifax St. & Trafalgar St., 8:00am |
| Finish: | Queenstown 7:00pm (approx.) |
| Length: | 11 days |
| Grade: | D (River crossings, some uneven terrain) |
| Price: | NZ$1120 |
| Extra Costs: | $25/day kitty, optional activities. |
| Departs: | Mondays - see Departures |
Highlights: Your New Zealand hiking vacation on the west coast is packed full of highlights including a hike through beech forest, past limestone sinkholes and across tussock-covered mountain slopes in Kahurangi NP. Watch the antics of NZ fur seal pups at a breeding colony. Hike through lush rainforest in a limestone canyon, wade across crystal clear rivers, and explore glowworm caves in Paparoa NP. Take a guided walk on the spectacular Fox Glacier and marvel at its crevasses and ice caves. Kayak the tranquil Okarito lagoon and watch native birds feeding in the shallows. Hike through podocarp forest to natural hotpools surrounded by mountain peaks in Westland NP. Throughout your New Zealand hiking vacation, you should keep watch for dolphins as you stroll along isolated beaches.
Day 1: Begin with a drive to Flora Saddle, where we have lunch and pack gear. Start 2-day hike through beech forest on a pack track down the Flora Stream then up to tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Stay overnight in a natural rock shelter. Introduction night. 4 hours hiking.
Day 2: Up early to explore sinkholes. Hike up over Gordon's Pyramid (1501m), past limestone karst to Mount Arthur (1795m). Return to Flora Saddle and drive to a character cottage overlooking the Buller Gorge. Enjoy a home cooked meal made from locally grown organic produce. 7 hours hiking.
Day 3: Visit a breeding colony of NZ fur seals (once almost hunted to extinction), then head south to Paparoa National Park and begin 2-day hike up ‘Rivendell’ canyon to the Ballroom Overhang to camp with elves. 4 hours hiking.
Day 4: Hike up a side canyon with a refreshing swim to see glow-worms. Explore caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Hike back down river, then to overnight accommodation in Punakaiki. Coastal walks in the afternoon. 6 hours hiking.
Day 5: Check out the Pancake rocks, then drive south to Greymouth to pick up food and fellow hikers. Drive to the coastal settlement of Okarito. Camp by the beach and enjoy a hangi and beach bonfire. 2 hours hiking.
Day 6: Optional morning kayak on Okarito Lagoon. Catch the in-going tide into the lagoon to see birdlife, including white herons, godwits, black swans, and tui. Explore channels into kahikatea forest. Return to camp. Free time to wander along this remote beach, hike up to a viewpoint, or just relax in the afternoon. 4 hours kayaking plus optional hiking.
Day 7: A short drive takes us to Fox Glacier, which descends from the mountain tops into rain forest. Take a guided walk on the glacier with seracs, crevasses and ice caves. Join your guide for an optional hike in the National Park. Stay in cabins. 4 hours hiking
Day 8: Start 3-day hike up Copland Valley through podocarp forest across swingbridges to Welcome Flat. Stay in hut or camp. Relax weary muscles with a soak in natural hotpools with magnificent views of 3000m-peaks within Westland National Park. 7 hours hiking.
Day 9: Rest day, but the keen can explore this alpine valley. Boulder hop up to waterfalls for a refreshing shower and great views of Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m). Return to the hut and the hotpools. 4 hours hiking.
Day 10: Hike back down the Copland Valley stopping for a swim (optional) and lunch by this glacial-fed river. Stop at Ship Creek and look out for Hector dolphins. Drive south to Moeraki. Camp at an isolated site with a feed of fresh salmon baked on a campfire. 6 hours hiking.
Day 11: Drive over Haast Pass to Lake Wanaka for lunch, swims, and vehicle clean-up. Plenty of short hikes to choose from as we drive over Haast Pass. Continue to Queenstown via the Crown Range arriving early evening. 2 hours hiking.
Click here for the detailed trip dossier
This trip goes well with the following tours:
"New Zealand hiking vacation on the west coast of New Zealand."
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