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Hiking Safari |
| Start: | Greymouth Railway Station, 12:45pm or Christchurch Railway Station, 8:15am |
| Finish: | Queenstown 7.00pm (approx.) |
| Length: | 7 days |
| Grade: | D (Creek crossings, some uneven terrain) |
| Price: | NZ$730 |
| Extra Costs: | $25/day kitty |
| Departs: | Fridays - see Departures |
Highlights: 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 hot pools surrounded by mountain peaks in Westland National Park. Throughout your New Zealand hiking vacation, you should keep watch for dolphins as you stroll along isolated beaches.
Day 1: Join the group at Greymouth Railway Station at 12:45pm. They have just finished the northern part of the West Coast safari. Drive south and to the quiet beachside village of Okarito and enjoy a hangi feast and beach bonfire. 2 hours hiking.
Day 2: 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 3: 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 4: Start three-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 3000-metre peaks within Westland National Park. 7 hours hiking.
Day 5: 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 6: 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.
Day 7: 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.
Alternative Options: This safari can be started in Christchurch where you join the TranzAlpine Train to Greymouth. Additional cost of NZ$139. See trip dossier for more details.
Click here for the detailed trip dossier
This trip goes well with the following tours:
HIKING NEW ZEALAND
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