South Island Adventure

This action-packed trip combines hiking, cycling and kayaking with other activities to give you an unforgettable adventure through the scenic highlights of the South Island. It is a great way to see New Zealand if you enjoy the outdoors and a bit of a challenge. Optional activities allow you to tailor the trip to suit your interests and abilities. The accommodation varies between high quality B&Bs and lodges, and more rustic accommodations chosen for their special locations. This trip is run in both directions and works equally well either way - please let us know your preference when booking.

Day 1. Monday - Christchurch to Kaikoura
You will start the tour driving up to the seaside town of Kaikoura where the backdrop of the rugged Kaikoura Mountains sets off gorgeous coastal scenery. Out on the Kaikoura Peninsula you can go snorkeling through a seal colony. With a wetsuit, mask and snorkel you can swim to within a couple of feet of the native New Zealand fur seals as they cavort in the water. Stay the night at a lovely Bed & Breakfast in Kaikoura.

Day 2. Tuesday - Nelson Lakes NP or Marlborough Sounds
Drive to Blenheim and visit the legendary Forrest Estate Winery to enjoy a glass of their fantastic white wine while you picnic on the vineyard lawn. After lunch begin your chosen 3-day option - hiking in Nelson Lakes National Park, sea kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds or mountain biking the Queen Charlotte Track. (You will need to make your choice at the time of booking. Add N$619 for the kayaking and biking options).

Hikers will drive to Nelson Lakes NP and spend a relaxing afternoon hiking alongside the picturesque Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut. You will need to carry a pack containing a sleeping bag, clothes and a little food.

Kayakers will head for the calm waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, surrounded by lush forests and rocky coastline. Outfitted with a modern sea kayak and safety gear, you set off with your guide for a gentle first day’s paddling. No kayaking experience is required.

Bikers go to Picton where you will be outfitted with a modern well-maintained mountain bike. A fairly easy ride takes you to Anakiwa, on the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound, for the night. (Road cycling options are also available.)

Day 3. Wednesday - Nelson Lakes NP or Marlborough Sounds
Hikers head up the Travers Valley and Hukere Stream for a big climb up to the mountain tops. The climb is well worth the effort as the scenery gets better as you ascend. Stay in the remote Angelus Hut beside the gorgeous alpine Lake Angelus.

Kayakers paddle to the more remote reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound, checking out secluded beaches and native forest along the way. You will see many native birds and the occasional dolphin. After the day’s activities, you can enjoy a hot shower, a great dinner and a comfortable night’s sleep.

Bikers enjoy a mixture of challenging single-track and wide smooth trails on the famous Queen Charlotte track, passing through coastal forest from one pristine beach to another.

Day 4. Thursday - Marlbourough/Nelson lakes to Punakaiki
Hikers walk out along a rocky ridgeline with dramatic views down to Tasman Bay and Kahurangi National Park, descending from the alpine environment through beech forest. Four to five hours hiking.

Kayakers paddle back to Anakiwa enjoying the peaceful morning scenery.

Bikers spend the morning cycling back to Anakiwa finishing with an easy descent through the forest.

The three groups rejoin and head for the beautiful West Coast. Dinner on the beach will be traditional kiwi fish and chips in the fishing town of Westport, after which your group is driven to the tiny coastal village of Punakaiki.

Day 5. Friday - Paparoa National Park
Spend most of the day hiking amongst the limestone canyons and lush rainforest of the Inland Pack Track. Take a short walk around the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. In the afternoon you will head south down the scenic coastal road, stopping at Hokitika to visit a greenstone workshop and gallery, then continuing to the isolated seaside village of Okarito. Stay at the quirky Okarito Royal Motel, enjoying warm West Coast hospitality for the next two nights.

Day 6. Saturday - Okarito
Spend half of today sea kayaking on the tranquil Okarito lagoon with a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. This is a great place for bird watching as a number of native species feed on the mud flats, including the exquisite kotuku/white heron. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the deserted beach, walking in the coastal forest or relaxing in this sleepy town. In the evening you can catch the sunset and go out to listen for the rare kiwi.

Day 7. Sunday - Franz Josef Glacier
Take an amazing hike through the rainforest to Roberts Point overlooking the terminal face of the formidable Franz Josef Glacier. This walk is weather dependent but there are shorter alternatives at Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson and along the Haast Pass Road. You may also choose a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier and a 3-hour hike on the ice (see Additional Costs below). Later, drive over Haast Pass to Makarora to stay at the comfortable and spacious Homestead on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Days 8-9: Monday & Tuesday - Makarora to Queenstown
Drive to Wanaka then over the Crown Range to Queenstown, where you will stay at the Beech Cove lakeside apartments for two nights. There is a lot to do in Queenstown - hiking, biking, bungy jumping, jet boating, river surfing, skydiving, horse trekking, fishing, wine tours, shopping and more. Plenty of action or a chance to relax and enjoy the great cafes, restaurants and scenery. (Activities at own expense.)

