Active New Zealand

 

South Island Adventure

  •  
    Multi-day Hiking
  •  
    Day Hikes
  •  
    Touring
  •  
    Kayaking
  •  
    Biking
  •  
    Snorkelling
  •  
    Glacier Walking
  •  
    Marine Mammals
Start: Christchurch
Finish: Christchurch
Length: 14 days
Grade:
C (no outdoor experience required just reasonable fitness)
Accom: Backcountry Huts, Lodges
Price:
US$4,599
Extra Costs: Extra activities, alcoholic beverages.
Departs: Mondays - see see departures
Highlights: This is an active New Zealand adventure - hiking, kayaking and cycling around New Zealand's South Island. Hike amongst limestone canyons and lush rainforest, and into rugged mountains. Sea kayak on a tranquil lagoon with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains in the dark waters of Milford Sound where rainforest clings to sheer cliffs thousands of feet high, or in the clear blue waters of Marlborough Sounds. Cycle through native bush between secluded bays and through glacier-carved valleys with spectacular granite cliffs and tumbling waterfalls. Snorkel with fur seals at Kaikoura. Gaze in awe at formidable glaciers and stunning mountain peaks.

Day 1: Drive up to the seaside town of Kaikoura for your first activity, snorkelling with New Zealand fur seals.

Days 2-4: Choose from the following 3-day options: hiking in Nelson Lakes NP, sea kayaking in Marlborough Sounds or mountain biking Queen Charlotte Track.

Day 5: Hike in the limestone canyons of Paparoa NP, check out the Pancake Rocks and visit greenstone workshops in Hokitika.

Day 6: Sea kayak and birdwatch on the tranquil Okarito lagoon, take a walk in the coastal forest or along the beach.

Day 7: Hike to Robert's Point overlooking Franz Josef Glacier or take a helihike. Drive to Makarora.

Days 8-9: Cycle to Wanada and then drive to Queenstown and stay 2 nights. Choose from a wide range of activities: hiking, biking, bungy jumping, jet boating, river surfing, skydiving, horse trekking, fishing, wine tours, shopping.

Day 10: Optional cycling in the Hollyford Valley and a hike to Key Summit on the famous Routeburn Track.

Day 11: Sea kayaking in the spectacular Milford Sound, return to Te Anau and Lake Manapouri.

Day 12: Drive back to Queenstown then to Lake Pukaki.

Day 13: Hiking in Mt Cook National Park with views of glaciers, icefalls on Mt Sefton, and of course Mt Cook.

Day 14: Drive back to Christchurch for the end of your active New Zealand trip.
   
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Did you know?

The Tasman glacier in Mt Cook National Park is New Zealand's longest glacier - it is 29km long.

Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Service and Tourism Industry Association Member
 
Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Service Tourism Industry Association Member Department of Conservation Approved Macpac Partnership Tourism Distinction Award Winners