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Itinerary

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
This daily description will always need to remain flexible. Times and distances are approximate.
On the Abel Tasman coast, tide times will affect our walking options. Our itinerary on the West Coast could always be affected by weather.
‘B,L,D’ refers to meals inclusive in the tour, i.e. breakfast, lunch, dinner.

This trip is 26 days ex NZ. The first and last days refer to the days of arrival and departure from New Zealand and are not necessarily the days you depart from or arrive back home.

Day 1.

Arrive Nelson at the top of the South Island, a stylish and attractive small holiday town and fishing port. It is known for its ‘Mediterranean’ weather and golden beaches. In the surrounding countryside, orchards, vineyards, and market gardens support a creative lifestyle of craftspeople. If you have come off a long flight we suggest an easy ‘clear the cobwebs’ walk up Botanical Hill to ‘the Centre of New Zealand’. Studio apartments.

Day 2.

Nelson is a great place, with street cafes, attractive parks and gardens, a cathedral and a fine beach. On Saturday mornings there is an open-air market in town, with crafts, music and homemade foods, which is why today is Saturday! In the afternoon a cliff-top traverse (4 hours) allows us to stretch legs and warm up for the trip. Studio apartments. (B)

Days 3 & 4.

BEACHES: Away from town early. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is a great relaxed start to any New Zealand visit. The walking is easy and with the help of a water taxi we walk two of the best sections of the ‘4 day’ trail. Depending on tides, 5-7 hours walking daily on a good path through luxuriant, native ‘bush’ linking a series of idyllic, rocky fringed, unspoilt sandy bays. We stay in a Mediterranean ecostyle inn for two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 5 & 6.

NELSON LAKES: You leave the beaches behind and drive inland 3 hours to Nelson Lakes National Park. It will be your first encounter with New Zealand’s mountains and great beech forests. The mountains here, dominated by Mt Travers, 2338m are the first outliers of the Southern Alps which run the length of the South Island. There are short walks overlooking Lake Rotoiti and on the full day we hope to climb Mt Robert (1411m) and continue onto Robert’s Ridge, the high level gateway into the heart of the Travers range. 5-6 hours. Chalets. (B,L,D)

Day 7.

WEST COAST: The road down the Buller River to the ‘West Coast’ must rank as one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. (3 hours) At Cape Foulwind you hike an easy track over the headland to the northernmost colony of fur seals found in NZ before continuing on to the Paparoa National Park. You stay in seclusion a few metres from the roaring Pacific Ocean rollers, surrounded by rain forest, nikau palms, cabbage trees, giant ferns, and the towering Kahikatea, tallest of all NZ trees. Nearby, the well-known ‘Pancake Rocks’ are ideal for an evening stroll. Self catering style lodges. (B,L,D)

Day 8.

A dramatic day, with ‘Lord of the Rings’ overtones! You walk up forested limestone gorges with some ‘river bashing’ likely and traverse a good path through West Coast rain forest, huge rocks and moss covered ‘sink’ holes, famous Kiwi track and a real wilderness feel. The weather and river levels will dictate the exact hiking route. Self catering style lodges. 6-7 hours. (B,L,D)

Day 9.

A drive (5 hours) down the ‘wild’ West Coast with untamed beaches on one side and the Southern Alps and wide glacial rivers on the other. You pass through small settlements, shadows of their former glory during the great ‘gold rushes’ before stopping for lunch at Hokitika. On to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, reaching almost to sea level and among the fastest flowing glaciers known, with easily accessible terminal faces. Motels. (B,D)

Day 10.

Above us are the permanent snowfields and peaks of the Southern Alps. There are options here to join a full or half-day outing onto the glacier itself, wearing spiked boots and led by local guides. Whatever the weather, the glaciers area is always exciting. But remember you are in one of the wettest places in New Zealand and if it is not raining it will be a bonus. In perfect weather, this is THE place for a scenic helicopter ride up and around NZ’s highest alpine peaks. Not cheap at approx NZ$190-360 for a flight or NZ$399 for a heli hike, (scenic flight + glacier hike) but a chance seldom repeated. There are also a number of good local walks. Motels. (B,L)

Day 11.

