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Hiking Safari |
| Start: | Greymouth Railway Station, 1:00pm or Christchurch Railway Station, 8:00am |
| Finish: | Queenstown 7:00pm (approx.) |
| Length: | 7 days |
| Grade: | D (River crossings, some uneven terrain) |
| Price: | NZ$1050 |
| Extra Costs: | $25/day kitty |
| Departs: | Fridays - see Departures |
Please click on the map to enlarge it
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 1:00pm. They have been together since Nelson, taking in 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 swing bridges 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 5: Explore this alpine valley or relax at hut and hot pools. Boulder hop up to waterfalls for a refreshing shower and great views of Aoraki/Mount 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's dolphins. Drive south to Moeraki. Camp or cabins near Haast with a feed of fresh salmon baked on a campfire.6 hours hiking.
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$161. See detailed trip dossier for more details.
This trip is the second half of the West Coast Wilderness. If you would like more information about the whole trip then please go to the West Coast Wilderness page.
Click here for the detailed trip dossier
This trip goes well with the following tours:
HIKING NEW ZEALAND
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