Day 10. Wednesday - Queenstown to Hollyford Valley
Drive to Te Anau for lunch, before continuing on to The Divide, where you will hike part of the famous Routeburn Track. You will hike one of the best parts of the track, which overlooks the Hollyford Valley, Lake Marian and Mount Christina. After hiking back to the trailhead, you will be fitted with bikes to embark on a spectacular ride through the verdant beech forest of the Hollyford Valley. (Cycling is optional at no extra cost.)

Day 11. Thursday - Milford Sound
An early start today. First you will have a short drive through the Homer Tunnel, which comes out at the top of a spectacular alpine road that winds its way downhill to Milford Sound. Experience the grandeur of Milford Sound in sea kayaks - the sheer rock walls tower above you while seals and dolphins pay a visit as you paddle through the dusky waters. This is an awesome trip suitable for beginners and experts. After lunch the group will be driven back to Te Anau and from here you will have the opportunity to cycle along the peaceful country road that meanders its way through southern farmlands to the Lake Manapouri Inn.

Day 12. Friday - Te Anau to Lake Pukaki
Today you will have a relaxed start, and head back up the road to Queenstown, for a two hour stop. This gives you the chance to get some lunch, do any last minute shopping, banking, etc. Drive on to Lake Pukaki, near Mt Cook, for a two-night stay at a high country sheep farm called Braemer Station. The somewhat rustic shearers quarters provide an authentic farm experience, with a breathtaking view out over the turquoise Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook and the Southern Alps in the distance.

Day 13. Saturday - Mt Cook National Park
A one-hour drive takes you to Mount Cook village where you can hike on to a ridge above the Mueller Glacier. It is a steep climb but you will be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Cook (New Zealand's highest peak), other main divide peaks, and the Mueller and Hooker Glaciers. In warm weather the day is punctuated by the rumbling of avalanches on Mount Sefton. There are easier hiking options if preferred, and if the weather is not ideal you can take a hike up the Hooker Valley instead.

Day 14. Sunday - Mt Cook to Christchurch
On your last day, say farewell to the mountain vista and drive back to Christchurch, arriving in the early afternoon. For those flying out today, any flight after 2:00pm will fit in with the itinerary.

Grade: C
Up to 6 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.

You don't have to have any outdoor experience to take this trip and you don't need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy the rides available. There are plenty of active options, but if you'd rather fish or just laze around one day, your guide can make this happen for you. You don't need to be young or really fit - but this trip has a lot of action at a reasonable pace, and is not designed for couch potatoes. Every one of the days on the trip will be unforgettable. Some physical preparation is recommended: brisk walking, jogging or cycling a couple of times a week during the month or so before you arrive to enable you to make the most of your trip.

Experienced Kiwi guides are used who are well-versed in the local culture, flora and fauna, and history. They are trained in Outdoor First Aid. You will have two guides on this trip to take good care of you - a Lead Guide who is in charge of your trip and does the driving and a Second Guide to assist the Lead Guide and make sure you're well fed.

Essential Items

large backpack (if you are doing the Nelson Lakes hiking option)

sleeping bag

day pack

hiking boots,

waterproof jacket and trousers

2 x wool or fleece sweaters

fleece jacket

warm wool or fleece hat

sun hat

3 pairs warm socks

thermal underwear (polypropylene or similar, not cotton or silk)

towel

swimsuit

sport sandals

This clothing will keep you warm and comfortable during outdoor activites - cotton clothing is not suitable. You will also need other clothing and shoes for between activities, i.e. evenings, travel.

Recommended items:

camera

insect repellent

sunblock

water bottle

cycling shorts

flashlight or headlamp

warm gloves

hiking gaiters

walking poles

New Zealand is a small country - about 1000 miles from top to bottom, and only about 150 miles wide. This trip focuses on spending as little time as possible sitting in vehicles so that you can spend your time on outdoors-oriented adventure. The average driving time over the period of this trip is just over two hours a day, and as much time as possible is spent in the outdoors. Modern, comfortable minibuses are used. Make no mistake - this trip is not a typical bus tour! Vehicles are fitted with good stereo systems, and you will hear plenty of New Zealand music.