MOUNTAINS: You eventually leave the West Coast and the rainforest behind, turning inland to cross the alpine divide at Haast Pass, one of only three crossings along the length of the range. The change in landscape and annual rainfall is dramatic as you drop away from the prevailing weather into the rich beech forests and sparkling rivers of the Aspiring National Park. Today you have a thrilling appointment with a jetboat, New Zealand’s highly inventive shallow water speedboat to make a memorable trip up an idyllic high mountain valley, a fine example of the quintessential New Zealand ‘backcountry’. Back on the highway you follow the shores of the lake to the town of the same name - Wanaka. Motels. (B,L)

Day 12.

Before you leave make time for a fine walk (3 hours) up to a magnificent viewpoint of Lake Wanaka and its awesome mountain setting where a glimpse of Mt Aspiring is possible. Anticipation mounts now with a drive south to Te Anau (4 hours), fringed by the rugged mountains of Fiordland, a vast area of glaciated mountains, lakes, waterfalls and virtually impenetrable rainforest and Milford Sound! Motels. (B,L)

Day 13.

FIORDLAND: Across Lake Te Anau (NZ’s 2nd largest lake) the Kepler Track, 3-4 days, climbs out of the rainforest to make a high level traverse of the Kepler mountains. You cross Lake Te Anau by boat and walk the first day to Luxmore Hut. 6-7 hours return. Motels. (B,L,D)

Milford Track Option: It is possible at this stage to take off independently and walk the world famous Milford Track.

Day 14.

Today it’s an early start for MILFORD SOUND, one of the world’s great locations. (2-3 hour drive). If the weather is fine, plan to walk (and scramble) up to a dramatic saddle in the wild Darran Mountains (5 hours) where you catch a first glimpse of Milford Sound. A drive through the rough-hewn Homer Tunnel sees you swooping 1000m down into Milford Sound where you board your boat. You sail beneath the mile high sheer cliffs of Mitre Peak and sleep aboard a traditional motorsailer, moored within the Sound. There will be a chance to kayak and dolphins and seals may be a likely bonus. Overnight boat. (B,L,D)

Day 15.

Another morning sail down the Sound to the open sea Milford Sound before returning past vertical waterfalls to disembark. On the way to Queenstown, you can stop at The Divide, (where the Routeburn track meets the Milford Road) and walk easily to Key Summit (2 hours return), an airy vantage point over the Routeburn track and alpine peaks. To Queenstown, 3-4 hour drive. Hotel (B)

Day 16.

Queenstown: For the best view of Queenstown, Lake Wakitipu and the Remarkables, you climb up to the summit of Ben Lomond (1748m) 5 hours return. It is quite a tough 900m of ascent but the view with mountains in every direction is tremendous. Queenstown is also the self-styled adrenalin capital of the world with bungee jumping, tandem paragliding and parachuting, ballooning, mountain biking, jet boating, rafting, kayaking and much much more –as they say and there is time for some late afternoon excitement. If all that overwhelms, then Queenstown is in a beautiful location with lovely lakeside walks, good shops and restaurants. Hotel (B)

Day 17.

Mount Cook (Aoraki – the cloud piercer): From Queenstown we drive (4 hours) through a much drier landscape of tussock covered hills into the heart of New Zealand’s highest alpine peaks. Mount Cook village nestles dramatically at the foot of the Tasman and Hooker glaciers with Mt. Cook (3750m) towering overhead. In the afternoon we plan to hike up the Hooker valley toward the glacier and terminal face. 3 hours. Lodge or Chalets. (B,L,D)

Day 18.

You spend a full day hiking up to a ridge (1768m) with staggering views of nearby Mt Sefton (3151m) and its hanging glaciers and seracs and Mt Cook a little further away. 7-8 hours. Lodge or chalets. (B,L)

Day 19.

The Rakaia is one of the great glacial rivers of the South Island draining parts of the Southern Alps. We stop on our way back to Christchurch for our final South Island walk (3 hours) along the spectacular Rakaia gorge. Chalets. (B)

Day 20.

You drive to Christchurch (less than an hour away) and catch your flight to Rotorua in the North Island.

Today marks the end of our South Island trip and it is possible to leave the trip here. Anyone ending the trip in Christchurch can connect with international flights OR proceed with own arrangements.

Alighting in Rotorua, our nostrils will confirm that you have arrived in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal area with its clouds of steaming sulphur. There is time to get your bearings with a walk around part of the town’s lakeshore before you transfer to your accommodation. New Zealand’s indigenous Maori population will be much more evident here and in the evening you will be invited to attend a Maori cultural evening and ‘Hangi’ dinner - you will not be disappointed! Lodge. (B,D)

Day 21.

A free day to relax and to sightsee at your own pace. The Bath House Museum, situated in the historic part of town is well worth a visit if you are interested in the geothermal history of the area and its impact on the local community. By the lakeside, hot steam issues surreally from pools and craters and there are walks linking the geothermal areas. You can also relax in a Polynesian spa overlooking the lake, swim in the historic Blue Baths, visit the Maori thermal village at Whakarewarewa or the famous Geyser, Pohutu and nearby craft workshop(entry fees apply). There are also a range of guided tours/walks to places outside of the town, or you can even consider a flight out to volcanic White Island. Even more than Queenstown, Rotorua is a mainstream tourist centre with its crowds, coaches and inevitable packaging. But that aside, the close encounters with traditional Maori culture and crafts together with the geothermal atmosphere and sights are a fascinating insight into the lifeblood of New Zealand. (B)

Day 22.

VOLCANOES: You head off down the Thermal Highway, stopping at Wai-o-Tapu geothermal area. This volcanic country is quite different to any other landscape in New Zealand. You arrive at our lodge/motels in the small settlement of National Park in the evening. 3-4 hour drive from Rotorua plus several short walks of approx 1 hour. Lodge. (B)

Days 23 & 24.

TONGARIRO CROSSING and MT RUAPEHU. With its reputation as “the best day walk in New Zealand” you can make the Tongariro Crossing, a 7-8 hour walk across the geothermal area between the volcanoes of Mt. Tongariro and Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom) and past the emerald lakes. On the other day we climb to the summit ridge viewpoint overlooking the crater lake of Mt. Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest mountain(2797m) which witnessed a full scale eruption in 1995. The use of the uplift ski chair to the base of Knoll ridge limits the 1000m height gain to 600m but may not be open for our November departure – aaaggh! Lodge. (B,L)

Day 25.

An early departure for Waitomo and its renowned limestone caves and the home of another ‘Kiwi’ invention - ‘Blackwater rafting’. It should be a great finale to our North Island visit. ‘Underground’ remains optional as there are a range of ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ trips to choose from. Above ground Waitomo is a green and wooded attractive landscape which possesses a number of short walks and trails for any non-troglodytes! Overnight Waitomo. Chalets. (B,L)

Day 26.

An early departure for the 3 hour drive to Auckland International Airport where the trip ends. Have a safe flight back or continue with your own arrangements! (B)

Grading & Fitness

Grade: C
Up to 7 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5-6kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

Walking, usually on good trails (5-7 hours daily) through a wide range of contrasting landscapes: mountains, shoreline, valleys, NZ bush and rainforest and finally volcanic lava. On walking days you only need to carry day gear ie. waterproofs, fleece, camera & lunch, unless you opt to walk the Milford Track. Our 4 biggest days: One up to an alpine ridge near Mt Cook, second is Mt Robert Ridge in Nelson lakes, third over the Tongariro crossing and lastly to a high viewpoint on Mt Ruapehu – are close to 1000m (3,280ft) of ascent but the remaining days are less energetic. Regular walkers with hill walking experience will love this trip!

Guides & Safety

All guides on the New Zealand Contrasts tour are suitably qualified and enthusiastic about making your stay in New Zealand as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. You may have one or two guides on your tour.