Almost all meals are included on the South Island Adventure. A wide variety of cuisine is used - sometimes you will dine out, and sometimes dine in. Breakfasts when there is an early start will generally consist of cereal, yoghurt, fruit, toast, coffee and juice. When there is more time, your guide will make pancakes and full cooked breakfasts. Lunches are usually picnic style - sandwiches, salad and fruit, or maybe a barbecue - in some beautiful spot. Dinners are usually two- or three-course meals, covering a range of styles. Vegetarians and people with particular dietary needs or preferences are easily catered for.

You will enjoy the skills of your second guides, whose primary responsibility when they are not guiding is cooking up great meals. Their cooking skills will astound you, as you enjoy a traditional kiwi roast dinner at the shearer's quarters, or french toast and sugared bananas at Punakaiki, or one of a score of awesome meals on the road! When the group eats out, there is no budget or restrictions on what to order. You may find the meals are a real highlight of your trip!

The bed & breakfasts, farmstays, lodges, motels, and the occasional mountain hut you will stay at have been carefully chosen because of their location and local flavour. Many clients have said that one of the highlights of their trip was meeting and getting to know the Kiwis who were their hosts around New Zealand. Somewhere comfortable to relax after the day's activities is important. You won't have to camp, although gear can be provided if you'd like to sleep under the stars.

What will the weather be like?
Generally, you can expect the daytime temperatures to be in the mid-60s Fahrenheit and above in the off season and mid-70s and above in the middle of summer. It can get very hot at times and it can rain at any time of year. So long as you bring the gear recommended, you’ll have lots of fun - whatever the weather!

How many people are there on each trip?
A maximum of 14 passengers are on each trip and all trips have at least two staff to look after you. Many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip.

How much luggage can I bring?
There are no particular restrictions on how much luggage you may bring. Space is limited though, so it is requested that you not to bring too much stuff. In general, it is recommended trying to bring one large piece of luggage, and a day pack as a carry on/day bag. There are several places to do laundry while on the road, so you don't need to bring clothes for more than 3 or 4 days.

I need to bring extra luggage with me to New Zealand. Where can I store my extra gear?
It is also possible to bring extra gear along on your trip and leave it in the back of the luggage compartment of your trip's vehicle. If you have excessive luggage, request storage at your pre-tour accommodation.

Will I be able to do laundry during my trip?
You will have access to laundry facilities most days. You will not need to bring laundry soap.

Do I have to carry everything I bring during the backpacking trip in Nelson Lakes National Park?
No, you don't have to carry everything you bring to New Zealand with you while you are backpacking in Nelson Lakes National Park. You will need to carry your sleeping bag, rain gear, clothing for 3 days/2 nights, some water, your toiletries and a portion of the food. The rest of your gear is left behind and stored for you.

How big of a pack do I need for the backpacking trip in Nelson Lakes National Park?
You'll need a pack big enough to carry your sleeping bag, rain gear, clothing for 3 days/2 nights, some water, your toiletries and a portion of the food. A daypack is not big enough but you don't need a full trekking pack either. Many people find a weekend pack works well for them.

Do I really need everything on the gearlist?
Yes, you really do need all of the required items on the gear list. You will stay warm and happy, especially if it's cold and rainy. And it can be cold and rainy at any time of year, although you are most likely to have good weather for most of your trip. Your guide will do a gear check before heading into the mountains, and if you don't have any of the required clothing items, the guide will try to lend you it. If there is no extra clothing for you to borrow, you will be asked to buy it.

Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?
You will need proper hiking boots with full ankle support and a stiff sole with high profile tread. You will be taken places where you will be hiking over a variety of terrain, including uneven surfaces, slippery rocks, and tree roots.

Activities in Queenstown

meals in Queenstown

3-day cycling or kayaking option in Marlborough Sounds

heli-hike at Franz Josef glacier

Price includes:
guides (2 per group of 14 clients), transport, accommodation, Sea Kayaking in Okarito and Milford Sound, all meals except in Queenstown.

Payment:
You may request to pay for this tour in US or NZ dollars. If you wish to pay in US dollars, it is necessary to pay the money directly into our US dollar account, and not by credit card.

You can pay in NZ dollars by credit card, or by direct transfer into our NZ dollar account.

Your bank will charge a set fee for telegraphic transfers but you will not incur any exchange fees. If you pay by credit card, your bank may charge a currency conversion fee(usually between 1% and 3%).

Deposits:
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:
More than 60 days before departure - 20% of full fare
60 - 30 days before departure - 50% of full fare
Within 30 days of departure - no refund.

Travel Insurance:
We suggest clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance.

Disclaimer:
On occasion changes need to be made to the stated itinerary, for example, if the usual accommodation is not available or if the weather is unsuitable for an activity.

Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.