What to take

The following is a suggested checklist and may not be definitive. Anybody used to being in the outdoors will have his or her own combination of outdoor wear and this clothing list is only a guideline.

Essential Items

Trek bag or large rucksack/pack (for main gear)
Day rucksack/pack and waterproof liner (needs to be large enough for all you would take on a mountain day eg spare clothes, waterproofs, food, camera, drink bottle etc)
Boots (sound general purpose waterproof boots with good soles & spare laces)
Waterproof jacket with hood and over-trousers (best if over-trousers can be put on over boots)
Gloves/mitts
Wool or fleece hat (plus scarf if you use one)
Polar/fleece top
Spare layer eg fleece/woollen sweater/sleeveless fleece
Thin fleece (ideal for layering)
Thermal/merino/wicking top/s (suggest 2, best to avoid cotton which gets cold when wet)
Trousers for walking (quick drying type)
Shirts/T shirts (including at least one with long sleeves and collar to prevent sunburn)
Walking socks (a combination of thick plus thin woollen or thermal socks)
Travel/casual clothes
Underwear
Sandals with heel straps (for stream/estuary crossings)
Trainers or casual footwear
Sun hat, sun block, lip sunscreen (suggest SPF20 minimum, can buy in Nelson)
Sunglasses (the light is very bright in NZ)
Torch or head-torch plus batteries
1.5 litre water bottle/s or hydration bladder (plus optional vacuum flask if you use one)
Toilet kit (can buy toiletries in Nelson)
Insect repellent + anthisan or similar (stops bites itching, can buy in Nelson)
Personal first aid(including blister kit, paracetamol, crepe/support bandage, antiseptic cream, plus anything you might need e.g. ‘Zovirax’ (cold sores) / ‘Canesten’ (fungal infections))
Passport/money/travellers cheques/credit card/insurance certificate (in pouch or belt)

Optional items:

Sleeping bag-3 season (ONLY if you are doing Milford or Routeburn Track or extending your trip)
Gaiters (useful in wet weather, snow is always possible)
Thermal longjohns (can be carried on ‘shorts days’ as backup in case of cold)
Shorts: quick drying type (recommended for hot days and for estuary crossings on Abel Tasman)
Ski/trekking poles (very useful for sustained up or downhill sections)
Swimwear/towel (small towel for swimming – accommodations provide towels)
Survival bag or blanket (available cheaply from outdoor shops for emergency use)
Mending kit (can be useful, eg needle, thread, duct tape etc)
Spare specs/contact lenses/teeth!(if you use them)
Boot cleaning/waterproofing kit (for leather boots)
Sandwich box (we try to avoid use of too many plastic bags)
Camera/film/spare battery/binoculars/penknife (don’t pack knife in hand luggage on flight)
Photocopy of main pages of passport plus insurance certificate (in case of loss, can also scan and email to yourself)
Book/diary etc

Transport

During this trip you will travel in a private bus or minibus.

Food

The group often does our own cooking and excellent and plentiful locally sourced food is a highlight. Your meals are usually informal and help will be appreciated with the table laying and clearing away.
On walking days you all make packed lunches and on travel days you have alfresco picnics, or
sometimes stop at a cafe.
In the main towns and also some smaller towns where there is a choice of restaurants you tend
to eat out in the evenings. For details refer to the day by day itinerary ‘B,L,D’ - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, to check which meals are/are not included.

Accommodation

The accommodation on this trip is varied and interesting. It includes a Mediterranean eco-style inn, shared houses deep in the rainforest, a small hotel, an alpine lodge near Mt Cook and some some friendly motels and chalets and a ski lodge, most with a distinctly New Zealand flavour and quite often exclusive to our group. On much of the trip the rooms are twin or double with ensuite and on some nights you use a mix of one to three bedroom houses, chalets or motels with shared facilities and often with a communal lounge.

On the Milford Sound overnight boat ‘The Wanderer’, the accommodation is newly renovated
with twin berths and shared bathroom/shower facilities - singles may be in a quad berth if the configurations have an odd number!

Additional Costs